Fielder’s Choice - Barry Burleson


Thursday, December 27, 2012
Community \| Obits \| Editorial & Columnists \| Society \| Sports \| Education \| Classified Ads \| Calendar of Events \| Features \| Newsbriefs \| Legals \| Archives \| Subscriptions \| New Photo Gallery

Click Here for the E-Edition of
The South Reporter

Click Here For Full Version

Fielder’s Choice
By Barry Burleson

Good news from 2012

Obviously, any year at the community newspaper is filled with news. But as I look back at 2012, I’m choosing to focus on the good news.

In January, a Marshall County native was sworn as Mississippi’s new state treasurer. Lynn Fitch took the oath of office in Jackson with her family by her side.

In February 2012, Brenda Luther was named 2011 Woman of the Year by the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi. She and her husband Ronnie organized the Clydesdale Christmas Store 18 years ago.

In late February and early March, the Marshall Academy Patriots and the H.W. Byers Lady Lions both celebrated back-to-back state basketball championships.

Also in March, construction of I-269 in Marshall County had begun adjacent to Highway 302.

In April, perfect weather and good attendance highlighted the 74th Holly Springs Pilgrimage.

In May, Congressman Alan Nunnelee toured a growing industry, Contract Fabricators in Holly Springs – getting to see firsthand the gigantic oil and coal refinery vessels being manufactured.

Also in May, Rep. Tommy Woods was honored with a lifetime membership to the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce.

In June 2012, Roxul, a global leader in the manufacture of stone wool insulation, announced it would be located in the Chickasaw Trail Industrial Park. It will be the company’s first facility in the United States.

In July, the merger of the Holly Springs Main Street Association and the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce was announced by the boards of the two organizations.

In August, there was an historic night at Potts Camp when the Cardinals hosted H.W. Byers in the school’s new, first-ever football stadium. Attendance was estimated at 1,200.

In September, the Holly Springs School District celebrated. Two schools, Holly High and Holly Springs Junior High, moved up to High Performing. Holly Springs Intermediate School strengthened its Successful rating for the second year, and overall, the city school district was again Successful.

Also in September, Gov. Phil Bryant came to town to officially welcome new corporate partner Roxul. It was announced the new industry expects to be in operation by June 2014 and employ 150 people when in full operation.

In October, a group of nine House members and one Senate member visited several Holly Springs sites as part of the Mississippi Tourism Association Legislative FAM Tour. The visit wrapped up at Strawberry Plains Audubon Center.

In November, the Marshall Academy Patriots made it all the way to the state championship football game and finished as runners-up to Brookhaven Academy.

In late November and early December, Holly Springs celebrated its 175th anniversary during a weekend filled with activities, coordinated by the Main Street Chamber.

Also in December, a new T-hangar was unveiled at the Holly Springs-Marshall County Airport. Transportation commissioner Mike Tagert was on hand and said the new hangar will be a seed for future development.

That’s just a small sampling of the good news from 2012. We’re looking forward to more in 2013.

Report News: (662) 252-4261 or southreporter@dixie-net.com
Fax: (662) 252-3388
Questions, comments, corrections: southreporter@dixie-net.com
The South Reporter
P.O. Box 278
Holly Springs, MS 38635
©2004, The South Reporter, All Rights Reserved.
No part of this site may be reproduced in any way without permission.
The South Reporter is a member of the Mississippi Press Association.

Web Site managed and maintained by
South Reporter webmasters Linda Jones, Kristian Jones
Web Site Design - The South Reporter

Back | Top of Page