at home Choctaw County, MS
September 2020-September 2021
Welcome Welcome to Choctaw County
on the cover:
Scene from Choctaw Lake which is a relaxing place to visit.
at home I N C H O C TAW C O U N T Y
PUBLISHER Joseph McCain Ad design Kelly Thompson RETAIL ADVERTISING Charlotte Newman Kathy Johnson OTHER CONTRIBUTING STAFF Chasatie Fisher Mark Newman Russell Hood
662-285-6248 Choctaw County
The Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome you to our home. We are proud to serve, represent and enhance business growth and promote Choctaw County as a positive place to live, work and visit. Choctaw County consists of three towns – Ackerman, French Camp and Weir. Each town is unique McKay and has something special to offer its residents from delicious food to outdoors recreation and more. Ackerman is the county seat and is home to most of Choctaw County’s shopping, restaurants, hair salons, insurance agencies, a hospital, medical clinics and more. If you want to spend time outdoors, stop no further than the Tom Glasgow Park, the Bruce Burney Memorial Walking Track and the Governors Park. The Choctaw Lake Recreation Area is only a few miles outside of Ackerman. Here you can find fishing, boating, camping, hiking and more. Our Chamber of Commerce staff is a part of the Aspire Team that works on beautification projects for Ackerman and to encourage people to visit the town. The Aspire Team is made up of leaders in Choctaw County that volunteer their time. French Camp is a small and unique town that will make you feel like you stepped back into the 1800s when you visit their Historic District. French Camp is located on the Natchez Trace and is home to French Camp Academy and more. French Camp Academy is a private, Christian board school and their staff and students help make the town what it is today. Weir can be found in between Ackerman and French Camp. This town is small but full of personality. Visit Weir to find unique residents in town and in the communities just outside of town along with small, locally run businesses. Education is a top priority in Choctaw County. We are the home to the Choctaw County School District that has three elementary schools, a high school and a career and technology center. They are proud to be one of the top school districts in the state and continue working towards that goal every day. Workforce and education are important to Choctaw County. The county is an ACT Certified Work Ready Community. The Chamber is actively involved with the ACT Work Ready Taskforce and provides testing to each county senior so that they will be one step closer to joining the workforce. The Chamber strives to make a difference and give back to our county by increasing our membership with membership dues going directly to promote our local businesses and events. Benefits that the Chamber offers to our members include ribbon cuttings/grand opening promotions, workshops and each member receives a window decal showing membership. There are opportunities to network with other organizations/businesses, receive referrals and can participate in economic and community development in our county. The Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce hosts many different types of events. A few community events are ribbon cuttings, Kid’s Fishing Rodeo, Jack O’ Lantern Jam, Christmas Parade and activities. The Chamber also hosts a First Responders Dinner, Industry Appreciation Luncheon, and Council of Governments Dinner. First Impressions Grants are granted each year, along with recognizing our county teachers, during Teacher Appreciation Week. If you are just visiting, looking for a new place to call home or are one of the county’s residents, Choctaw County and the Chamber welcomes you! Donna McKay, Executive Director Choctaw County Chamber of Commerce
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At Home Sept 2020 -- Sept. 2021
Choctaw County
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At Home Sept 2020 -- Sept. 2021
Choctaw County School District: Charging into the Future by Amanda McBride, Freelance Journalist
The future is bright for the Choctaw County Chargers with a dedicated group of teachers, administrators and staff working hard to prepare them for their future. The Choctaw County School District is home to 1,205 students who all are dedicated to “prepare all students to exit each grade level meeting or exceeding requirements to be prepared for college or careers and to be Mrs. and Mrs. class states. at Ackerman Elementary School were bersBusby of society,” as Krystie’s their motto The CCSD maynature be conpositive, productive mem- spies. AES in Busby and Krystie’s students created leaf rubbings for the letter l.
