‘Coach Prime’ offers insight into new-look Jackson State program
Following Monday’s introduction, “Coach Prime”, as he requested to be called, met the media for the first time as the head football coach at Jackson State this morning to offer some insight into what the Tigers will look like under his watch. “Smart, fast, tough and disciplined. We play fast, we play physical, we’re disciplined at all times, and we have fun doing what we do,” is the way Sanders described the style of play you can expect to see when the Tigers kickoff their season in the spring of 2021. While this will be the Pro Football Hall of Famer’s first collegiate coaching job, he has an unquestioned knowledge of the game. Sanders explained that his preparation for a career in coaching began during his playing days while working “hand in hand” with his coaches to develop gameplans and schemes. With a spread-style offense, Sanders will emphasize movement and quickly getting the ball in the hands of their playmakers. “The key to it is getting the ball in the hands of the playmakers, but first, you’ve got to get the playmakers.” He also outlined his defensive philosophy with a Deion Sanders-like flare to it. “We’re going to be aggressive, we’re going to attack, we’re going to be physical, we’re going to force turnovers, and we’re going to score. And, when we score, we’re going to celebrate,” he said. With all of that said, Sanders wasted no time in offering some of the nation’s top talent at both the high school and JUCO levels throughout his first day on the job. Attracting talent was a primary focus during Sanders’ introduction Monday and he followed up on that today. He expressed confidence in the university’s facilities and resources but explained that there needs to added exposure for HBCUs nationwide. “ I don’t see anything limited about [the facilites]. This looks really, really good. It is astounding,” the new coach said discussing his first impressions of JSU. “The resources with allowing the ‘elite players’ to understand what HBCU’s occupy is a whole other thing. Playing on ESPN2 and not ESPN, not being invited to bowl games when some teams that are 6-5 or some teams that are really not worthy, I want to know why that is not on the table for HBCUs. When I say I want to level the playing field, I want to level it in every aspect of the word. I just want our kids to understand that there is a navigation system that leads us to the NFL…You can get to where you want to get to and reach your goals from JSU.” The Tigers do have several key contributors returning from a season ago, including QBs Derrick Ponder and Jalon Jones along with leading rusher Keshawn Harper. Defensively, LB Keonte Hampton is back after leading the Tigers in sacks with 4.5 in 2019. As for who will be joining Sanders on the sidelines, the coaching staff has not yet been announced, but he did state the staff has been assembled. While there were rumors of fellow Hall of Famer Brett Favre joining the staff, Sanders squashed that by stating that the Mississippi native “will remain in the best friends category” for now. According to WAPT‘s Joe Cook, Sanders has put together a star-studded staff. Just like he did during his football and baseball playing careers, Sanders will continue to wear multiple hats. After recently joining Barstool Sports, Sanders expressed confidence in the fact that he can succeed while juggling multiple responsibilities. “Being a head coach is really having the ability to do multiple things simultaneously and maintain the ‘main thing’ being the ‘main thing.’ This is the ‘main thing.” I’m doing several things as a human being, as a man, as an entity, but this is the ‘main thing’ and it will always be,” he explained. For the time being, the “main thing” is serving as the offensive coordinator for Trinity Christian High School in Texas where he’ll finish out the season. His son, Shedeur, is the team’s QB and a highly-coveted prospect in the 2021 recruiting class. Although he didn’t initially see himself getting into this line of work, Sanders described the coaching at the youth level as “not adequate” which forced him into action. “Either you’re going to complain, or you’re going to do something about it,” Sanders said. “I’m the kind of guy that, I don’t complain about anything. I just get up and do something about it, and that’s what I did.” As for his belief that he can deliver a winner to Jackson State, Sanders gave a response that should come as no surprise to anyone that watched the all-time great play. “Confidence is my natural odor, let’s understand that.” The post ‘Coach Prime’ offers insight into new-look Jackson State program appeared first on News Mississippi.
