Corral, a redshirt junior from Ventura, California, was the third leading passer in the SEC with 3,334 yards, completing 68.3 percent of his passes for 20 touchdowns and only four interceptions, including 26 of 34 passes for 234 yards in a thrilling 31-21 victory for the Rebels against Mississippi State in the 94th annual Battle for the Golden Egg rivalry game.

The Ole Miss quarterback topped two other finalists for the award, including Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers and Jackson State quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Corral also is the 12th leading rusher in the SEC with 597 yards and 11 touchdowns and led the Rebels to their first 10-win regular season in school history.

The trophy was presented during a sold-out Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame (MSHOF) awards banquet, which also featured special remarks from CBS NFL football analyst Charles Davis. The award is named after Charlie Conerly, a Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer, college All-American, an NFL rookie of the year, and NFL All-Pro who quarterbacked the New York Giants to a world championship.

The other seven award nominees from Mississippi’s 10 public universities and colleges were Delta State linebacker Marvin Terry, Alcorn State defensive back Juwan Taylor, Belhaven running back Brad Foley, Millsaps wide receiver Moïse Tezzo, Mississippi College linebacker Jonathan Jones, Mississippi Valley State running back Caleb Johnson and Southern Miss defensive back Malik Shorts.

Mississippi State left offensive tackle and redshirt sophomore Charles Cross won the 8th annual Entergy Kent Hull Trophy as Mississippi’s top college offensive lineman in 2021. Cross is the fifth Bulldog to receive the award, which is named for the late Kent Hull, a Mississippi State standout and Buffalo Bills pro football star. All seven previous award winners play or have played in the NFL.

Corral is semi-finalist or finalist for virtually every major award in college football this year, including the Maxwell Award, the Walter Camp Player of the Year, and the Davey O’Brien Award. His name has also prominently been mentioned as a dark horse candidate for the Heisman Trophy. He is one of five finalists for the 2021 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.

Previous winners of the C Spire Conerly Trophy include former and current NFL players such as Dak Prescott, Eli Manning, Anthony Dixon, Patrick Willis, Deuce McAllister, Jerious Norwood, Michael Boley, Evan Engram, A. J. Brown, Jeffrey Simmons, and last season’s winner, Elijah Moore. Prescott and Manning are the only two-time winners in the award’s 26-year history.

C Spire has sponsored the outstanding player awards program for football since 1998. The trophy is awarded to the nominee selected as the top player by news media covering college football in the state. “We’re very pleased with the caliber of players selected as nominees and finalists for the C Spire Conerly Trophy this year,” said Jim Richmond, vice president of Marketing for C Spire. “Our winner is not only a great football player but an outstanding young man with good character, a leader with a positive attitude, and a terrific work ethic.”

About C Spire

C Spire is a diversified telecommunications and technology services company that provides world-class, customer-inspired wireless communications, 1 Gigabit consumer Internet access as well as a full suite of dedicated Internet, wireless, IP Voice, data, and cloud services for businesses. This news release and other announcements are available at www.cspire.com/news. For more information about C Spire, visit www.cspire.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cspire or Twitter at www.twitter.com/cspire.

About The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame exists to promote, preserve and protect Mississippi’s rich sports heritage for this and generations to come. The Museum serves as a destination for sports legends to live forever through interactive displays and exhibits where visitors can play, live and dream. The 501(c)(3) organization recognizes excellence in athletics and contributions to sports. For more information about the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, visit msfame.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mssportshofandmuseum or Twitter at www.twitter.com/mssportshof.

Pictured showing their championship rings are front row L-r Brantlee Deen, Travis Mitchell, Wynne Williams, Benson Quick, Maddox Spencer, Wyatt Mitchell, Colton Wade, Ellison Ballance, and Greyson Pickell. Back Row l-r coaches Marvin Williams, Anthony Mitchell, and Guy Spencer.

Appointments can be made through https://covidvaccine.umc.edu or by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 877-978-6453.

Booster shots help maintain your immunity, which may decrease over time.

You can get a booster shot of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine if you are at least 18 years old and:

• Fully vaccinated with two shots of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, AND
• It’s been at least six months since your last shot of either vaccine.

OR:

• Fully vaccinated with one shot of Johnson and Johnson (Janssen) vaccine, AND
• It's been at least two months since your last shot.

The date of your last shot will be verified when you arrive to receive your booster shot.

Please note: COVID-19 vaccines are available at numerous other providers statewide, including pharmacies and clinics. Go to https://www.vaccines.gov/search/ to find locations near you where you can receive first and second COVID-19 shots as well as additional COVID-19 shots for weakened immune systems and boosters.

MSDH also has first and second shots of the COVID-19 vaccine available at county health departments.

Please remember to bring your COVID-19 vaccine card to your appointment, if available, if you have received prior shots of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

The Nutcracker” follows the story of Clara as she attends her family’s Christmas party, where she receives the gift of a nutcracker from the mysterious and magical Herr Drosselmeyer. After the party, Clara’s nutcracker comes to life, battles the evil Mouse King, and takes Clara on a magical journey. Clara and the Nutcracker Prince are awed by the Snow Queen and her corps of Snowflakes in the snowy forest before meeting the Sugarplum Fairy in the land of sweets. There Clara and the Nutcracker Prince enjoy dances or divertissements from around the world presented for their entertainment.

Following the 2 p.m. matinee performances of MMB’s “The Nutcracker,” patrons may step into Clara's slippers and travel to the Land of Sweets. In this immersive experience, guests will have their personal passports stamped as they visit Clara, the Snow Queen, the Dewdrop, the Sugarplum Fairy, and other characters from the ballet. Travel stops will offer character photo opportunities and souvenirs including a miniature nutcracker. The afternoon’s activities will be capped with “Spanish'' hot cocoa and light refreshments from Nothing Bundt Cakes. “The Land of Sweets is sure to please ballet fans of all ages, especially aspiring young dancers. The opportunity for a personal encounter with the dancers seen on stage and an up-close look at the beautiful costumes is not to be missed!” says MMB Guild president Christine Bridges.

Emily Garner of Madison will dance the role of Clara this season. Emily is a senior MMB company member and a freshman at Rosa Scott High School. She is the daughter of Elizabeth and Andy Clark and Adams Garner.

MMB principal dancer Madeline Page of Madison will dance a number of roles including the Snow Queen and Dewdrop Fairy. Page is a senior at Jackson Prep and the daughter of Audrey and Jeremy Page.

Artistic director Jennifer Beasley notes, “As in professional companies, many of the roles in the production, such as the Snow Queen, Dewdrop Fairy, and divertissement leads are split cast. A split cast means that more than one dancer performs the role over the course of the production. We have so many strong dancers among our principals, soloists, and senior company members. Challenging each dancer with new, varied, and appropriately-difficult choreography helps them develop their artistry and technique. Our four performances over the course of Nutcracker weekend will give them all an opportunity to shine.”

Sharing the role of Snow Queen with Page is Hallie Young. Young is an MMB soloist and a senior at Northwest Rankin High School. Page shares the role of Dewdrop Fairy with fellow principal dancer Brelyn Binkley. Binkley attends Northwest Rankin High School and is a junior. Young and Binkley also split the role of Mirliton lead.

Other soloists and senior company members in the cast are Annalee LeDuff, Hart Maley, Sydney Sanders, Rebecca Trowbridge, Southern Callahan, Brooke Carter, Mari Finseth, Grace Gardner, Sophia Huang, Amelia McCaughan, and Emma Raush all of Madison County, and Eleanora Ellis, Laurel Larsen and Annalyse Binkley of Rankin County.

Joining the local cast are Cecily Khuner, Oscar Fernandez, Joey Dlearo, and Dominiq Luckie of Ballet Memphis. Khuner and Fernandez will dance the roles of the Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier. Dlearo will appear as the Nutcracker Prince, and Luckie will perform the role of Snow King.

Cecily Khuner began her dance training at Berkeley Ballet Theater and then attended San Francisco Ballet School. She joined Ballet Memphis in 2010. Her favorite works/roles with the company include Juliet in Steven McMahon’s “Romeo and Juliet,” Sugar Plum and Dew Drop in “Nutcracker,” George Balanchine’s “Square Dance,” Trey McIntyre’s “The Reassuring Effects of Form and Poetry,” Matthew Neenan’s “Water of the Flowery Mill,” Julia Adam’s “Devil’s Fruit,” Gabrielle Lamb’s “Manifold,” and Helena in Mark Godden’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Cecily is a National YoungArts Foundation award winner for ballet.

Oscar Fernandez is from the village of Santillana del Mar of the state of Cantabria, in the North of Spain. He trained in classical, contemporary, and Flamenco dance at the Real Conservatoire of Dance Maremma in Madrid before joining San Francisco Ballet School on scholarship. He joined Ballet San Jose as a Corp member in 2014 where he performed in George Balanchine's “Theme and Variations,” Ben Stevenson’s “Cinderella” and Ohad Naharin's “Minus 16” among others. He joined Ballet Memphis in 2016 and performed in Steven McMahon productions, including Romeo in “Romeo and Juliet” and the Scarecrow in “The Wizard of Oz,” Cavalier in “Nutcracker,” as well as Spanish, Russian and Arabian. Oscar also has performed in George Balanchine's “Square Dance,” Reggie Wilson's “I Am a Man,” Matthew Neenan's “Water of the Flowery Mill,” and Mark Godden's “Midsummer Night's Dream.” Oscar teaches Adult Ballet and Latin Dance in the Ballet Memphis School.

Performances of MMB’s “The Nutcracker” will be at 2 and 7 p.m. on December 4 and 5 at Jackson Academy Performing Arts Center. Tickets for the performance are $30-$35. Land of Sweets tickets are $25 and are sold separately. Both are available at msmetroballet.com or by calling 601-853- 4508.

An honor company member of Regional Dance America, MMB is a pre-professional, nonprofit ballet company based in Madison. Members of the company and the cast of “The Nutcracker'' are selected by audition from the students of Mississippi Metropolitan Dance Academy, with locations in Madison and Brandon. Supporters of MMB’s 29th season include the Mississippi Arts Commission; Gertrude C. Ford Foundation; Jackson Optimist Club; Ergon; Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi; Eventful; Harper, Rains, Knight and Co.; Hilton Garden Inn Jackson-Madison; Larry and Michael Johnson Family Foundation; and The Pig & Pint. For more information on MMB or MMDA, visit www.msmetroballet.com and follow us on Instagram @msmetroballet and @msmetrodance.

The Pearl Public Library (PPL) will host a Turkey Circulation Raffle in November. For every five books checked out, a library patron will be entered to win a Walmart gift card. There is no limit on entries per person. There will be one adult and one child winner.

For PPL patrons from birth to twelve years of age, Preschool Story Time will be held Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Also on Wednesdays is Peanuts K-4 Story Time following at 4 p.m. Both will include stories, music, and crafts. The themes for November include Scarecrows, Stuffed Animal Sleepover, Thanksgiving, and Squirrels.

For teens, PPL will be offering Teen Make and Take Craft, where the library will offer a take-home craft of the month. The November craft projects are snowy owl pinecones, polymer leaf dishes, and pinecone turkeys.

Adults and seniors are invited to join the Pearl Book Club on Wednesday, November 17 at 11 a.m., where club members will discuss the group book.

Also in November is Simply Crafts, where adult and senior patrons may join PPL on Tuesday, November 23, at 6 p.m. to complete a fun and useful do-it-yourself craft project.

The Richland Public Library (RPL) is offering Preschool Story Time for patrons from birth to twelve years of age every Monday at 11 a.m. There will be books, songs, and a craft. The themes for November include Turkeys on Monday, November 15; Thanksgiving on Monday, November 22; and Foxes on Monday, November 29.

For family fun, RPL offers Family Craft Night on Thursday, November 11, at 6 p.m. Using cardboard and colored paper, families will be instructed on how to make a Thankful Turkey craft. All supplies will be provided.

To celebrate National Picture Book Month, RPL will be hosting a Teddy Bear Sleep-over. Families may bring a stuffed animals to the library and leave them for a sleep-over. Stuffed animals need to be dropped off at RPL by 7 p.m. on Monday, November 15, and picked up by Tuesday, November 16, by 6 p.m. RPL will post pictures of the fun the stuffed animals had spending the night at the library.

For adults and seniors, the Richland Book Club will meet on Tuesday, November 16, at 11 a.m. to discuss The Heathens, by Ace Atkins. Visit www.cmissrls.ent.sirsi.net to request a copy.

The Florence Public Library will host a Do-It-Yourself Gingerbread Clay House contest, where patrons are encouraged to “Take a kit, and make it a home.” Kits will be available beginning Monday, November 15, while supplies last. All projects must be returned by Monday, December 13. The contest winner will be announced Thursday, December 16, and will receive a $25 gift card.

The Florence Library is also hosting Coffee and Christmas Painting on Thursday, December 2, at 5:45 p.m.

All Central Mississippi Regional Library System (CMRLS) branches and administrative offices will be closed Thursday, November 11, in observance of Veteran's Day. All CMRLS libraries will close at 1 p.m. on November 24 and will remain closed on November 25, 26, and 27 for the Thanksgiving holidays. Visit the CMRLS website at www.cmrls.lib.ms.us to access online services including the digital library.

Richland Public Library is located at 370 Scarbrough Street in Richland. Library hours of operation are Monday and Thursday, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.; and Sundays closed.

For more information, call 601-932-1846, or visit cmrls.lib.ms.us/cmrlsbranches/richland.

Florence Public Library is located at 115 West Main Street in Florence. Library hours of operation are Monday and Thursday 9:30 a.m. until 7 p.m; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, closed.

For more information, call 601-845-6032, or visit cmrls.lib.ms.us/cmrlsbranches/florence.

With more families staying put for Thanksgiving, there will be more people trying their luck at frying turkeys. That may lead to more residential fires and injuries to residents of central Mississippi. American Medical Response (AMR) officials advise these steps from the Burn Institute (www.burninstitute.org) to help prevent serious injuries and property loss when using a turkey fryer.

