A Mississippi State study shows a 27 percent decrease in heart attacks among Starkville residents since the city passed a smoking ban in 2006.

Researchers associated with the university report also are recommending a statewide public ban on smoking.

The study by Robert McMillen and Dr. Robert Collins shows fewer heart attacks being treated at the Oktibbeha County Hospital. It focused on Starkville residents in the three-year span after the ban became law, compared to three years prior.

McMillen is an assistant professor in the psychology department and researcher at MSU’s nationally recognized Social Science Research Center; Collins is director of University Health Services.

Their findings are part of a larger SSRC evaluation of Mississippi communities that passed smoking bans in recent years. McMillen said the data shows Starkville benefitting medically from the smoking ban.

“The emerging scientific consensus clearly demonstrates that communities like Starkville can reduce heart attacks simply by prohibiting smoking in indoor public places,” McMillen said. “Smoke-free laws are popular with the public and are free to implement.”

The MSU investigation mirrors findings of a federally commissioned panel of scientists recently made public. Commissioned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that report by the independent and non-profit Institute of Medicine examined information from 11 studies of communities in Canada, Italy, Scotland, and the United States.

The CDC/IM conclusion: Bans on smoking in public places reduces cases of heart attacks and heart disease.

“Our research substantiates that report from the Institute of Medicine,” McMillen said.

In addition to Starkville, larger Mississippi communities with public-place smoking bans include Tupelo, Meridian, Hattiesburg, Greenwood, Grenada, and Pontotoc. In all, some two dozen Magnolia State municipalities have bans.

Nationwide, 17 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia ban smoking in bars, restaurants and workplaces. Also, 14 other states and more than 350 cities and towns ban smoking in one or two of those types of establishments, according to the advocacy group Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights.

Collins, an MSU physician since 1977, said the 27 percent decrease in heart attacks in Starkville translates into 14 fewer heart attacks for local citizens and an estimated $750,000 not spent on heart attack aftercare, based on reports of the average financial costs for heart attacks.

Data from the Mississippi State Department of Health and national figures indicates the state would save an estimated $125 million annually in health care expenses if a legislatively mandated smoking ban was enacted, he added.

“I plead with the Mississippi Legislature to ban smoking in public places,” Collins said. “Our data reflects the findings of every other community that has looked at what happened when smoking is banned in public venues.”

Roy Hart, director of the Office of Tobacco Control at the Mississippi State Department of Health, also supports additional smoking bans in public places. He said enacting smoking restrictions is one of the simplest, healthy and cost effective “tobacco control strategies.”

“Smoking restrictions save lives, reduce health care costs and youth smoking initiation, and encourage smokers to quit,” Hart said.

Anti-smoking advocacy groups in Mississippi, including chapters of the American Heart and American Stroke associations, long have supported efforts to ban smoking in public places throughout the state.

“Improving the health of Mississippians is the main reason that groups all across the state fight for comprehensive smoke-free laws,” said Katherine Bryant, public advocacy director for both Jackson-based organizations.

“The American Heart Association, along with other coalition partners, hopes our lawmakers realize how vital strong smoke-free laws are to the health of all Mississippians,” Bryant added.

Popularity: 30% [?]

A driver plowed into the side of a local business last night, causing thousands of dollars in damage.

Mobility Medical on South Gloster Street now has a gaping hole where the door once was, much like the gaping hole in the head of the driver, who fled the scene, leaving the car there along with his keys. Police would catch up with him later and book him at the Lee County Sheriff’s Department. He told police he lost control of the car, but the damage to the store is consistent with a speeding car.

The manager of the store says it is still open for business, but repairs to the wounded building will amount to roughly $20,000. He will also have security personnel on hand while repairs are made to ensure people won’t use his store as a driveway again. Repairs should be done in about a month.

Popularity: 29% [?]

Much like many other Mississippi residents, local wireless company Cellular South  is taking precautionary steps to bolster its network and mobilize employees to protect against potential damage from winter weather conditions in the Southeast that could produce ice, snow, sleet and freezing rain this weekend.

The latest forecast from the National Weather Service indicates that a blast of artic air will move into the region on Sunday from the northeast and collide with warmer air from the Gulf of Mexico, creating conditions that forecasters say could produce from 4 to 8 inches of snow
in parts of Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama and a wintry mix of snow, sleet and rain for other parts of the region.

The company has placed its network management staff and all contractors on emergency standby this weekend and has readied its extensive web of cell sites and other infrastructure for the severe winter weather conditions.

“Our preparations are designed to give customers maximum reliability from their wireless phones at the time of greatest need,” said Trey Howard, director of Network Operations for Cellular South. “When these types of conditions occur, people depend on their wireless phones as a lifeline to the outside world.”

Howard said Cellular South has extensive experience in responding to severe weather conditions, including the Delta ice storms, Hurricane
Katrina in 2005 and numerous tornadoes that have lashed the region in recent years. “For many customers and others as well, Cellular South is the first and often only means of communications available during severe or threatening weather conditions,” he said. “We want our customers to
know that we stand ready to respond to whatever circumstances come their way.”

Howard said the wireless carrier’s 1,150-member workforce, along with the company’s extensive network resources, will be on “high alert”
throughout the weekend to respond to any potential impacts to its wireless network infrastructure. Cellular South also stands ready to activate its Emergency Response Plan, which guides the deployment of company resources and personnel during a crisis.

