By David Howell
The North Mississippi Herald
ENID LAKE – Officers from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) hosted state and county officials from the area for an appreciation luncheon at the North Mississippi Fish Hatchery last Wednesday. This marks the second year for the luncheon, as the MDWFP’s north region office is located adjacent to the hatchery in Yalobusha.
“We are proud to be here in Yalobusha County, we are proud to serve the state as a whole. We have a good group of officers who gets the job done. They work day and night, 24 hours a day, it never stops,” Major Jerry Carter told county and state officials who attended the event.
Also speaking was MDWFP Commissioner William Cossar, who explained the role of the five commissioners is primarily setting policy for the state agency.  One interesting responsibility for commissioners Cossar explained is determining if lawbreakers can get their hunting license back following a revocation for a serious wildlife offense. Citing headlighting as an example, Cossar explained that the offender must appear before commissioners and explain their offense before commissioners decide if the license will be reinstated.
“I have only voted to turn two of them down,” Cossar said, adding that he has served two years of a five-year term following a gubernatorial appointment.
MDWFP supervisors  serving in the northern district were recognized, along with other law enforcement officials attending including troopers and Panola Sheriff Dennis Darby as well as Enid Lake Resource Manager Mike Robinson.
“We are here for you and y’all are here for us, we work together in unity as a family,” Major Carter said about the comradery the group shares in serving the area.