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At Home Sept 2020 -- Sept. 2021
sidered small to some, but the district has big goals and a bright future. “The Choctaw County School District is a small school district with big time goals and values! We strive to give all our students, faculty, staff, and communities our very best each day,” says Superintendent Glen Beard, Jr. So far this year, Beard says one of the CCSD’s accomplishments is offering traditional school during uncertain times. “Opening during the Covid pandemic and maintaining open and traditional school schedules up to this point! said Beard. One of the many benefits of attending school in the Choctaw County
School District is knowing that everyone is committed to keeping the students safe. “The best benefit is knowing that students are safe and their well being is our top priority,” explained Beard. Looking to the future, Beard says the CCSD plans to continue to be one of the top school districts in the state. “We have prided ourselves in being one of the top school districts in the state of Mississippi and that will always be our goal this year, next year and for years to come!” The CCSD is home to three elementary schools, one high school and a career and technology center Ackerman Elementary, French
6th grade PACE students Camp Elementary, Weir Elementary, the Choctaw County High School and the Choctaw County Career and Technology Center.
Ackerman
Elementary School
When asked to highlight one thing at AES, Principal Samantha Kelly could not list just one thing. “As we are kicking off
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At Home Sept 2020 -- Sept. 2021
this school year, Ackerman Elementary School staff and students are doing an incredible job with their new safety precautions. Students and staff have implemented several new things that are helping keep everyone safe during this time. From new bathroom procedures, cafeteria seating, lunch procedures, consistent seating throughout all classes, extra disinfecting, water bottle refilling stations, and so much more, the students and staff are adapting wonderfully,� said Kelly. To help reward the students’ good behavior, AES has brought back their PBIS store. “The PBIS system is a way to reward students for positive behavior and character each day. As students earn “Charger bucks,� they can spend that money on items in the PBIS store. With funds from a previous fundraiser,
the school was able to purchase new rolling carts to hold items for students to buy. Parents and the PTO also donate to the store on a regular basis to help keep it stocked,� said Kelly. Reading skills is a top priority and AES has found ways to encourage students to read. Kelly explains, “Students throughout the school are also working incredibly hard on their reading skills. Ms. White, the school’s librarian, is working alongside the classroom teachers to ensure students are working to reach their AR goals each nine weeks. Students are being rewarded in the classroom and in the library for reaching their goals. The previous year’s school wide fundraiser is helping pay for these items for students.� Not only does AES teach academics, but they are working hard on instilling leadership skills to their
Students at AES working on least common multiples and greatest common factors in math
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At Home Sept 2020 -- Sept. 2021
students. “Additionally, 6th grade students in the school are stepping up to be leaders for other students. Sixth grade students hold duty positions each morning. These students monitor students in the hallways, cover the morning announcements, and lead the Pledge of Allegiance each day. Sixth grade PACE students have worked incredibly hard to come up with a plan to add additional games to their playground. Mrs. Bruister’s students developed a plan, outlined play areas, created a rulebook, gathered a materials list, and presented their plan to their peers. This leadership allowed for the addition of a new kickball area and two
dodgeball areas for the students that were purchased by the school,” said Kelly.
French Camp Elementary
Taking extra safety precautions during the pandemic is one thing that FCE is proud of. “French Camp Elementary has had a great start to this school year. In response to Covid-19, FCE is taking many precautions to help protect students and staff during the pandemic. Some of the steps that we are taking include: daily temperature checks, hand-sanitizing stations placed throughout the school, students and faculty wearing masks, daily cleaning and sani-
FCE kindergarten and pre-K had a great time meeting community helpers
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Choctaw County
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At Home Sept 2020 -- Sept. 2021
tizing, student issued water bottles for the water-filling stations, isolating classes when possible, and proactively preparing for when someone gets sick or displaying Covid-like symptoms. All staff members and students are doing their part to help slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Principal Shane Burton. One of the goals for this school year, at FCE, is to make school as normal as possible. “Classrooms may look a little different this year at French Camp Elementary but rest assured our teachers are teaching and our students are learning. FCE is proud to welcome back Anna Chesteen and Suzanna Tharp along with the additions of Jenny Wright, Onassis McKinney, Portia Liggins, Geraldine Jackson, and Angela Hunt,” said Burton. FCE is unique due to sharing locations and some students with French Camp Academy. FCA is a private, Christian boarding school that is located in French Camp, just down the hill from FCE.
Choctaw County
“Both schools have a great working relationship. French Camp Elementary and French Camp Academy work hard to ensure the students of both schools are taken care of. This includes the sharing of facilities when feasible. FCE provides classes for grades prek through 6 while FCA provides classes 7-12. Each year FCA houses many students in the on-site dorms. The dorm students in grades pre-k through 6 attend French Camp Elementary. This year there are 10 dorm students attending FCE. This number is down from the past which reached into the twenties. Besides district students and dorm students, FCE is also a school for the children of FCA faculty and staff. Students who graduate from French Camp Elementary are likely to attend French Camp Academy or Choctaw County High School,” said Burton.