• NEVER leave turkey fryers unattended. Due to the risk, it is wise to have two fry cooks.
• ALWAYS keep children and pets away from the fryer. AMR recommends drawing a circle ten feet in diameter around the fryer and declaring it a “kid-free zone.”
• ALWAYS use turkey fryers outdoors. Do not use them in rain or snow, since water and hot oil can splatter and even erupt.
• ALWAYS keep fryers away from flammable materials. Do not use them under eaves, porches, or carports or near walls, fences, leaves, bushes, or trees. Do not use fryers in garages.
• ALWAYS place fryers on a flat, stable, non-flammable surface such as concrete. Do not fry the bird on a deck.
• ALWAYS thaw the turkey thoroughly. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says proper thawing requires 24 hours for every four to five pounds. It is extremely dangerous to put an unthawed turkey into boiling oil. A sudden “flash-over” of burning oil can occur. A flashover is like an eruption. The oil can flow down to the heat source and cause a big fire and critical burns.
• NEVER overfill the fryer. Here’s how to determine the quantity of oil needed for your turkey: Before lighting the fryer, put the turkey in the pot and add water (not oil) until all of the bird is under about a half-inch of water. Be sure there are three to five inches between the top of the water and the top of the pot. If there aren’t three to five inches from the water to the top of the pot, your turkey is too big for your pot. Mark the spot on the pot where the water stopped. Remove the bird and the water. Dry the bird thoroughly inside and out and dry the pot. Then and only then add the oil.
• ALWAYS follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• NEVER heat the oil above the recommended temperature. If you see smoke, turn off the burner immediately because that means the oil is too hot.
• ALWAYS wear long sleeves, flame-retardant gloves, and shoes with closed toes.
• ALWAYS use a thermometer to monitor food temperature. Check the oil temperature frequently.
• NEVER move the fryer once it is in operation.
• NEVER let the cooks consume alcohol while tending the fryer.
• ALWAYS lower the turkey slowly into the oil. Nearly all fryers come with a hook that attaches to the bird. Using the hook keep your hands' several inches above the hot oil. Also consider attaching the hook to a bar and using two people to lower and raise the bird, one person on each end of the bar.
• NEVER stand directly over hot oil.
• ALWAYS make sure the oil is completely cooled before removing it from the fryer. Remember, the oil can stay hot for hours after the heat source is turned off.
• ALWAYS keep a fire extinguisher with you when using a turkey fryer.
• NEVER try to extinguish an oil fire with water. Hot oil doused with water can lead to deadly results. If someone is burned or if the fryer catches fire, immediately call 911. Hot oil burns can cause extensive tissue damage. Run cool but not cold water over the burned area for at least five minutes. Apply no ice, creams, or gels.

AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE OFFERS TIPS FOR OUTDOOR DECORATING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Draping electric icicles around the eaves, hanging wreaths, and placing the angel atop a tall tree are only three parts of holiday decorating that often require a ladder. Of course, what goes up must eventually come down. American Medical Response (AMR) reminds central Mississippi residents that falls from ladders can cripple or kill, and even short stepladders pose a hazard.

The National Safety Council and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported several thousand people per year in the U.S. are injured in falls from ladders. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons reports that men and the elderly are at higher risk of injury from falling.

According to AMR spokesman Jim Pollard, “Elders are more likely to fall from ladders because their vision and balance may have changed and elders who fall often require longer rehabilitation.” Men, he added, are more likely to be overconfident about using ladders and more inclined to take risks using them.

People who fall from ladders can suffer head injuries and break hips, arms, and legs, Pollard said.

According to the Home Safety Council, misuse of the ladder is the main cause of injuries due to falling off a ladder. In a recent study, the Council found more than half of those injured placed the ladder on uneven ground. Nearly half reached farther than they should. Almost 40 percent fell after dark. More than a third fell after standing on the top two ladder steps. More than 20 percent drank alcohol while using the ladder.

“Most folks use ladders infrequently so they lack experience and skill with them,” Pollard said. “We’re most likely to use ladders during year-end holidays and spring fix-up. With the year-end holidays, we face twice the risk because we have to take down all the decorations we put up. We all need to be mindful of the risk of ladder falls.”

Pollard gave this advice to prevent ladder injuries:

• Before climbing a ladder, think about your current health. If you have lost strength or it is harder to keep your balance, stay off the ladder. If your instincts warn you to beware of climbing ladders, stay off them.
• Avoid using a ladder outdoors after dark.
• Keep your ladders in good condition. Check ladders for cracks or weak spots. Be sure rungs are sturdy and locking devices work properly.
• The feet of the ladder must rest on a surface that is firm, level, dry and not slippery.
• When leaning a ladder against a wall, move the bottom of the ladder away from the wall one-fourth of the height of the ladder.
• Do not lean ladders against gutters or other weaker parts of a building that may break away. It is safer to use ladders with built-in stand-off bars that hold the ladder off gutters and other soft parts of a structure.
• If you’re using power equipment with cords, be absolutely sure the cords are in good condition. Metal ladders will carry an electrical jot if a frayed cord is touching the ladder when the tool is running.
• Wear shoes that are dry and have enough tread to prevent slipping.
• Never use a ladder in front of a door someone may open.
• Insist that another person holds the ladder the whole time someone is on it. Ladders are a two-person tool.
• Follow the manufacturer’s warnings on weight limits.
• Keep both feet on the same rung while you are working. It’s safer to maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times.
• Do not stand on either of the top two rungs.
• Do not reach or lean so far in any direction that you cannot keep both feet flat on the rung where you are standing. Instead of reaching too far, climb down, move the ladder closer to the spot you need to reach, climb back up and reach safely.
• Keep your tools on a belt or in your pockets or hand them to your “spotter” so both hands will be free when you’re going up or down the ladder.
• Do not use ladders when you have drunk alcohol.
• Do not use ladders outside on days with stiff winds.
• Remember: Climbing onto the roof from a ladder is especially dangerous.

Pearl High School graduate Sam Brumfield added yet another championship to his junior college football resume. The linebacker played a major part in Northwest Mississippi Community College's 56-21 win over Hinds Community College in the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) Championship Game.

Brumfield was a fixture in the Hinds backfield as he tallied four total tackles, 2.0 sacks, and two quarterback hurries. Those two sacks accounted for a loss of 12 total yards.

This is Brumfield's second consecutive MACCC Championship with Northwest. He made three tackles in the Rangers' 2020 MACCC Championship win over Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College.

Brumfield currently is 11th in the country with an impressive 83.0 total tackles. He has also added 5.0 sacks, 5.5 tackles for loss, seven quarterback hurries, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery this season.

The Rangers have a 9-2 record and are currently ranked third in the country. They will now await next week's rankings to see if they will qualify for the first-ever National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I Playoff. Only the top-four teams in the country will qualify for the playoff. The top-seed will host the fourth seed, while the number-two seed will host the number-three seed. The winners will play for the NJCAA Division I National Championship in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Pictured during his signing ceremony at FHS are (front row) Ryland Hemphill (back row L to R) FHS assistant baseball coach Joal Rankin, assistant baseball coach Tony O'Hair, head baseball coach Josh Anderson, FHS assistant principal Jason Thomas, and assistant baseball coach Danny Nelson.

Belhaven University women's soccer player Anna Crane was recently named Third Team All-American Southwest Conference (ASC). The Pearl High School graduate was one of seven Blazer women's soccer players to earn individual recognition from the conference.

Crane, who transferred from Jones College, had a great debut season in Jackson. The junior forward started all 15 games in which she appeared. She tied for the team lead with eight goals on 34 shots. Five of her goals were game-winners, and she had multi-goal games against both Austin College and Centenary College. She also tallied an assist this season, giving her 17 points.

The Blazers finished the year with a 10-8-1 record and qualified for the ASC Tournament for the third consecutive season. Crane is one of seven juniors who will return and provide leadership to the team next season.

Meet LIVE turkeys from Freedom Ranch Outreach Education, examine turkey feathers under a microscope, investigate "egg-cellent" anatomy, make turkey crafts, and learn about turkey conservation!

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Time: 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Location: MDWFP's Mississippi Museum of Natural Science

County: Hinds

For more information please contact Nicole Smith at 601-576-6000 or by email at nicole.smith@mmns.ms.gov

Masks are recommended.

This family-friendly, mini-event has something for everyone as we prepare for Thanksgiving.

This event is included with museum admission ($6 adults, $4 youth ages 3 and up, Free for under age 3) or with Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation Membership.

On Saturday, November 13th, the Florence High School’s JROTC Drill Team participated in the RCSD Drill Meet at Northwest Rankin High School. Florence High School placed first overall by securing wins in Armed Squad, Armed Platoon, Unarmed Squad, Unarmed Platoon, and Color Guard routines.

Pictured above is the FHS JROTC Drill team

Left to right kneeling: John Michael Lindsey, Mackenzie Watson, Tori Morgan, Bradley Lewis

Left to right middle row: Rileigh Cox, Matthew Allen, Destiny Lightel, Ashley Dykes, Trinity Barnett

Left to right last row: Madison Lawrence, Payden Norsworthy, Tanner Rori, Jada Berry, Kyle McLendon, Emily Bruce, Brooke Ray, Josh Craft, Ethan Terrones, Caleb McFarland

Pictured above is:

John Michael Lindsey, Emily Bruce, Brooke Ray, and Bradley Lewis conducting Color Guard routine.

Pictured above is:

Cadet Tori Morgan reporting to the judge before her Unarmed Platoon routine.

FHS JROTC Unarmed Platoon starting their routine.

Pictured from left to right: Emily Bruce, Trinity Barnett, Rileigh Cox, Elana DePoyster, Brooke Ray, Bradley Lewis, Sean Fain, Ashley Dykes, Destiny Lightle, Madison Lawrence, John Michael Lindsey, Mackenzie Watson.

Pictured above is:

Cadet Mackenzie Watson leads cadets Rileigh Cox, Tori Morgan, John Michael Lindsey, Brooke Ray, Bradley Lewis, Emily Bruce in the Unarmed Squad routine.

“What this is not, is a fourth economic stimulus package to be compared to the CARES Act, CRRSSAA funds or HARPA money that is delivered to the states with an infrastructure focus,” said Brad White, MDOT Executive Director. “All of this money will be put through the programs of Federal Highway and will have to meet the criteria for which they allow for those expenditures to be made.”

The Act was authorized through The Federal-Aid Highway Program (the Program). The Program is funded from federal taxes on fuel, tire sales, and other items which are deposited into the Federal Highway Trust Fund (HTF), as well as General Fund transfers. Distribution from the HTF is subject to periodic authorization and annual appropriation by Congress.

This assistance was created by the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, and since its establishment, the Program has been authorized 15 times in various forms at generally increasing funding levels.

Most recently, the program was reauthorized by the FAST Act in 2015 for FFY 2016-2020 and by the Act in 2021 for FFY 2022-2026.

Through the FAST Act, MDOT received around $2.6 billion; the Act reapproved those funds with the addition of nearly $1 billion more spread over five years.

For more information on MDOT’s funding visit GoMDOT.com.

On Thursday, November 18, at 1 p.m., PSS will host their monthly Birthday Bingo, where attendees celebrate birthdays with an entertaining game of bingo. Participants must sign up in advance. Space is limited.

Monday, November 29, at 1 p.m., PSS will host a viewing of Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors. The movie is based on the inspiring true story of living legend Dolly Parton’s remarkable upbringing. This once-in-a-lifetime movie special takes place inside the tight-knit Parton family as they struggle to overcome devastating tragedy and discover the healing power of love, faith, and a raggedy patchwork coat that helps make Parton who she is today. The film is set in the Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains in 1955. It is neither a biopic, nor a musical about Dolly’s whole life and performing career, but rather a family-oriented faith-based story about the incidents in her and her family’s life around the time she was nine years old.

Also in November, PSS hosts Be a Santa to a Senior. Patrons are asked to give back this holiday season and bring joy to local senior adults who may be alone during the holiday season. Those interested in signing up may visit the Pearl Senior Center and select a senior’s wish list. All gifts must be returned unwrapped with the ornament attached no later than Friday, December 3, by 4 p.m.

Save the date for Thursday, December 9, at 6:30 p.m. PSS, will be hosting a special Christmas Dinner to replace the regular monthly luncheon.

Weekly activities are also scheduled in the month of November, including Monday’s line-up of 8 a.m. Men’s Coffee; 9 a.m. Senior Power Fitness; and 10 a.m. Spanish Class. Tuesday’s line-up includes 8 a.m. Bible Study followed by 9 a.m. Chairobics. On Wednesday, November 17, the schedule includes 9 a.m. Senior Power Fitness; 12-noon Intermediate Line Dance; 1 p.m. Beginner Line Dance; and 1 p.m. Crochet. Thursday, November 18, includes two activities at 1 p.m. – a game of Bridge and “Hand and Foot.” A 9 a.m. Walkout Workout is scheduled for Friday, November 12, and 19.

Pearl Senior Center will be closed Thursday, November 11, for Veterans Day; and Thursday, November 25, and Friday, November 26, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

PSS has also announced a few operational changes, beginning in January 2022: monthly luncheons and Birthday Bingo are moving to Tuesdays; Chairobics is moving to Thursdays; and, due to rising food prices, the luncheon tickets will increase from $5 to $6.

The Pearl Senior Center is located at 110 Valentour Road in Pearl. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

For more information about these and other upcoming events, contact Pearl Senior Services at 601-863-3229.

Christmas-themed merchandise is in high demand, as well as arts and crafts, concessions, and boutique shopping items. Prohibited items include alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vaping products, or give-aways.

The cost for a single display, which includes a single 10-foot by 10-foot booth, is $50. Vendors may purchase multiple booths. RCC will provide one table and chair per booth. Free-standing props are allowed, but no banners or other items may be hung, taped, or pinned to the walls. Pegboards, racks, and shelving units are also allowed at the market, but not provided. Electricity is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The space for the market can accommodate up to forty-five displays, and applications will be accepted as long as space remains available. The deadline for vendor application is Friday, November 19, and organizers say spaces are filling up fast.

Vendor setup is scheduled for Friday, December 10, from noon until 7 p.m. Doors will open to vendors Saturday, December 11, at 6:30 a.m. Vendors must complete setup by 8:30 a.m.

The City of Richland asks that all vendors park at the north end of the building, which will be reserved exclusively for vendor parking.

Applications are available upon request by contacting Kristina Jordan, the Richland Community Center Coordinator, at 601-540-0820, visiting the Richland Community Center at 410 E Harper Street in Richland, or emailing kjordan@richlandms.com.

