Today in Mississippi May 2025 Pontotoc

90 years of electric cooperatives

This month marks the 90th anniversary of electric cooperatives in America.

On May 11, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order to create the Rural Electrification Administration (REA). The order was part of the Emergency Relief Appropriation act passed by Congress to alleviate su ering and hunger during the depression, according to the book, “Rural Electrification in Mississippi 1934-1970” by Winnie Ellis Phillips.

The executive order led to a law by Congress — The Rural Electrification Act of 1936 — which empowered rural communities to bring electricity to their communities via loans from the REA.

The issue of a lack of electric power in rural areas was especially significant in Mississippi, where “only ninetenths of 1% of Mississippi’s farms were electrified.”

Mississippi led the nation in securing electric power for rural residents.

Alcorn County Electric Power Association in Corinth was America’s first rural electric cooperative. Monroe County Electric Power association in Amory was the nation’s first REA cooperative to energize its system in 1936.

Today, Mississippi has 25 distribution electric cooperatives and one generation and transmission electric cooperative.

The state’s electric co-ops provide electric service to more than 1.8 million Mississippians.

Aquatic food research center breaks ground in Singing River area

Mississippi State University o cially broke ground in March on the Northern Gulf Aquatic Food Research Center, a first-of-its kind facility in Mississippi dedicated to aquatic food safety, quality assessment, processing and product development.

The area is serviced by Singing River Electric.

The ceremony, hosted by the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, or JCEDF, recognized more than five years of collaborative work with MSU on the multimillion-dollar facility. Construction of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, or MAFES, research center is a combined investment of $3 million from the federal RESTORE Act and $865,000 from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act, or GOMESA, as well as $4 million from the state to cover fixed equipment including walk-in coolers and freezers and fume hoods for the laboratory.

The first of three planned structures, the building will house a biosafety laboratory for testing pathogens and toxins and an analytical chemistry lab for measuring chemical residues in water and aquatic food products such as seafood and catfish. The lab will facilitate research on new processing methods to extend shelf life — reducing waste — and o er new value-added food products and processing techniques using locally produced aquatic foods that often leave the state for value-added processing elsewhere.

The research center will be located at the Sunplex Light Industrial Complex on Highway 57, near the Interstate 10 corridor. The facility and its strategic location are the result of dedicated teamwork between MSU and Jackson County entities, including the Jackson County board of supervisors, port authority and JCEDF, which recruited MSU to locate its coastal facility in Jackson County.

With the seafood industry contributing over $300 million annually to the state economy, the new research center will help Mississippi meet a critical need for one of its largest industries. It also will help the state’s catfish producers, who manage 29,900 freshwater pond acres, with a total production value of $214 million in 2024.

Mary Martha Henson, JCEDF deputy director, noted the facility will draw scientists from other research-intensive universities in the region to collaborate with MSU.

The center also will o er opportunities to work in close proximity to the distinctive assets and amenities the Mississippi Coast provides.

Try Rockin’ Salvia

If you’re looking for plants that are easy to grow, bloom nonstop, and attract a flurry of pollinators, let me introduce you to two standout salvias: Rockin’ Deep Purple and Unplugged Pink. These vibrant, long-blooming beauties not only add stunning color to the garden but also provide essential nectar for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

Rockin’ Deep Purple is an absolute showstopper with bold, velvety, deep purple blooms. The tubular flowers emerge from nearly black calyxes, creating a striking contrast that intensifies their rich color. Arranged in a whorled pattern along tall, upright spikes, the blooms add a dramatic architectural element to the garden.

This salvia reaches 2 to 3 feet in height and commands attention, whether planted in garden beds or containers.

Unplugged Pink o ers a softer yet equally captivating presence.

Its delicate pink, tubular flowers bloom profusely on sturdy, upright spikes, standing out beautifully against the backdrop of deep-green foliage. They emerge from dark calyxes, which accentuate their soft pink hue.

Beyond their beauty, these blossoms serve as an irresistible nectar source for pollinators.

The foliage adds to the plant’s appeal, with lance-shaped, slightly serrated leaves that release a pleasant fragrance when you brush against them. At a slightly more compact height than Rockin’ Deep Purple, this variety fits well in both garden beds and containers.

