Advertise on podcast: The Local Yokel's Podcast

Neil Colley talks with DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton and Special Victims Advocate Carmen Bechel about creating a new Special Victims Unit funded by the Board of Supervisors, with support led by Mark Gardner. The SVU will focus primarily on children who are victims of sex crimes, and also vulnerable adults, adding a dedicated ADA Jamie Young, investigator Chad Gatewood, and a victim assistance coordinator/advocate role for Carmen as she transitions out of asset forfeiture. They explain that increased predator cases reflect better technology, training, and proactive policing, not a new surge in crime, and describe how early DA involvement can improve investigations, victim support, and reduce recantation. Barton discusses why plea deals sometimes best protect victims, outlines case volumes and resource limits, and urges parents to stay engaged with children’s phones, relationships, and boundaries. This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks http://RoofworksMidsouth.com You can reach us at [email protected] You can find the Local Yokel’s Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

Neil Colley from the Local Yokel’s podcast welcomes April Veale and Heather Stricklen to discuss Jeepers for St. Jude, a volunteer-run fundraiser supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where donations go directly to St. Jude with no overhead. They share how the effort began in 2016, paused during COVID, and returned with renewed momentum, raising $65,000 in 2019, then $12,000 in 2024 and $15,000 the following year. They promote the Jeeps & Broncos Show on October 24 at the DeSoto County Agri-Ed Center on Starlanding Rd, open 10:00–2:00, with $10 admission, VIP packages, T-shirts, raffle items, and food trucks. Neil also reminds listeners about the Fancy Nancy Foundation’s October 17 car show in Walls, MS, raising funds for House of Grace and giving away a Jeep. Donate to Jeepers for St. Jude - https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=4688714&fr_id=162728&pg=personal A reminder to buy Jeep giveaway tickets at fancynancyfoundation.com to benefit House of Grace and domestic violence survivors, and thanks sponsors including MSJ Off Road, Roof Works, Spider Off Road, Rough Country, and Duck Worthy Inc. This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks http://RoofworksMidsouth.com You can reach us at [email protected] You can find the Local Yokel’s Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

The Local Yokel’s Podcast welcomes Calie Moore and LaJuanna Beasley to discuss the Feed My Lambs Backpack Weekend Meal Ministry, a volunteer-run program started by Calie’s mother, Jennifer, with help from Ms. Billie Wilhite at Minor Memorial Methodist Church in Walls, Mississippi. The ministry provides weekend breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for students at Walls Elementary and Lake Cormorant Elementary, with schools identifying recipients anonymously, and it has grown to around 150 kids per weekend while needs are rising due to higher costs. Neil promotes upcoming fundraisers: the Oct. 17 event at 6120 Goodman Rd (car show, BBQ Boston butts, vendors/crafts, swap meet, kids activities) benefiting Feed My Lambs, plus a Jeep raffle for House of Grace with $20 tickets via fancynancyfoundation.com. They also mention the church Fall Festival on Oct. 3 and ways to volunteer or donate. A reminder to buy Jeep giveaway tickets at fancynancyfoundation.com to benefit House of Grace and domestic violence survivors, and thanks sponsors including MSJ Off Road, Roof Works, Spider Off Road, Rough Country, and Stuck Worthy Inc. This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks http://RoofworksMidsouth.com You can reach us at [email protected] You can find the Local Yokel’s Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

On the Local Yokels Podcast, Neil welcomes Memphis Street Rods President Johnnie Hylander and Vice President David Bradshaw to promote the club’s 25th anniversary charity car show at the Landers Center in DeSoto County, running Sept. 17–19 (Thu noon–dark, Fri 8–dark, Sat 8–3 with awards at 3). The show is free for spectators, $35 to enter a vehicle for all three days, features a large swap meet with vendors, about 10 food trucks, indoor restrooms and cooling access, a Friday-night outdoor set by The Boomers, and on-site security at night; RV overnight parking is not allowed. The club says all proceeds go to multiple local charities and notes sponsor support from Landers Center/Landers Auto Group. Car Show - memphisstreetrods.org A reminder to buy Jeep giveaway tickets at fancynancyfoundation.com to benefit House of Grace and domestic violence survivors, and thanks sponsors including MSJ Off Road, Roof Works, Spider Off Road, Rough Country, and Stuck Worthy Inc. This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks http://RoofworksMidsouth.com You can reach us at [email protected] You can find the Local Yokel’s Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