B.B. King headlines 2020 Mississippi Songwriters Hall of Fame class
Photo courtesy of the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance The second-ever class to be inducted into the Mississippi Songwriters Hall of Fame features four big names in B.B. King, Jimmy Buffett, Mac McAnally, and Tommy Barnes. B.B. King B.B. King isn’t commonly referred to as “The King of Blues” for no reason. As his fellow inductee, Mac McAnally, described him, King was “a phenomenal guitar player, a phenomenal songwriter, and one of the best blues singers ever on the planet.” Prior to his death in 2015, the Berclair native enjoyed a 65-year career that brought along with it an absurd amount of accolades, including 11 Grammy Awards and inductions into both the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and now, his induction into the Mississippi Songwriters Hall of Fame furthers that list. While King may be famous for hits such as “The Thrill is Gone” and “Every Day I Have The Blues,” what he will always be remembered for is his everlasting effect on music as a whole. Jimmy Buffett Through songs such as “Margaritaville,” “Come Monday,” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” Jimmy Buffett personifies the island lifestyle that we all, somewhere deep down, desire to have. Buffett, who was born in Pascagoula, has successfully translated his Gulf Coast roots into his music over the course of the last half-century, resulting (thus far) in eight gold albums. Buffett is also joined by fellow Coral Reef Band member Mac McAnally in this year’s Hall of Fame class. Mac McAnally Mac McAnally may be most known for being a member of Jimmy Buffet’s backing band, however, the Belmont native has done a whole lot more over the course of his 30-year career than simply work as Buffett’s top songwriter. Ever heard of “Back Where I Come From” by Kenny Chesney or “Old Flame” by Alabama? Yeah, McAnally wrote both of those chart-toppers as well. On top of his phenomenal songwriting ability, the 10-time CMA Musician of the Year award winner has also produced over 15 albums, including Once in a Lifetime, which he released earlier this year. Tommy Barnes Born in Elvis’ hometown of Tupelo, Tommy Barnes is one of country music’s most under-appreciated songwriters. Before Tim McGraw became one of the genre’s highest-grossing vocalists, Barnes and McGraw crossed paths in Nashville, formulating a match made in heaven. The outcome of the friendship was McGraw’s first top 40 hit, “Indian Outlaw.” Barnes has also written songs recorded by artists such as Hank Williams, Jr., Tom Wopat, Tony Stampley, Jeff Cook, and Little Texas. Reggie Bates was also posthumously inducted during the virtual ceremony for his contributing work as a founding member of the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance. To watch the 2020 Hall of Fame presentation in its entirety, click here. The post B.B. King headlines 2020 Mississippi Songwriters Hall of Fame class appeared first on News Mississippi.
Every Farmer Counts: National Farm Safety and Health Week
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, agriculture is the most dangerous of any industry sector in America. 574 fatalities were reported in 2018, which equals 23.4 deaths per 100,000 workers. Farmers, ranchers, and foresters incorporate physically and mentally demanding and potentially dangerous tasks into their jobs daily. These tasks often involve long hours and are performed in high-risk settings. Mississippi Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson has recognized this week, September 20th through 26th, as Farm Safety and Health Week in Mississippi. National Farm Safety and Health Week was established to recognize the importance of the health and safety of American farmers, ranchers, and foresters. The theme for 2020 is “Every Farmer Counts.” “As Mississippi’s number one industry, agriculture plays a significant role in our communities. National Farm Safety and Health Week is a great promotion that raises awareness of the risks and potential dangers that farmers, ranchers, and foresters face daily as they work hard to provide the essentials that sustain our citizens across the state and the world,” said Commissioner Gipson. “We want to take this opportunity to encourage safe farm practices and prioritize the safety and health of our agriculture workers.” Click here to view informative webinars provided by The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety. The post Every Farmer Counts: National Farm Safety and Health Week appeared first on News Mississippi.