Sixth grade students at Weir Elementary School are enjoying reading books in the library.
describes WES. “Many new areas and activities have been added to highlight all the amazing students and staff at Weir
Elementary School. But the one highlight that stands out the most is the family atmosphere that our staff and students experience
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At Home Sept 2020 -- Sept. 2021
when they enter our building. We are often told by visitors that the compassion they feel and see at our school is what makes our school special and shine. When you come to Weir Elementary you can be assured that you and your child will be welcomed,� said Denson. WES is able offer more classroom space and unique settings for their students Students at WES are able to take advantage of having more classroom space and unique settings with part of campus that was previously Weir Attendance Center. “ All rooms are being used at Weir Elementary School. Many of the rooms are being used for classroom space. The new wing that was built for the high school is being used as 5th and 6th grade classrooms. There is also an office for the atten-
dance officer. The students assigned to this area are very fortunate to have an extensive science lab to utilize, especially since Weir Elementary School has strived to become a STEM based school. The former Tech Prep Building houses classes for Character Education, Music/Art, Library, and a Computer Lab. The old high school hall (the one with the wooden floors) houses many exciting rooms for our students and community. The “Weir Lion Room� which is housed in the old high school library has all the old annuals, trophies, pictures, uniforms, and framed high school football schedules. It is a room that is cherished by many alumni when they come to visit the school. You can also view all the composite pictures in the hall to remember former classmates
Weir students are recognized for success
who have graduated from Weir Attendance Center.
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The old high school hall also houses our Christmas Store
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Choctaw County
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At Home Sept 2020 -- Sept. 2021
where students, staff, and community members can shop for deals and support our PTO and you will also find the Charger Store which houses prizes and toys for Weir Elementary School students to purchase with their Charger Bucks which students earn for good behavior,” said Denson.
Choctaw County High School
Choctaw County High School is the district’s high school with grades 7-12. Principal Amber Vowell says one highlight of CCHS is the students, faculty and staff. “CCHS’s biggest asset are its students, faculty and staff…its people, its community, its family. The students are very smart and creative and are good representatives of our three communities. The faculty and staff are very hard working and dedicated to the overall success of each student. The goal of the entire CCHS Community is to work together to achieve greatness…whether in the classroom, walking the halls, in the athletic arena, or out in the community. We ALL strive to be great citizens and an overall positive influence to our community,” said Vowell. CCHS has added many new things this school year including new classes, sports and facilities. This school year CCHS is offering more foreign language classes along with other options for electives such as Law Related Stud-
Choctaw County
ies and American Democracy. Outside of the classroom, students can now participate in Bass Fishing and Skeet Shooting along with Esports. “Many students have shown interest in these new programs. These activities provide a variety of opportunities for our students to participate in extracurricular activities,” said Vowell. New facilities are underway at CCHS. Now complete is the new administrative building that houses all the administrative offices and 10 classrooms. Vowell said that CCHS has renovated the former administrative offices and turned that area into three classrooms. The new cafeteria and choral classroom should be complete by the end of the school year. Vowell added that other areas on campus, including a new weight room/PE room should be complete within the year as well.
Choctaw County Career and Technology Center
Students at CCHS have the opportunity to learn new skills and experiences in six career and technical skill programs at the CCC&TC. The Choctaw County Career and Technology Center serves students in grades 812. The Center offers six career and technical skills programs, as well as counseling services and students services.
Choctaw County students attend a career and job fair.