Host Neil Colley returns to the Local Yokels Podcast after a brief break and is joined by Mississippi social workers Jessica Wade, Liz Luzader, and Brittany Benson to discuss systemic community issues, focusing on how adverse childhood experiences and trauma shape later outcomes. They describe foster care realities—frequent placement disruptions, late-night transports, children placed in juvenile detention or high-level facilities due to lack of beds, and decision-making that often ignores social-worker recommendations. The group links unmet needs, food insecurity, and inadequate school resources to long-term harm, highlights compassion fatigue and the importance of relational support, and discusses mandatory reporting in Mississippi. Liz also explains geriatric care challenges, including relocation stress and the vulnerability of older adults in assisted living and memory care. They emphasize showing up for others and note child advocacy centers as a crucial resource, while acknowledging major gaps in local services. A reminder to buy Jeep giveaway tickets at fancynancyfoundation.com to benefit House of Grace and domestic violence survivors, and thanks sponsors including MSJ Off Road, Roof Works, Spider Off Road, Rough Country, and Stuck Worthy Inc. This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks http://RoofworksMidsouth.com You can reach us at [email protected] You can find the Local Yokel’s Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting #MississippiSocialWork#FosterCareAwareness#ChildhoodTrauma#AdverseChildhoodExperiences#FoodInsecurity#ChildAdvocacy#MentalHealthAwareness#GeriatricCare#CommunitySupport#SocialWorkMatters

On the Local Yokels podcast, Neil and guest Aubrie Johnson discuss two major controversies: Louisiana Pastor Tony Spell’s long-running conflict with neighbors and authorities after expanding his church outreach to low-income communities via dozens of buses, and a recent incident where he allegedly beat a 20-year-old neighbor after vulgar threats toward his family. They then shift to DeSoto County topics, including backlash over a DUI arrest involving a supporter of a convicted sex offender, frustration with court outcomes and delays, and the importance of keeping public attention on indicted cases and technicalities like remands. Aubrie also mentions receiving unwanted religious mail and visits after someone shared her address, and calls out critics who attack her for speaking up about exploitation, trafficking, and abuse. A reminder to buy Jeep giveaway tickets at fancynancyfoundation.com to benefit House of Grace and domestic violence survivors, and thanks sponsors including MSJ Off Road, Roof Works, Spider Off Road, Rough Country, and Stuck Worthy Inc. This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks http://RoofworksMidsouth.com You can reach us at [email protected] You can find the Local Yokel’s Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

Neil interviews Horn Lake Police Department Chief Nikki Pullen about community policing, recruiting and retention, and building department culture with integrity and accountability. They highlight cooperative efforts across agencies, support for Healing Hearts Child Advocacy Center and DeSoto County Search and Rescue, and community outrage driving tougher penalties for child predators. Chief Pullen explains Mississippi’s new juvenile law effective July 1 allowing certain juveniles with firearms or involved in violent crimes to be charged as adults, and notes Horn Lake’s curfew (10 PM–6 AM) and proactive enforcement. They discuss vaping/tobacco issues, the value and costs of body cameras (Horn Lake since 2024), pursuit dangers, and the need for community resources like pools and training. They also spotlight local nonprofits like Heartland Hands and the Dream Center. A reminder to buy Jeep giveaway tickets at fancynancyfoundation.com to benefit House of Grace and domestic violence survivors, and thanks sponsors including MSJ Off Road, Roof Works, Spider Off Road, Rough Country, and Stuck Worthy Inc. This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks http://RoofworksMidsouth.com You can reach us at [email protected] You can find the Local Yokel’s Podcast on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok Produced by Derrick Michaud and SRP Studios Podcasting

Neil Colley interviews Josh Hocutt and Hayden Carlini of Take A Break Deliveries, a Mississippi-based delivery company expanding from Oxford to Hernando with a target opening date of June 16 and offering 50% off a first order with promo code FIRSTDELIVERY. They emphasize local, hands-on service with direct support, vetted local drivers, a 20-mile delivery radius, and delivery beyond restaurants, including liquor, beer, tobacco products, catering, and custom errands. They describe an optional Tab Club membership for $9.99/month with $0 delivery fees and 10% off, discuss driver opportunities, and share contact channels via Facebook, website, and Google listings. www.takeabreakdeliveries.com A reminder to buy Jeep giveaway tickets at fancynancyfoundation.com to benefit House of Grace and domestic violence survivors, and thanks sponsors including MSJ Off Road, Roof Works, Spider Off Road, Rough Country, and Stuck Worthy Inc. This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks http://RoofworksMidsouth.com You can reach us at [email protected] The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube Apple - https://bit.ly/4fWIreH Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3CR18lu YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fCZsLa 🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