The City of Pearl is currently accepting float and group applications for the 2021 Pearl Christmas Parade. This year's theme is "A Candyland Christmas." The entry form deadline is Friday, November 19, at 4 p.m. Floats, single vehicles, truck and trailers, marching/dancing groups, and more are encouraged to apply.

Each entry must supply the total length of their parade entry, the number of vehicles or marchers, and a brief greeting to be read by an announcer during the event.

A representative from each application must attend the mandatory entrant meeting to be held Tuesday, November 30, at 6 p.m., at the Pearl Senior Center.

Each float must have four adults (two on each side) walking alongside the float to ensure spectators are standing outside of the parade route. The walkers are also responsible for ensuring that no items (candy, beads, cups, etc.) are thrown to parade spectators.

All entries must take and keep the place assigned to them by the line-up staff. Entrant number must be placed in a visible area such as dash or driver door. Each entry must have its assigned number at line-up arrival time. Parade line-up and must provide a “pooper scooper” to follow the entry, ensuring public safety and sanitation.

All marchers, walkers, and riders must remain with their unit in their assigned position in the staging area and proceed in a steady and continuous manner during the parade, maintaining a minimum of forty feet between entries.

No entry may exceed sixty-five feet in length or fourteen feet in height.

All entries must be operated in a legal, safe, and ethical manner in compliance with law enforcement and the City of Pearl directions, and community standards of good taste. Lewd, lascivious behavior, or profane music will not be tolerated and will be grounds for expulsion from the parade.

The consumption of drugs or alcohol by parade participants is strictly prohibited.

The City of Pearl has adopted “The Santa Claus” clause. This clause prohibits any other float participant or entry to use any form of Santa Claus. Only one Santa Claus will be provided, presented, and established by the City of Pearl for the entire parade.

In the event of an emergency, vehicle breakdown, or equipment failure, entries should be moved promptly away from or off of the parade route, so as not to impede parade traffic, spectator view, or emergency vehicles. All issues of public safety rest expressly with the City of Pearl Police Department.

The parade staging area will be at Bright Shopping Center, located at 2405 US Highway 80 East.

Each entry is eligible to be judged and may stop and/or perform in front of the judges’ stand located on Old Brand Road at the Fallen Police Officer Memorial across from Pearl City Hall. There will be a maximum one-minute limit per performance. The judging categories this year are Most Christmas Spirit; Best “Candyland Christmas” Spirit; Brightest Lights; Best Marching Unit; and Best Overall Float.

A Candyland Christmas will begin at 6:30 p.m. on the evening of Saturday, December 4. The parade will again be around the City Hall Complex on Old Brandon Road.

Entrants may view and download a copy of the official entry form at https://forms.cityofpearl.com/212564975080056. Completed forms may be mailed to the City of Pearl, Attn. Stacy Smith, P.O. Box 5948, Pearl, 39288-5948; delivered to the Pearl Senior Center at 110 Valentour Road, Pearl, 39208 or emailed to Stacy Smith at ssmith@cityofpearl.com.

Call 601-863-3229 or email ssmith@cityofpearl.com for more information.

In the same spirit, Pearl High School (PHS) will present its annual Veterans Day Program, Thursday, November 11, at 9:30 a.m., in the William H. Dodson Performing Arts Center, located at 500 Pirate Cove in Pearl. All local veterans are invited to attend and will be recognized during the program. A reception will be held in the PHS library following the program to further honor the veterans in attendance.

The thirty-minute program will include music performed by the PHS choir and band, a local veteran speaker, as well as a reception with cake and punch. The ceremony will include a calling out of the names of the attending veterans. The program will conclude with a song entitled “Salute to the Armed Forces.” This medley includes the Armed Services songs for each branch of the military, where the men and women in attendance who have served and/or are serving in the military will have an opportunity to stand and sing their military branch’s song.

As PHS Choral Director Angie Rawls explains, “We hope to not only honor these precious servicemen and women but also to enlighten the younger generation. They need to know and hopefully grasp the importance of what these veterans have done for them.”

For veterans and families interested in attending this year’s event, Rawls asks that they provide their name, rank, and branch of service in advance via email to arawls@pearlk12.com.

This performance by Duncan also landed him the Special Teams Player of the Week honor by the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference Tuesday.

Duncan, a Florence native, played a huge part in the Eagle's 42-41 overtime victory on the road against the Lions in the conference semifinal game.

The freshman placekicker was perfect on his extra points, going 6-6. In the nail-biter win, Duncan made sure he did his job to make sure there were no points left on the table.

Eagle football returns to the gridiron this Saturday as they take on Northwest Mississippi Community College at 2 p.m. in Senatobia for a shot at the conference title.

“We have been prepping our show, the ‘Greatest Showman,’ since mid-July…working on it daily,” says Band Director Beau Robinson. And it was due to this dedication and commitment that Florence’s Big Red Band secured an overall superior rating at the MHSAA’s State Marching Band Evaluation held in October.

Where did flexibility and resilience come into the picture? Robinson explains that “We don’t have a [practice] space currently…if you have driven past Florence High School the past year, there is a lot of construction going on, and we currently don’t have a band hall, [or] a practice field, either.” With the bond issue for Rankin County School District that passed a few years ago, Florence High School has been in the process of improvements, which will include a brand new band hall.

It would have been easy, Robinson says, for the band to shirk responsibility…no band hall, no practice field, and all of the complications that have arisen since the onset of COVID-19, and go home with the easy scores. But the band director wanted to push the kids past whatever excuses they could easily come up with. The result? This year’s show was competitive, perhaps a bit more competitive than some of the neighboring schools.

The Big Red Band was able to secure the superior scores using a shed as a covered rehearsal spot and a parking lot as their practice field. That said, receiving those ratings was a big morale boost for the kids, who were coming off a year where the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the band from competing at all.

The students, faculty, and staff of Florence High School continue to patiently await a new fine arts facility. Eventually, it will include ten classrooms, science labs, and a multipurpose room, as well as a band hall and a choir room.

Robinson looks to the future with enthusiasm: “Our band hall will be fantastic once the construction is done, [and] they are expecting it to be done in March.” In the meantime, they will practice patience, making do with what they have. Practice, practice, and more practice.

This year, Richland MYC is partnering with the City of Pearl’s Mayor’s Youth Council, allowing members of both youth organizations an opportunity to visit many of the locations of national and historic significance.

The Monday through Friday trip will begin the last Monday in May and run until Friday, June 2, 2022. They will travel by way of a chartered bus and, once arriving at the destination, will be attending scheduled activities as a group. The agenda is packed full of historic stops - places that to date they have only read about. The list includes the Washington Monument, the Smithsonian, the Vietnam War Memorial, the White House, Washington’s home on the Potomac, and, hopefully, Ford’s Theatre, the famous location of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. The agenda also includes a special visit to the World War II Memorial for a wreath-laying ceremony, where the group will converge on the Mississippi section of the Memorial to lay a wreath.

Ward says that the main purpose of the trip is to allow members of the youth council to have a personal experience of our nation’s history.

“You can learn things from a book and from hearing from a teacher, but actually seeing it brings a whole new light to it. You get a different perspective.”

The deadline to purchase tickets is Tuesday, November 30. The cost per raffle ticket is $10 and may be purchased at the Richland Mayor’s Office from Stephanie Ward or any of the Richland or Pearl MYC members who will be attending the DC trip.

The drawing will be held on Friday, December 10, on Richland MYC Facebook live. Ward will contact the winner directly to provide official notification. The winner will receive a $3,000 travel voucher with Magnolia Travel Group in Madison. Tickets may be purchased from any Richland MYC member attending the trip, or online at www.mayorsyouthcouncilraffle.com. To purchase raffle tickets online, use RMYC code: RMYC.

For more information, contact Stephanie Ward at the Mayor’s office at 601-420-1530.

Corban moved to Pearl in 1950 and was a music teacher in Pearl schools until she retired in 1986.

In the proclamation, the Mayor and Board of Aldermen recognized Mrs. Corban for her lifelong sharing and love of music to her students, her community, and the church.

The M-Braves recorded the best winning percentage in club history (.604) by finishing 67-44 during the regular season. The club won the league by eight games over the Biscuits.

Alan Rangel (W, 1-0), Brandon White, Jake Higginbotham, and Nolan Kingham combined to retire 20-straight batters from the third inning to the ninth inning. The twenty-four-year-old Rangel was brilliant through 6.0 innings of one-run baseball in his first postseason start and first in eleven days, walking just one and striking out eight for the victory.

The Biscuits (2-3) got on the board first in the top of the second inning. Jim Haley singled and stole second base. Then, he attempted to tag up to third base on a flyout to left field. However, the throw from Trey Harris hit Haley during his slide and glanced towards the dugout, allowing him to score and give the Biscuits a 1-0 lead.

Shea Langeliers started the bottom of the second inning with a walk and took second base on a wild pitch. CJ Alexander followed with an RBI double down the right-field line to tie the game at 1-1.

Greyson Jenista broke the tie in the bottom of the sixth inning with a solo home run to right field to give the M-Braves a 2-1 lead. The homer was Jenista's third of the Championship Series and 22nd on the season. Overall the M-Braves hit seven long balls during the five-game series.

White (H, 1) started the top of the seventh inning to relieve Rangel in the top of the seventh inning. White had a 1-2-3 inning with two strikeouts. The right-hander logged 5.0 scoreless innings in the series.

Higginbotham (H, 1) turned in a 1-2-3 eighth inning with two strikeouts in his third postseason appearance.

Kingham (S, 3) gave up a two-out single in the ninth to Ruben Cardenas to break up the twenty-straight retired streak but got Cal Stevenson to pop out in foul ground to Alexander at third to seal the title.

The Mississippi Braves will look to defend their league title beginning April 8, 2022 against these same Montgomery Biscuits at Trustmark Park.

Students in Mrs. Tracy Perkins’ second-grade class at Northside Elementary created haunted houses as a culminating activity in their lesson on arrays representing addition equations. Pictured from left to right are Charlee-Grace Phillips and Holden Bolls.

Students in Mrs. Lydia George's second-grade class at Northside Elementary enjoyed snow cones as a part of the Luau Day celebration for the PTSO fundraiser. Pictured clockwise from the bottom left are Jayce Whitehurst, Zane Lawrence, Devarious Jones, Leo Ngo, Reed Anderson, and Aiden Finkelstein.

Kindergarten students at Pearl Lower Elementary in Mrs. Robin Gentry’s class used counters to identify the number of syllables in words. Pictured clockwise from the top left corner are Anika Zetina Valencia, Brayden Garcia Phillips, Rayden McCann, and Melody Sims.

Mrs. Rhonda Green's kindergarten class created self-portraits while studying an "All About Me" unit. Pictured from left to right are Jared Rodriguez, Melody Ginn, assistant teacher Mrs. Deidre Harwell, Quarwon Pendleton, Kara Pratt, and Madyson Dixon.

Students in Mrs. Sharley Speed’s kindergarten class at Pearl Lower Elementary used fruity cereal to practice counting and sorting. Pictured clockwise from the top left corner are Iker Camacho-Rosas, Raegan Silas, Tremaine Owens, and Bryanna Duarte-Gonzalez.

Just inside the front door, guests will find our enchanting 45-foot Snowflake Slide, cascading over the central staircase, always a favorite for children (and their adults!) 36” or taller to ride down! Also nearby, children will find hundreds of decorations to build a life-size gingerbread house. An exciting return for everyone is the child-favorite Reindeer Rink for sock skating (children must bring socks for this experience). Santa will be making special visits during Journey to the North Pole, visit our website mschildrensmuseum.org and follow us on social media for a schedule of when Santa plans to stop by.

Drawing inspiration from lessons in navigation and geography, along with traditional holiday literature, Journey to the North Pole is a place where children can don a conductor’s cap and find tickets for their next railroad adventure. Santa’s helpers can play in the child-size post office equipped with a package sorting station and conveyor belt for guests to sort and ship packages. An expansive train table, complete with snowy buildings and lots of child-sized train cars, will thrill train enthusiasts with hands-on imaginative play. The interactive clock tower featuring a toddler slide is a fan-favorite for our youngest visitors.

The exhibit grand opening will be held on Monday, November 22, and will be open through Sunday, January 2. Wear your favorite holiday pajamas to Jammies at Journey on November 22 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The museum will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Museum hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m, and Sunday, 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. MCM will be open for Magic Mondays on November 22 and December 27.

Journey to the North Pole provides the perfect outing for family fun, your child’s birthday party, and a magical backdrop for your special family photo. Be sure to visit the Mississippi Children’s Museum between November 22-January 2 for a holiday experience unlike any other in Mississippi! This one-of-a-kind holiday exhibit was designed by MCM’s in-house creative team in partnership with Davaine Lighting, A Plus Creative & Signs, and ADEX International Exhibit Fabrication of Cincinnati, Ohio.

About the Mississippi Children’s Museum

The Mississippi Children’s Museum (MCM) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides unparalleled experiences that ignite a thirst for discovery, knowledge, and learning in all children. MCM is dedicated to inspiring Mississippi’s children from all backgrounds to discover and achieve their potential. The museum features 40,000 square feet of exhibit space designed around five primary initiatives: Literacy, STEM, Health and Nutrition, Cultural Arts, and Mississippi History. The museum’s exhibits, programs, and outreach opportunities provide engaging, explorative, hands-on educational activities for children of all ages. To learn more about MCM visit www.mschildrensmuseum.org.

Sabrea Smith who works with Rescue 100 will be the keynote speaker and attending this orientation presentation class will count towards the licensure of becoming a foster parent family.

Rescue 100 is a collaborative effort between the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services, the courts and churches representing all denominations across the state of Mississippi. These organizations work together to streamline the training and licensing process for foster families.

Rescue 100 is committed to recruiting, training and supporting foster families who provide loving homes for children in the state foster care system. Rescue 100 trains and equips foster families through online training courses and a 1-day training to expedite licensing their homes so they can care for children in need of a stable and loving home environment. Orientation sessions and training are held throughout the year in all parts of the state.

Mississippi currently has almost 5,000 children in foster care. There is a critical need for hundreds and hundreds more foster families to care for them and provide them with a safe, stable and loving home environment.

Crossgates Baptist Church will offer free childcare to attend these classes and RSVP is not required to attend the class. If needed, you may want to show up a few minutes early to register your child for childcare before the class starts.