Agricultural and Environmental Science and Technology is a course which focuses on providing an opportunity for students to explore the different fields of the agricultural sciences. The Animals course is a study in the production, management, and evaluation of livestock based upon intended use. The course also addresses livestock facilities and management and guides students to research current issues in animal agriculture. The Plants course is centered on agricultural plant growth, production, and management and harvesting. The students study plant production in various areas of agriculture, from food and fiber crops to forestry, landscape, and ornamental horticulture and alternative fuel crops. FFA is the student organization for AEST. Agricultural Power and Machinery is an instructional program designed to provide basic skills for students to become employed
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in the industry of agricultural power mechanics or to continue their education in post-secondary institutions. Skills taught in this pathway relate to the selection, operation, service, maintenance, and repair of a variety of agricultural power units and agricultural machines and equipment. This pathway also includes instruction in gasoline and diesel engines, welding, hydraulics, and other power systems. FFA is the student organization for Agricultural Power and Machinery. Construction Carpentry program helps students develop the knowledge and skills needed to secure entry-level employment in carpentry, brick masonry, plumbing, electrical wiring, and related areas in the construction industry. The state-of-the-art curriculum is modeled after the eight Mississippi NCCER Accredited Training and Education Facilities (ATAEF). Students who complete this
At Home Sept 2020 -- Sept. 2021
program may earn NCCER certification at the Carpentry Standards Level I. SkillsUSA is the student organization for this program. Culinary Arts is a pathway program designed to articulate to postsecondary programs in Food Production, Hotel and Restaurant Management, and Culinary Arts. Industry standards are based on the National Restaurant Association ProStart certification. The program includes classroom and hands-on experiences that will prepare students for employment or continuing education in the foodservice industry. FCCLA is the student organization for this program. Healthcare and Clinical Services is a pathway for students in the Health Sciences career cluster. The course includes classroom and hand-on experiences that will provide students with an overview of the health-care field. It will begin to prepare students for careers in occupations projected to have a high number of available jobs in the next 10 years, including careers in nursing services, therapeutic services, diagnostic services, health informatics, veterinary services, medical services, emergency services, rehabilitative services, counselors, pharmacists, and mental health services. HOSA is the student organization for Health Sciences. Sports Medicine pathway is a curriculum that provides an educational option for students who have successfully completed the Health sciences Core (2
Choctaw County
Carnegie credits which include one health credit). The Sports Medicine career pathway focuses on the prevention and care of sports injuries. Students will learn the importance of prevention, evaluation, acute treatment and therapeutic care related to injuries in sports. Students will also be introduced to the emergency services associated with injuries in sports. Additionally, students will focus on rehabilitation settings and techniques to help a patient recover from sports injuries. The program offers students the opportunity to examine different careers associated with sports medicine along with workplace and em- Choctaw Chargers volleyball program is a success. ployability skills associated that is aligned with the in excellent achievement by with the sports medicine state and national curricu- our students,� said Huffprofessions. HOSA is the lum standards that result man. student organization for Sports Medicine. CCCTC serves all students in Choctaw County and works cooperatively with both Choctaw County High School and French Camp Academy to prepare students for continued postsecondary education or their chosen career field. CCC&TC Director Rhonda Huffman is proud of students at the center and how they have ranked top in the state for the past several years. “Unfortunately, with the Covid Pandemic school closure, we were unable to participate in statewide student organization competitions and the annual program assessments for the 2019-2020 school year. Nevertheless, our teachers are dedicated to instruction
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At Home Sept 2020 -- Sept. 2021
Ackerman: Small town life and more By Amanda McBride, Freelance Journalist
The Town of Ackerman is the county seat of Choctaw County but it is so much more. Ackerman is a small town in close proximity to Mississippi State University and is the home to 1,500 residents. Ackerman Mayor Tim Cutts says that Ackerman is, “close enough to commute to the high paying jobs that the Golden Triangle offers; while returning to a safe place to lay your head on the pillow.” The Town of Ackerman is the center of business and shopping in Choctaw County and has much to offer. When arriving in Ackerman, you will find a variety of businesses including retail, finance, insurance, healthcare, restaurants and automotive repair and body shops. When asked why you should visit Ackerman, Mayor Tim Cutts said, “The food! From the quick sandwich to a sit down meal, Ackerman is ready to serve tasty-vitals. You will find plenty of places to shop, too.” Another place of pride for the Town of Ackerman is the hospital, clinics and more. “We have a growing and robust health care system. The Choctaw Re-
J.P. Coleman building houses the Choctaw County Chamber. gional Medical Center is located here in Ackerman at the junction of MS Hwy. 9 and MS Hwy .12 and is ready to serve the medical needs of the people of this area,” said Cutts. He loves for new people to visit and move to Ackerman. When meeting the mayor it only takes a few minutes to see his enthusiasm for the town.
