Clarion-Ledger from Jackson, Mississippi • Page 73

Thursday, July 17, 1986 The Clarion-Ledger Jackson Daily News NES of Ip with fun By CHARLOTTE GRAHAM Focue Staff Writer The lack of financial support and community interest could result in WMPR-FM's loss of its National Pubuc Radio membership. The station, which first aired Aug. 4, 1983, has faced financial woes every since its inception. Jef- ferey Powell, interim general manager, said the station was conceived because of a dream to build a public radio station that emphasized programming for Mississippi's minority population. The station was established by the J.

C. Maxwell Broadcasting Group Inc. of Jackson. Powell said the idea was a good one, but the station Miss Jackson, Mechelle Sills, in talent presentation tonight has not received the financial support organizers had sought. He said because WMPR is a public radio station, its survival depends largely on financial contributions from the public.

The idea of the station was developed in August 1981, and on Jan. IS, 1983, the groundbreaking ceremony took place. "The station withstood a number of obstacles, and on Aug. 4, 1983, became one of eight minority-owned stations in the country and the only community-operated station in the state," Powell said. Powell said people seem not to be aware of the historical significance of the station.

He said WMPR is an asset to the community. "This is a time we really need the support of the community," Powell said. "People often say how much they enjoy WMPR, but for us to continue to operate and to continue to bring the quality programs they enjoy, we have to have their financial support." Powell said the station has to pay $1,900 a month in membership dues to National Public Radio. "We barely have enough money to pay our staff," said Powell. "We are in desperate need of help." Powell, who has been interim director for about four weeks, said he has his hands full trying to maintain the operation of the station.

The station's program manager was asked to take the job after general manager Janice Whittle resigned after about six months at the station. "We have faced one setback after another, but we want the station to work," Powell said. "I think that about $50,000 is needed to actually put us on our feet." Powell said the money can be raised if people take an interest and become members of "Friends of WMPR." He said a $30 membership fee will entitle members to a monthly program guide for a year, a WMPR tee-shirt and a record album. "We are also planning a radio-a-thon to help us raise money," he said. "Also the Jackson Souther-naires have consented to do a benefit concert for the station." Powell said the gospel group is touring the country, but once the tour is completed, plans for the concert will be made.

"The Jackson Southernaires are strong supporters of the station," he said. "No matter what we ask of them, they come to our rescue." Powell said other strong supporters of the station are James Bennett, Roy Wooten, Rick Simone and Frank Williams, a member of the Southernaires. "WMPR has the potential of being the best station in the state," Powell said. "We have a lot to offer the public. "We are a powerful station," he added.

"We operate on 100,000 watts. This gives us an output radius of 82 miles either way." The interim general manager said the station has received a lot of positive correspondence from people in the Hazlehurst and Brookhaven area. "The people in the area are excited about the variety of our programming," he said. "We offer gospel, jazz and blues music," Powell added. "We also offer a variety of talk shows.

"All we need is support," said Powell. "There is a lot that can be achieved here at the station. We have plans for a brighter future, but we can't do it alone." Tax deductible contributions may be mailed and made payable to Friends of WMPR, P. O. Box 408, Tougaloo, Miss.

39174. For additional information, phone 956-0212. By PHIL WALLACE Focut Staff Writer Miss Jackson, Lisa Mechelle Sills, will sing "For Once in My Life," as her talent presentation in tonight's round of the Miss Mississippi Pageant at Vicksburg City Auditorium. "It's part of the Motown sound of the 1960s," explained Mechelle, who mentioned that Stevie Wonder had recorded the song and had sold over two million copies. Mechelle doesn't want to sell two million copies this week, but she hopes the fans and the judges will like the stirring renditioa Mechelle said in a recent interview that hard work and preparation have been the keys to her success so far, like winning the 1986 Miss Jackson Pageant here March 1 and then going through something of an artistic "boot camp" earlier this summer in Dallas, Texas, in preparation for this week.

"I have been working with the best" said the 19-year old Mississippi College junior. She said nationally-famous designer Ada Duckett of Dallas made the gown she wore in last night's evening gown competition and she also makes the official Miss America swim suits. Chuck Weisbeck of Dallas worked with Miss Jackson on fitness and she also studied with Eva Hart of Jackson on voice and interview technique. The 38 contestants arrived in Vicksburg Monday for a fast round of activities leading up to the opening ceremonies Wednesday night. The group is quartered at All Saints School and is closely supervised during the stay.

Miss Jackson will enter the swim suit competition Friday night and then the new Miss Mississippi will be crowned Saturday night. Last year's Miss Mississippi, Susan Aiken of Meridian, went on to become Miss America and is the reigning Miss America. Mechelle, a voice major at Mississippi College who also has attended Louisiana Tech at Ruston, and the daughter of James and Nan Sills of Clinton, said she is enjoying serving as Miss Jackson. She has had a chance to meet many people and said she "appreciates the City of Jackson awarding me with a $1,200 scholarship for my winning." The vivacious young singer said she is not afraid of the so-called "Jackson jinx," at Vicksburg. No Jackson representative has yet won the Miss Mississippi title.

"There is a first for everything," she said, her aqua eyes sparkling. The 5-5 blonde got a chance to see some good competition recently when she attended the Miss Texas Pageant. Asked what phase of the competition in Vicksburg she thought would require the most from her, she replied, "I have prepared equally for everything. I will do my best in all. I think I have as much chance as anyone." Mechelle drew No.

1 when the contestants' numbers were assigned. What does she think about being the first contestant to perform each night? "I think it's wonderful to be No. 1," she said. "There have been more No. Is winning pageants than any other number." Her hobbies are riding horses and teaching voice to younger students.

But she hopes she won't have time for any hobbies for a while. She sais she had rather win the Miss Mississippi title and get ready for the Miss America Pageant to be held in Atlantic City, N. this fall. Clement 'Female Engineer of Year' The Mississippi Engineering Society has selected Niki Clement as Female Engineer of the Year at Mississippi State University. She was also elected to the Engineering Hall of Fame at the university.

Clement, a senior biological engineering student, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Clement of Natchez Trace Village. Her honoraries include Phi Kappa Phi, Tau Beta Pi, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Centennial Honor Society, and her sorority is Zeta Tau Alpha. Clement is a 1982 graduate of St.

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