Sheriff-elect Mike Perkins is no stranger to law enforcement, nor is newly elected Constable Lester Holdiness. Both grew up in small communities in Winston County, and, in running for office, both men show a clear desire to better not only their communities, but the county as whole.
A Noxapater native, Mike Perkins began his career in law enforcement in 1987, joining the Louisville Police Department. Perkins would step up to a position in Narcotics Criminal Investigation within three years. He would work in this capacity between 1990 and 1995. Perkins then took a similar position in drug enforcement with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics. He would retire from this position in 2016. He returned home to help care for elderly family members and rejoined the LPD.
Perkins decided earlier this year after much prayer to run for sheriff. Looking around the city and county, Perkins believed he had the potential to make a difference.
Making a difference isn’t just a catchphrase for Perkins. He routinely speaks to young people in Winston County and passes out Bibles in his capacity as a Gideon. His message is a mixture of love and discipline. He told one group this year, “I love you, but I expect you to do what’s right.” He’s also shared that he witnesses to people who have strayed on the wrong side of the law. He recalled a stranger walking up to him in Walmart a few years ago; Perkins had arrested him and the individual had spent time in prison. Yet, he thanked Perkins for making a difference in his life; the man had turned his life around while jailed.
Perkins shared that after praying about whether to run, he believed he was being led to run: “It was the right thing to do.”
When asked about other differences he intends to make in the county, Perkins shared that he wants himself and his deputies to get out into the community and build trust between citizens and law enforcement. He also relayed that the three positions for deputy that have remained open for some time will be filled. Perkins wants his deputies to be seen in the county patrolling, and he will require them to do meet and greets with locals in order to build more trust. He added that the sheriff will also participate as his schedule allows.
Lester Holdiness is a Nanih Waiya native, and he also expressed a desire to make a difference in Winston County. Holdiness was recently elected as the East Post Constable. Lester was inspired to run by his father, who also served as a Constable. One aspect of running for the office Holdiness enjoyed had to do with talking with members of the community to find out issues they wanted to see addressed.
Holdiness says one of his chief goals for the position is working with local law enforcement to work on positive changes for the county. He has a heart for helping people, and he wants to use his position to help others. Holdiness promises to be active in the county.
Much of the reason for this is Holdiness’ ties to the community. He attended Nanih Waiya and is proud to be raising his children in the same community. Holdiness’ previous law enforcement experience includes working as a deputy and investigator for the Winston County Sheriff's Department for eleven years.
Holdiness and his wife Macy have three children, Alexa, Kate and Liam. All three are students at Nanih Waiya.