“Come to Ackerman you are gonna like what you see!” exclaims Mayor Tim Cutts. Not only will you like what you see, but you will enjoy the residents of Ackerman as well. Cutts says that the people of Ackerman, past and present, are what makes the town special. “Many people from Ackerman have helped make
a difference in America. Take Mississippi Governor J.P. Coleman. After serving as the 52nd governor of the Great State of Mississippi, he returned to a successful law practice and then was nominated in 1965 by President L.B.Johnson for a federal judgeship and confirmed by the U.S. Congress in 1966. He made the Choctaw
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County Courthouse in beautiful Ackerman a place where federal court can be held,” said Cutts. Another Mississippi Governor, Ray Mabus, was from Ackerman. Mabus served as the 60th governor of Mississippi. He also served as the U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and later became the 75th Secretary of the US Navy. Cutts continued, “Our latest celebrity is Rocky Vaughn, designer of the flag that will become the Mississippi State Flag, if voted in this November by the voters of this state. There are just too many great people that have in the past as well as now call Ackerman home.” Another reason that residents of Ackerman are special to Cutts is because, “We find a way! To be special, to get along, to produce good people and to repeat the process year after year.” If you are looking for a special, small town to move to then Ackerman could be your next home. Mayor Cutts is proud of the education system in Ackerman. Ackerman Elementary School is “A” rated and a great place for your young kids to start their education. When residents of Ackerman and Choctaw County continue their education past high school, they can take advantage of the E.H. Sumners educational grant that helps pay tuition at some of our local colleges. When looking for a small town to visit or call home, consider Ackerman.
Downtown Ackerman has many unique sights.
119 North Louisville Street, Ackerman, MS 39735
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(662) 773-6241 Choctaw County
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At Home Sept 2020 -- Sept. 2021
Explore French Camp: A Small Town that Makes a Difference By Amanda McBride, Freelance Journalist
French Camp is a unique, small town in Choctaw County. This town can be found right off of the Natchez Trace Parkway or Highway 413. The Town of French Camp is home to 300 residents, French Camp Academy and more. French Camp Academy is a private, Christian boarding school for grades 7-12th grade. FCA's staff, students and support ministries help make the Town of French Camp special. French Camp Mayor Glen Barlow says that most of the townspeople graduated from FCA. "People remain here and keep things going," said Barlow. This includes opening their own businesses in town. "All of our local businesses (owners), except Dollar General, graduated from French Camp Academy and have lived here most of their lives," said Barlow. This includes Henderson's Auto Parts, Barlow Blue and Leonard's 3Way. Henderson's is much more than an auto parts store with building supplies and more. Bar-
French Camp’s Historic District and placed on the Natchez Trace and a great place to explore history.
Hwy. 12 East, Ackerman
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At Home Sept 2020 -- Sept. 2021
low Blue is a jewelry, clothing and gift store that has customers worldwide. Leonard's 3-Way is a gas station and the Friday night fish house. Many of the townspeople are drawn to French Camp because of their mission with French Camp Academy and that mission spills over into town. Barlow said that because of the townspeople French Camp has become a small town with a mission and purpose. This helped one of FCA's students create the town's motto, "A Small that Makes a Difference." When visiting French Camp it only takes a short while to see that the motto is true and that there is something special about the town. When asked what keeps people in French Camp engaged, Barlow referred to the motto. "We are a small town that makes a difference. Every person in town makes a difference. We have something for everyone," said Barlow. This includes the French Camp Academy’s Welcome Center where they make fresh bread everyday, the Council House Restaurant and the Historic District that will take you back to the 1800s. You can spend the night at the bed and breakfast and see the stars at Rainwater Observatory. There is even more to explore in French Camp but you must visit to find out.
Choctaw County
French Camp Academy is located in French Camp and offers an array of sports activities and educational opportunities.