Palazzo signs pledge in support of law enforcement
Congressman Steven Palazzo has signed Heritage Action’s Police Pledge in support of police officers and law enforcement officials in south Mississippi and opposing any efforts to “Defund the Police.” “I will always stand with our law enforcement officials who hold the thin blue line between law and order and chaos and lawlessness. Like the majority of Americans, I am proud to support our police officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” said Palazzo. “Mississippians and Americans everywhere are grateful to Rep. Palazzo for standing up for our brave law enforcement and signing the Police Pledge, and we call on every elected official to join him,” said Jessica Anderson, Executive Director of Heritage Action. “As our cities are suffering waves of riots and brave police officers are subjected to senseless violence, the far Left is abandoning our nation’s law enforcement and with it, our cities. It is time to return safety and security to our neighborhoods, support the police, and put a stop to the lawless anarchy.” The full text of the pledge can be read below: A lawful society—free from mob rule and violent insurrection—is not possible without Law Enforcement. Police Officers have chosen a noble profession. They dedicate their lives to upholding the law and protecting the sacred rights of their fellow citizens. As a profession, they deserve support and respect. I stand with America’s Police and pledge to oppose any bill, resolution, or movement to “Defund the Police.” The post Palazzo signs pledge in support of law enforcement appeared first on News Mississippi.
With deadline 10 days away, time running out to complete 2020 Census
With less than 10 days left to fill out the 2020 United States Census, you really need to take the time to complete it if you haven’t already done so. Why? Well, here’s two reasons: (1) the state of Mississippi receives $5,000 in federal dollars per year for each citizen accounted for, and (2) Title 18 U.S.C. Section 3571 and Section 3559 make it legally obligatory for American citizens to complete the census. “For every person that is not counted, we lose…approximately $5,000 per person,” Mississippi Complete Count Committee Chairman Giles Ward said. “We have a responsibility under federal law to respond to the census. Take away all of the economic advantages that you have…if you want to be a law-abiding citizen, you need to respond.” RELATED OP-ED: U.S. Senator Roger Wicker encourages Mississippians to complete 2020 Census Thus far, 59.7 percent of identified households in Mississippi have self-responded, which is bad enough to put the state at 45th out of 50 in self-response rankings. The national self-response rate currently stands at 66.1 percent. Like Ward said, if you want to be a law-abiding citizen or you simply want to help Mississippi receive the proper federal funding it deserves, you can go here to fill out the 10-minute, 10-question census. The deadline is Wednesday, September 30th. “It’s just impossible to overstate how important this is to the state of Mississippi.” The post With deadline 10 days away, time running out to complete 2020 Census appeared first on News Mississippi.
Special Election on Tuesday to fill four legislative seats
Voters will go to the polls Tuesday, September 22nd, to choose new legislative leaders. The special election will also give officials a chance to work out COVID-19 processes and procedures ahead of the November 3rd General Election. Tuesday, voters will choose who will fill the vacancies in two House districts and two Senate districts. House District 66, in Hinds County, was held by Jarvis Dortch who resigned in early July. Dortch was later named as the Executive Director of the ACLU in Mississippi. The candidates vying for the House District 55 seat include Gregory L. Divinity, Robert C. ‘Bob’ Lee Jr., Fabian Nelson, Kathryn Orey Perry, De’Keither A. Stamps, and Calvin B. Williams. House District 37, which covers Clay, Lowndes, and Oktibbeha counties, was previously held by Gary Chism of Columbus, who retired on June 30th. Chism had served in the legislature since 1999. David Michael Chism, Vicky Rose, and Lynn Wright are competing for House District 37. Senate District 15, which includes portions of Oktibbeha, Choctaw, Webster, and Montgomery counties, was held by Gary Jackson of French Camp. Jackson, who left the Senate in late June citing health concerns, had served for 17 years. The candidates vying for Senate District 15 include Bricklee Miller, Levon Murphy Jr., Bart Williams, and Joyce Meek Yates. Senate District 39, which encompasses Copiah, Lawrence, Lincoln, and Walthall counties, was held by Sally Doty of Brookhaven until she resigned in mid-July. Doty was then appointed by Governor Tate Reeves as Executive Director of the Mississippi Public Utilities Staff. There are nine candidates in the running for Senate District 39. They include Jason Barrett, Beth Brown, Cindy S. Bryan, Mike Campbell, Josh Davis, Ben Johnson, Michael Smith, Prentiss Smith, and Bill Sones. Here are a few important reminders: The polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m., but if you are still in line when the polls close, you will be able to cast your ballot. If you have moved, or this is your first time voting, click here to locate your polling place. Have your ID with you because all Mississippians voting at the polls are required to show a photo ID card. According to the Secretary of State’s Office, all voters are strongly encouraged to wear a mask, abide by social distancing recommendations, and practice good COVID-19 hygiene. Click here for more information about voting during the COVID-19 pandemic. The post Special Election on Tuesday to fill four legislative seats appeared first on News Mississippi.
