Ole Miss & Millsaps partner to offer dual degree programs
Photo and Story Courtesy Ole Miss Communications/Edwin B. Smith Students at the University of Mississippi and at Millsaps College soon will be able to simultaneously receive bachelor’s degrees from each, thanks to a partnership agreement between the two institutions. Terms of the agreement, signed Jan. 31, include a 10-semester academic plan in which students earn two bachelor’s degrees by transfer and reverse transfer through six semesters at Millsaps and four semesters at UM. The agreement is a win-win for both institutions, UM Provost Noel Wilkin said. “Our goal is to provide the best education to our students, and we believe that partnerships like this provide students more options and opportunities,” he said. “Millsaps has an outstanding reputation for preparing undergraduate students, and we feel the students who take advantage of this partnership will be well-prepared for technical careers and leadership roles.” Keith Dunn, provost and dean of Millsaps College, echoed Wilkin’s sentiment. “Strong academic partnerships, such as this one between Millsaps and the University of Mississippi, are a critical component in offering the best education possible,” Dunn said. “Students completing these degree programs will be immediately marketable for employment and poised for long-term career success.” Dual degrees opportunities include: Bachelor’s in geophysics (Millsaps) and bachelor’s in geological engineering (UM) Bachelor’s in chemistry (Millsaps) and bachelor’s in biomedical engineering (UM) Bachelor’s in applied mathematics (Millsaps) and bachelor’s in mechanical engineering (UM) Bachelor’s in chemistry (Millsaps) and bachelor’s in general engineering (pre-med emphasis) (UM) The agreement between the two schools blends critical areas of study. “An engineering degree coupled with a liberal arts degree is proven to be a very strong career foundation,” said Marni Kendricks, interim associate dean for undergraduate programs in the UM School of Engineering. “We are confident that students will receive the best of both worlds in undergraduate academics – excellent private liberal arts education in preparation for challenging engineering coursework.” Emlee Nicholson, director of the pre-engineering program at Millsaps, wanted the college’s students to have quality in-state options to increase participation in the program and, hopefully, make the goal of becoming an engineer more attainable. “We saw the Millsaps students expressing an interest in engineering, and we wanted to explore opportunities to support that interest,” Nicholson said. “I contacted Dr. John O’Haver and Dr. Adam Smith about the potential partnership with Ole Miss, and we began this work in summer 2018.” Meanwhile, Stan Galicki, Millsaps associate dean of sciences, sought Kendricks to set up a meeting at which he and Nicholson could speak with essential faculty and administrators about ways to move the partnership forward. With the agreements signed, plans are to market the program and send three to five Millsaps students to Ole Miss each year. “We hope students who follow this path to engineering will be better engineers as a result,” Nicholson said. “They will have had all of the benefits of a small liberal arts education and of a high-quality engineering education. “This program expands student options and offers the best of what Millsaps and the University of Mississippi have to offer.” The post Ole Miss & Millsaps partner to offer dual degree programs appeared first on News Mississippi.