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At Home Sept 2020 -- Sept. 2021
Weir: Small town full of personality
 Choctaw County Library Board of Trustee member, Jer Littlejohn (center) cuts the ribbon at the Grand Reopening of the Weir Library in 2019. By Amanda McBride, Freelance Journalist
The Town of Weir is the perfect example of a small town in a rural county. You can find the small town of Weir just off of Highway 12. The town itself is about two square miles but they have so much more to offer. Located in downtown Weir is a dentist office, public library and their town hall, fire department, police department and post office. Right outside of Town Hall, is the Mississippi Blues Trail Marker in honor Big Lucky Carter. Residents of Weir enjoy their own paved walking track with shade trees, benches and lights for a nighttime walk and even a movie screen. Right off of Highway 12 is Dollar General and Forks, Knives and Spoons - the local restaurant. Weir is also the home to Weir Elementary School where local students in pre-kindergarten to 6th grade attend school with some of
Choctaw County
Weir police have upgraded their vehcile and logo design the best and most dedicated teachers. WES is part of the Choctaw County School District. Weir is the home to approximately 500 residents with many more people living in the surrounding communities of McCool, Panhandle and Spay. These people keep the Town of Weir going while adding flavor and personality to
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this community. Many of Weir’s residents travel throughout Choctaw County and more to work and shop but they return home to Weir everyday to raise their kids and enjoy the simple, small town life. Take a drive in Choctaw County to visit Weir to see what small town life is about.
At Home Sept 2020 -- Sept. 2021
Sights and scenes in the county
Choctaw lake
Choctaw Courthouse
Choctaw County
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Outdoors in Choctaw County By Amanda McBride, Freelance Journalist
Recreation in Choctaw County comes in different forms - outdoors sports, walking tracks, historical markers, camping, hiking, mountain bike trails, hunting and more. Beginning in Ackerman, recreational opportunities can be found at the Tom Glasgow Park, the Bruce Burney Memorial Walking Track, Governors Park and Choctaw Lake. Tom Glasgow Park features tall shade trees, picnic area with benches, a pavilion, a walking track, an open stone amphitheater and softball and baseball fields with a batting cage. The park is also home to the Choctaw County High School Chargers baseball and softball fields. The park is located at 628 East Church Street in Ackerman. Just down the road from the park is the Bruce Burney Memorial Walking Track. This paved walking track is used morning, noon and evening by people walking and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. Along the track are benches and trees to provide rest during your walk and even a small waterfall. A large pavilion can also be found to help add shade
Choctaw County
Choctaw Lake offers many recreation opportunities and a place to meet friends and family. Along the walking track are two historical markers that display how both Ackerman and Choctaw County are rich in musical talent and heritage. The first marker is the 139th Mississippi Blues Trail Marker in honor of Texas Johnny Brown, legendary blues musician who was born in Ackerman. The second is the Country Music Trail marker in honor of Hoyt Ming. Next door to the walking track is the new Governors Park that provides a playground for kids to enjoy while
their parents are walking. This new park is completely fenced in with swings, a slide, a pavilion and more. The park is named in honor of two Mississippi Governor’s that called Ackerman home - Governor JP Coleman and Governor Ray Mabus. The Choctaw Lake Recreation Area is found five miles outside of Ackerman just off of Highway 15 and offers fishing, boating, hiking, camping, and much more. The campground offers 20 campsites with utility hookups, 35 picnic sites, three picnic pavilions, swimming area, bath houses with show-
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ers and toilets, two boat ramps, accessible fishing pier, and a variety of trails for hiking or mountain biking. Choctaw Lake is part of the Tombigbee National Forest and this brings in hunters from all over the state in search of whitetail deer, turkeys and more. Another draw to the Choctaw Lake area is the Noxubee Hills Trail system that mountain bike enthusiasts love. The trails run through a hilly and remote area of Choctaw and Winston Counties. It features approximately 30 miles of trails that are made up of narrow single track,
At Home Sept 2020 -- Sept. 2021
abandoned forest roads with two trail heads. If interested in biking these trails, make sure to download or pick up a trail map due to the rugged and somewhat isolated area. Moving along in Choctaw County will bring you to Weir. Here you will find another Mississippi Blues Trail Marker in honor of Levester “Big Lucky” Carter. The marker is located outside of Town Hall. Carter, a longtime singer, guitarist and songwriter was born in Weir and raised in French Camp. Weir also offers a walking track right in town. You will find the Weir Walking Track located on North Ann Street right next to the Weir Fire Department and Police Department. The paved walking track also features shade trees, benches and lights for a nighttime
Governor’s Park. walk and even a movie screen. Choctaw County also has two stops along the Natchez Trace
Parkway - French Camp and Jeff Busby Campground. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile drive
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Choctaw County
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At Home Sept 2020 -- Sept. 2021
through exceptional scenery and 10,000 years of North American history. French Camp is found at milepost 181 and is a unique find along the trace and in Choctaw County. When you stop in French Camp, you will be taken back to the 1800s when you visit French Camp Academy’s Historic District. Whether you walk along the boardwalk or drive, you will find the Alumni Museum, Blacksmith Shop, restored French Camp Post Office, Drane House and the Carriage House. The French Camp Bed & Breakfast is available if you find that you need to stay the night. Make sure to stop into the Log Cabin Gift Shop and enjoy delicious food at the Council House Restaurant. While in French Camp, take the time to explore and find more treasures. The Jeff Busby Campground is at milepost 193.1 and features an 18site free campground, picnic tables, restrooms, walking trails and an overlook atop Little Mountain. Little Mountain is one of the highest points in Mississippi along the Natchez Trace with an elevation of 603 feet. Visit Choctaw County to see more ways to enjoy the beautfiul outdoors and recreational opportunities.