Host Neil welcomes DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue guests Captain Johnathon Bigham (SAR director), Sergeant Shannon Baroni, and Tiffany Page to discuss the team’s new K-9 trailing unit. Shannon shares how her rescued dog Charlie—found in a roundabout—was trained locally in real-world environments and became certified in under a year, while Tiffany describes her rescued dog Harper and how SAR training gives working breeds a job. They explain trailing basics, the value of varied training locations, and how factors like medications can affect scent. The team honors late Captain Chris Tresclere for his leadership and service. They recount a recent multi-agency call where Charlie located a missing child in about eight minutes, and highlight ongoing needs for volunteers, training space, funding, and advanced NASAR, swiftwater, dive, drone, and fitness training. A reminder to buy Jeep giveaway tickets at fancynancyfoundation.com to benefit House of Grace and domestic violence survivors, and thanks sponsors including MSJ Off Road, Roof Works, Spider Off Road, Rough Country, and Stuck Worthy Inc. This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks http://RoofworksMidsouth.com You can reach us at [email protected] The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube Apple - https://bit.ly/4fWIreH Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3CR18lu YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fCZsLa 🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com #DeSotoCountyMS#SearchDog#K9Training#VolunteerStrong#PublicSafety#FirstResponders#NASAR#RescueReady#DogHandlers#BehindTheBadge

Host Neil interviews DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton, who says the state case involving Lindsey Whiteside is complete, that he pursued challenges to amend the sentence and unseal records, and that the federal case is proceeding at a normal pace with Whiteside held in custody and facing a 10-year mandatory minimum. Barton discusses a Southaven carjacking-related shooting involving two people from Memphis, praises Southaven PD’s rapid response, and explains the capital murder charge. They address Barton’s anti-crime billboard funded by asset forfeiture, crime trends down in DeSoto County, new youth court laws allowing more juveniles with weapons in violent crimes to be tried in circuit court, drug court’s difficulty and impact, support for Healing Hearts Child Advocacy Center, and the value of police body cameras. A reminder to buy Jeep giveaway tickets at fancynancyfoundation.com to benefit House of Grace and domestic violence survivors, and thanks sponsors including MSJ Off Road, Roof Works, Spider Off Road, Rough Country, and Stuck Worthy Inc. This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks http://RoofworksMidsouth.com You can reach us at [email protected] The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube Apple - https://bit.ly/4fWIreH Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3CR18lu YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fCZsLa 🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com #BreakingNews #LawAndOrder #CourtCases #PoliceWork #CommunitySafety #CriminalJustice #LocalGovernment #DeSotoCountyMS #SouthavenPolice #MississippiPolitics

Host Neil welcomes Judge Celeste Wilson and Intervention Court (formerly Drug Court) coordinator/field officer Jacob Bramlett to discuss DeSoto County’s program, which began in 2006 and is run alongside Wilson’s regular circuit court duties. They explain that the court serves nonviolent, high-risk/high-need participants with substance use disorders, emphasizing treatment, strict supervision, and accountability to reduce recidivism and keep families together. Requirements include 36 consecutive months clean and sober, a GED or diploma, employment when possible, payment of fines and costs, curfew, frequent AA/NA or equivalent meetings, and intensive outpatient treatment; violations can restart phases or lead to expulsion and maximum sentencing. They describe funding limits, participant fees for drug screens, extensive observed urine testing, and outcomes including 63–67% not recidivating, while noting current drug trends like fentanyl and carfentanil. A reminder to buy Jeep giveaway tickets at fancynancyfoundation.com to benefit House of Grace and domestic violence survivors, and thanks sponsors including MSJ Off Road, Roof Works, Spider Off Road, Rough Country, and Stuck Worthy Inc. This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks http://RoofworksMidsouth.com You can reach us at [email protected] The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube Apple - https://bit.ly/4fWIreH Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3CR18lu YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fCZsLa 🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

