A look back at 2008 headlines
January –
Courthouse restoration bids within estimate. Library system receives grant. County elected officials sworn in for new term. Traffic accident leads to drug arrest. Murder suspect still on loose.
Courthouse renovations get greenlight from MDAH. Wesson gets grant for sirens.
School board interviews applicants for superintendent position. 50 years in business for Billy Thornton. Madison Mayor Mary Hawkins Butler to speak at Hazlehurst Chamber banquet. Day of Unity celebration plans full slate of activities. Bids sought for Georgetown pumper.
Saturday snowfall in Copiah County. Public invited to cultural heritage dedication of Blues Trail marker and new mural by post office.
Six qualify to run for Hazlehurst school board. Blues Trail marker dedicated to Robert Johnson. Economic development district reports great opportunities on horizon for Copiah County. Carroll and Elizabeth Hood receive Lifetime Achievement awards from Hazlehurst Chamber of Commerce. David Brunt new Chamber president. County road plans updated for new board term.
FEBRUARY –
Hazlehurst school district still seeking superintendent. Robert Johnson Blues Trail marker unveiled. New fire apparatus coming for Georgetown.
Karl Twyner chosen Hazlehurst school superintendent. Amnesty for old fines ordered by city. Wesson aldermen vote to double full time police force. No parking on Highway 28 to be strictly enforced. Class at Heritage House teaches public about blues. Demolition, asbestos removal begin at courthouse.
Burnell Ramsey is Hazlehurst Teacher of the Year. ‘Should be ashamed,’ school board told. Future location of Johnson house decided. Copiah soccer finishes second in state. Plans for Crystal Springs 150th celebration under way.
Bids under advisement for fire truck, jail meals. Courthouse restoration begins. Severe Weather Awareness Week.
March –
Pine floors uncovered in courthouse renovations. Copiah’s Emily Fahner named MPSA All-Star. Wal-mart Supercenter opens.
County considers site for new jail. School board runoff between Marvin Minor and Paul Rhodes. One charged with murder on Maple Street. Circuit Court begins term at Hazlehurst Police Department. Aldermen make personnel changes. Relay For Life changes location from courthouse to county fairgrounds. Cato Street home lost to fire.
Marvin Minor wins seat on Hazlehurst school board. Last spike driven March 31, 150 years ago. Courthouse renovations on schedule. No action yet on superintendent.
Marvin Minor sworn in to Hazlehurst school board. One dead, one injured in double shooting. Myrtis Stuart’s chickens lay colored eggs. County begins long range planning with CMPDD. City donates land for new jail. 150th anniversary of railroad completion to be celebrated at Depot.
April –
Railroad spike memorial unveiled. School board squabbles in closed session; superintendent hired in sudden meeting of three board members. Copiah school board petitions Legislature to retain option of electing superintendent.
Annual county cleanup day held. Wesson has best water in state. Learn about Dr. Rowan, his house, and his ghost at Wesson Founders Day. City seeks new fire chief. New fire trucks arrive for Smyrna and Hopewell. Twyner offered contract as Hazlehurst school superintendent. New Street to remain closed in Wesson.
County set to spend over $1.5 million at industrial park. Copiah school board visits campuses in district. School board hires staff for next year. Volunteers sought for Relay For Life.
City hires two in brief session. Regional jail authorization lost in Senate. Wesson, Bailey Cable at odds. Operation Lifesaver blitzes Hazlehurst. Damascus Circle home destroyed by fire. Help needed to complete first Copiah cemetery CD.
Weather cooperates with Wesson Founders Day, mostly. Longtime grocery store owner Kenneth Bowman dies. Miss Mississippi speaker for Steak and Stake Fundraiser. Bailey Cable to end service in Wesson. Walk against cancer at Relay For Life.
May –
Relay raises $24,000 for fight against cancer. Scholarship winner among performers at Blues Jam. Cemetery access project to move forward with grant. T-hangar construction begins.
Hazlehurst to host Smithsonian exhibition. Bats out, kids back in school. Weather sirens to be placed at schools. City hires Gabriel Harvey as fire chief. Lunch prices going up at Copiah schools next year.
State takeover of school district imminent. Alisha’s Crossing dedicated. Johnson House needs to be relocated soon. Dr. Howell Garner honored with retirement reception at Co-Lin. Chester Cockrell – a war hero.
Fallen soldiers remembered. Volunteer fire fighters earn certification. Governor signs emergency declaration for Hazlehurst City School District. Wesson teachers recognized for 2008 achievements.
JUNE –
Marker to be placed at site of 1942 wreck that killed 15. ‘Not going to get out of it overnight,’ warns interim school conservator Haynes. Curfew enforced, parents warned. Wesson Police Chief Steve Carlisle retires after decades-long career. Amtrak passenger train, truck collide near Crystal Springs. Courthouse renovations run behind schedule.
Volunteers constructing new church for Zion Hill. Mt. Sinai UMC breaks ground for new church. O’Quinn chosen as new Wesson police chief. Test well bids over budget.
Don R. Thompson to head Mississippi Department of Human Services. Police arrest seven on drug charges, more arrests to come. Copiah school board approves dropout prevention plan. Hazlehurst has hidden treasure in gardens of Jeanette Bell. Environmental study to pave way for new runway.
State names Stanley Blackmon as conservator of Hazlehurst school district. Town meeting set with State Superintendent of Education. Arrest made in Smith murder. Crystal Springs celebrates 150 years. Heritage House Boys Choir performs at St. Andrews.
