Thursday February 20
Town hall meeting to discuss 2% tax
A proposed 2% sales tax on locally prepared foods and beverages sold at retail to the public in Charleston will be the topic of a town hall style meeting set for Thursday, Feb. 20, at 6 p.m., at Charleston City Hall.
Mayor Sedrick Smith said he will explain how the proceeds of the proposed restaurant tax, which would be assessed in addition to the regular 7% state sales tax, would be used to help finance youth recreation and other programs in the city. He also will discuss ongoing city projects, such as a housing development.
A March 3 referendum will be held in Charleston to give registered voters of the municipality a chance to mark a ballot “for the tax” or “against the tax.” The measure must garner the support of 60% of voters to pass.
Voters will cast paper ballots at the same municipal polling places where elections for city commissioner and mayor are conducted.
Saturday February 22
Domestic violence program slated
The St. John Missionary Baptist Church Women’s Fellowship will present “Love Does Not Hurt,” a program about domestic violence, Saturday, Feb. 22, starting at 10 a.m. at 409 N. Church St. in Charleston. Mrs. Tabitha Sanford Webb will be the presenter. Participants will hear the story of an attempted murder-suicide outside a police station. All are invited, noted Women’s Fellowship president Wilma Weston and pastor Darryl Booker.
Sunday February 23
Old Antioch sets black history event
The Old Antioch church family invites everyone to their black history program, set for Sunday, Feb. 23, at 10:45 a.m. The theme will be “African Americans and the Vote (Your Vote Counts).” State Sen. Sarita Simmons will be guest speaker. “We ask that you come and share with us,” said pastor Lorenzo Robinson.
Black history program will be held
The Cross of Christ Love Center in Charleston invites the public to their black history program, set for Sunday, Feb. 23, at 11 a.m. Church pastor is Mae Otha Gardner.
Piney Grove to honor musicians
Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church will honor musicians Robert Edwards and Troy Rodgers during a special appreciation event Sunday, Feb. 23, at 2 p.m. Musicians and singers are welcome. The church is located at 217 Cascilla-Grenada County Road in Cascilla.
New Town plans history program
New Town Missionary Baptist Church in Charleston will have their annual black history program on Sunday, Feb. 23, at 3 p.m. Johnnie L. Reed, of Covenant House Word of Faith Ministries in Grenada, will be the speaker. The theme is “Celebrating Courage, Faith and Hope,” from Proverbs 3:5-6. Everyone is invited to attend, said pastor Preston Coleman.
Wednesday February 26
Ash Wednesday service scheduled
Charleston First United Methodist Church invites everyone to join in their traditional Ash Wednesday service on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 6 p.m., in the church sanctuary.
Thursday February 27
Student art awards presentation set
The Charleston Arts and Revitalization Effort is sponsoring their annual student art show, with a reception and awards presentation scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 27, at 5:30 p.m., at the Charleston Arts Center. Cash prizes will be awarded. The public is invited.
The student art exhibit will be open for public viewing weekdays through Feb. 27. Viewing hours are 10 a.m. until noon and 1-4 p.m.
The Feb. 27 event also will feature representatives from area nonprofits who will provide updates of programs, activities and opportunities. This segment is hosted by CARE, Northwest Hub for Volunteers and Nonprofits, and the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi. A new smart TV will be offered as a door prize. Refreshments will be available.
For more information, call CARE at 647-0942, email care1092@atat.net or just drop by the building on Court Square.
Saturday February 29
Charleston Lions host stew cooking
The Charleston Lions Club will host a stew cooking on Saturday, Feb. 29, from 4-7 p.m., at the Lions den in Charleston. Tickets may be purchased in advance from any Lions member or at the door on the day of the event.
Enjoy a meal for $10, featuring a bowl of stew, cornbread, sweet iced tea and dessert, or bring your own container and purchase an entire gallon of stew for $30.
Sunday March 1
Sandy Bayou will honor Spurlock
Sandy Bayou Missionary Baptist Church will honor musician Genether Spurlock for 38 years of service during an appreciation program set for Sunday, March 1, at 11:30 a.m.
All are invited, noted pastor Arthur Seaton. The church is located five-and-a-half miles southwest of Webb. For more information, call Allie Lewis at 601-988-5835.
Grayson Chapel will honor Gunter
Grayson Chapel of Glendora will celebrate the 26th year of service of musician Emma Gunter during a love day event on Sunday, March 1, at 2 p.m. Everyone is invited.
Louanne Cossar to be celebrated
The First United Methodist Church of Charleston invites the public to a program and reception honoring cherished choir director and friend, Louanne Cossar, on Sunday, March 1, from 2-4 p.m. at the church.
“Come by and show your appreciation of Louanne,” encouraged publicist Teresa Hargett. “We hope to make this an occasion she will not soon forget.”
St. Mark hosting annual choir day
St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church, located at 7591 Tippo Road, will host their annual choir day on Sunday, March 1, at 2 p.m. All choirs are asked to render two selections for the occasion. Everyone is invited to attend, noted pastor Norman Small.