We look forward to having you and your families attend our upcoming class. If you have a friend or family member who you think would like to come, please invite them to come with you. Our adoption and foster classes meet on the first and third Wednesday’s of each month and they are available for everyone to attend.

Crossgates Baptist Church is located at 8 Crosswoods Road, Brandon MS 39042. Please contact Chris Gray with Zacchaeus Tree Adoption Ministry at Christopher.Gray1@yahoo.com for more details.

As an example, a current bill of $51.01 under the new rate will increase to $65.43.

Mayor Jake Windham explained that the City was going to see rate increases regardless of the move to the West Rankin plant. The City of Jackson’s current wastewater plant is in need of repairs that would cost Pearl and other Rankin County entities $200 million. The new West Rankin plant was built for less than $100 million and provides the Rankin County members with better service and control of its expansion and economic development. Rate increases would have been even higher had Pearl stayed with Jackson, just to fix the old plant.

Mayor Windham recently explained in detail the new rates on the City’s weekly community affairs program, “This Week in Pearl,” on Pearl Municipal Broadcasting Television. The program is available on-demand anytime, as PMBtv is on Roku, Amazon Firestick TV, and the City of Pearl Youtube Page.

The Florentine Club members wore pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Pictured seated: left to right, Jessie Buckley and Mary Alice Hydrick.

Standing: left to right, Judy Webb, Dee Payne, Kathy Hilton, Dianne Roberts, President, Debi Gibson, Chelsea Faust, guest speaker, Charlotte Young, Carol Cliburn, Jeannie Pittman, and Betty Harpe.

Pirates of the Month 8th Grade

Eighth grade Pirates of the Month pictured on the first row are Noah Fiallos, Bailey Montgomery, Rhyanna James, Aleena Cira, Laken Hester, Alexun Hunt, and Austin Johnson. On the second row are Savannah Varner, Demetria Cody, Jayvion Sanders, Spencer Carey, Juday Eke, and Kaleb Donald. On the third row are Zyan Woods, Cameron Brown, Ja’Marcus Collins, Cody Keese, and Lamarius Gore.

Pirates of the Month 7th Grade

Seventh-grade Pirates of the Month pictured on the first row are Joshua Hoard, Vise Miles, Allie Jackson, Paydin Farough, and Diya Patel.

On the second row are Lucero Chase-Wallace, Georgia Haralson, Ayden Patten, Jesse Rico, and Alaija Jones. On the third row are Samanth Middleton, Ashlei McDavid, and Kaidence Welch. On the fourth row are Kylon Trevillion, Lexi Carpenter, Jude Breazeale, Blake Jones, and Cherish Stokes.

Pirates of the Month 6th Grade

Sixth grade Pirates of the Month pictured on the first row are Kingston Burns, D’Laleh Friday, Braelyn Shoto, Brayden Kelly, Wilmer Gomez, and Wyatt Chapa. On the second row are Madasen Outland, Tristan Crump, Kyle Thompson, Bryce Wilhelm, and Victoreya Hankins. On the third row are Abigail Keller, Tradarius Smith, Carter Deason, Jace Roland, Kaden Jenkins, Kierra Calhoun, and Kara Jenkins.

This past Saturday, October 23, the agenda kicks off at 10 a.m. at Hemphill Park with a car show. For those interested in entering a vehicle in the show, a registration form must be completed, which includes contact information, a description of the vehicle, the owner’s club affiliation if applicable, and the miles traveled to attend the event. Sign-in starts at 8:30 a.m. on the day of the event.

There is a $20 registration fee for the car show. Completed forms and fees may be mailed to City of Florence/Car Show, P.O. Box 187, Florence, Mississippi, 39073 or completed in person at Florence City Hall, located at 203 College Street in Florence.

The children’s costume parade is scheduled shortly after the car show, at 10:30 a.m. Participants are asked to meet at the big pavilion.

Following at 12 p.m., the Florentine Club will sponsor a pet costume contest at the gazebo behind City Hall on Earl Clark Drive. Registration is $20 per pet, and proceeds go to the Mississippi Animal Rescue League. All animals must be on a leash, and pet owners are required to clean up after their pets.

To pre-register for the pet contest, contact Diane Rouse at 601-454-5350, or register on-site starting at 11:30 a.m.

The Georgetown Band will be the live entertainment for Florence Fest 2021 and will begin their setlist at noon.

This weekend, on Sunday, October 31, “The Church Has Left The Building/Florence Area Churches” will host the Florence Fall Festival. Local families are encouraged to visit Hemphill Park on Halloween night, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., where there will be games and activities free of charge. Local food vendors will also be on-site during the event.

Hemphill Park is located at 437 South Church Street in Florence. For more information, visit www.cityofflorencems.com or call 601-845-5858.

As researchers have shown, more youngsters are struck by cars on Halloween than on any other day of the year. Injuries from falls are also common.

We all must work together to thwart the continuing threat of COVID-19. Also, remember, flu season is creeping upon us.

Paramedics at AMR give these 13 Halloween safety tips to make sure this year's trick-or-treating is scary and fun, not scary and dangerous.

1. Due to COVID-19, avoid Halloween parties unless everyone there is from the same immediate household. If folks from different households party together, outdoors is safer and social distancing is a must.
2. Whether trick or treating door to door or attending a party, children and adults alike should wear pandemic masks. If a costume comes with a mask, put a medical mask over it. The costume mask by itself is not protective enough. Paint the kids’ faces instead of letting them wear a costume mask that is hard to see and breathe through. Be sure everyone wears a pandemic mask over the face paint.
3. Go out in small groups. Everyone in the group should live together or interact frequently. Decide on a definite route and timetable before leaving your house. Finish your trip before dark. Take plenty of hand sanitizer and some extra masks. Use the sanitizer between homes you visit.
4. Costumes should be flame retardant, brightly colored, and reflect light. Stripe reflective tape across the front and back of the costume including the shoes. Avoid hats, helmets, wigs, and beards.
5. Costumes should fit well, not so loosely as to trip over or snag on things. Wear flat shoes with closed toes that are the right size for the child. Avoid oversized shoes such a clown would wear.
6. Keep at least one of each child’s hands-free. Instead of letting a child carry a candy bag by hand, add a strap to the bag and drape the bag over the child’s shoulder. Do not wear monster gloves. Be sure the bag doesn’t drag on the ground.
7. Stay on sidewalks, walk facing traffic, cross streets only at intersections, don’t run across lawns, and don’t jump ditches.
8. Approach only those houses with outside lights on.
9. Trick-or-treaters should not enter any candy givers' home. Even if you are friends, COVID-19 could be lurking inside.
10. Treat givers at higher risk of catching COVID-19 can put the candy in a bowl on their porch and interact with the kids through a window. Treat givers who are not at high risk might choose to sit on their porch with a container of candy. They should wear a pandemic mask, stay six feet from the trick-or-treaters, and use tongs to put the candy in the goblins’ bags. They should wash their hands frequently.
11. Do not allow the kids to eat any treats until the group returns home and an adult examines each bag. Eat nothing that is even slightly suspicious. Look for items that appear to have been unwrapped and then re-wrapped. Before the kids dip their hands into their candy bags, direct them to wash their hands thoroughly.
12. Dress warmly, stay alert and keep handy a small first aid kit for scraped knees and other little injuries. If a serious injury happens, dial 911 immediately.

AMR says, “Boo!” to you, too! Serving 16 Mississippi counties, the AMR family of companies in the state’s busiest ambulance service.

About American Medical Response (AMR)

American Medical Response, Inc., America’s leading provider of medical transportation, provides services in 40-plus states and the District of Columbia. More than 28,000 AMR paramedics, EMTs, RNs, and other professionals work together to transport more than 4.8 million patients nationwide each year in critical, emergency, and non-emergency situations. AMR also provides fire services through Rural Metro Fire Department, www.ruralmetrofire.com. For more information about AMR, visit www.amr.net and follow American Medical Response on Facebook @AMR_Social on Twitter and Instagram.

AMR is part of the Global Medical Response family of companies. Global Medical Response, Inc. is the industry-leading air, ground, specialty, and residential fire services, and managed medical transportation organization. With more than 38,000 employees, GMR delivers compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and patient relocation services in the United States and around the world. For more information, visit www.globalmedicalresponse.com.

At 4 p.m. Journey Church Band opens. Pearl Jamz takes the stage at 5 p.m. Hill-Martin Productions (formerly MS Murder Mysteries) takes the stage as the Golden Girls in a short comedy sketch. Chad Perry's concert begins at 6p. Enjoy great food from 4-7 p.m. from the Crooked Letter Kitchen food truck and enter the prize drawing.

Donations are accepted at the door. Proceeds go to benefit The Evans - a family affected by cancer.

Or, donate directly to the Evans through VENMO @Joanna-Evans-7 or CASHAPP- $dirtmerchant113

Pearl High School graduate Sam Brumfield has continued to be one of the top junior college football players in the state. He has been a key cog in the Northwest Rangers' defense, and he proved that against strong opposition last week.

In the Rangers' 38-14 road win over then ninth-ranked Mississippi Gulf Coast, the linebacker led the team with nine total tackles and 1.5 sacks. He also tallied a quarterback hurry.

An important moment in the game came early in the second quarter. Brumfield had a key sack that killed a Gulf Coast drive and forced a punt. On the ensuing possession, the Rangers scored a touchdown and stretched their lead from three to ten points.

Brumfield is currently eleventh in the NJCAA with 58.0 total tackles. He also has 4.5 sacks, 5.0 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He leads the Rangers in both tackles and sacks.

He is a big reason why the Rangers have a 5-2 record and currently sit in ninth in the NJCAA rankings. Their only losses have come against top-ranked Jones and third-ranked East Mississippi. However, they've recovered to knock off nationally-ranked Coahoma and Mississippi Gulf Coast in back-to-back weeks.

Up next for Brumfield and the Rangers will be a homecoming game against division rival Itawamba on Thursday night. Kickoff from Senatobia is set for 7:00 p.m.

The pediatric orthopaedist began seeing Memphis in utero, after his mother, Brianna Stephenson of Florence, was referred to her before Memphis entered the world when it was suspected that he might be born with a clubfoot.

“We had a consultation before Memphis was born, so we could talk about the treatment process,” Stephenson said. “Memphis was born with a right clubfoot.”

A healthy baby, Memphis was ready to begin treatment when he was two weeks old.

In the U.S., about one in every 1,000 babies is born with clubfoot, and about half of babies with the condition have it in both feet, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

A birth defect that causes a baby’s foot to be turned inward, clubfoot isn’t painful in infancy, but the condition will not improve without treatment. An untreated clubfoot will cause a child to walk with an abnormal gait, leading to pain and arthritis.

Early noninvasive treatment for clubfeet uses the Ponseti method, which consists of gentle stretching and manipulation of the foot, which is held in place with casts that are changed weekly.

After this, a small surgery on the Achilles tendon is performed for final correction before moving into the bracing period.

With early treatment, most children born with clubfeet can walk, run and play without the need for major reconstructive surgery.

Memphis was two weeks old when he received his first Ponseti cast.

“Memphis did well with the traditional Ponseti casting technique, underwent his tenotomy, and was ready for his foot abduction brace in early August,” Zimmerman said.

The brace, often referred to as “boots and bar,” is worn full-time for three months. He will then be weaned out of them until he only wears them at night when sleeping, which will happen around his first birthday. Memphis will continue wearing them at night until he’s four-and-a-half- to five years old.

After a baby is weaned off wearing braces during the day, it can be easy for parents, facing the challenges of raising an active toddler, to forget putting the braces on at night.

“Recurrence is real, though,” Zimmerman said.

A child who wears the boots and bars properly through age four has a reoccurrence rate of about 6 percent. However, children who stop treatment at two have a seventy percent chance of the clubfoot returning, Zimmerman said.

“Treatment for clubfoot has to be followed, or it will reoccur one hundred percent of the time,” Zimmerman said. “This is why wearing a brace properly and consistently is so important.”

“If the clubfoot returns, we have to start the whole process over again, and there is no guarantee the results will be as good,” she said. “What we want to do is avoid the need for bony surgery on the foot.”

Now three months old, "Memphis is doing really well,” Stephenson said. “He’s getting calf muscles from raising his legs with the boots on.”

Many fire departments do host after-school programs in the State of Mississippi, or what are referred to as junior firefighter programs, but many of those are geared towards younger kids, usually under the age of twelve. There are also law and public safety courses offered within school districts that provide a firefighter portion, but typically two weeks of instruction total area dedicated to fire service. To date, RHS is the only fire academy of its kind, offered by a public school district in the state.

The RHS program has been designed as a two-year program for students in tenth grade and above. They utilize classroom instruction and hands-on demonstrations to provide students with a foundation in fire science.

Ashley Hinton, Student Services Coordinator with Rankin County School District, assists the academy’s CTE (Career Technical Education) teachers during the early spring semester with recruiting. Recruiting allows the academy an opportunity to share information about all of the CTE programs with the student body at RHS while facilitating an increase in enrollments. They reach out through school social media posts, school announcements, preview nights for parents and students, and in-class visits. Since 2017, the number of students enrolled in the Fire Academy has grown. They hope to have over twenty students matriculated by 2022.

Hinton is a 2003 graduate of RHS and has been employed with the City of Richland since 2004. Starting out as an emergency telecommunicator, she was eventually transferred to the fire department at the age of twenty-one. She currently holds the rank of Captain and has been the lead instructor since the academy's inception.

New facility allows RHS Fire Academy room to grow

Among many things, 2021 will be remembered as the first year Richland High School’s (RHS) Fire Academy had full access to a facility dedicated to its program. The new building on the RHS campus was part of a Rankin County School District bond issue, and it provides classrooms for the Fire Academy, Business Academy, and many other academic classrooms. Prior to the opening of the new building in August 2021, the fire classes were held in a portable classroom. The new classroom has opened up new possibilities for instruction and improved the overall experience of the Fire Academy.

In addition to a classroom measuring at 3200 square feet, they now have enough equipment to outfit thirteen students with gear and three Conex boxes (shipping containers) used to simulate fire ground operations, such as fire suppression, search and rescue, confined space rescue, rope rescue, vehicle extrication, and forcible entry. Currently, there are fourteen students enrolled in the one-of-a-kind program.