Host Neil interviews Chef Michael Patrick of Magnolia Bend Grille at Bon Terre (4715 Church Road). Michael shares his 18-year professional background (including Capital Grille) and explains the restaurant’s casual fine dining approach, Thursday date-night three-course dinners for $90, Sunday brunch (11:30–3) with bottomless mimosas and bloody marys for $25, and rotating specials like prime rib and steak nights. They discuss menu favorites (steaks, shrimp and grits, brussel sprouts, wedge salad, bacon rack, bread pudding), catering and rehearsal dinners, hours (Wed–Sat evenings; Sunday brunch only), upcoming May 30 “Around the Bend” collaborative dinner with Chef Heather Ries (Mrs. Hippie Eats) featuring local suppliers, and seasonal menu updates after May 30. magnoliabendgrille.com A reminder to buy Jeep giveaway tickets at fancynancyfoundation.com to benefit House of Grace and domestic violence survivors, and thanks sponsors including MSJ Off Road, Roof Works, Spider Off Road, Rough Country, and Stuck Worthy Inc. This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks http://RoofworksMidsouth.com You can reach us at [email protected] The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube Apple - https://bit.ly/4fWIreH Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3CR18lu YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fCZsLa 🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

Host Neil interviews Kristy and Tyler Whatley about their work in Mid-South motorsports: Kristy runs Highside Photography, covering dirt tracks and other racing events across Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Missouri, expanding to major series like World of Outlaws and High Limit, plus car shows and custom shoots; she shares how she got started, how drivers and tracks now seek her out, and how to find and contact her. Tyler, Highside Motorsports/Whatley Racing, a winged sprint car driver, also creates custom painted helmets and graphics, describing his multi-layer paint process and time investment. The conversation highlights racing’s family culture, equipment costs, safety, and the behind-the-scenes work that fuels the sport. www.highsidephotography.com A reminder to buy Jeep giveaway tickets at fancynancyfoundation.com to benefit House of Grace and domestic violence survivors, and thanks sponsors including MSJ Off Road, Roof Works, Spider Off Road, Rough Country, and Stuck Worthy Inc. This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks http://RoofworksMidsouth.com You can reach us at [email protected] The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube Apple - https://bit.ly/4fWIreH Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3CR18lu YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fCZsLa 🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

The Local Yokel’s talked to veteran advocate Drew Jones, founder of The Veteran's Veteran. Drew explains his mission to educate veterans on VA benefits beyond compensation, sparked by his own experience being diagnosed with PTSD yet denied disability. He describes common barriers like repeated denials, long timelines, inconsistent C&P exams, and lack of awareness of resources like Community Care and education benefits such as VR&E. Drew shares that he helped 100 veterans for free, then launched a business with a small upfront fee and a one-time percentage of back pay—contrasting with companies charging 5–9 months of increases—while offering confidential, personalized support nationwide. He lists contact info (theVetsVet.com, 901-258-7621) and mentions recent community outreach and media features in DeSoto County. www.thevetsvet.com A reminder to buy Jeep giveaway tickets at fancynancyfoundation.com to benefit House of Grace and domestic violence survivors, and thanks sponsors including MSJ Off Road, Roof Works, Spider Off Road, Rough Country, and Stuck Worthy Inc. This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks http://RoofworksMidsouth.com You can reach us at [email protected] The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube Apple - https://bit.ly/4fWIreH Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3CR18lu YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fCZsLa 🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com

Joining the show today is Pastor Vincent Mathews and Executive Pastor Jackie Pruitt of Tabernacle Church Southaven (in the former Colonial Hills Baptist Church facility). They describe the Mid-South Family Stabilization Hub, offering free community resources including domestic violence/sexual assault support (Project SWAT) with emergency and transitional housing, mentoring programs for men and youth in schools, food distribution and a free clothing closet, and partnerships that bring in large donations (e.g., World Vision). They also share plans for expanded prenatal services and a birthing center amid Mississippi’s infant and maternal health crisis, plus mental health counseling groups, trafficking awareness, and low-cost workforce training such as CDL classes and Google/healthcare certifications. They invite families to a May 16 community baby shower in Southaven and Tunica and encourage volunteering and donations. www.tabsouthaven.org A reminder to buy Jeep giveaway tickets at fancynancyfoundation.com to benefit House of Grace and domestic violence survivors, and thanks to sponsors including MSJ Off Road, Roof Works, Spider Off Road, Rough Country, and Stuck Worthy Inc. This podcast is Sponsored by Roofworks http://RoofworksMidsouth.com You can reach us at [email protected] The Local Yokel’s Podcast is on Apple, Spotify and YouTube Apple - https://bit.ly/4fWIreH Spotify - https://spoti.fi/3CR18lu YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fCZsLa 🎙️ This is an SRP Studios Production - SRPStudiosLLC.com