It was a fusion of culture last night at the Columbia-Marion County Public Library as several local artists came together to put on Style, Language, & Inspiration, “A Tapestry of Music and Art.” The exhibition featured baroque and contemporary music conducted by Columbia Academy student Buck McDaniel. In addition, local painters, a potter and sculptor had their works on display at the event. About 50 attended the social gathering, which was catered by Second Street Bean of Columbia.

The audience listens intently to the music.

Robin Gordy of Columbia looks at some of the art on display.

Sculptures by Ben Watts of Columbia and pottery by his wife, Lori Watts, were on display.

Attendees socialize and enjoy hors d'oeuvres provided by Second Street Bean of Columbia.

Artist Michael Norris speaks with Columbia-Marion County Librarian Christi Mitchell.

Ronnie Herrington takes in some of the drawings by Michael Norris.

Mark Fite of Columbia, left, sings a solo while McDaniel conducts.

Buck McDaniel conducts.

Justin McKenzie of Columbia stands by his sprint car.

By Josh Mitchell/Informer Publisher

As if fighting crime was not enough, three local law enforcement officers race sprint cars on the side to get an extra adrenalin rush.

This afternoon, their spaceship looking cars were on display outside Columbia Lube & Service on High School Avenue in Columbia to promote tonight’s race in Magnolia. “We like the kids to see them (cars) because they’ve never seen anything like this,” said Glen Breeland, whose son, Jason Breeland, races.

Jason Breeland is a Columbia police officer, and he will be joined on the race track tonight by fellow officer Justin McKenzie and Marion County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Rodney McKenzie.

Rodney McKenzie says sprint car racing is so dangerous that it has been called the “bull riding of racing” with 20-25 cars on the track at once. The cars, with 350 horsepower engines, reach speeds of 130 mph on dirt tracks.

Rodney McKenzie says sprint car racing is as dangerous as bull riding.

Justin McKenzie escaped injury when he totaled his race car in Gulfport last season. McKenzie is drawn to the danger, saying he is an “adrenalin junkie.”

“I’m a cop, I like to fly and I like racing,” he said, adding he went to his first race in the fifth grade.

Sprint car racing is a positive activity for children to be involved in because it keeps them out of trouble, McKenzie said. When he was growing up McKenzie said his parents always knew he was at the race track. He is always open to bringing his race car to schools and churches to show children and teach them positive life lessons.

The pinnacle in sprint car racing is to compete with the World of Outlaws, McKenzie said, noting that it is like “NASCAR on dirt.” On that circuit, the racers are competing for their livelihood.

The sprint cars have small seating compartments.

Locally, the sprint car circuit is called the Cajun Sprinters Association, and there are races in Louisiana, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. Racing can be expensive, as the cars can cost $35,000, and McKenzie said the drivers always need local sponsors.

Husband and wife Ron and Betty Ullman were among dozens of cancer survivors at the Marion County Relay for Life on Friday.

By Josh Mitchell/Informer Publisher

At the Marion County Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life event last night there was a special tent set up for survivors of the disease.

Ron Ullman was one of dozens of survivors there celebrating beating cancer. As Ullman, clad in his purple survivor T-shirt, ate a hamburger he pointed out scars on his face from skin cancer surgery.

Standing next to him was his wife, Betty Ullman, who is a kidney cancer survivor.  Unfortunately, not all of the cancer stories in the Ullmans’ lives have happy endings as Betty’s son died of brain cancer. Cancer is the hardest when it affects children, Betty Ullman said, adding that adults have already had a chance to live some.

The youngest AML leukemia survivor in the state Bryson Pittman of Columbia with his mom Elana.

No one knows how cancer affects the life of children more than Bryson Pittman, 6, of Columbia who has been recognized statewide as the youngest survivor of AML leukemia. His mom, Elana Pittman, said “it’s an honor” for her son to have that designation, noting that most of the other children he was in the hospital with died.

The American Cancer Society also recognizes caregivers like Elana who go through the disease with the patients. Elana stayed at her son’s bedside for six months. He was only 12-months-old when he was diagnosed, and Elana was devastated when doctors told her that her son would die.