Super Bowl party hosts can prevent DUI
(Information provided by AMR and the Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association) Drunk driving crashes skyrocket after Super Bowl games, so AMR paramedics and the Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association (MHRA) are urging party hosts to prevent DUI. In a joint statement, AMR spokesman Jim Pollard and MHRA executive director Pat Fontaine said, “Super Bowl Sunday is one of the biggest days for drinking beer and liquor. Parties can start long before kickoff and last beyond the game’s end. Those facts can be a recipe for tragedy.” The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has found that men ages 21 to 34 are most likely to be involved in DUI crashes, less likely to use seat belts and very likely to speed. Young men are also the core audience for major sporting events. NHTSA’s Fatal Accident Reporting System has shown Sunday Bowl Sundays are among the worst days of the year for DUI crashes. BACtrack, a maker of personal breathalyzers, has studied the level of alcohol in the blood measured by law enforcement testing for each day of the year. BACtrack found, in some years, DUI offenders on Super Bowl Sunday had on average the second- or third-highest blood alcohol content of all days of the year. New Year’s Eve is perennially the worst. In short, DUI offenders on Super Bowl Sunday are among the most intoxicated on the road any day of the year. AMR and MHRA urges party hosts to make certain guests don’t get drunk and drive. Fontaine and Pollard said, “Party hosts, bartenders and servers have a legal and moral duty to keep drunk drivers off the road. If a guest has a DUI crash, the host may face an expensive lawsuit, not to mention lifelong emotional pain. Helping reduce DUI may well save the guest’s life and others.” Fontaine said the restaurant association has trained hundreds of bartenders and wait staff statewide on serving alcohol responsibly. “Hospitality professionals who have taken our course are well-schooled on helping prevent DUI,” he said. MHRA and AMR offers the following advice to hosts of private parties: Never invite guests by saying your group plans to drink a great deal. Limit your own alcohol intake so you can determine whether guests are fit to drive and take steps to stop impaired guests from driving. Identify designated drivers right as couples or groups arrive. Point out: A designated driver isn’t one who drinks the least alcohol, but one who drinks zero alcohol. Reward designated drivers with a choice seat at the TV or first pass at the buffet. Take the keys from designated drivers. When you hand keys back as groups depart, double-check the designated drivers’ sobriety. Give them a glass with a color different from all other guests. The glass will remind designated drivers not to drink and other guests not to give them alcohol. If a guest has come alone and drinks alcohol, make a firm plan on how he or she gets home. Do not pressure guests to drink. There’s a big difference between “Would you like something to drink?” compared to “Come on, have a drink!” Provide a bartender so guests don’t over-serve themselves. Limit servings of alcohol by keeping glasses filled with ice. Don’t rush to refill guests’ glasses with alcohol. Put non-alcoholic drinks in the same place as the alcohol, displayed just as prominently. Serve lots of food. Provide water and juice plus “mocktails.” Mocktails are mixed drinks without alcohol in them. A “virgin” Bloody Mary looks and tastes much like the real thing. Except for the designated drivers, serve all beverages in the same size and shape glass. That way, those who aren’t drinking alcohol won’t feel or look different. Do not allow drinking contests. Ask your guests who are drinking to pace themselves, eat plenty of food and alternate alcohol with non-alcoholic drinks. Never serve alcohol to anyone less than 21 years of age. It’s illegal and has big penalties. If someone shows up drunk or gets drunk, tell the guest he or she has drunk too much and alcohol is off limits. Take the guest aside and offer a place to sleep it off. If another guest is a close friend of the intoxicated person, ask that other guest to help. Prevent falls by clearing walkways, stairs and porches and by providing adequate lighting. “WUI” (walking under the influence) can lead to serious injuries. Follow the example of numerous NFL stadiums and stop serving alcohol when the second half starts. Begin serving coffee and dessert. Remember, coffee does not restore sobriety. Never let anyone drive who has drunk any alcohol at all, no matter how little. Take the keys. Call a cab. Encourage the guest to stay overnight. Don’t let drunk guests out of your sight. As guests leave, help the designated drivers buckle up every passenger. Buckling up protects occupants from other drivers who may be intoxicated. The post Super Bowl party hosts can prevent DUI appeared first on News Mississippi.
Youth, Veteran, and Military waterfowl hunting day set
(Information provided by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks) The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) would like to remind hunters that all Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) with waterfowl hunting opportunity will be open for the upcoming youth waterfowl hunting day on February 8. Adults are encouraged to take a youth (under the age of 16) out to enjoy Mississippi’s waterfowl hunting on this special day. Additionally, a new opportunity for this year allows Veterans (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code) and members of the Armed Forces on active duty. Waterfowl regulations and bag limits for the youth, veteran, and active military waterfowl hunting day will be the same as during the regular season. Youth hunters are exempt from purchasing a hunting license, WMA user permit, and waterfowl stamps. Non-toxic shot and shotguns holding no more than three shells must still be used. Youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult who is licensed to hunt waterfowl in Mississippi, and adults are not allowed to hunt waterfowl unless they meet veteran or active duty military requirements. All participating veterans or active military personnel must possess state and federal waterfowl stamps, a valid Mississippi hunting license, and Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration for Mississippi. Participating veterans are required to provide one of the following additional forms of documentation: Veteran designation on a current driver’s license DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty Retired Military ID Before hunting public lands, hunters are reminded to check the specific area regulations and maps for the area they plan to hunt. Hunting on Trim Cane WMA (entire area) and Pearl River WMA (youth draw hunt area) will be limited to youth hunters who were drawn for the special hunt. For more information regarding waterfowl in Mississippi, visit www.mdwfp.com/waterfowl or call (601) 432-2199. The post Youth, Veteran, and Military waterfowl hunting day set appeared first on News Mississippi.
