By Billy Davis

Panola County’s land commission approved a home-based hair salon during a brief March 12 meeting in Batesville.

Debbie Smith won the special exception permit for her home in Courtland, at 10096-A Highway 51.
Land commissioners examined photos provided by Smith that showed a separate building at her home that would serve as the one-chair salon.

Commissioners noted that Smith had already spread crushed limestone for the driveway, a request that is usually made by the commission.

She also came prepared to announce part-time business hours, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. three days a week. But she was urged to expand the hours to accommodate customers.

“I would add six o’clock in the evening if you think you need it,” said commissioner Sledge Taylor.

A second commissioner suggested stipulating Monday through Saturday and a third suggested earlier morning hours for early drop-ins.

“Y’all are going to make her open 24 hours a day,” quipped Colmon Mitchell, the commission’s attorney. (He was joking, folks).

Commissioners voted to set Smith’s business hours Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.

In other commission business, the land commission postponed a public hearing for an auto repair shop at 4827 Eureka Road.

Mitchell explained to applicant James Taylor that a public notice was published with the wrong date of the public hearing in The Panolian.