Tuesday March 3
Charleston voters to decide 2% tax
A special election will be held Tuesday, March 3, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., to determine the fate of a proposed 2% restaurant tax in the city of Charleston. Voting precincts will be the polling places residents normally use for city commissioner and mayoral elections.
Voters will cast a paper ballot marked “for the tax” or “against the tax.” The measure must receive a 60% favorable vote to pass.
Charleston officials propose the added tax, which would be assessed in addition to the 7% state sales tax on foods and beverages prepared on the premises of local restaurants and other outlets like convenience stores with delicatessens. Fountain drinks also would be subject to the additional 2%.
Proceeds from the added tax would be earmarked for parks, recreation and tourism activities in the city of Charleston.
Wednesday March 4
PAT license certification available
Private applicator certification training for producers who need to purchase restricted use pesticides for their agricultural operation will be conducted on Wednesday, March 4, at the Tallahatchie County Extension office in Charleston and Thursday, March 5, at the Panola County Extension office in Batesville. Both events start at 10 a.m.
A $20 fee will be charged to receive the PAT training, and Tallahatchie County Extension Agent Jimbo Burkhalter requests that interested persons arrive a little early and plan to pay with a check.
In addition, the Pipe Planner Irrigation Program will be discussed, and walk-through training provided, anytime between 1 and 5 p.m. at both locations. Pipe Planner is an irrigation program that has been proven to save money. Any and all questions will be answered at the walk-through.
For more information about either of these opportunities, call the Tallahatchie County Extension Service at 647-8746 or the Panola County Extension Service at 563-6260.
Saturday March 7
Collins family benefit set at church
God’s Church of Faith Ministries, located at 99 Clarence Richardson Road, will host a benefit program for the Collins family on Saturday, March 7, at 4 p.m.
All choirs, musicians, praise dancers, soloists and the general public are invited to take part. For more information or directions, call 662-688-5335 or 662-647-1145.
Anyone unable to attend may mail a donation to Ricky and Kersema Collins, c/o Mary Davis, P.O. Box 154, Tippo, MS 38962.
Sunday March 8
Bethlehem sets Usher Day program
Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, located at 43 Carroll Dr., Charleston, will host an Usher Day program on Sunday, March 8, at 2 p.m. Special guest will be Riley Suggs, pastor of Jones Chapel church. All are invited, noted Bethlehem pastor Larry McGhee Sr.
Mt. Zion will celebrate 152 years
Mt. Zion Church will observe the 152nd year anniversary of the church with a special program on Sunday, March 8, at 2 p.m. The speaker will be the Rev. Clint Brown. All are invited, noted pastor Randy Mangrum.
Miscellany
Adult/child quilt-making offered
The Tutwiler Quilters are offering free quilting lessons for an adult (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle) and a child, age 13-17, (or grandchild, niece or nephew) to attend together.
Supplies for the classes will be provided to participants. Sewing machines, material and all instruction will be at the class for students’ use. The eight classes, to be held in March, will be taught at the Tutwiler Community Education Center, 304 Hancock St., Tutwiler.
Also included will be financial literacy classes and instruction on how to display and market quilted items made by those attending.
For more information or to register for the classes, call the Tutwiler Community Education Center, 662-345-8393.
These lessons are provided by a grant from the Jackson-based Women’s Foundation of Mississippi.
GriefShare sessions underway
GriefShare, a grief recovery support group, is conducting sessions each Tuesday at the James C. Kennedy Wellness Center, located directly behind Tallahatchie General Hospital in Charleston.
GriefShare is a video series that features some of the nation’s foremost Christian experts on grief and recovery topics as seen from a biblical perspective. Some of the topics to be featured are:
• “Why?”
• “Is This Normal?”
• “The Challenges of Grief”
• “Grief and Your Relationships”
• “Guilt and Anger”
The video seminars are combined with support group discussion of the materials presented during the video.
For more information, call Rev. Phillip Pharr at 647-8686 or Eddie Hargett at 647-4844.
ECF needs Sunday school provider
The Tallahatchie General Hospital Extended Care Facility Auxiliary needs someone to conduct Sunday school services for the entire month of May. Sunday school starts at 9 a.m. If interested, call 647-1454. The Auxiliary expresses thanks to all who presently serve.
Report local littering, vandalism
Eyewitness accounts of littering and road sign vandalism/theft in Tallahatchie County may be reported to 647-7711 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., seven days per week. If there is no answer, leave a message as to the exact location of the dump site or sign vandalism or theft, the date and time called and your name and telephone number. Someone will contact you.
Correction or clarification
None.
To report the need for the correction or clarification of any item that appears in print in The Sun-Sentinel and/or on the online sites at www.facebook.com/TheSunSentinel, Twitter or at www.tallahatchienews.ms, call the newspaper office at 662-647-8462 and ask for the editor, stop by the office at 149 Court Square in Charleston and ask for the editor or email the editor at clay@charlestonsun.net.