The company is coordinating its precautionary preparations with local, state and federal agencies, including the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the office of Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and the National Weather Service.

Popularity: 29% [?]

Hooters of Hattiesburg, MS will open its doors to the public at 11 AM on December 10th, followed by a ribbon cutting celebration on Monday, December 13th.  The store has partnered with Toys for Tots during the opening weekend, offering guests who support the cause with a toy donation a free order of Hooters loaded Tater Tots (Lots-A-Tots).  Located at 101 Carlisle Street off Hardy and 1-59, the Hooters of Hattiesburg is the 5th Hooters location in Mississippi and 1st in the area.

At 10:00 AM on December 13th Hattiesburg Hooters will host a ribbon cutting celebration with the Chamber of Commerce and will be donating all the toys collected over the weekend to the Toys for Tots organization.

“We are excited to bring the Hooters concept of food and fun to Hattiesburg,” stated Tory Bartlett, Vice President of Franchise Operations for Hooters of America.  ”The store is in an excellent location and has many upgraded features that the residents will enjoy.”

The new 5200 square foot location comes equipped with 30 high-definition televisions,  7 booths with personal TVs, free WiFi, seating that can accommodate 200 customers as well as a full liquor bar and an outdoor patio. The Hooters of Hattiesburg can be reached at 601-268-6600.

Popularity: 51% [?]

A man that was spotted butt-naked in a Picayune church cemetery on Monday says he was trying to photograph ghosts.

The seemingly delusional 47 year old Robert Hurst said that he entered the cemetery in his birthday suit because he thinks skin is the best “canvas” to show orbs of energy from spirits.

The camera intended to catch vandals is what caught the man, and he turned himself in to police on Friday. He was charged with misdemeanor indecent exposure and released from jail on $500 bond.

Popularity: 43% [?]

A local trucking company owner is on his way to the joint after being sentenced as a result of drug charges earlier this year.

Marco Johnson was ordered to serve 37 months after being busted with 300 pounds of weed in an 18 wheeler near Veteran’s Boulevard.

The man was the owner of Polo Express Trucking, but not for at least 37 months as he pleaded guilty to possession of more than 100 kilograms of marijuana with intent to distribute.

He will give himself up to authorities January 10, 2010.

Popularity: 55% [?]

Monday’s storms left a path of destruction across Monroe County, and the Monroe Emergency Management Agency has officially assessed the damage.

An estimated 50 homes were damaged in the communities of Becker and Darracott. In all, 11 people were injured by the storm which produced an EF-2 tornado in Becker, and one person is still recovering from their injuries in a local hospital. The damage incurred elsewhere was caused primarily by strong straight line winds.

The Red Cross and MEMA will continue to be in the area to help those affected.

Popularity: 39% [?]

A perverted old man  had his appeal of convictions of having sex with minors denied today.

Johnny McCullough, 65 of Blue Springs, was unable to avoid a conviction of 15 years in prison to think about his two counts of gratification of lust. Five other counts were dropped.

McCullough claimed that the inconsistency of his convictions by the jury was grounds for an appeal. However, the Mississippi Court of Appeals said that the counts were all different events.

Popularity: 39% [?]

The airplane symbols that people see on highways across Mississippi are there for a reason that not many people are aware of.

The marks are there to clock your speed, countering popular belief that the roads adorned with the logos are emergency landing areas. Police aircraft hover above and use radar guns to clock your average speed between two of the symbols, which are usually a mile apart.

Due to tight budgets and a crumbling economy, this seemingly over-the-top method of getting out traffic tickets is rarely used. However, police statewide say that it could always make a comeback. It’s obviously a more stealthy way to catch speeders,  so when you see the symbols – slow down.

Popularity: 91% [?]

Today and tomorrow, the Foundation for the Mid South and the National League of Cities (NLC) will host mayors from 19 cities and towns in Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana at the King Edward Hotel to focus on reducing childhood obesity in their communities.

The Municipal Leadership for Healthy Southern Cities project, which is sponsored by the NLC’s Institute for Youth, Education and Families, helps municipal leaders use their leadership positions to more effectively influence policy to improve community health.  Specifically, efforts in the 19 communities will focus on increasing residents’ access to recreational opportunities and fresh, nutritious foods.  The project is supported by Leadership for Healthy Communities, a national program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The participating cities and towns will each form their own community action plan to improve policies to reduce childhood obesity.  Over the next two days, mayors will receive guidance from the state municipal leagues, state health departments, NLC, and the Foundation for the Mid South.

The following are the cities and towns participating:

“Our collaboration is focused on helping municipal leaders—from both large and small communities—make health and wellness a priority,” said Necole S. Irvin, Senior Program Officer at the Foundation for the Mid South. “The knowledge and skills shared today and tomorrow will allow leaders to create plans that will keep their communities focused on curbing obesity and improving health, even when the work of Foundation and the National League of Cities is complete.”

“High childhood obesity rates represent a grave threat to public health and often impose a financial burden on cities already struggling to provide residents with essential services,” said Clifford M. Johnson, Executive Director of NLC’s Institute for Youth, Education and Families.   “We commend these cities for taking it upon themselves to help make their communities healthier.”

Popularity: 70% [?]