The Richland Fire Department has played an integral part in the success of the equipment donations, as well as full access to manpower, equipment, and apparatus. The success of the program can be attributed, in part, to their dedication and support, as well as the support received from the City of Richland itself.

Instructors include Micah Sanford and Corey Adams, both Richland High School graduates and full-time members of the Richland Fire Department. As far as curriculum, a typical daily schedule consists of instructions beginning with a quick skill as an ice breaker for the day. This is followed by thirty to forty-five minutes of classroom instruction, eventually moving on to actual hands-on training. Unique to RHS’s program, hands-on training is a critical and essential part of the training to prepare students for a future in firefighting.

Students who express an interest in the fire academy may join the two-year program as sophomores. All students are eligible to take the class, but it is important to note that the program is physically demanding. Whatever challenges and abilities each student brings to the program, the instructors take into account, modifying instruction if needed so that they receive the best-individualized learning experience.

Since its inception, the fire academy has received the prestigious Mississippi Association of Partners in Education Partnership of Excellence Award a total of three times, in 2017, 2020, and 2021.

The RHS Fire Academy has graduated approximately forty students overall. Graduates have gone on to become professionals in a wide array of first-responder specialties, including full-time firefighters, EMT-basics, EMT-paramedics, law enforcement officers, and emergency telecommunicators. A few were even inspired to join the military.

Looking to the future, the academy intends on continuing to build on the program. Their hope is to partner with the state fire academy for potential skills testing and certification, as well as to expand the curriculum to include emergency medical training (EMT) to students who qualify.

For more information about the program, visit www.rcsd.ms/about-rcsd/academies.

Those interested in becoming a booth host for this event are asked to complete a booth by visiting www.cityofpearl.com/live/cityevents. Applicants must provide a name of an individual and/or their business, contact phone number, contact email, and the number of booths requested. All booth hosts must provide their tent, table, chairs, etc. There are no fees to host a booth.

Booth hosts are required to decorate their area in a child-friendly Halloween or fall theme. Gates will open for booth set-up at 3 p.m. on October 23.

All set-ups must be completed by 6 p.m., and each host must provide candy to accommodate at least 1,000 trick-or-treaters. Although not required, the City does suggest each booth plan to hold a simple game or activity to be played at their location. In keeping with the Halloween theme of the event, participants are encouraged to dress up in costume.

Booths may not sell items at this event.

The deadline to return the application is Friday, October 15, by 4 p.m.

Currently, the City is planning for an outdoor event on Shepherd Field (the football field directly behind City Hall). It will be held, rain or shine. If rain is forecast that day, the event will move indoors to the Muse Center at Hinds Community College (Rankin Campus).

If strict COVID-19 guidelines for public meetings are in effect, the City will transition Trick or Treat Street to a drive-thru event in the parking lot of the Muse Center.

Under both alternatives, there will still be plenty of room for all groups that want to participate.

Pearl City Hall is located at 2420 Old Brandon Road in Pearl.

The Clyde Muse Center is located at 515 Country Place Parkway, also in Pearl.

Applications should be submitted to Stacy Smith at ssmith@cityofpearl.com. For more information, call 601-863-3229.

Second Win in the Hattiesburg Four Runner River Run, 4 boys in the top 10; Jose Gutierrez 2nd Overall, Cameron Allison 5th Overall, Gavin Myers 6th Overall, and Kevin Raygota 10th Overall.

Corey Myers 8th Grade Geography/MS Studies, 7th Grade US History Assistant HS/JR High Boys Soccer, and Head Boys & Assistant Girls XC Richland High School.

Rankin County School District

Mission: Bring Everyone's Strengths Together! We will all intentionally focus on empowering our students to reach their maximum potential by embracing opportunities and challenges while cultivating a tradition of distinction in education.

Vision: Continue a tradition of excellence by providing a world-class education that empowers all to grow through curiosity, discovery, and learning.

The administrator of the Month: Dr. Laurin Bailey, Northside Elementary; Classified Staff of the Month: Dorothy Champion, Pearl Upper Elementary; Certified Staff of the Month: Matt Little, Pearl High School. The PPSD Employees of the Month Program is sponsored by Merit Health.

Halloween festivities continue on Saturday morning, October 23, beginning at 9 a.m. with the Richland Fallfest Car Show “Spooktacular.” The four-hour show will include door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, numerous children’s activities, and awards. Based on popular vote, there will be an award for best-decorated car, best-decorated truck, best-dressed driver, best-dressed child, best-dressed pet, and an overall best in the show.

There is a $25 entry fee per vehicle. The first fifty registration forms received will win a dash plate.

Also scheduled for Saturday at the Richland Community Center is the “2021 Highway 49 Fall Fest and Kid’s Fun” event for kids ages eight and under. Running from 4 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., the kid-friendly event will include games, inflatables, and face painting. The first 100 attendees will also be given the opportunity to select a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch.

The annual “Nightmare on Harper Street” will cap off the Saturday evening festivities, beginning at 7:30 p.m. and winding down by 10 p.m.

The Richland Community Center is located at 410 East Harper Street. For further information about these events or registration, call 601-420-3402.

“I am excited to announce Southern AgCredit as the new title sponsor for the annual Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo,” said Commissioner Gipson. “Also this year, our agency is partnering with the Foundation for Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks to hold the Spring Edition of the Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo during an extended weekend of the Dixie National Rodeo. This adds another dynamic to the traditional events held during Dixie National. Visitors from across the country look forward to this annual, month-long agricultural event, and I believe it will be bigger and better than ever.”

“We are delighted to be the title sponsor of the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo. We know Southern AgCredit and the Dixie National are a natural pair,” said Morgan. “We both have deep roots in Mississippi and the surrounding area, as well as an affinity for serving those with a passion for agriculture. We look forward to working together to make the 57th Dixie National the greatest yet!”

“On behalf of our Foundation Board, I want to express how incredibly excited we are to present the Spring Edition of the Mississippi Ag and Outdoor Expo at the Dixie National Rodeo,” said Brazil.

The Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo, the largest rodeo event east of the Mississippi River, brings in participates from all over the world and generates millions of dollars in the local economy. This coming year, the rodeo competitions will be extended to include a second weekend, February 11-13 and 16-19. The entertainment lineup for the 2022 Dixie National Rodeo includes Dylan Scott, Joe Nichols, the Gatlin Brothers, Gary Allan, Neal McCoy, Justin Moore, and Bellamy Brothers.

“Harper & Morgan Rodeo is very proud of the past success of the Dixie National Rodeo and even more excited for the future. The renovations to the fairgrounds, the Coliseum, and the Trade Mart are a part of making the Dixie National Rodeo a huge success. With the support of our partners and their continued investment, The Dixie National Rodeo will be second to none,” said Lovelace.

The 57th Annual Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo will run Wednesday, January 19, through Sunday, February 20, 2022, at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. Visit www.dixienational.org for more information as it becomes available.

A Mysterious Home in Florence.

The paranormal has been a popular phenomenon for years and years, but no one expects it to show up in their own hometown, let alone in their own home. Alice Jackson owns a residence in Florence, and her home is the centerpiece of the movie The House in Between, available to stream on several platforms. Her home, located right here in the heart of Florence, has been documented for over 10 years with unexplainable occurrences happening. The inside and the outside of the house are beautiful. It’s a basic A-frame house, built in the early 1990s. Alice explains how she lived in the home for many years, and how the unexplainable occurrences began happening during the construction of the home.

The movie, released in 2020, shows unexplained documentation from inside the home. The entire home is wired with cameras both inside and out. The most interesting phenomena must be the baseball that mysteriously rolls down the stairs when no one is around, doors that open and close on their own, or the lights that turn themselves off and on. Brad Cooney, an investigator into the home, along with John Bullard, and Alice, brought in contractors to test if the foundation was level, electricians to test the lights, and physics experts, all to try and get an explanation for these occurrences. The house is level, the electrician gave an all-clear, and the physics professionals were stumped. Also in the movie are electronic voice phenomenon, or EVP, documentations.

During a recent visit to the home, I was able to witness the camera setups, the wiring, meet Alice Jackson and Brad Cooney, as well as see documentation not available in the movie. Alice showed an EVP recording where Brad was being extra pushy one day, and a voice with a different accent altogether clearly says, “He wants us to turn off the lights.” She also showed a video of her grandson, George, sitting in the recliner of the dining room asking for the lights to turn off, then they mysteriously did. Alice also has photobooks of orbs, which are small, usually circles, unexplainable specs of lights in photographs.

The cameras are still up in the house and recording 24 hours a day. A monitor sits in a back room to view outside cameras, and another monitor in the dining room to view inside cameras. A stuffed animal is sitting on one of the beds, and a doll carriage sits at the top of the stairs, with cameras pointed at both. The baseball is even sitting on the stairs, just waiting to be moved yet again. Brad and Alice want everyone to know there is absolutely nothing demonic about the home, there are no ill-will or ill intentions, and although a little unexplainable, they are continuing to research and document their findings.

The movie might have ended, but this house has much more to uncover.

Central Mississippi Regional Library System ha ]]> Unique Management Services, the world’s leading library material recovery and patron communication services company. The awards celebrate impactful libraries that provide vital services, protect public assets and keep patrons in good standing.

The library system was awarded for its work to return a high percentage of patrons to good standing with the Back in the Fold honor. By bringing patrons ‘back in the fold,’ the library ensures continued use of its vital services and supports equity and accessibility in its community.

“All libraries deserve recognition for their unprecedented response this past year to provide vital services to their patrons and communities during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Unique President and CEO Nicole Atkins. “Unique developed this award program as a small way to say thank you, celebrating libraries and librarians like CMRLS for their constant dedication and meaningful impacts.”

Libraries face a difficult road ahead – already underfunded and looking at further drops due to pandemic-related budget cuts and reliance on city and county use taxes impacted by COVID-19. Recovering lost or unreturned books is more important now than ever to maintain budgets, limit the cost of material replacement and protect taxpayer dollars. As libraries evolve to maintain their collections as philosophies shift about fines, keeping patrons in good standing and securing the timely return of materials is essential to ensure access and equity.

"The public library is one of America's greatest institutions where everyone is welcome and has access. The CMRLS mission is to be a strong community partner that provides resources, services, and programs to foster creativity, curiosity, and lifelong learning. We value our relationship with our patrons and want them to always remember that the public library is one of their most valuable community investments. Bringing patrons "back to the fold" is a goal we strive to reach every day through our materials, services, and programs." said Mara V. Polk, Director of Central Mississippi Regional Library System.

Winners were chosen by Unique’s team who partners with more than 1350 libraries across the country to effectively recover materials while preserving patron goodwill. Libraries were categorized by size, region, and volume to determine the top-performing partners who made the biggest impacts on their communities.

Recognizing that there have been some tough times for restaurants in the state since the onset of COVID-19, the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board and the Mississippi Hospitality & Restaurant Association created an exciting opportunity for restaurants to promote a favorite recipe featuring eggs as an ingredient, to help support this vital industry,

The winner, Coffee Central, is a full-service coffee house with locations in Hernando and Southaven, Miss., and is Mississippi’s only locally owned and operated coffee shop! However, they are more than a coffee shop; they are a community – a place where coffee and community meet.

The restaurant features a full coffeehouse menu with a modest selection of moderately priced "comfort" foods, healthy lifestyle offerings, and prepackaged to-go items. Seasonal selections and regional favorites will be on a revolving menu that will change weekly. Coffee Central also has space for live performers to draw in the nightlife of Desoto County.

Coffee Central is devoted to the mission “Coffee with a Cause” with a portion of all proceeds going to help survivors of human trafficking locally and around the world. A monthly live music night benefits a different non-profit each month and Coffee Central prides itself as “people who are making a difference in their community.”

Many recipes rely on basic ingredients to provide the nutrition and great taste that we all love and expect when dining in area restaurants. The egg remains one of nature’s most perfect foods and is used as a functional ingredient in recipes to provide vitamins and protein. When used in cooking, eggs provide structure, leavening, moisture, emulsification, flavor, color, and nutrition.

Visit www.MSEggMarketing.com for great-tasting egg dishes brought to you by the Incredible Egg. For more information about the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board, contact Jennifer Thompson at msegg@mdac.ms.gov.

“The average consumer is three generations removed from the farm and may not know where their food actually comes from,” said Commissioner Gipson. “I encourage Mississippians to experience the importance of agriculture and enjoy the diverse agritourism operations offered throughout the state. It’s a great way to learn more about the history, customs, and culture of our largest industry, and a fun experience to share with the family.”

Agritourism generates approximately $150 million annually in the state and is one of the fastest-growing tourism markets. Many agritourism farms in Mississippi are open to visitors throughout the year, but the peak season occurs during the fall. Activities that visitors can expect to find on agritourism farms include pumpkin patches, corn mazes, petting zoos, horseback riding, wagon rides, U-picks, and festivals celebrating sweet potatoes, pecans, and peanuts.

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation recently awarded the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) $1.3 million to fund Mississippi’s Complete 2 Compete (C2C) Tuition Assistance Grant through 2023. Funds can be used at any of the public universities or community colleges in the state of Mississippi.

The Complete 2 Compete program provides one-on-one support for adult learners who have earned college credits, but not a degree, and enables them to turn their deferred dreams of earning a degree into reality.

Qualifying returning students will receive a $1,000 grant that can be renewed every semester. The award helps pay for any coursework needed to graduate and can help repay a prior debt to allow students the opportunity to return and graduate.

There are more than 200,000 prior students that qualify for the Complete 2 Compete program. Since May, the C2C program has reached out to former students through postcards as well as internet and social media ads. Over the summer, C2C Coaches processed more than 2,700 applications and helped at least 620 former students enroll in one of Mississippi’s 15 community colleges, 8 universities, and medical centers. In just four months, an additional 208 returning students were added to the already 2,400 who have graduated since the program launched in 2017.

While thousands have earned enough credits for a degree, even more, are closer than they think. Additional information on C2C can be found at either www.msc2c.org or by calling 833-222-4338.

“The partnership between the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce and the Mississippi Department of Education benefits both schools and farmers,” said Commissioner Gipson. “Farmers are provided with an additional marketing opportunity to sell fresh produce, and students have increased access to healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables grown right here in Mississippi. Farm to school also allows the students, our future leaders, to learn where their food comes from and to get a glimpse into the world of agriculture.”

