Mississippi
Two new Mississippi wildlife commissioners appointed: Who are these guys?
‘I believe we need to spend some money on state parks. We do have a great resource in those parks and a lot of people use those parks, so let’s don’t forget about them.’
Watch as a black bear steals more than just sunflower seeds
This black bear couldn’t help but steal a bird feeder full of sunflowers, along with the camera.
In its July meeting, the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks had a different look. District 2 Commissioner Scott Coopwood rotated into the role of chairman and two new commissioners were in place.
Gov. Tate Reeves recently appointed Todd Hairston as commissioner representing District 5. Hairston filled a vacancy left by former commissioner Leonard Bentz when he was not confirmed by the Senate following a scandal involving baiting turkeys with crickets.
Colin Maloney was appointed commissioner representing District 1. He replaced commissioner Bill Cossar whose term ended after two terms and 10 years of service.
The Clarion-Ledger interviewed both to find out more about them.
Who is Colin Maloney?
Colin Maloney is a life-long resident of Tupelo. The 61-year-old attended Mississippi College and earned a degree in business. He is the founder and CEO of Century Construction Group with offices in Jackson, Nashville, Austin and Tupelo. He’s also served on the board of directors of the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund, an agency that helps fund outdoor and conservation projects.
“I kind of grew up on a farm outside of Tupelo,” Maloney said. “So, hunting and fishing was a part of my life growing up.
“My dad introduced me to deer hunting. My grandfather was a big fisherman.”
Though the father of two continues to hunt and fish, his interests have broadened, and he travels the world pursuing them. Maloney said he has participated in the Baja 1,000 off-road vehicle race in Mexico eight times. He has traveled to places like Vietnam in search of adventure.
Last year he did something closer to home, The Great Loop. It’s a 6,000-mile trip by boat that takes you up the Eastern Seaboard then inland through America by rivers and canals and then into the Gulf of Mexico. He has also traveled by motorcycle from Tupelo to Anchorage.
As exciting as adventures like those may be, he is also excited about his appointment to the commission.
“I think it’s like anything,” Maloney said. “You want to get in there and make a difference. I am excited about it.”
One area he wants to make a difference in is Mississippi’s state parks.
“I believe we need to spend some money on state parks,” Maloney said. “We do have a great resource in those parks and a lot of people use those parks, so let’s don’t forget about them.”
MS deer hunting: Here’s what’s new for the 2024-25 season
Who is Todd Hairston?
Hairston graduated from Delta State University where he earned a degree in environmental science. He works at Covington Civil and Environmental, a civil engineering and environmental consulting company. His current role is government relations and business development.
The 45-year-old is a father of three girls and lives in Gulfport, but he grew up in the Mississippi Delta where hunting and fishing are as much of the fabric of life as the corn, beans and cotton that are raised there.
“I don’t know when I was first taken hunting and fishing,” Hairston said.
He doesn’t know for a reason. Hairston talked about a photo of himself, father and grandfather fishing on the coast. It’s a memory captured only in the photo for Hairston, because he was too young to remember it.
“I was hunting and fishing before I knew I was hunting and fishing,” Hairston said.
When asked how it felt to be sworn in as a commissioner, he paused. Not because he didn’t know what to say, but because it was an emotional moment for him.
“I wish all of the folks that influenced my love of the outdoors could have been there,” Hairston said.
Hairston also talked about how he’d like to see conservation going forward.
“Yesterday was my first meeting,” Hairston said. “I’m still learning, but I want all of the people involved in the effort to better our natural environment and wildlife and experience of God’s creation to work together toward common goals — a better experience to enjoy what we have.”
CWD in Mississippi: Where MS is in deer disease fight and new management zones for 2024-25
Do you have a story idea? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.
Mississippi
It’s 2,350 miles long, spans 31 US states and is home to a 100kg animal with a tongue that looks like a worm | Discover Wildlife
The Mississippi River flows for around 2,350 miles through the heart of the US. It drains an area of 1.2 million square miles – that’s roughly 40% of the country – and at certain points is 11 miles wide. It is North America’s second longest river, behind the Missouri River.
Rising from Lake Itasca in Minnesota, the Mississippi winds southwards through a range of environments, draining water from 31 US states before reaching its delta at the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana.
The sheer size of the river and the diversity of habitats it passes through make it a refuge for a huge range of animal species, including more than 260 fish, 326 birds, 50 mammals and at least 145 amphibians and reptiles, according to the National Park Service.
There are many weird and wonderful animals living within the Mississippi’s vast waters, but surely one of the strangest is the alligator snapping turtle.
This prehistoric-looking reptile is massive. It can weigh up to 100kg and males can grow well over half a metre long, making it the largest freshwater turtle in North America.
And as if its size wasn’t enough, the alligator snapper has a host of other characteristics that make it one of the Mississippi’s most striking creatures, including a dark, spiky shell (known as carapace), a brick-like head and a sharp, hooked beak. With such a formidable appearance, it’s easy to see how the turtle got its ‘alligator’ name.
But perhaps the turtle’s most curious feature is a worm-like appendage found on its tongue, which it uses as a lure to catch prey, such as fish, amphibians and invertebrates. Alligator snappers are also quite happy scavenging for food.
More amazing wildlife stories from around the world
Mississippi
Mississippi House of Representatives passes bill to make NIL earnings non-taxable
NIL money comes with a price. More specifically, a tax bill.
The Mississippi legislature is trying to reduce that burden for college athletes who play there.
Via Bea Anhuci of the Mississippi Clarion Ledger, the Mississippi House of Representatives has passed a bill that would exempt NIL earnings from state income tax.
It’s a recruiting tool for Ole Miss and Mississippi State, one that would put the Mississippi schools on equal footing with other states that host SEC universities. Florida, Tennessee, and Texas have no state income tax, and Arkansas carved out NIL earnings from the state’s income tax burden in 2025.
Mississippi currently charges a four-percent tax on anyone making more than $10,000 per year.
NIL earnings remain subject to federal income tax.
The bill will have to also pass the Mississippi Senate, and the governor would then be required to sign it into law.
Mississippi
Why Rebels are keeping pace for Mississippi State CB commit Brandon Allen Jr
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