Bulldogs rally in 2nd half for 86-73 win over Tennessee
Photo courtesy of MSU Athletics Story by SportsTalk Mississippi MSU Beat Reporter Brian Hadad Mississippi State makes it five in a row in the conference with a lopsided victory over Tennessee Once again, Mississippi State found themselves staring at a halftime deficit, and once again, Mississippi State dominated the final 20 minutes, this time shooting an incredible 69.2% from the field to take its fifth straight SEC win, 86-73 over Tennessee. The Bulldogs trailed by 6 at the break but outscored the Volunteers 58-39 in the second half, led by Reggie Perry’s 12th double-double of the season and DJ Stewart’s career-high 20 points. State improves to 14-7 on the season, 5-3 in the SEC. PERRY DOMINATES AGAIN Reggie Perry is the best player in the SEC and it may not be close. Dude is a wrecking machine. Mississippi State over Tennessee in Starkville. Up Next: Kentucky on Tuesday at Rupp Arena. — Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) February 1, 2020 It will not be surprising if Reggie Perry makes it two SEC Player of the Week awards on Monday, as he followed up his 27 point, 8 rebound showing at Florida with 24 and 12 at The Hump Saturday. State turned around that halftime deficit by getting to Perry early in the final half, and Perry was able to score or get fouled, where he shot 12-15 from the line. If Perry continues to play at this pace, it won’t just be player of the week honors he brings in. WEATHERSPOON FINDING HIS WAY Nick Weatherspoon Robert Woodard pic.twitter.com/a84Wtpsr80 — SEC Network (@SECNetwork) February 1, 2020 Nick Weatherspoon’s return from a nearly year-long suspension was always going to make his return a process, but it seems the junior is now clicking on all cylinders. He put together another solid performance on Saturday, scoring 11 and doling out 9 assists with only 2 turnovers. For the week, his A/TO ratio is 17 to 3, and he said after the game he’s never felt more comfortable at the position. His ability to find his teammates has the Bulldog offense clicking, and his defensive prowess has never been in question. Weatherspoon has added another layer to Ben Howland’s team with his play in this five-game SEC winning streak. WHAT’S NEXT? Lace 'em up#BBN #TGT pic.twitter.com/2Q7AvH6jxx — Kentucky Basketball (@KentuckyMBB) February 1, 2020 Kentucky will take on Auburn Saturday in a top 25 showdown, then return home for Tuesday’s matchup with the resurgent Bulldogs. Tipoff is set for 8 PM, and it will provide State with another opportunity for a quadrant one win. The post Bulldogs rally in 2nd half for 86-73 win over Tennessee appeared first on News Mississippi.
