Extension Service offers space camp

From July 29 to Aug. 2, youths will be orbiting the Mississippi State University Extension Service office in Hernando for “space camp.”

For the third year across the state, the Extension Service is partnering with NASA to share hands-on science activities with young people.

Summer of Innovation camps will be offered in DeSoto and 32 other counties, aiming to serve 1,400 children and teens. Scheduled are all-new activities designed to promote science and space exploration, such as developing a rover that can land on the moon.

“The Extension Center for Technology Outreach, 4-H Youth Development and NASA are working together to help students sustain science, technology, engineering and math learning over the summer,” said Mariah Smith, technology specialist with the center and camp coordinator.

To register for DeSoto’s camp, call the Extension Office at 662429-1343 by July 8. Space is limited to the f irst 20 campers, said Jessica Lindsey, DeSoto 4- H agent at the office at the USDA Service Center, 3260 U. S. 51 S.

Olive Branch Mayor Sam Rikard praised the leadership of his department directors this week as the Chamber of Commerce honored him for his leadership.

The chamber awarded Rikard the McCauley Award, named for Jack McCauley, a founding father of the chamber and friend and adviser to Rikard.

“This is one of the highest honors I’ve ever received,” Rikard said.

Rikard received the award after making his farewell speech Thursday at the chamber’s annual evening event, held at Whispering Woods Hotel and Conference Center. About 200 people attended.

Rikard, whose 16-year reign ends the last day of this month, said one of the secrets to a successful city is good leadership throughout the organization, not just at the top.

The mayor named the department directors, including the city attorney, city clerk, the police and fire chiefs and the city engineer, and how they have helped make Olive Branch a place where people want to live and work.

“I could go on awhile talking about people who work behind the scenes,” Rikard said.

An alderman eight years before becoming mayor, Rikard did not seek reelection. Scott Phillips, who was assistant fire chief, won a five-way race.

After Rikard’s departure, Phillips will have the responsibility to recommend department heads. The newly constituted Board of Aldermen will take up those recommendations in its first meeting July 2 after the 6 p.m. formal swearing in.

In addition to honoring Rikard, the chamber celebrated 40 years in existence.

In recognition of the anniversary, the chamber published “From Roots to Branches: The History of

Olive Branch, Mississippi.” The book is available for $20 at the chamber office in Old Towne or for $24.99 at amazon.com.

Vicki DuPree said Rikard was a huge part of Olive Branch’s history. She said he led “with integrity, efficiency and honor.”

Michael Hatcher, owner of a landscaping services business and a former chamber official, said Rikard displayed consistency in leadership and a visionary style that was flexible “both through boom and recession.”

During Rikard’s years, Olive Branch built a modern City Hall, pol ice headquarters and courthouse, was twice named one of the most livable cities in America and welcomed numerous businesses and industries to the city.

One of those businesses was Lil’ Angels Photography, operated by Mike Sondag.

“Very business-friendly,” Sondag said of the mayor. “Very interested in us … and did everything he could do to make us feel welcome here.”

“I’ve cut hundreds of ribbons,” Rikard said, referring to ribbon-cutting ceremonies at new businesses. “My hope is … I leave … Olive Branch a better place.”