Both of these salvias are heat- and drought-tolerant, making them excellent choices for warm climates. They thrive in full sun, needing at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day to produce their best blooms.

During extreme heat or dry spells, give them an occasional deep watering to keep them looking their best. Apply a balanced, slowrelease fertilizer in spring to give them a strong start. I advise supplementing this with a liquid bloom booster every few weeks during peak flowering periods.

While these salvias are self-cleaning and don’t require deadheading to continue blooming, I like to trim back spent flowers occasionally to encourage fresh growth. A light midsummer pruning helps maintain their bushy, compact shape.

Most people in the South grow Rockin’ Deep Purple and Unplugged Pink as annuals. However, with protection, these resilient plants can sometimes survive a mild winter.

When it comes to companion planting, they pair beautifully with plants that enhance their rich colors and attract even more pollinators.

For a striking contrast, I recommend planting them alongside yellow or orange blooms like lantana, coreopsis, or Rudbeckia, often called black-eyed Susan. The salvias’ upright form pairs well with mounded plants such as Blue My Mind evolvulus, which has a low-growing, trailing habit and bright blue flowers.

To add texture and movement to the garden, ornamental grasses like muhly grass make an excellent backdrop for these salvias.

The ornamental grasses sway in the breeze and complement the salvias’ vertical spikes.

For a more cottage-style look, I recommend mixing them with verbena, zinnias, and gauras, which create a natural, free-flowing display.

Give Rockin’ Deep Purple and Unplugged Pink a try in your outdoor space this year. These beautiful, low-maintenance plants are guaranteed to bring joy – both to you and the pollinators that visit.

by Dr. Eddie Smith

Southern Gardening columnist Dr. Eddie Smith, a gardening specialist and Pearl River County coordinator with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, is an internationally certified arborist, Produce Safety Alliance certified trainer, and one of the developers of the Mississippi Smart Landscapes program that encourages the use of native plants in the landscape.

For a striking contrast, I recommend planting them alongside yellow or orange blooms like lantana, coreopsis, or Rudbeckia, often called black-eyed Susan. The salvias’ upright form pairs well with mounded plants such as Blue My Mind evolvulus, which has a low-growing, trailing habit and bright blue flowers.

A slice of the in Hancock County

by Steven Ward

Chef Ernest Foundas hopes to put Pearlington on the international map of culinary inventiveness and have chefs from around the world come to his Mississippi food lab to collaborate and experiment.

That’s a lofty goal for Foundas’s Tiki Food Lab and Fermentation Learning Center, a South Pacific-themed food farm and learning and research center overlooking a bayou in Hancock County.

Powered by Coast Electric, Foundas, 56, uses the farm and food lab to explore and create new flavor profiles as well as grow unique and unusual produce that supplies his New Orleans restaurant, Suis Generis. The restaurant changes its menu weekly.

Suis Generis is a zero-waste restaurant, Foundas said.

“The idea came to me when I was working at various restaurants in Boston in the early 1990s, when I saw the excessive amount of waste caused by static menus. I thought it was irresponsible, and it had a negative impact on food costs. I also did not want to cook the same

thing every week, because that is not challenging. So, I decided that I wanted to create a restaurant with a constantly changing menu to maintain constant creativity and to minimize waste and focus on foods in season,” Foundas said.

Foundas grew up in New Orleans and started out working in French Quarter restaurants. Legendary New Orleans chef Paul Prudhomme taught Foundas to create all kinds of special dishes.

Foundas went to college in the Boston area and worked at restaurants there. He wound up going to law school at Mississippi College. Although he earned a law degree, his dream was to own and operate his own New Orleans restaurant.

Foundas considered Mississippi a second home. He visited the Mississippi Gulf Coast often as a child and spent time in the state for law school.

Because of those connections, Pearlington wound up being the perfect spot for his farm and food lab.

JACEE MCCLELLAN Congratulations GRADUATES

Pontotoc Electric Power Association is proud of our graduate. You did it!