For more than two decades, the Mississippi Department of Education and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce have made successful efforts to increase the amount of Mississippi-grown fruits and vegetables served in cafeterias across the state through the Department of Defense (DoD) Farm to School Program. The program offers a variety of 16 Mississippi-grown fruits and vegetables, including butterbeans, southern peas, sweet potatoes, yellow squash, zucchini, turnip greens, cantaloupes, watermelons, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, cabbage, eggplant, strawberries, cucumbers, blueberries, and broccoli crowns, to schools.

“Farm to School has been a highly effective partnership between the Mississippi Department of Education, Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, Mississippi farmers, and local schools for more than two decades,” said Scott Clements, State Director of the Office of Child Nutrition and Healthy Schools. “Through this partnership, we are able to provide students with healthy, fresh Mississippi produce while supporting local farmers. Using farm-to-school events, schools have an opportunity to teach students about agriculture and the connection to nutritious foods.”

The first full week of October was designated as Mississippi Farm to School Week by the Mississippi Legislature in 2012. Farm to School Week was introduced as an effort to encourage schools to serve locally grown and locally raised agricultural products in their meals and to recognize the substantial economic and health benefits of farm-to-school programs. Farm to School Week draws attention to the vast number of crops that are grown in Mississippi and serves as an educational tool to teach children where their food comes from beyond the grocery store.

Visit farmtoschoolweek.org to learn more about Mississippi Farm to School and to access available resources including posters, videos, menus, and other additional promotional materials.

View a message from Commissioner Gipson and Scott Clements at https://youtu.be/tpBEgrT2G3k to learn more about the efforts of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce and the Mississippi Department of Education.

Xavier had symptoms similar to a sinus infection, said his mother Cheryl Gardner of Raymond. “After quarantine, he seemed fine to go back to school, but by that Wednesday, when he was doing homework, he was shivering with chills and had a low-grade fever.”

Xavier’s fever began to rise, and nausea and vomiting followed.

Another worry was Xavier’s autism. “I was concerned that he might not be able to communicate what he was feeling or if he was hurting,” Gardner said.

After a visit to his pediatrician, Xavier was sent to the children’s hospital.

“It was really scary, because of the possibility of blood clots and the inflammation with MIS-C,” Gardner said, “but they took fantastic care of Xavier. I wouldn’t take him anywhere else.”

He and other children in the state who have had MIS-C have a team of pediatric experts in infectious diseases, hematology, cardiology, and rheumatology at their side at Children’s of Mississippi’s outpatient MIS-C clinic. Through the twice-monthly clinic, patients can see multiple physicians during one visit.

MIS-C, or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, is a rare but serious condition that is thought to be a delayed reaction to COVID-19. In MIS-C, the immune system of a child who has been infected with COVID-19 attacks the body’s healthy cells, particularly those involving blood vessels, the heart, and other organs.

“In layman’s terms, COVID causes the immune system to malfunction and start attacking itself, and the condition that follows is MIS-C,” said Dr. Catherine Gordon, associate professor of pediatric hematology and oncology, and one of the experts treating children with MIS-C in the hospital and after they go home.

According to the Mississippi Department of Health, more than 83 children in the state have had MIS-C between the start of the pandemic and mid-August of this year. Five of those children died.

More than 80 children have been hospitalized at Children’s of Mississippi with the condition, requiring the continuing care of multiple subspecialists. This comes as the state is still seeing acute cases of COVID-19 in children.

"What we have now is both MIS-C and severe acute COVID-19, and I think it’s because of schools dropping mask mandates,” said Dr. Charlotte Hobbs, professor of pediatric infectious diseases and director of UMMC’s MIS-C clinic. “We saw this drop of acute COVID-19, and then MIS-C, and now acute COVID-19 is increasing again. Acute COVID and MIS-C at the same time is something that has not happened before, and it is preventable.”

Doctors have no way of knowing which child could have a life-threatening case of MIS-C following a COVID-19 infection, Gordon said.

“The severity of the COVID infection has no bearing on whether you may have MIS-C,” she said. “Many times, patients with MIS-C do not even know they have had a COVID infection previously. As the name implies, the condition affects virtually every system throughout your body and, if left untreated, may be fatal.”

Children with MIS-C are usually hospitalized for several days to a week or more, under the care of a team of subspecialists. Treatment consists of medications to blunt the immune response as well as anticoagulation medications due to the high risk of clotting seen with MIS-C. Because the effects from the condition may last well past hospitalization, it is important for these patients to be seen in follow-up with all the same subspecialists.

Gavin Austin was among MIS-C outpatients in the clinic recently, seeing Gordon among others. The 13-year-old from Madison suffered a high fever following a COVID-19 infection that brought him chest pains.

“When we couldn’t get his fever down, Gavin’s doctor sent him to the Emergency Department,” said his father, Gabriel Austin.

A hospital stay followed, and now Children’s of Mississippi doctors are helping Gavin recover through outpatient visits at the MIS-C clinic.

Xavier Gardner was at the MIS-C clinic for an echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart’s movement, and to see an infectious diseases specialist.

"Seeing all Xavier’s doctors at one appointment is really helpful,” Gardner said.

Pediatric rheumatologist Dr. Anita Dhanrajani said multiple specialists are coming together to provide the best care to patients.

“MIS-C is a very severe disease and during their hospital stay most patients will experience some ups and downs in their clinical status,” she said. “This leads to an enormous emotional burden on the family. The least we can do to make it somewhat easy for them to navigate the system after discharge is to provide them with multi-specialty care under one roof. While the patients were being assigned to exam rooms or getting care from nurses, we specialists were getting our brain powers united to come up with the best plan of action for their management.”

Hobbs said patients of MIS-C families have been grateful for the follow-up care as their children recover.

“This clinic and support are integral for these children and families,” she said. “Every parent of one of our MIS-C patients in the clinic told me how happy and appreciative they were to be able to see every subspecialty in one day.”

Gordon and Hobbs credit the entire Children’s of Mississippi team for the clinic’s smooth operation.

“Coordination of such a clinic was a major undertaking and would not be possible without the commitment of the physicians, nurses, and administrative help that were willing to take this on in addition to all their other usually scheduled clinics and responsibilities,” Gordon said. “While we all hope COVID cases continue to decline, and with it, the cases of MIS-C and need for this clinic until that happens Children’s of Mississippi is dedicated to continuing to provide this service and the best care possible for all the children of Mississippi.”

This year, the theme is “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” and focuses on educating children and adults about smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms and the life-saving sounds they make.

For instance, a single chirp from your Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarm every 30 or 60 seconds means the battery is low and must be replaced. If your smoke alarm issues a continued set of three loud beeps it means smoke or fire. Get out, call 9-1-1, and stay out.

Smoke alarms should be tested once a month, batteries should be replaced once a year, and the entire alarm should be replaced every 10 years.

There have been 58 fire deaths in Mississippi at the last check-in in 2021. There were no working smoke alarms in 34 of those cases.

“A working smoke alarm cuts your risk of dying in a fire in half,” said State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. “Not having one, or many placed throughout the home is simply unacceptable.”

If you need a smoke alarm, ask your local fire department. Additionally, the SFMO recommends that every family make an escape plan that includes two ways out and practice it often. Make sure that children and those who may need extra assistance have someone to help them escape and set a location away from the home for everyone to meet in case of a fire.

Mississippi Fairgrounds Director Michael Lasseter and Miss Jackson Hospitality MaKayla Dillard will join Commissioner Gipson in kicking off the State Fair. The Mississippi State Fire Academy Elite Honor Guard will present the colors and Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s (MDAC) Jared Vardaman will perform a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Following the ribbon-cutting, Commissioner Gipson will make his way down the Midway to the Biscuit Booth where he will personally greet fairgoers.

“I am excited to welcome everyone to the 162nd Mississippi State Fair,” said Commissioner Gipson. “The State Fair is a tradition for many families, and we have several new attractions we’re excited to introduce to the public this year.”

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS TO NOTE:

• Mississippi Heroes Night will be held on Wednesday, October 6, and as a special thank you, the Mississippi Fairgrounds will be offering free admission to all law enforcement officers, first responders, firefighters, healthcare workers, medical professionals, and active military personnel. Identification will be required at the gate.

• For the first time ever, a portion of the Mississippi State Fairgrounds will be transformed into the Mississippi Frontier Village. This new attraction will feature blacksmiths, train rides, pig races, pony rides, shows, entertainment, a petting zoo, and exhibits. Located at the west end of the Midway near the Kid Zone, the Mississippi Frontier Village is an attraction you do not want to miss!

• This year, the Mississippi State Fair will host a Firefighter Combat Challenge, a relay simulating the essential skills of firefighting. Individuals and teams will start at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 14, and the tandems and relays will start at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 15. All firefighters are welcome to compete; visit www.firefighterchallenge.com to apply for entry.

• The Ag Expo, presented by Farm Bureau, will be held inside the Mississippi Trade Mart and will be open to the public each day of the fair. Enjoy the crowd favorite Genuine MS® Store; an antique and classic car show; vendors from across the nation selling unique products and services; food preservation exhibits; arts and crafts; and other educational showcases of Mississippi agriculture.

• Musical acts performing on the Budweiser Stage located on the Midway include Smashmouth, Ginuwine, Riley Green, the Bar-Kays, Kayla Berry, and the Mississippi Mass Choir. In addition, local acts will perform at the State Fair on the Trustmark Stage located on the Midway. All musical entertainment is free with regular fair admission.

• The 2021 State Fair will include the annual Horse, Mule, and Pony Pulls in the Kirk Fordice Equine Center. The Pony Pull will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 15. The Horse Pull will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 16, with the Mule Pull immediately following. The additional Mule Jump will take place between the Horse and Mule Pulls.

• Senior American Day will be held on Wednesday, October 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and will include musical entertainment by Bill Clark of Brandon, Leah Curry-Williams of Jackson, and the William Carey Commissioners of Hattiesburg, as well as a speech by Commissioner Andy Gipson. Flu and Pneumonia vaccines will be offered and administered by Walmart, while supplies last.

• This year, the Mississippi State Fair is adding a ProRodeo Xtreme Bull Riding Fall Nationals tournament and Tri-State Rodeo in the Kirk Fordice Equine Center. The bull riding competition, part of the Xtreme Bulls Tour, will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 9. Tickets to bull riding can be purchased in advance at the Coliseum Box Office or online at www.Ticketmaster.com; prices start at $25.00. Those purchasing advance tickets will receive free fair admission. The rodeo will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 10. General admission to the rodeo will be $10.00 per person; tickets can only be purchased at the door, and do not include fair admission.

• In addition to the longtime tradition of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s famous Biscuit Booth, this year will include a Homemade Biscuit Eating Contest. The contest will be held at the Trustmark Stage on Saturday, October 9, at 12:00 p.m. The public can register for the contest on the Mississippi State Fairgrounds’ Facebook page.

• Daily activities will take place throughout the 105 acres of the Mississippi Fairgrounds Complex. Children, and adults alike, will enjoy the Farm Bureau Petting Zoo Area and Pig Races, the 4-H and FFA Livestock Shows, and will be wowed by performers of the Zerbini Family Circus. Several other vendors, exhibits, and attractions will be available to the public, including a Stock Dog Trial, West Texas Rattlesnake Show, the Mystic Wind Choctaw Dancers, and more.

Fair rides will be sanitized between each ride and hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the grounds. Guests may wish to bring and utilize a mask in case they are unable to maintain social distance. Face masks will be available at the gates to the Mississippi State Fairgrounds.

The Mississippi State Fair runs Wednesday, October 6, through Sunday, October 17, with a gate admission price of $5.00 per person and a parking fee of $5.00 per car. Children aged 6 and under will be admitted free of charge. Enjoy free admission every weekday from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., with the exception of Monday, October 11.

For a list of daily events including livestock shows, ride specials, and the latest information, visit www.msstatefair.com online, download the Mississippi State Fair mobile app or follow the Mississippi State Fairgrounds on Facebook.

The Museum’s Pumpkin Adventure will include a hayride around the museum grounds and Small Town, Miss.; a delicious, complimentary snack of cookies and milk; a self-guided tour of the Heritage Center Gallery; a large corn pit to play in; a straw maze for the kids; and a small pumpkin of choice to take home. The General Store will also be open for visitors to shop for souvenirs and enjoy an old-fashioned Coca-Cola in a glass bottle.

Concessions will also be available for purchase on Saturdays throughout this event. The admission price for the annual Pumpkin Adventure is $8.00 per person. Children ages two and under will receive free admission.

The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, located at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson, is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, call 601-432-4500 or 1-800-844-8687, visit www.msagmuseum.org or visit the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum’s page on Facebook.

Vintage Market Days® of Mississippi owners Chris, Jana, and Betty Fuss is pleased to announce the Jackson area Vintage Market Days® event “All is Bright” will be held at the new Mississippi Trade Mart at 1200 Mississippi Street in Jackson. The three-day event will take place October 22 - 24.

Vintage Market Days® co-owner Jana Fuss is excited to bring the Vintage experience to the Metro Jackson area. “Vintage Market Days® is more than a show,” said Jana. “We love adding special touches to make it a special family-friendly Vintage event.” We have been receiving great responses from vendors and the community. The Vintage Market Days® vendors are some of the best in the country.

Vintage Market Days® also has the opportunity to give back at each event. We are honored to partner with the Metropolitan YMCAs of Mississippi, a powerful association of men, women, and children committed to bringing about lasting personal and social change. With a focus on nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and providing opportunities to give back and support neighbors, the Y enables youth, adults, families, and communities to be healthy, confident, connected, and secure. “We are excited to help support the local area, specifically the YMCA’s feeding program,” Fuss added.

The event will follow all state and city COVID guidelines that may be in effect at that time.

Tickets can be purchased at the door (Fri - $15 and Sat/Sun $10) or in advance at https://VintageMarketDays.com/market/mississippi/tickets. Free re-admission all weekend.

About Vintage Market Days®

Vintage Market Days® is an upscale vintage and vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market featuring original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, architectural salvage, handmade treasures, home decor, outdoor furnishings, consumable yummies, seasonal plantings, and a little more.