MSGOP to elect new chairman as Lucien Smith steps aside
There will soon be new leadership at the Mississippi Republican Party as an election will be held to replace current Chairman Lucien Smith at an upcoming State Executive Committee meeting. Smith has served in the role since his election in October 2017 following the resignation of Joe Nosef, and it had been reported by Mississippi Today back in July that Governor Tate Reeves was planning to replace him — a common occurrence when a new governor enters office. “All Republicans should be grateful for Lucien Smith’s steady stewardship of the party,” Governor Reeves said. “He has been a great chairman, and will continue to be an important figure in Mississippi.” In the MSGOP’s announcement, Smith reflected on his time as chairman and voiced his support for the change in leadership. “Serving as Chairman of the Mississippi Republican Party has been the greatest honor of my professional life and I am proud of what we have achieved,” Smith said. “In the last election, thanks to the hard work of party activists and staff across the state, for the first time ever Republicans swept all eight statewide offices, reclaimed the Public Service Commission, and achieved a supermajority in the Senate to match the supermajority in the House. The Republican Party is as strong as it has ever been in Mississippi, and the state is better for it. After three years in this role, I believe it is time for a new Chairman. I appreciate the confidence of the Governor and the Committee as we have gone through the county, state, and national convention processes.” Smith went on to state his intention to nominate and elect Frank Bordeaux to become the new chairman. “At our fall State Committee meeting, I intend to call an election for Chairman and intend to support Frank Bordeaux for the role,” Smith said. “Frank is a friend and a strong Republican. I’m confident the party will continue to prosper under his leadership. Frank Bordeaux Bordeaux currently serves as the VP of Property and Casualty for BXS Insurance and as the Secretary for the Harrison County Board of Commissioners. He was also appointed to the Mississippi Flag Commission by Governor Reeves. “I support Frank Bordeaux, and believe that if the Committee chooses to elect him that he will do an excellent job growing the Republican Party,” Governor Reeves said. “His work ethic, integrity, and conservative credentials are unmatched.” Smith noted that he will continue to remain “engaged in the fight to advance conservative ideas” in Mississippi. At this time, no specific date for the election or Smith’s departure has been set. The post MSGOP to elect new chairman as Lucien Smith steps aside appeared first on News Mississippi.
Commissioner Cain removes workers from Rankin County prison to “clean up” MDOC
Commissioner Burl Cain announced that the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) has suspended or dismissed five employees, including the chief of security, a warden, and a corrections commander, and banned five others from the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility in an ongoing effort to root out wrongdoing. 60-year-old Corrections Commander Carl Arnold has been suspended without pay and is currently the only person formally charged. MDOC arrested Arnold, head of the K-9 unit, Tuesday on an embezzlement charge, after a 25-year career with MDOC. “We are working with all law enforcement agencies to clean up the Mississippi Department of Corrections,” Commissioner Burl Cain said. “We are the ones who are supposed to be protecting society from the criminals, not be the criminals. So we will not tolerate the bad behavior of any kind. Inmates, correctional officers, and the public deserve that.” Arnold is charged with taking state-owned copper and stainless steel and selling the items to a private business for personal profit for almost a year. He joined MDOC in 1995. For legal reasons related to personnel issues, Commissioner Cain said he cannot discuss why the chief of security and one of the wardens were terminated. Nor can he give reasons for suspending without pay a director and an associate warden. A sixth employee resigned effective immediately and can no longer come on prison grounds. The other four people, who are not state employees, have also been banned from the Rankin County prison. “We continue to actively work with other state and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure the integrity of the department and remain committed to being transparent and open to the people of Mississippi,” Commissioner Cain added. “As our investigation continues in conjunction with other agencies, we will announce charges at the appropriate time.” The post Commissioner Cain removes workers from Rankin County prison to “clean up” MDOC appeared first on News Mississippi.