Choctaw County
Take the road less traveled in the county and enjoy the beauty of nature.
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At Home Sept 2020 -- Sept. 2021
Love for Choctaw County - The People & More By Amanda McBride, Freelance Journalist
Why do you call Choctaw County home? What do you love about living here? Everyone has a different answer but the underlying thought is the people that make Choctaw County a Burton home. Annaka Burton “I moved to Ackerman because my husband was from Ackerman. I never imagined I would live in Ackerman or Choctaw County. I am from a much bigger town that offers more. We feel safe in Ackerman/Choctaw County. The elementary school is top notch. I just wish Ackerman offered more with Cutts more opportunities. It was hard to get to know people lege. Or Daniel Stevens at first. I feel like it’s home drives out to your house to unload dog food. I could go now.” on and on. Choctaw County is small on many David Busby “I've lived in different scales, but huge on our places, seen and done a lot love for one another.” of things. The skills I Tonya Cutts learned at home and the Choctaw County is a hidpeople that help mold me is what has allowed me to den gem. Our schools (elementary) are in the top do what I do.” tier of the state. The high school will be a top school Holly Cornett “The people. Only in after weathering consoliChoctaw County would dation and a $15 million the sheriff come out and dollar investment over a bury your dog because few years!! And, the county your husband wasn't able even has a private acadto do it. Or the guys from emy! The Sumner Grant Pyron's Body Shop would helps many of our bright drive out to your house to minds attend college. Our see about your grand- neighborhoods are some of daughter's car when she the safest in the state. Our needs to get back to col- taxes are most definitely
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some of the lowest in the state. Our citizens enjoy small town festivals and the Christmas Parade is second to none. While we don’t have a lot of quantity in the way of restaurants, our quality does not disappoint. We do have a made from scratch catfish buffet, the best barbeque and steak place with authentic smoked barbeque, chargrilled steaks and baked potatoes so big they break the carry out plate, and Mexican with the most polite staff, a home cooking buffet with the best chicken spaghetti in the grocery store, and a gas
station with a short order menu and pizza! We have a nail salon, a plethora of hair salons, three family practice medical clinics, two dental clinics, a rehab clinic, a chiropractor, A wound clinic, a debtfree hospital with a helicopter pad, a pharmacy-gift store which is rivaling boutiques, several boutiques, antique shop, furniture and appliance shops, a tax-preparer shop, a quilt and sewing supply store, several insurance agencies, a fitness gym, national banks, retail dollar stores, and even real estate agents. Oh, did I
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At Home Sept 2020 -- Sept. 2021
Lang mention my favorite—- a beautiful, serene walking track and playground in the middle of town which is in view of the public and provides a net of safety. Sure, people have disagreements. Strong, hardworking, smart people will always have disagreements and that’s ok. Our freedom to be different and still wave in line at Dollar General is what makes Choctaw County so great! —but when the going gets tough—you can count on Choctaw County to watch your back.” Kristin Hollis “I moved to Choctaw County when I married my husband who lived here. It is a close knit community with great schools. Very peaceful town.” Rhodena Lang The people are awesome. It's peaceful. I’ve lived in a couple of larger cities but Choctaw County is by far the BEST. Most others are transient.” Ernie McKay “My wife Donna and I have lived in Choctaw County for almost 44 years. We are originally from Winston County. I
Choctaw County
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started to work at Belwood in 1971, before we were married in 1976. I have always loved the friendly atmosphere in Choctaw County. We have raised two daughters here and are now watching our grandchildren grow up here. We consider Choctaw County home and plan to remain here the rest of our lives.”
