Wisdom of Years Passed: as told by Ralph Hutchins, World War II veteran, at the Mississippi State Veterans Home

April 22, 2015 - Hutchins waits for his medicine in the halls of the veterans 
home in Oxford, Miss.

OXFORD, Miss. – Everyday at the State Veterans Home, 92-year-old, Ralph Hutchins, sports a black baseball hat with gold embroidery that identifies him as a World War II veteran.  The deep, red blood of his veins shows blue and purple on the nearly transparent skin of his hands that cross when he begins to talk. With a memory that belies his age, Hutchins recounts his life’s story; a story that could fill the pages of an American history book.

According to the U.S. Veterans Administration, under one million World War II veterans are still alive, with 492 dying every day.  It is estimated that by 2036, none will remain to share their experiences of triumph and terror, success and sorrow. The generation referred to as the greatest is quickly fading into a past existence, threatening to bring along untold tales.      

Here is the story of Ralph Hutchins – a son of farmers, a brother to five, a father of two, a widowed husband, and a World War II veteran.

Supporters Gather in Oxford for Confederate Memorial Service

The University of Mississippi, more affectionately known as Ole Miss, has constantly made headlines in the news throughout its history. Some might think of all of the positives on campus, like being voted as one of the top college towns and one of the most beautiful campuses in America, while others might look to its history of racial problems and controversies.

While the university has looked to move away from its troubled past by changing long-standing college traditions, some like the Sons of Confederate Veterans, wish to preserve and celebrate the symbols, history, and traditions that the university once so proudly identified with.

Here's Clint Tucker with more on the story.

Students enjoy good food and games during Blue and White Week at Ole Miss

Students enjoy food and fellowship in front

 of the Student Union on campus

Blue and White week is put together by two NPHC organizations on campus. These organizations consist of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc. and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. The reason behind the name "Blue and White" is because these are the colors of both organizations. They are considered brothers and sisters.

This week consists of many different events. These events include political presentations, poetry events, cookouts, and parties. The fish fry was held on Thursday, April 23, in front of the Student Union. Jeff McIntosh has more on that story.

Transtioning: Mykki Newton, Two Spirit Soul

Photo by: Mykki Newton

Photo by: Mykki Newton

  Mykki Newton, that some students at the University of Mississippi may know as the camera guy. But there is much more than what meets the eye, as he calls himself a "two spirited" human being. His roles are videographer, editor and filmmaker at the University of Mississippi.  He also host and produces an online horror-film.


Before his time at Ole Miss Newton says he spent 13-years as a television anchorman and reporter, 10-years as an actor and nearly a lifetime a filmmaker as Mike Newton. During that time begin an anchorman at WPTY in Memphis, Tennessee, Newton knew he wasn't happy with his life so he had to get off air to start his transition.

"Before 1993 if you told me I would be living in Mississippi I would say no way in hell," said Newton.

He found his happy place in Oxford, Ms getting his professional and personal life together after years of self-destructive behaviors. He is currently producing a lot of documentaries and also writing two books, one about social media for the anti-social and the other about B-movie. You can learn more about Mykki Newton and his horror films by clicking here.