Monday’s COVID-19 report from MSDH includes zero deaths
No COVID-19-related deaths were included in today’s report from the Mississippi State Department of Health. Today’s report does include 192 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state’s total up to 93,556. To date, 2,810 Mississippians have passed away from the virus. While hospital data has not yet been updated in today’s report, heading into the weekend, overall hospitalizations were close to dropping below 500. In other positive news, the MSDH is now able to estimate that 85,327 Mississippians have recovered from COVID-19. The post Monday’s COVID-19 report from MSDH includes zero deaths appeared first on News Mississippi.
“Coach Prime”: Deion Sanders officially named Jackson State head coach
Led in by the thunderous sounds of the ‘Sonic Boom’ and a police escort, Deion Sanders, outfitted in a custom Jackson State suit, was announced as the new head coach of the Tigers this morning. Dubbed “Coach Prime” by JSU Acting President Thomas Hudson, the NFL legend and Hall of Famer, who wore #21 throughout his professional football and baseball career, fittingly becomes the 21st head coach in JSU football history. During his opening remarks inside of the Lee E. Williams Center, Sanders, with the overarching mantra of “I believe,” made it clear that he was ready to take on the challenge of coaching at the colligate level head-on. “I hope y’all are ready. I hope you’re prepared and I hope you’re able because I have a commitment to excellence in each and everything I do, and I did not leave my 100 acres and a mule to come here [to lose],” he said. “We’re going to win. We’re going to look good while we win. We’re going to have a good time, sonic boom, while we win and we’re going to do this professionally. I believe this is going to be a marriage made in heaven and I can’t wait to get started. The hire has already proven to generate a new buzz around the program, something that Sanders is committed to carrying on—beginning with recruiting. “I believe that all of the people that you know with a child that has D-1 potential or Power 5 potential can now choose Jackson State. I believe our coaching staff is going to into every hood, every barbershop, every soul food joint, every nook and cranny, every grandmother’s house to recruit these dogs,” Sanders said. Coach Prime called out to the JSU community for support. In 2019, JSU averaged 33,762 fans per game, and while Sanders said that is “wonderful for an HBCU,” he believes Veterans Memorial Stadium can be filled to its capacity. “I love the way you tailgate, I love the tradition, but I believe that you go now and get your butt in the stadium and watch this team…I need each and every one of you, without a shadow of a doubt. I don’t care if it’s 3rd and 5 and we’re down by six at our 20, you’ve got to believe that we are going to march down that field. You’ve got to believe that we can do the unthinkable.” The first time head coach also emphasized the impact that the JSU football program can have on the city of Jackson, lowering crime rates and bringing unity to the community. Additionally, he emphasized the role that football can play across the university & its athletic department. “We’re going to increase enrollment. This program is going to be so prominent, that it is going to assist every other program in this university. All of the other sports’ head coaches, I’m here for you. If you got a dog that you need me to help your recruit, you best believe, I’m here for you because I don’t know if you know, we’re family now,” he said. Prior to Sanders’ introduction, President Hudson called the moment a “pivotal turning point” for the program and the university. He also joked that they were about to unveil the “worst kept secret in Jackson, Mississippi” after reports of the hire began to surface last Friday. Athletic Director Ashley Robinson detailed the process that brought ‘Neon Deion’ to Jackson. “When we started the process of looking for a new head coach for our legendary football program, I told the team that we would find the best possible candidate and not leave one stone unturned. This was truly a national search, and it was evident pretty quickly that we had one ‘prime’ candidate to rise to the top of the list,” Robinson explained. On the field, Sanders replaces John Hendrick, who was let go following a 4-8 season in 2019—his first as the full-time head coach after serving on an interim basis for a portion of the 2018 season. While this will be Sanders’ first time coaching in college, he currently serves as the offensive coordinator for Trinity Christian High School in Texas, where his son, Shedeur, has developed into a highly-sought after QB prospect. The SWAC voted to push its season to the spring, meaning you won’t see Sanders’ Tigers in action until February 27th against Mississippi Valley State. Watch the full introduction below: The post “Coach Prime”: Deion Sanders officially named Jackson State head coach appeared first on News Mississippi.