Jacee Hope McClellan is graduating from South Pontotoc High School. She is the daughter of Rhianna and Tucker Holloway and William and Karley McClellan.

Jacee is a member of the Beta club, and she has played softball for the South Pontotoc Lady Cougars for six years. She attends church at Green Valley Baptist Church where she participates in the youth group.

Jacee will be graduating with honors. She was named Division O ensive Co-MVP, .300 club, .400 club, and First Team All Division. She received the Stolen Base Award and was an NMSBCA All Star in 2025.

Jacee plans to attend Northwest Community College on a softball scholarship and study in the dental field.

MEMORIAL DAY CLOSURE

Spring Table BRIGHT DISHES for yourSpring Table

Enjoy making and serving these treats for the ones you love!

Four Layer Delight Joanne R. Bradley (PEPA Retiree)

FIRST LAYER:

1 cup flour

½ cup pecans

1 stick oleo

Mix and put in 9 x 11 x 2 pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes. Allow to cool.

SECOND LAYER:

1 cup Cool Whip

8 ounce. cream cheese

1 cup powdered sugar

Mix and spread over first layer. Chill 15 minutes.

Orange Pineapple Cake

CAKE:

1 box butter cake mix

1 can Mandarin oranges

3 eggs

¾ cup vegetable oil

THIRD LAYER:

2 packages instant chocolate pudding

3 cups milk

Mix and spread over second layer.

FOURTH LAYER:

Spread with Cool Whip and chill overnight.

Serves 12. (Note: This recipe was given to me by my daughter, Dr. Jerri Lamar Kantack.)

Jennifer

Johnson (PEPA HR Manager)

FROSTING:

1 large can crushed pineapple

1 vanilla instant pudding

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 large Cool Whip

Preheat oven to 325. Mix cake ingredients and beat for 3 minutes. Pour mix evenly between 3 cake pans in order to make 3 layers. Cook the cake for 25-30 minutes. Mix frosting ingredients together. Once the cake cools completely, place frosting in between each layer and frost top of cake.

Peanut Butter Pie

Mike (PEPA Retiree) and Shirley Montgomery

4 ounces cream cheese, softened

8 ounces Cool Whip

¾ cup powdered sugar

1 graham cracker crust

¾ cup creamy peanut butter chocolate syrup

Beat cream cheese, sugar, and peanut butter with electric mixer until well mixed. Add whipped topping and beat until smooth. Pour mixture into graham cracker crust. Drizzle with chocolate syrup. Freeze six hours or overnight. Serve frozen. Serves 8.

Banana Split Pie

Mary Williamson (PEPA Collections Manager)

2 cups graham cracker crumbs

3 bananas, sliced

3 sticks oleo

1 large can pineapple, drained

2 eggs

1 large Cool Whip

2 cups confectioner sugar

1 cup pecans

1 small jar cherries

Mix graham cracker crumbs with 1 stick melted oleo. Place in 9 x 13 Pyrex dish. Mix eggs, sugar, and 2 sticks oleo. Blend for 10 minutes. Pour over crust. Layer sliced bananas, pineapple, and Cool Whip. End by adding cherries and pecans on top. (This is Rosemary Windham’s recipe.)

by Jim Beaugez

“The thrill is gone — it’s gone away for good,” sang B.B. King on his biggest hit, the 1970 crossover smash “The Thrill is Gone.”

But while he was singing from the perspective of a jilted suitor on the tune that earned his first of 15 Grammy awards, when it came to making music and performing, the blues legend, whose career spanned seven decades, never lost the spark.

“Once he picked up that guitar, he transformed into a whole di erent person,” says daughter Karen Williams. “We knew him as dad and granddad and uncle, brother and father, but he would completely transform once he picked up Lucille.”

King, who would’ve turned 100 in September, left Williams, his 14 other children, and his legions of fans a legacy of determination and perseverance through his music. He also left them the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center in Indianola, where he was laid to rest a decade ago this month.

Born Riley B. King in the Berclair community on Sept. 16, 1925, the future globe-trotting bluesman spent his earliest years in a sharecropper’s shack near Itta

Bena and grew up in towns like Kilmichael, where he sang in the gospel choir at Elkhorn Baptist Church, and then Indianola, which he considered his hometown.

