Serving The Public Is Common Thread For Officials
Ron Garavelli, former MDWFP chief of fisheries, helps manage the North Mississippi Fish Hatchery at Enid Lake. Garavelli invited visitors to tour the fish hatchery following an appreciation luncheon last Wednesday. – Photo by David Howell
Serving The Public Is Common Thread For Officials
By David Howell
Editor
ENID LAKE – Officers from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) hosted state and county officials from Yalobusha for an appreciation luncheon at the North Mississippi Fish Hatchery last Wednesday. This marks the second year for the luncheon, as the MDWFP’s north region office is located next to the hatchery adjacent to Enid Lake.
“We are proud to be here in Yalobusha County, we are proud to serve the state as a whole. We have a good group of officers who get the job done. They work day and night, 24 hours a day, it never stops,” MDWFP Major Jerry Carter told county and state officials who attended the event.
Speaking on behalf of county officials, Board President Cayce Washington thanked the group for hosting the event, adding that law enforcement and elected officials share a common bond to serve the citizens.
Washington also praised the work of MDWFP and Corps officials, citing a recent a recent “certificate” he received several weeks earlier. Washington explained he was cited by a ranger because he was not wearing his life jacket while boating at Enid Lake.
“I did not try to get out of the ticket because I am an elected official. I told him I fully expected to pay that ticket and I did. I want to say, thank you, because we have men of integrity serving,” Washington said, adding that no member of the community deserves special treatment because they wear a badge or serve as an elected official.
Washington also introduced county officials attending the luncheon including Chancery Clerk Amy McMinn; supervisors Washington, Ken Rogers, Lee McMinn and Timothy Booker; Tax Assessor/ Collector Linda Shuffield, District 1 Justice Court Judge Janet Caulder; and Sheriff Lance Humphreys.
Also speaking was MDWFP Commissioner William Cossar, who explained the role of the five commissioners is primarily setting policy for the state agency. One interesting responsibility for commissioners Cossar explained is determining if lawbreakers can get their hunting license back following a revocation for a serious wildlife offense. Citing headlighting as an example, Cossar explained that the offender must appear before commissioners and explain their offense before commissioners decide if the license will be reinstated.
“I have only voted to turn two of them down,” Cossar said, adding that he has served two years of a five-year term following a gubernatorial appointment.
Other attendees included Rep. Tommy Reynolds and Senator Russell Jolly as well as members of the Yalobusha County Economic Development and Tourism District board including chairman Earl Gibson, Toots Wadell, Eddie Ray and George Booker.
MDWFP supervisors serving in the northern district were recognized, along with other law enforcement officials attending including troopers and Panola Sheriff Dennis Darby and Enid Lake Resource Manager Mike Robinson.
“We are here for you and y’all are here for us, we work together in unity as a family,” Major Carter said about the comradery the group shares in serving the area.
