On Tuesday, September 26th, the Tishomingo County Republican Party met at Sparks Drive In in Belmont. The Group welcomed Circuit Court Judge John White as the keynote speaker. Judge White spoke at length about Interventional Court, Drug Court, Veteran’s Court, and other subjects giving the well-attended event and attendees new and interesting insights into the challenges of serving citizens that have made poor choices but are willing to change. The court allows many opportunities to turn lives around and thankfully, many do. Some don’t. Those are dealt with fairly but firmly.

The Judge answered questions and provided real answers to all, making it clear that funding makes a difference and that the Legislature needs to move quickly to insure that the program continues to serve those in need. It isn’t about the money. It is about the ability to make decisions on a case by case basis that affect not only the individual, but their families and friends as well.

The “10 Minutes of Hope” was provided by Pastor Terry Paul Graham of Old Bethel Church. Pastor Graham encouraged political leaders to remember the words in the Bible and lead according to the Word of God. He reminded them of the story of the prodigal son and how his father welcomed him home after he squandered his inheritance.

The group also sponsored the event on Wednesday, September 27th in Iuka at Cream and Sugar Café with State Representative Bubba Carpenter where Governor Tate Reeves addressed Tishomingo County citizens. Governor Reeves reminded the group that his administration has dealt with 14 Federal disasters, the most ever. The prior record was 4 disasters in the early 1970’s. Even so, we have higher teachers pay, higher test scores by Mississippi students in math and reading, better environment for business, more liberties, and many other positive things in the midst of a national Democrat party effort to make our nation turn socialists. “Mississippi is the safest place in the nation for an unborn child”. He held a press conference on Friday with state healthcare leaders announcing massive funding to save rural hospitals and increase the quality of healthcare in the State without having to expand Medicaid which would only allow for minor help for providers and patients.

The County Party encouraged all in leadership in Jackson to continue to press the primary payors to simply pay the healthcare providers and hospitals what they are owed. Currently, some are holding millions of dollars that could save lives in Mississippi and that move is putting unnecessary pressure on clinics and hospitals, which means quality of care for Mississippians is affected. The County Party thanks Governor Reeves and the leaders that came together to bring real conversations and solutions to this critical issue. NMMC’s Shane Spees played a big role in this massive help for our community.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of 3 “Segars Award for Conservatism” awards. Congratulations to Lance Heavener of Burnsville who won the annual award, Tres Jones, the Junior Award winner, and the lovely Mrs. Vera Dean Pharr of Belmont who received the “Legacy” award. This prestigious award is given annually to those that work hard to expand the conservative cause in our county.

For more information on how you can be a part of this movement in Tishomingo County, contact County Chairman Ken Dulaney at krdulaney@gmail.com. Please vote in November! God bless you and Tishomingo County.