If Memphis is where King became “Blues Boy,” later shortened to B.B., this central Delta city of 10,000 residents is where he became enamored with blues music. King busked on Church Street — at the time a vibrant corridor where juke joints were just as common as houses of worship, in contrast to its current incarnation as a sleepy neighborhood thoroughfare — and found he earned more tips for the blues songs he played than gospel songs. The math was simple.

Arriving in Memphis in the late 1940s, King worked as a radio disc jockey with the handle “Beale Street Blues Boy” in acknowledgment of his other gig working the downtown jukes alongside other bluesmen of the day, like Bobby “Blue” Bland. He soon began recording music and putting together his live show, but his first Billboard chart-topper, “Three O’Clock Blues,” in 1952 put him on the national stage.

But as segregation laws fell and American society integrated, the venues King and his band could play expanded. To wit, the final exhibit at the museum features one of his tour buses that carried them more than a million miles.

Sometimes, he even brought his family along for the ride. While on a weeklong European tour in 1998 that routed them to countries like France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, Williams got a thrill of her own from seeing her father perform on stage for adoring fans.

“I would just be overwhelmed at the crowds of people, the young people who would be completely excited about him,” Williams says. “They were shouting, ‘B.B., we love you!’ and that seemed to just inspire him to even play harder. It just amazed me.”

King’s passing on May 14, 2015, from complications caused by diabetes and high blood pressure, months shy of his 90th birthday, impacted people far beyond the music community. Thousands attended his funeral procession as he traveled Beale Street one last time and lined Highway 61 for the final leg of his journey home to Indianola, where he laid in state in the cotton gin where he once worked, now a wing of his namesake museum. More than 4,000

mourners, including famous friends like blues guitarist Buddy Guy, attended his visitation.

“People drove from all over to come pay their respects to him that day,” says Malika Polk-Lee, the museum’s executive director. “It was a continuous line, and we had to have help from the state troopers for security on top of the local police force. And it was a hot Delta summer day, but people didn’t care. They stood in line until they got a chance to view him and pay their final respects.”

People love the music, which is what draws them to him, but if you have a man who will stay ‘til 3 o’clock in the morning to sign your poster, your jacket, your album cover, your ticket, and have a conversation and make you feel that connection with him — that is why he has fans that have stood the test of time. It was the man himself and the sincere connection he made with his fans.

For all the thrills King brought fans through his music and performances, Polk-Lee believes the measure of the man himself keeps people coming back to Indianola to rediscover his legacy. Almost as much as the music he created.

“Everyone talks about his character, and I think that is how he created lifelong fans,” she says.

“People love the music, which is what draws them to him, but if you have a man who will stay ‘til 3 o’clock in the morning to sign your poster, your jacket, your album cover, your ticket, and have a conversation and make you feel that connection with him — that is why he has fans that have stood the test of time. It was the man himself and the sincere connection he made with his fans.”

For the Love of the Game

‘McNelis Strong’

At the age of 15, Joye Lee-McNelis knew that she wanted to play college basketball.

She even knew what college she wanted to play for. “I always knew I wanted to play for Southern Miss,” Lee-McNelis said recently.

Lee-McNelis just completed her 21st and final season as head coach of the Southern Miss Lady Golden Eagles. She announced her retirement in February.

The daughter of Louis and Nell Lee grew up in the community of Leetown in Hancock County. Her parents were the first to put a basketball in her hands. They were also some of her first coaches.

“I was blessed to grow up in a Christian home. We lived a pretty simple life. We went to church and played basketball. As soon as the chores and schoolwork were completed, we were out shooting hoops,” Lee-McNelis said.

Lee-McNelis played basketball with the boys in her early years. She would attend high school at Hancock North Central. “I was fortunate to have great teammates and coaches in high school. Every time I attend the state championships; I still remember the great victories.”

Hancock North Central went to the state tournament all four years she was in high school and won two state championships. She is still the school’s all-time leading scorer. Hancock North Central retired her jersey — No. 14 — in 1993.

