“Proud Southern” Architect
Frances Zook carves impressive niche By Jack Criss • Photography by Laura Negri Childress Frances Flautt Zook doesn’t mind being categorized as a Southern architect. Truth be told, she embraces the label. “I’m a proud Southern architect,” Zook, a Greenwood native, says. “Vernacular styles of a geographical area influence my work. I don’t admire a […]
Blakeman, Brister & Putman Financial Group
Local service, worldwide expertise By Jack Criss Founded in 1957 by Sonny Blakeman, Blakeman, Brister and Putman Financial Group has throughout its history established itself as one of the Delta’s—most recognizable money/wealth management teams. Along with partners Mike Brister and David Putman, Chip Otts, an Indianola native, has been associated with the firm since 2000, he says the company offers a full […]
Medical Marijuana
Ballot Alternatives Could be Confusing to Voters By Becky Gillette Mississippi could join thirty-four other states in legalizing medical marijuana if voter Initiative Measure No. 65 is approved by voters in the November election. While public opinion polls have shown about eighty percent of Mississippians favor medical marijuana, health authorities and a majority of state […]
Dedicated to the Community
A life well spent caring for people By Jack Criss Patrick Davis is Delta through and through. Born in Cleveland and raised in Greenville, both sides of Davis’ family are from the Cleveland area, although he split time between the two towns growing up. “I had two sets of friends,” he laughs. “I grew up […]
New Federal Courthouse in Greenville Will Serve as Economic Catalyst
By Becky Gillette Construction is expected to begin this summer on a new, $40.1 million federal courthouse in downtown Greenville that is expected to provide a major economic stimulus both during construction and through its years of usage. “The new federal courthouse in our downtown is a legacy project that will change the face of […]
Innovative Food? It’s In Clarksdale Levon’s has established outstanding reputation
by Jack Criss DBJ Contributing Writer “We believe we have the best food in the Delta,” states Levon’s Bar and Restaurant owner, Naomi King. The Sydney, Australian native minces no word; but she believes her statement is more than just biased hyperbole. Located in Clarksdale and now just past its fourth year in business, Levon’s […]
Bad Apple Blues Club Clarksdale Hot Spot Promises Authenticity and Good Times
By Jack Criss Sean Apple may not have been born in the Mississippi Delta; but he says he’s lived here long enough that it almost feels like he was—and that the state has certainly become his real home. And it’s all because of his devotion to a Delta musical creation and tradition. The longtime blues musician […]
Bill’s Custom Automatics Three Generations of Gunsmiths in Shelby
By Mark H. Stowers The name sounds as ordinary as any—Bill’s Custom Automatics. The small white nondescript building in the town of Shelby, the highway now bypasses, became the home for the business in 1991. But, don’t let the façade fool you. Inside, there are generations of gun knowledge and gunsmith excellence rarely found in […]
Mississippi Cautiously Reopens Using a State Managed, Locally Executed Approach
By Becky Gillette There is no one-size-fits-all recipe for reopening different kinds of business across Mississippi that have been impacted by closures associated with the efforts to stem the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Business and political leaders appreciate Gov. Tate Reeves’ acknowledgement of that fact and his strategy of “state managed, locally […]
Matt Malouf Using His Love for Selling With Tom James Custom Clothier
By Susan Marquez Matt Malouf has selling in his blood. The Greenwood native’s uncle runs the family furniture store that bears their name. “When I finished college,” says Matt,” I went to work with my father Bill at Port Elliot. I learned a lot from him, and it was a pleasure working alongside him.” Matt […]