Wicker, Hyde-Smith vote “no” on additional witnesses in impeachment trial
The Senate has voted to move President Trump’s impeachment trial into its final stages by denying a request to allow additional witnesses to testify. According to Fox News, the vote comes after Democrats began pushing for former National Security Adviser John Bolton to testify in the trial. The vote on the motion was mostly along party lines with a final tally of 51-49. Utah Sen. Mitt Romney and Maine Sen. Susan Collins voted with Senate Democrats. Mississippi’s Senators voted against the motion, and in a press release, Senator Roger Wicker said that each side has had adequate time to lay out their arguments. “The articles of impeachment passed by the House do not allege a crime or any offense that warrants the removal of a duly-elected president,” Wicker said. “We have heard arguments from both sides through a fair process. It is now time to conclude this trial and get back to work for the American people.” Wicker went on to say that during the trial, Senators have received more than 28,000 pages of documents from the House investigation, seen 192 video clips of 13 different witnesses, heard 48 hours of arguments, and questioned the House managers and the President’s defense attorneys for 16 hours. Prior to today’s vote, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer tweeted the following message in regards to the expected outcome. “If Republicans refuse to even consider witnesses and documents in this trial, any acquittal of President Trump will be meaningless, because it will be the result of a sham trial,” he said. Fox News reports that “the final up-and-down vote — amid the widespread expectation that Trump will be acquitted in the end — could continue into next week.” The post Wicker, Hyde-Smith vote “no” on additional witnesses in impeachment trial appeared first on News Mississippi.
Governor Reeves releases his FY21 Executive Budget Recommendation for Mississippi
(Information provided by the Office of Governor Tate Reeves) Governor Tate Reeves has released his Executive Budget Recommendation for fiscal year 2021 for the state of Mississippi. Committed to delivering on promises made during his campaign and his first State of the State Address, Governor Reeves’ balanced budget recommendation highlights key investment areas such as a teacher pay raise, increasing the number of National Board Certified teachers, and investing in workforce development and rural healthcare. “Standing before my fellow Mississippians, I promised that this would be an administration for all Mississippi. I am a man of my word. I am committed to honoring that promise, and this balanced budget recommendation is the first step,” said Governor Tate Reeves. The budget specifically sets out to fund the following priorities: Increase teacher pay by $1,500 in our first year with an eye towards further future raises. Double the teacher supply fund. Increase the supplement for teachers to earn and maintain their National Board Certification. Fund bonuses for teachers who locate in underserved areas. Achieve a history-making increase in our investment in workforce development. Increase our investment in rural health care. You can read the full FY21 Executive Budget Recommendation here. The post Governor Reeves releases his FY21 Executive Budget Recommendation for Mississippi appeared first on News Mississippi.
Possible Hepatitis A exposure in Vicksburg restaurant
(Information provided by the Mississippi State Department of Health) The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is investigating a case of hepatitis A in a Warren County restaurant employee which may have led to possible exposure for customers. An employee of the Gumbo Pot, 3401 Halls Ferry Road #5 in Vicksburg, has been diagnosed with hepatitis A infection. While infectious, the employee worked at the restaurant on January 17th, 18th and 22nd. Customers who ate at the restaurant on those days may have been exposed to hepatitis A. Vaccination can prevent hepatitis A only if given within 14 days of exposure. Because those who ate at the restaurant on January 17th and 18th would have been exposed more than 14 days ago, they should watch for any possible symptoms of hepatitis A and see their doctor if they become ill. Those who ate at the restaurant on January 22nd should get the hepatitis A vaccination if they have not been previously vaccinated. Those who think they may have been exposed to this case can receive a hepatitis A vaccination free of charge from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, February 3rd and Tuesday, February 4th at the Warren County Health Department, 807 Monroe Street in Vicksburg. “The risk of transmission of hepatitis A in this situation is likely very low. However, as a precaution, we recommend that anyone who ate food from this restaurant on January 22nd should consider getting a hepatitis A vaccination if they have not done so already. And again, those who may have been exposed on January 17th and 18th should watch for any possible symptoms of hepatitis A and see their doctor if become ill,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. “The management and staff of the Gumbo Pot are fully cooperating with MSDH to prevent illnesses as a result of this exposure,” said Byers. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that causes fever, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), abdominal pain and dark colored urine. Hepatitis A usually spreads when a person unknowingly ingests the virus from objects, food or drinks contaminated by small, undetected amounts of stool (feces) from an infected person. If you think you have symptoms of hepatitis A, you should contact your healthcare provider. Everyone can prevent the spread of hepatitis A by carefully washing hands with soap and water, including under the fingernails, after using the bathroom or changing diapers, and before preparing or eating food. As a reminder, there is an ongoing hepatitis A outbreak in Mississippi and surrounding states affecting those who use drugs, those who are in jail or were recently in jail, those with unstable housing or who are homeless, and men who have sex with men. The MSDH continues to recommend hepatitis A vaccination for those specific groups as well. Follow information about the current hepatitis A outbreak in Mississippi at HealthyMS.com/HepA. The post Possible Hepatitis A exposure in Vicksburg restaurant appeared first on News Mississippi.