Vintage Market Days® is a franchised Vintage event that began in Tulsa, OK in 2012. It has grown to 70 markets and/or 150 events a year across the US. For more information, please visit vintagemarketdays.com, facebook.com/vintagemarketdays, or email mississippi@vintagemarketdays.com. Vintage Market Days® is a registered trademark of Vintage Market Days®, LLC. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner.

That virtual experience will go public on the festival’s website on October 12, 2021, with more than 110 official panelists appearing on 31 panels recorded in the last month.

According to Executive Director Ellen Daniels, “We’ve got an amazing group of authors and moderators who have rallied to record more than 35 hours of great conversations about books and writing. Honoring these writers and continuing to engage our loyal and growing community of book lovers is what the festival is all about. Perhaps we couldn’t have an in-person literary lawn party this year, but we can certainly have a literary log-on party!”

Some of the authors featured include Curtis Wilkie, Kiese Laymon, Nic Stone, W. Ralph Eubanks, Jerry Mitchell, Catherine Pierce, Beth Ann Fennelly, Mitch Landrieu, William Ferris, Angie Thomas, Aimee Nezhukumatathil, Robert Khayat, and Kai Bird.

All panels will be made available online for public viewing on the Book Festival’s website beginning Tuesday, October 12th. To connect with the virtual festival on October 12, please visit msbookfestival.com. Also connect with the Mississippi Book Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

“Hundreds of people work year-round to make the Mississippi Book Festival a success,” said Daniels, “and it would not be possible without the help of generous sponsors and donors from across the state. The Community Foundation for Mississippi is the festival’s longtime partner and this year’s presenting funder. Trustmark National Bank is the lead sponsor for the virtual experience.”

MISSISSIPPI BOOK FESTIVAL

FREE and open to the public, the Mississippi Book Festival annually draws thousands to its “literary lawn party” held in and around the State Capitol Building each August. Since its debut in 2015, this non-profit has celebrated writing, reading, and our literary heritage, as well as connected readers with hundreds of contemporary authors. The 2021 in-person “party" was canceled because of COVID but the festival goes on virtually, thanks to devoted supporters!

The special display features one-hundred and six photographs of the fallen military from the State of Mississippi, all branches of the service, and all participated in the war against terror. The order of deaths begins with the USS Cole in April 1991 and ends in December 2013.

Some of the memorials are silhouetted as the brothers were unable to obtain a photographic image. Their current mission is to search “through these towns and find these families and see if we can get a picture” for all names that are featured.

The display had been languishing in storage until just recently when the Catlett's pulled it out for refurbishment… their first stop, Richland City Hall. The wall itself will be open twenty-four hours a day during its time in Richland. The exhibit is open to all, free of charge.

Escort details: On Thursday, September 16, the wall will leave at noon from 3984 Highway 49 in Hattiesburg (Exxon Gas Station next to Camp Shelby Southgate) and arrive at its’ Town Square location, at 380 Scarbrough Street in Richland, around 2 p.m.

The itinerary: On Thursday, September 16, at 8 p.m. the wall opens; on Friday, September 17 at 10 a.m. the opening ceremony will be held; Saturday, September 18 at 7 p.m. in the candlelight ceremony; and on Monday, September 20, at 8 a.m. the wall closes. Parking will be available at City Hall, the Senior Center, and the Riverwood Shopping Center.

For those interested in volunteering, contact Stephanie Ward at 601-420-1530 or sward@richlandms.com.

For further information, visit www.richlandms.org/city-organizations/reda/ and www.travelingwall.us/.

Davis began playing soccer with PYSL during its first year of inception in 1980. Davis attended Pearl Schools from elementary through high school until graduation in 1993. While attending Pearl Schools, he played for the Pearl Junior High and High School soccer teams from 1986 to 1993. After graduation, he attended The University of Mississippi and played on their first soccer team. Davis was a freshman at Ole Miss when he was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma in his head and neck. He was able to complete the soccer season, excluding the tournament games at the end of the season.

Davis received his cancer treatments at M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas. Upon completing his treatments, Davis returned to Ole Miss in the fall of 1994. He attempted to practice with the soccer team but realized he was not physically able. Instead, Davis went to the City of Oxford and became a coach for a U12 team.

While Davis was receiving cancer treatments at M.D. Anderson, the Pearl Youth Soccer League organized a tournament to raise money to help with Davis's expenses. After he passed away, PYSL asked if they could continue the tournament in Davis's name (Jason Davis Memorial "Kick Cancer Classic") to help others fighting cancer. In the early years, the money was given to the American Cancer Society. More recently, the proceeds from the tournament go to benefit other cancer victims in Rankin County.

This year, registration closes October 27, at 12 p.m. The tournament cost is $12 per player. All U14 and above will be 7v7 small-sided games. There will be no referees for this benefit tournament. Coaches will handle the games, and, if any issues arise, the tournament director will handle them. There will be a $5 parking fee.

Visit www.pearlsoccer.com to register for the 2021 event, or contact pearlsoccer@gmail.com for more information.

This year's recipient of all proceeds is wife, mother, nurse, and warrior Jenny Staggs; she and her family say they appreciate all those who contributed to the cause, as she continues to battle colon cancer with a vengeance.

The tournament organizers say they would like to express their thanks to all teams that participated in the 2021 event, including The Dream Team, Lockdown, Like Totally Pitchin,' Kickbacks, Scooby, G.I. Joes, and Blue Power Rangers. Last but not least, thanks and gratitude are also expressed to the amazing volunteers, sponsors, and supporters; organizers say they could not do it without their help.

Tournament organizers say they would also like to express their appreciation to the City of Richland, Mayor Pat Sullivan, Cole Smith, Guy Smith, Jeff Payne, Irby Construction, Mazzio's Italian Eatery, Joey Sebren, Jimmy Dean, and Tammy McGowan, Natalie Crowder, Christian Whitfield, Marshall Kranz, Maddie B. Kirk, Ty Wedgeworth, Bruce Agee, Tyler, and Carson Weaver, Mike Dupree, Renee, and Kevin Moha, Shaun Duran, and Mike Hollins.

Visit Kickin' Cancer Coed Kickball Tournament in Memory of Paige McLendon on Instagram and Facebook for upcoming tournaments. For further information, contact m1llerfundraising@yahoo.com.

The registration deadline is October 8, at which point a $25 late fee will be added to the cost. Booths will be available until October 22, or until all booth spaces are taken. Vendor applicants must list products they intend to sell or promote.

Arts and crafts vendors will be provided a 10-foot by 12-foot space at $50. Fees are non-refundable. Electricity is $10 in addition to the booth fee. Booths with electricity are very limited; vendors must contact the city in advance to confirm availability. Vendors will need to supply tables, chairs, tents, and extension cords. Generators are allowed but must be muffled. They will be required to collect a seven percent sales tax for their sales and will be provided with a reporting form. Sales tax will be collected at the end of the day by City of Florence personnel to turn in to Mississippi State Tax Commission.

A 10-foot by 12-foot booth space will also be provided to businesses at $50 per business. Business booths may distribute pens, pencils, key chains, note pads, magnets, etc., but no food items may be given away or sold. This includes bottled water.

Food vendors will be provided a 24-foot by 12-foot space at $150 per vendor. Food vendor applications must be submitted by October 8. Spaces will be assigned on a “first-come, first-served” basis, as the city has limited spots with electrical hookups. However, vendors are welcome to bring their own generator if all spots with electrical hookups are taken. Food vendors are solely responsible for complying with health code requirements and must provide a copy of their food permit with the vendor application.

The Mississippi State Sales tax of nine percent for prepared food will need to be collected by the food vendor. Reporting forms and sales tax money will be collected at the end of the day by City of Florence personnel to turn in to the Mississippi State Tax Commission. Food vendors will be required to fully clean their area before leaving.

Cooking oil and/or grease will need to be taken with the vendor for disposal. A map with each vendor’s assigned space, along with details of set up times, will be mailed to each, prior to the event.

Non-profit organizations are also welcome to set up space for Florence Fest 2021. Free booths for Florence-based organizations will be provided and must be approved by the mayor. 110 V electricity can be provided at an additional $10, but access is limited. Contact the City for availability.

Vendor setup will begin Friday, October 22, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Saturday morning from 6:30

a.m. until 8:30 a.m. The market will open at 9 a.m., and all vehicles must be out of the vendor area

Appointments can be made through https://covidvaccine.umc.edu or by calling the COVID-19 hotline at 877-978-6453.

Booster shots help maintain your immunity, which may decrease over time.

You can get a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine if you are:

• Fully vaccinated with two shots of Pfizer, AND
• It’s been at least 6 months since your last shot of Pfizer.

AND you fall into one of the following categories:

• Adults aged 65 years and older, OR
• Long-term care facility residents, OR
• Adults aged 18 and older with certain underlying medical conditions (see https://msdh.ms.gov/boosters), OR
• Adults aged 18 and older in certain occupations increase their risk of exposure (see https://msdh.ms.gov/boosters).

Third or additional shots of Pfizer and Moderna for people with weakened immune systems are also available at county health departments.

Please note: COVID-19 vaccines are available at numerous other providers statewide, including pharmacies and clinics. Go to https://www.vaccines.gov/search to find locations near you where you can receive first and second COVID-19 shots as well as additional COVID-19 shots for weakened immune systems and boosters.

MSDH also has first and second shots of the COVID-19 vaccine available at county health departments.

Please remember to bring your COVID-19 vaccine card to your appointment, if available, if you have received prior shots of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

"David’s extensive legal experience and dedication to public service make him well-qualified to work on behalf of Rankin County residents,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “I am grateful that he accepted this appointment and confidence he will hit the ground running.”

Morrow’s lengthy legal career began in 1998 when he became the sole practitioner of the Morrow Law Firm, which focuses on real estate, domestic, probate, trusts, and wills almost exclusively in Rankin County. Since 2016, Morrow has served as a Rankin County Chancery Court’s Family Master where he has been the presiding judge over numerous trials, hearings, and motions, all within Rankin County. Morrow previously served as the Board Attorney for the Rankin County Board of Supervisors from January 2002 until December 2007. He graduated from the United States Air Force with a Bachelor of Science and earned his Juris Doctorate from the Mississippi College School of Law.

SIGN-UP

All First Responders and their Spouses MUST sign up for a time slot to participate and fill out an initial questionnaire. To sign up please contact Kristy Hogan at info@wffrms.com or (601) 519-0334.

THE EVENT

First Responders and their Spouses will check-in at their allotted time where they will meet with a Paralegal to go over their initial questionnaire. Documents will then be drafted onsite by a Paralegal and reviewed by an Attorney. The Attorney will then meet with each First Responder and Spouse privately to go over their documents. All documents are signed and notarized on site. Each First Responder and Spouse will receive their original documents – NO COPIES ARE RETAINED BY WFFRMS. These documents include:

·Basic Will

A basic Will allows you to designate how you want your assets distributed, to name an Executor who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes, and to designate a guardian(s) for your minor children (if applicable). These basic Wills do not provide a trust for minor children or other heirs.

·Advanced Healthcare Directive

An Advance Healthcare Directive allows you to designate an individual to make medical decisions on your behalf in the event you are unable. It may also document your wish to direct medical treatment in more specific ways, such as your choice regarding which life-sustaining treatments be withheld/withdrawn in the event you are unable to make your own medical decisions.

This service is provided to all First Responders and their Spouses completely FREE OF CHARGE!

For additional information, including upcoming event dates, times, and locations please contact Kristy Hogan at info@wffrms.com or (601) 519-0334.

Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders will open its doors early next year on Bass Pro Drive, just off of Highway 80 in Pearl ]]>

Groundbreaking for Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders inside of The Connection in Pearl, Mississippi. Photo shows Pearl Chamber members and Mayor Jake Windham along with representatives of Outlets of Mississippi, Huey Magoo’s, Spectrum Capital, and Yates Construction. Photo by Diane Griffing, Marketing Coordinator/Graphic Designer with Yates Construction.

Huey Magoo’s offers premium chicken tenders, salads, sandwiches, and wraps that are made with marinated chicken and cooked to perfection from the finest ingredients, then served with dipping sauce for ultimate consuming pleasure.

With its recent growth of chains popping up all throughout the southeast, it’s no wonder why Huey Magoo’s has emerged as a rising brand that is quickly becoming a local favorite. Speaking of local, Huey Magoo’s location within The Connection will be the second store in the entire state of Mississippi.

Kristi Orr, CEO of Love Me Tenders LLC (franchise of Huey Magoo’s) stated, “We are very excited to come to Pearl. Our McComb location is in our hometown. It has done very well, and we are excited to branch out and get into the Jackson Metro area, and we chose Pearl as our first location to come up here.”

What does this mean for the city of Pearl? “This is just another feather in our hat to have another restaurant to locate to our city and something that our citizens can enjoy and the people in the metro area and whoever passes through,” said Pearl Mayor Jake Windham. “We try to take care of our citizens, but we also try to take care of our businesses.” With the inclusion of a chicken chain restaurant for the city, locals will have access to yet another delicious food option. Plus, this is proof that the city continues to grow and gives patrons even more reasons to venture out this way in Rankin County.

The construction project is being led by Yates Construction, which has built a majority of the businesses along Bass Pro Drive within The Connection. Huey Magoo’s is expected to open in early January 2022.

ABOUT THE CONNECTION

A 166-acre complex located in the heart of Rankin County, The Connection is home to top retail and tourism attractions including Outlets of Mississippi, the state’s largest outlet shopping center; Trustmark Park, home to the Mississippi Braves, AA Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves; the state’s only Bass Pro Shops; Cavender’s Western Outfitter; Holiday Inn and Alumni House Sports Bar & Grill; Sam’s Club; and coming soon, Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders. Attracting over 7.2 million visitors annually, The Connection, located just minutes from the capital city of Jackson, is nestled in the “Crossroads of the South” which is one of the most highly trafficked intersections in the state (Interstates 20 & 55, Highways 49 & 80).

Currently, there are multiple outparcel opportunities available for purchase which includes multiple acreages on resort status approved land, many of which can be subdivided. To learn more about the purchase of land and development, contact Angie Crawford at acrawford@outletsofms.com. Visit theconnectionms.com for more information.

"We recommend that all Mississippians get their flu shots every year, but especially now with COVID-19. The flu vaccine can be given at the same time – or any time before or after - the COVID-19 vaccine. There is no minimum amount of time you need to wait between these vaccinations," said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers.

