News From 2005

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Hurricane Katrina flooded thousands of vehicles in south Mississippi and Louisiana, and many of these soggy vehicles will soon start flooding used car markets across the rest of the country.

Some with just minor water damage can be dried out, cleaned up and small repairs made, but others that were fully or mostly submerged will be trouble. Experts say bacteria and mold can get established in wet cars, and airbags and anti-lock brakes usually fail in time if they get wet with salt water and rust or corrode.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Storm recovery means addressing many issues, but one of the first is restoring adequate, quality child care in communities affected by Hurricane Katrina.

“Before parents can return to work and before children can resume a more normal life, child-care centers have to be safe and operational,” said Louise Davis, child and family development professor with Mississippi State University's Extension Service.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Signs of the times are appearing along Mississippi highways. Billboards proclaiming the availability of “soy biodiesel” have appeared in the Jackson area and other locations in the state.

While biodiesel still is not a household word, it is more widely recognized than it was just a year ago when the fuel was available to commercial customers at just a handful of Mississippi outlets.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

As exciting as the new pansies have been, 2005 was also a great year for new snapdragons. Our growers hit the target with the highest quality snaps I have ever seen. Garden centers tell me the snapdragons seemed earlier and created steady sales to enthusiastic customers.

By Marcus Daniels

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Hurricane Katrina gave Mississippi 4-H'ers the chance to do what they do best, and they responded by bringing sunshine and hope into the lives of devastated hurricane victims through service and contributions.

Susan Holder, state 4-H leader with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said immediately after the Hurricane Katrina, Mississippi Operation 4-H Relief was set up to channel the forces of 4-H'ers all over the state in aiding victims.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi's outdoor sportsmen should not let the thrill of the hunt exceed their good judgement when it comes to safety.

“Negligence and carelessness from getting in a hurry are common causes for hunting accidents,” said Jonathan Peeples, wildlife and fisheries associate with Mississippi State University's Extension Service.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

Just when you thought dianthus had reached its peak, up pops more great new varieties like Diamond and Dynasty.

The Diamond is being brought to us by Sakata Seed and is available in some rare colors for dianthus. There are Blush Pink, Carmine Rose, Coral, Pink, Purple, Scarlet and a mix. This range of colors really allows for some interesting, cool-season combinations.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Girls need support from family and friends to be strong enough to recognize and leave unhealthy relationships.

Lynn Pike, professor of human sciences at Mississippi State University, said the development of an unhealthy relationship is a gradual process. On rare occasions, males will be the victims, but those are the exceptions.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- The state's littlest crime victims will get some much-needed attention when Stop the Violence Day is recognized Nov. 22 and child advocates join forces to raise awareness of child abuse.

Child abuse is a serious problem in Mississippi and nationwide. In 2003, more than 17,000 instances of abuse and neglect were investigated, and 16 Mississippi children died from abuse or neglect. Abuse is anything that harms a child physically today or into the future. Neglect is a failure to provide what the child needs, and includes anything that places them in danger.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Domestic violence knows no social, racial, educational or economic boundaries, and everyone in the community pays a price for it.

Days lost from work or school along with the increased drain on the health and justice systems are just part of the costs communities bear from domestic violence.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Jokes are made about them and fictional characters mimic their behavior, but bullying among young children is no laughing matter.

Bullying is the systematic harassment of children by their peers. It is most common in boys in late grade school, but girls are not immune to the problem. A recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study found that more than 5 percent of students nationwide stay home from school at least one day a month because they feel unsafe either at school or getting there.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Mississippi's Christmas tree growers were having a great year, and then Hurricane Katrina hit.

Steve Dicke, forestry specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said frequent summer rains had trees growing very well until Katrina's heavy rain and strong winds blew many over. The following drought prevented some growers from being able to right affected trees.

By Norman Winter
MSU Horticulturist
Central Mississippi Research & Extension Center

The highly colorful and attractive foliage of flowering cabbage, kale and mustard gain them a lot of attention, but keep your eyes open for the breathtakingly beautiful flowers of Citrona Orange.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Thoughtful gifts that promote good health can be perfect for the people who are the biggest challenges on this year's holiday shopping lists.

Jane Clary, health specialist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said a wide range of gifts are available that promote healthy living. Reading materials, clothing, nutrition and exercise are categories with multiple options for every age group and price range.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Memories exist in minds and hearts, but much of how Americans hang on to their past is through photographs and videos of special people, events and places.

Hurricane Katrina destroyed many Mississippians' sentimental items, videos and photographs. Family and friends can help them recover some of their loss at the holidays by sharing copies of their own photographs that include people and places of importance to them. Others can let the holidays remind them to preserve this treasure so they can pass these photographs and videos on to future generations.

By Hannah Watts

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Families of military personnel will appreciate helping hands this holiday season while their loved ones are serving overseas.

The holidays are often seen as joyous occasions and a chance to come together with friends and family. However, this holiday season has been over shadowed with natural disasters and the war in Iraq.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Holidays have a way of bringing structure and celebration to certain days, but stress and hurt feelings can follow if families do not handle change with care.

Patsilu Reeves, family life education specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said traditions are a large part of a family's identity.

By Marcus Daniels

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- With proper meal planning and attention to exercise, diabetic family members can enjoy traditional holiday meals with the rest of the family.

November is National Diabetes Month, bringing awareness to the millions of Americans who suffer from what is referred to as a silent killer. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 240,000 Mississippians have diabetes, and 80,000 of those are unaware they have the disease.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Hurricane Katrina damaged portions of the state's poinsettia crop, but plants remain available from Mississippi growers.

Kerry Johnson, area horticulturist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service in George County, said Katrina may have destroyed 25 percent or more of the area's poinsettia crop. Some producers had total losses from storm damage and the subsequent power outage.

MISSISSIPPI STATE -- Hurricane Katrina robbed Mississippi of pumpkins on about 25 percent of the state's acreage, but the greatest losses may be markets in the coastal and New Orleans areas.

David Nagel, horticulturist with Mississippi State University's Extension Service, said the entire crop below Interstate 20 -- just under 100 acres -- was lost.

“The biggest blow from the hurricanes was not crop damage; it was the loss of market,” Nagel said.