it warms my heart to get Wright pictures or messages of my sweet babies participating Hollie Stewart and doing things that truly “The Mayberry effect...I breaks my heart as a love living in a small town mother to not get to be where you know everythere for and be a part of! I body, can call on neighbors love how everyone looks to help out, and depend on out for everyone. Acker- your community to support man is truly where I want you during rough times.” to raise my children! I would love the opportunity Carol Wright to be more involved in our “The caring people made community. It truly is the growing up in Choctaw best place to be!!!” County special.”
Alison Reed “It's a modern day Mayberry! I moved to Ackerman in the 7th grade from a town with a much higher crime rate! As a kid I was blown away by Bill's Dollar Store on Main Street, the gum ball machines outside the stores, kids riding their bikes all over town, leaving your door unlocked. When I graduated high school, I left Ackerman but eventually I made my way back home! It's the town I love, everyone knows everyone, you can let your kids play outside without fear, everyone watches out for you and your children!! We have some of the best neighbors and people in our community anyone can ask for! As a full time working mom, I miss some of the fun things our children get to do at school and
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At Home Sept 2020 -- Sept. 2021
This place we call home - Choctaw County By Amanda McBride, Freelance Journalist
“If you want a place to raise a family, not by yourself but with the support of an entire community, this is your place. This is a place where people invest in the true well being of their neighbor, this is a community that is God fearing and loves the Lord, a place where a community comes together for the well being of all.” - Dakota Brasher This place that Dakota Brasher describes above is Choctaw County. A person gets so much more when living in Choctaw County than just a place to call home. That is one reason why Dakota loves living in Choctaw County. “I chose to come back home to take over the Alfa Insurance Agency, because this is my home, this place is filled with people who support each other, people who look to help community members whenever they can, whether that is business related, a family matter, or maybe needs a little help in the yard, people in Ackerman are always up to that task,” said Dakota. Dakota, 25, has lived in Choctaw County the majority of his life. He left for three years while he attended East Mississippi Junior College and Mississippi State University. “As soon as I had a chance to come home, I took it. Ackerman is a modern town Mayberry, and I LOVE IT. Our community offers so much that people, I believe, sometimes take for granted. Kids can ride bikes down the street and feel safe. We have a great city league ball program and we have numerous great churches. Ackerman is a town that makes you feel that warm welcome as soon as you arrive. There is no other place I would want to call my home.” Ackerman and Choctaw County are growing with many small, locally owned businesses opening and thriving. Dakota believes part of this growth is because of the small town atmosphere and costs of living.
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Dakota Brasher and his wife, Alison, are proud to live in Choctaw County and call this place home. “A big pro of having a business here is the low cost of living, Ackerman is an affordable place to live and to do business, rent in buildings, the price of land, the supplies you need, it's all very affordable. I truly believe people want to do business with a person who is invested in our great community,” said Dakota. ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ is an old time saying but it is true in the communities of Choctaw County. “If you want a place to raise a family, not by yourself but with the support of an entire community, this is your place, this is a place where people invest in the true well being of their neighbor, this is a community that is God fearing and loves the Lord, a place where a community comes together for the well being of all,” describes Dakota. He continues by thanking the community where he was raised and lives today. “To the community of Choctaw
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County, thank you for being you, thank you for being a place my wife Alison and I can continue to be proud to call home. Thank you for being a place that invested in me as a young man, thank you for being a place that continues to prosper even during hard times, thank you for being a place that puts God first in what we as a county decide to do, for keeping the Lord involved in every decision we make. I hope each of you know how blessed we are to live in this place. One day my time will come and the Good Lord will call me home, and how awesome that day will be, but I cannot help but think I get a little slice of heaven each day God continues to bless me by allowing me to live life in Choctaw County!! May God Bless you all,” said Dakota. To experience a growing and thriving community full of residents that love and care for their family and neighbors visit Choctaw County or make this your new home.
At Home Sept 2020 -- Sept. 2021
Choctaw County
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At Home Sept 2020 -- Sept. 2021