For the Baileys, becoming parents required a lot of paperwork and a trip halfway around the world.

But, now they are the proud parents of Alexander Fred, age 7 months, and 9-month old Patricia Abigail. Both of the children were born in Russia and put up for adoption.

New employment opportunities and making sure the workforce is taught the skills to tackle those jobs are the primary economic challenges facing the 18-county Delta Council region which includes Panola County.

That’s according to Philip W. Pepper, state economist, Center for Policy Research and Planning for Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning.

Pepper’s opinions appear in his economic analysis that is published as a part of the Delta Council Economic Progress report 2002-03.

In the two-year period from mid-1999 until mid-2001, the Delta Council region saw 14.5 percent – or one in seven – of its manufacturing jobs lost, Pepper said. The region includes both Delta and part-Delta counties.

Tish Self, who works with students at Pope School, said she felt honored to receive such an award for doing what she loves.

Billy Williams of Emergystat Ambulance Service told the supervisors Monday the problems pertain to the service’s current location.

"What this all boils down to is we are going to have to find somewhere else to move into," Williams said. The reason for the move is a leaky hot water heater. The appliance had started leaking causing mold to form and wet spots on the downstairs ceiling.

"The mold build-up was causing people to develop respiratory infections," he said. "So we had to move."

Williams said OSHA has been called regarding the problems and were required to vacate the location.

The service is currently operating out of a motel near the old North Panola Hospital.

"We were told we could move into Dr. Smoot’s old office," Williams said.

Williams said upon inspection of the doctor’s office, it was determined there is also a mold problem present.

"The mold was just as bad, so we would be going from one bad situation into another," he said.

The supervisors told Williams they were not sure if the contract between the county and Emergystat required the county to provide a facility.

Chancery Clerk Sally Fisher retrieved the contract from the board minutes and County Attorney William McKenzie said, at a glance, the county was not responsible for facilitating the service.