Mega Millions & Powerball sales exceed expectations on day one
Mega Millions and Powerball tickets went on sale in Mississippi on Thursday, and sales exceeded expectations. The first ticket was purchased by Senator Philip Moran during a ceremony on the Mississippi Coast at Keith’s Superstore on the Pass Christian Harbor, and after that, many Mississippi residents followed his lead. “Yesterday was another incredible day for Mississippi,” said Mississippi Lottery Corporation (MLC) President Tom Shaheen. “Powerball® and Mega Millions® combined sales were $516,986. This is slightly over double of what we expected for jackpots at the current levels. Mississippians sent a resounding message that they were glad both games are here.” With more than 1,500 approved retailers on board, the system activated at 3 a.m. (CST). “We are extremely grateful for our loyal retailer base and players as we moved forward with our mission to raise needed revenue for roads, bridges and education,” Shaheen continued. Until 2028, the first $80 million of revenue from the lottery each year will be put toward infrastructure, and anything further will be placed in the state’s ‘Education Enhancement Fund’. Drawings for Mega Millions occur on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:00 p.m. CST. The current jackpot amount is $155 million. Drawings for Powerball occur on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9:59 p.m. The current Jackpot is $40 million. To watch the drawings live, visit www.mslotteryhome.com. The post Mega Millions & Powerball sales exceed expectations on day one appeared first on News Mississippi.
Health officials “closely monitoring” coronavirus outbreak
Courtesy of the MSDH The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak and is working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and partners within the state health system to ensure Mississippi is prepared if we do get a case in the state. The 2019 Novel Coronavirus was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in late December. The virus has quickly spread in China with several thousand cases, and additional cases have now been confirmed in a growing number of other international locations, including the United States. In the U.S., there have been a total of six cases of the virus reported with more than 100 under investigation as possible cases. The risk of transmission of this virus in the U.S. is low. So far, Mississippi has no persons under investigation or confirmed cases. “This is a rapidly evolving situation, but it’s important to note that the immediate risk to the Mississippi public is low at this time. We need to be prudent and monitor the situation, work with the CDC, and continue working with our healthcare systems throughout the state,’’ said State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs, MD. “There should be more concern in preventing the spread of seasonal flu than this coronavirus right now. We are in peak season and the flu is highly infectious.” Those who could be at risk are those who have recently traveled to China, especially the Wuhan City area, in the past two to 14 days or those who have had close contact with someone who is a confirmed case or a case under investigation. Symptoms of coronavirus mostly include flu-like illness such as fever, cough, and congestion. Currently, the CDC recommends that travelers avoid nonessential travel to China. The post Health officials “closely monitoring” coronavirus outbreak appeared first on News Mississippi.
Two Covington inmates back in custody, one still on the run
An escaped inmate from Covington County is back in custody after more than two weeks on the run. Alex Knight was captured in Seminary on Thursday after he and two other inmates escaped from the Covington County Jail on January 15th. Inmate Dillion Parr was captured two days after the escape, but Christopher Love is still on the run. Christopher Love (Image courtesy of the Covington County Sheriff’s Department) The inmates escaped through a skylight in the facility. According to the Covington County Sheriff’s Office, two other individuals were arrested for hindering prosecution during Knight’s apprehension. Knight was behind bars for burglary and will likely face additional charges. Parr faces manslaughter charges while Love’s charges have not been made public. The post Two Covington inmates back in custody, one still on the run appeared first on News Mississippi.