Her journey to Southern Miss began in 1980 as a player for Kay James. Her winning success in high school followed Lee-McNelis to college. The Lady Golden Eagles appeared in their first ever

postseason in 1981 during Lee-McNelis’ freshman year. She left four seasons later as the second highest scorer in school history with 1,510 points.

Following her career as a player, Lee-McNelis began coaching at Southwest Texas State, which is known today as Texas State University. After two years, Lee-McNelis was brought back to Southern Miss by coach Kay James in 1986. She quickly became known as one of the best recruiters in the country.

During her five seasons as an assistant, the Lady Eagles went to three NCAA Tournaments and won 103 games. That success earned Lee-McNelis a reputation of an up and comer in the coaching profession.

At age 28, her reputation led to her being hired by the then-named Memphis State University as their head coach. Coming from a winning program like USM to take over a program with only six wins was going to be a challenge. When she left the program 13 years later, the University of Memphis had 229 wins and had gone to four NCAA Tournaments and four Women’s National Invitational Tournaments.

“When I was in Memphis, a high for me was in 1995 when we beat the Cheryl Miller coached USC Lady Trojans in the second round of the NCAA Tournament to move on to the Sweet 16,” Lee-McNelis said.

In 2004, USM reached out to Lee-McNelis to coach the Lady Golden Eagles. Before her career was over at Southern Miss, she had won 339 games. A couple of highlights were the 2013-14 team that won 27 games followed the next year with a 25-win season. The 2022-23 squad also captured the Sun Belt Conference regular season title. She led USM to several postseason appearances. Her career 564 wins is significant in that only 61 coaches have achieved that many wins in college basketball history.

She was given the Pat Summitt Most Courageous Award in 2024 after leading the team to a Super 16 finish in the WNIT. Lee-McNelis was also inducted into the Southern Miss Sports Hall of Fame in 1997 and in February of this year was named to the Legends Club at USM for her prestigious career.

Coaching

at Southern Miss has been more than a profession. It has been a dream realized.

Having

the opportunity to lead the program has been one of my greatest honors.

“Coaching at Southern Miss has been more than a profession. It has been a dream realized. Having the opportunity to lead the program has been one of my greatest honors,” said Lee-McNelis.

Lee-McNelis has battled lung cancer for almost a decade, and she knows that is her toughest contest. She has battled the disease four times since it was first diagnosed in March 2016. She is still battling cancer and has had to fight o pneumonia three times. In 2017, as she continued to coach and battle cancer, the nation’s women coaches showed their love and respect for her as they sparked the “McNelis Strong” slogan that swept through the basketball community.

Lee-McNelis said she has been blessed with tremendous support from her husband Dennis, daughter Whitney, and son Connor. She understands the sacrifices they have gone through for her career.

“God has blessed me beyond words,”

Lee-McNelis said.

by Dale McKee

Dale McKee is a Waynesboro native who has been writing about sports in Mississippi since 1973. He is a member of Dixie Electric. Contact him at ddmckee18@yahoo.com.

Events

Events open to the public will be published free of charge as space allows. Submit details at least two months prior to the event date. Submissions must include a phone number with area code for publication. Email to news@ecm.coop. Events are subject to change.

Dianne Holloman Memorial Farmer’s Market. May 3. June 7. Quitman. From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Quitman Depot, 100 South Railroad Ave. The market will feature fruits and vegetables, home baked breads, honey, jams and jellies, crafts, homemade goods, and plants and garden items for sale. There will also be live entertainment and food vendors. Details: 601-776-5701.

Antiques and Collectible Barn Sale. May 2 and 3. Purvis. 4799 Old Highway 11 (Oak Grove area). From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. More than 85 collectors with trailer loads of antiques, collectibles, advertising signs, glassware, railroad, wagon wheels, bells, primitives, anvils, crocks, advertising signs, furniture, tools, cast iron, tractor seats, old bottles, old windows and doors, jewelry, and coins. There will be a concession stand. Parking is $2 for both days. Details: 601-818-5886 or 601-794-7462.