The Relay for Life event raises money to help find a cure for the disease. According to preliminary reports, more than $100,000 was raised through this year’s Marion County Relay for Life.

Luminaries in memory of those who have died from cancer surrounded the track at the Columbia High School football field where the event was held. The theme of this year’s event was Celebrating More Birthdays. Nellie Holmes, a breast cancer survivor, said she thinks Relay for Life “does a lot for people. I hate cancer.”

Other members of Holmes’ family have died from the disease, including her cousin from breast cancer and her husband and brother from lung cancer. Despite the fact that cancer has taken so many people from her, Holmes said, “I think I’m blessed (to have survived).”

The Rev. Tony McDermit

Nellie Holmes

Her husband and brother died from cancer because they caught it too late, she said. “I likely caught it too late,” she said. “It was almost too far gone.”

The Rev. Tony McDermit said he is a “miracle case” having survived esophageal cancer without chemotherapy or radiation. To battle the disease, McDermit simply, “trusted God, walked by faith” and changed his diet to food high in antioxidants. “The doctor says he doesn’t know how I’m alive,” he said.

Being around other cancer survivors was inspiring, said McDermit. “It’s great to see the smile on their faces,” he said. “I’ve come to celebrate life with other survivors.”

Attendees of the second annual Blessing of the Catch today at Lake Columbia enjoyed great weather, free chili dogs, an inspirational Christian message, gospel singing and the famous door prizes. An adult and children’s fishing tournament was also held. The event is sponsored by Improve Baptist Church.

People sit under the tent to listen to the keynote speaker.

Lining up for free chili dogs.

Keynote speaker David Fortenberry of Fair River Baptist Church in Brookhaven.

Dianne Watts, left, and Jo Anderson pass out gifts.

Sue Ann Hilton of Marion County dressed as a Nez Perce Indian.

It was a step back in time today at the Columbia Expo Center as horse show contestants dressed up in period costume to strut their stuff. The event is called the Heritage Class and celebrates the historical nature of horses. Rider Sue Ann Hilton of Marion County dressed up as a member of the Nez Perce Indian tribe, Meredith Donnow of Baton Rouge was Princess Ping Yang of the Tang Dynasty, Laura Miller of Mendenhall played the part of a female U.S. Marshal from the 1890s and her husband, Norman Miller, portrayed a 1916-era cowboy on an expedition to Mexico chasing Pancho Villa. The contestants were judged based on the authenticity of their costumes. This was the fourth annual Dixie Appaloosa Mavericks Horse Show.

Meredith Donnow of Baton Rouge portrayed Princess Ping Yang of the Tang Dynasty.

Norman Miller of Mendenhall as 1916 cowboy.

Laura Miller of Mendenhall portrays a female U.S. Marshal from the 1890s.

Kellye Huff

Ashlie McEntyre

A Christian rock concert benefiting Habitat for Humanity will take place in Columbia’s Friendship Park this Saturday.

Marion County band Cornerstone as well as Ashlie McEntyre of Columbia and Kellye Huff of Los Angeles will perform. Admission is free.

Michael “Duck” Griffith of Columbia organized the concert, saying he wanted to do something for the youth in the community.

The “Rock the Park” concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Zellco stage, and all donations will go to Habitat for Humanity.

Spring was in the air on Saturday for Vernelle Equinox Day at City Park. The event celebrates the beginning of spring. People sat on the lawn with picnics, enjoyed the sunshine and watched bands perform on the Zellco Stage.

Cold Shot from New Orleans perfoms at Vernelle Equinox Day.

People sit on the lawn at City Park and enjoy the music.

John Sabine, owner of S&S Audio & Security, runs the sound for the bands.

St. Paul United Methodist members stand in the sanctuary with the kits.

Members of St. Paul United Methodist Church assembled 45 health kits today to send to Haiti earthquake victims.

The health kits will provide the disaster victims with basic needs of nutrition and personal hygiene.

Each kit contains a hand towel, wash cloth, comb, nail file or finger clippers, bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, six adhesive sterile bandages.

Church members assemble the kits.

The St. Paul United Methodist Women sponsored the Health Kit

Assembly for Haiti and invited the youth, United Methodist Men and other church members to participate.