Arts on Beulah Festival. May 3. Tylertown. Presented by the Walthall County Arts Council, the inaugural downtown festival begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. The festival will feature live entertainment, food and shopping opportunities, arts and crafts vendors, and a children’s activity area. The festival is looking for vendors to participate. Details: 504-458-4788 or email Susan.Appeldorn@walthallcountyarts.org.

The Covington County Chamber of Commerce Annual Okatoma Festival. May 3. Collins. The downtown, free festival is held around the historic Courthouse from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The festival kicks-off with a 5-K run/walk and 1-mile children’s fun run. Activities include arts and crafts, food, a parade, antique car show, quilt exhibit, children’s park, health fair, and live entertainment featuring Jason Arnold and The Bird Dogs. Details: 601-765-6012 or visit covingtonchamber.com.

Divide Memorial M.P. Church Springfest. May 10. Monticello. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held at 8 Divide Rd., 11 miles south of Monticello. Food, arts and crafts, live entertainment, children’s activities, door prizes, an auction, a blood drive, and a car show will be available to visitors. Details: 601-405-4975.

Barnyard Marketplace Mother’s Day Extravaganza. May 10. Poplarville. The marketplace will be held at 295 Buck Kirkland Rd. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come shop the vendors in an open field. Off street parking. Crafts, food trucks, woodwork, plants, jewelry, baked goods, boutiques, jams/jellies, honey, quail eggs, soaps, and candles. A chance to win a Mother’s Day basket valued at over $350. Details: 504-234-3579.

Jackson Coffee Festival. May 10. Jackson. The first ever festival will begin at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. at the Mississippi Trade Mart on the Mississippi State Fair Grounds. More than a dozen specialty coffee roasters will pour samples of their best brews. Tickets are $10. Parking is free. Details: 504-813-4656 or visit jacksoncoffeefestival.com.

History Alive at Landrum’s Homestead. May 10. Laurel. Experience history with interesting demonstrations and hands-on activities for all ages. Antique engines, wood carvers, broom makers, pony rides, soldier encampments, blacksmiths, gem mining, and homemade ice cream available. Admission is $12. Children 3 and under are free. Landrum’s Homestead and Village is located at 1356 Highway 15 South. Details: 601-649-2546 or visit landrums.com.

Harrison County Gem, Mineral, and Jewelry Show. May 17 and 18. Biloxi. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 17 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 18. The event will feature vendors, exhibits, and children’s activities. Jappa Shriner Center, 13280 Shriners Blvd. Admission is $6 for 12 and over. There is a $1 coupon on show’s website and Facebook page. Details: 601-947-7245 or 205-296-3779.

Gulf Coast Military Relics, Antique Arms, and Collectible Show. May 23 and 24. Biloxi. Historical military artifacts and relics from all periods and all wars bought, sold, and traded. Firearms, swords, daggers, bayonets, uniforms, helmets, medals, insignia, flags, books, photos, currency, old bottles, and other collectibles will be available. May 23 – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 24 – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Joppa Shriners’ Center, 13280 Shriner’s Blvd. Admission is $7. Parking is free. Details: 228-224-1120 and 228-860-3575.

Big Gospel Singing Jubilee. May 31. Magee. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Magee High School Auditorium. The concert will feature the Hinson Family, Terry Joe Terrell, Tim Frith and the Gospel Echoes, and Revelations. Details: 601-906-0677.

Frost Bridge Camp Meeting. July 18-27. Waynesboro. The camp is located at 1455 Matherville Frost Bridge Road. The camp is a Bible-based family camp that meets once a year. Very reasonable rates for dining hall meals, boys’ and girls’ dorms, and newly remodeled hotel rooms for adults. Join us for service or come stay the whole week. Bible study daily at 9 a.m. in small groups for all ages. Morning worship begins at 10:30 a.m. and evening worship starts at 7 p.m. We have music led by the Isbell Family and enlightening preaching by nationally known evangelists, Rev. Friedeman and Rev. Womack. Youth rate to stay the entire 10 days is only $200. Hotel rooms beginning at $25 a night and RV with full hookups for $25 per day. Details: 205-292-9176 or visit frostbridgecamp.com.