Dr. Byers said that flu season can begin as early as November and last as late as March in Mississippi but usually peaks anywhere from December through February.

Individual flu cases are not reported to MSDH, but the agency monitors flu activity through the ILI System, made up of healthcare providers in Mississippi who report the percentage of patients with flu-like symptoms to a statewide database. Providers participating in the system also submit respiratory samples for flu testing to the MSDH Public Health Laboratory. State health officials use this information to determine the presence and spread of flu throughout the state.

"We recommend getting vaccinated now before we reach peak flu activity. Influenza vaccination is especially important for young children, pregnant women, those over 65, and those with underlying health problems," he said. "Flu vaccination is the best way to protect both children and adults from serious complications such as hospitalization, and in many cases, death."

Those 18 and under who are eligible for the Vaccines for Children program can receive flu vaccination for $10. Insurance, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) are accepted for children’s flu shots. A list of all VFC providers can be found at www.HealthyMS.com/vfc.

Adults who are underinsured or uninsured and who meet certain high-risk criteria qualify for an adult flu vaccination at MSDH county health department clinics. Flu shots for insured adults are now widely available through private physicians, pharmacies, and retail centers.

While vaccination is the best protection against flu, basic infection control measures can also reduce the spread of flu and should be taken whether or not individuals are vaccinated. These measures include covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing, staying at home when you or your children are sick, and washing your hands frequently. Wearing face-covering in public places offers additional protection against the flu. Please call your local county health department to make an appointment for your vaccination.

To locate a county health department clinic in your area or for more information on flu, visit the MSDH website at www.HealthyMS.com/flu. Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

Below are the guidelines to register to vote in the State of Mississippi:

A resident of Mississippi and the county, city, or town for 30 days prior to the election;

• At least 18 years old at the date of the election;
• Not declared mentally incompetent by a court; and,
• Not convicted of a disenfranchising crime.

Mississippians can register to vote at any of the following locations:

• Circuit Clerk's Office;
• Municipal Clerk's Office;
• Department of Public Safety; and,
• Any state or federal agency offering government services.

Mail-in voter registration applications are available at Circuit Clerk Offices and on our Y'all Vote website (yallvote.ms). The application may also be used to update your voter registration information if you have moved or changed your name since the last time you voted.

To verify your voter registration information, visit the "Are You Registered To Vote?" section of our Y'all Vote website. If the information listed on our website is incorrect, please be sure to contact your local Circuit Clerk to get the information corrected as soon as possible. Be sure to review and prepare for upcoming deadlines listed in the 2021 Elections Calendar.

Remember, there is never a deadline to register to vote, but in order to cast a ballot in the 2021 November general and special elections, you must be registered by Monday, October 4.

Betty Harpe and Charlotte Young were the hostesses for the meeting. The members enjoyed the guest speaker, Kobee Vance who provided them with great information concerning Mississippi Public Broadcasting.

The members brought nonperishable food items to be given to a local school to aid multiple families in need. Members standing left to right: Dianne Roberts, President, Judy Webb. Kathy Hilton, C J Applewhite, Jeannie Pittman, Charlotte Young, Betty Harpe, Debi Gibson, and Dee Payne. Seated left to right: Jessie Buckley and Mary Alice Hydrick.

Seniors:

The Pearl High School 2021 Senior Homecoming Maids pictured on the front row from left to right are Aleyah Mosley, Anzlee Channell, Zamiya Warner. On the back row is football maid Nathaly Aguirre, Lindsay Butler, Mikayla Sills, Alexandria Villanueva, and Victoria Taylor.

Juniors:

The Pearl High School 2021 Junior Homecoming Maids pictured on the front row from left to right are Saylor Foster, Kimora Bailey, and Anneliese Renfroe. On the back, the row is Kedra Dixon, Kate Roa, and Kimberely Arevalo.

Sophomores:

The Pearl High School 2021 Sophomore Homecoming Maids pictured on from left to right are Jayden Neal, Dulce Tapia, Kaitlyn Richardson, and Layton Ward.

Freshman:

The Pearl High School 2021 Freshman Homecoming Maids pictured from left to right are Kai Jenkins, Aaliyah Horn, and Isabella Ashley.

Representing the seniors, Class of 2022, are Coriyanna Benson, daughter of Monique Hines and Brandon Barnes, Neely Cooper, daughter of Chad and Carrie Cooper, Brianna Cousin, daughter of Bryant and Tiffany Cousin, Charity Gosnell, daughter of Don and Myra Gosnell, Shaelynn Quick, daughter of Deric and Gina Quick, Brookly Sistrunk, daughter of Brent and Labreeska Sistrunk, and Mattie Walker, daughter of Ronnie and Lashell Walker.

The juniors, Class of 2023, are represented by Addison Errington, daughter of Nick and Angela Errington, Christina Guzman, daughter or Miguel, and Maria Guzman, Skylar Ingram, daughter of Karen Ingram and the late Jeff Ingram, Hannah Grace Reed, daughter of Keith and Angel Reed, and Maelee Starbuck, daughter of Andy and Lindsay Starbuck.

The sophomore, Class of 2024, representatives are Lacy Burns, daughter of Brad and Ashley Burns, Brelyn Muse, daughter of Brian and Jennifer Muse, Faith Quick, daughter of Herman and Sandra Quick, Laney Smith, daughter of Sandy Smith and Jason Smith, Annelise Weathersby, daughter of Randy and Laurie Weathersby, and Ava Grace Weathersby, daughter of Randy and Laurie Weathersby.

The freshmen maids representing the Class of 2025 are Taylor Beam, daughter of Katheryn McCardle and Michael Beam, Ryleigh Bishop, daughter of Jonathan and Amy Bishop, Katie Beth Kennedy, daughter of Sarah Fletcher and Scott Kennedy, Caroline Sanford, daughter of Mark and Crystal Sanford, and Carly Jo Smith, daughter of Bo and Emily Smith.

FHS Homecoming 2021 will conclude with the Florence Eagles vs. Wayne County football game on Friday, October 1. The presentation of the homecoming court will be at 6:15 p.m. Friday prior to the kickoff of the football game. Where the 2021 FHS Homecoming Queen and the 2021 FHS Football Queen will be crowned.

“In exchange for forty hours of educational training, participants return forty hours of volunteer service within one year of their training,” said Jeff Wilson, Extension horticulture specialist and state coordinator of the Master Gardener program.

A community benefits in many ways from its local Master Gardeners. After the first year’s forty-hour community service requirement is met, Master Gardeners continue to receive training and log a minimum of twenty community service hours a year to maintain their certified status.

The volunteer work of Master Gardeners helps local Extension offices reach a broader audience than is possible through just the efforts of Extension agents. Volunteers also extend the educational arm of the university to the public by providing horticultural information based on university research and recommendations.

The volunteer work of Master Gardeners helps local Extension offices reach a broader audience than is possible through just the efforts of Extension agents. Volunteers also extend the educational arm of the university to the public by providing horticultural information based on university research and recommendations.

“Master Gardener volunteers experience the personal satisfaction of serving their community, gaining horticultural expertise, and connecting with their local gardening community,” Wilson said.

This year, all Master Gardener instruction is online and self-paced. The current class begins October 1 and closes November 30.

The cost is $125 for those who want to become certified Master Gardener volunteers and provide forty hours of service. For $200, a home-gardening course is available for those not interested in the volunteer service component. A third option is to pay $25 per class for select classes. These classes are available year-round and do not require volunteering.

Register now for the training and learn more about the Master Gardener program at http://msuext.ms/mg.

MSU is an equal opportunity institution. For disability accommodation or questions about the Master Gardener program, contact Jeff Wilson at 662-566-8019 or jeff.wilson@msstate.edu.

The quilt show featured more than 200 stunning quilts and approximately $6,000 in awards. It celebrated the fortieth show hosted by the Smoky Mountain Quilters of Tennessee.

The guild meets monthly in Knoxville. The guild’s primary goals are to promote and encourage the knowledge of quilt making as an art and a craft, to study its history as an integral part of our past, and to promote friendship through shared activities. Guild activities include workshops, block drawings, exhibits, and quilts made for charitable organizations. The guild’s more than 100 members are as diverse as the quilts they love -- traditional and art quilts, complex and minimalist modern designs, small and bed-sized, and hand or machine stitched. For more information, visit www.smokymtnquilters.com or follow them on Facebook.

For the first time since MAAP tests were first administered in 2016, student proficiency decreased in mathematics and English Language Arts (ELA). Students were last tested in 2019 and reached an all-time high for proficiency in mathematics and ELA.

Statewide proficiency levels fell in all grades except grade 8 ELA, which increased 0.1% (35.6%) since 2019 (35.5%).

MAAP measures students’ progress toward academic goals that equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in college and the workforce. Mississippi teachers helped develop MAAP tests, which align with the learning goals for Mississippi classrooms. MAAP measures student performance in ELA and mathematics in grades 3-8 and in high school English II and Algebra I.

“The disruption and stress caused by COVID-19 have had an impact on student performance in every state in the country and the impact has been more marked in mathematics than in English Language Arts,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. “I am proud of the way Mississippi students, families, teachers, and school leaders persevered through the most challenging school year of their lives.”

Statewide proficiency levels fell in all grades except grade 8 ELA, which increased 0.1% (35.6%) since 2019 (35.5%).

MAAP measures students’ progress toward academic goals that equip them with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in college and the workforce. Mississippi teachers helped develop MAAP tests, which align with the learning goals for Mississippi classrooms. MAAP measures student performance in ELA and mathematics in grades 3-8 and in high school English II and Algebra I.

“The disruption and stress caused by COVID-19 have had an impact on student performance in every state in the country and the impact has been more marked in mathematics than in English Language Arts,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. “I am proud of the way Mississippi students, families, teachers, and school leaders persevered through the most challenging school year of their lives.”

Students had their school year cut short in spring 2020 when the pandemic shut down school buildings in Mississippi and the United States. Though most Mississippi students had access to in-person learning most of the 2020-21 school year, hybrid learning, quarantining, and numerous weather-related school building closures created obstacles to teaching and learning.

The MDE provided districts pandemic-related flexibilities to administer the assessments. Schools provided safe testing environments to all students including full-time virtual learners who took assessments at schools. The overall participation rate for assessments was 96.9%, close to the 98%-99% rates of previous years.

Due to COVID disruptions, grade 3 students were not required to meet a passing score on the reading assessment to be promoted to grade 4. Students still had to meet all other district requirements for promotion. Students who took required end-of-course high school assessments including Algebra I, English II, Biology, and U.S. History were not required to meet a passing score.

“This year’s statewide assessments provide valuable information about the impact of the pandemic on learning and will help identify where accelerated learning opportunities for students are most needed,” Wright said.

This year check-in will begin at 7 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. First-place winners will receive $400 per team, second-place winners will receive $300 per team, and third-place winners will receive $200 per team. There will be additional prizes for “closest to the hole,” “longest drive” as well as door prizes.

Registration will include three options for participants: the “4-Man Team Sponsorship” which includes four green fees, eight mulligans, two carts, and lunch for all team members at a cost of $400; the second option is a “Team & Hole Sponsorship” which includes four green fees, eight mulligans, two carts, hole sponsorship and lunch for all team members at a cost of $475; and a third option, the “Hole Sponsorship” which includes a sign placed on the tee box at a cost of $100.

To register visit http://www.pearlms.org/. Make checks payable to the Pearl Chamber of Commerce. Registration forms may be submitted by mail to P. O. Box 54125, Pearl, Mississippi, 39288.

For further information contact the Chamber at 601-939-3338.

Mississippi National Guard will return home from their clean-up and recovery

mission in Louisiana following Hurricane Ida.

Mississippi National Guard Soldiers and Airmen from various units have

been supporting the state of Louisiana during Hurricane Ida relief efforts.

MSNG units serving in Louisiana include; the 112th Military Police

Battalion, headquartered in Canton; the 223rd Engineer Battalion,

headquartered in West Point; Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation

Regiment, from Meridian, and the 255th Air Control Squadron, Air National

Guard, from Flowood, Miss.

The Mississippi Guardsmen joined forces with our counterparts in the

Louisiana National Guard as well as the Louisiana Emergency Management

Agency to provide essential emergency relief efforts for debris removal,

interagency communications, traffic control, security operations, aviation

heavy-lift transportation capabilities, and logistical distribution of vital

supplies including food and water to the citizens of Louisiana.

As a public safety reminder, the Mississippi National Guard requests

citizen assistance and support to safely share the roadways with our

military convoys returning to home stations. Our brave Soldiers and Airmen

will be traveling home in military vehicle convoys including the

transportation of heavy vehicles and engineer equipment. Military convoys

travel at a slower pace and must maintain appropriate distancing between

vehicles. We request your support to avoid passing between military

vehicles and provide space when passing on highways and interstates.

Support of our Mississippi citizens is paramount to our success and

ability to serve our communities in times of need. Thank you for your

continued support to the men and women serving in the Mississippi National

Guard and the families that support them.

The Mississippi National Guard Soldiers and Airmen continue to serve

with honor and integrity, executing diverse missions with precision and

professionalism throughout our state and nation. We are always ready and

always there.

Thank you for your continued support to the men and women of the Mississippi

National Guard.

“If you love Dave Brubeck, you’re going to love this concert; if you love jazz you are going to love this concert. This group is one of the finest jazz quartets anywhere,” said Dr. Jay Dean, artistic director of Opera Mississippi. “ Sam Bruton is one of the finest jazz pianists that you will hear anywhere in the world; he is joined by an equally extraordinary trio. This is truly a do-not-miss event!”

Dave Brubeck has become an American icon for the world of jazz piano and composition. Considered to be one of the foremost performers of “cool jazz,” he achieved global recognition in his field. His style ranged from refined to bombastic, reflecting both his classical training and his extraordinary improvisational skills. His compositions are known for employing unusual and complex rhythms and harmonies. He was also a composer of orchestral, sacred, and television music. Everyone knows the most famous musical work ever recorded by his quartet, Paul Desmond’s “Take Five.”

Sam Bruton is a jazz pianist, composer, and professor of philosophy at The University of Southern Mississippi. He has performed with nationally known artists including Delfeayo Marsalis and Don Rickles and Mississippi artists Vasti Jackson and the Capital Big Band.

Saxophonist Larry Panella is director of jazz studies at The University of Southern Mississippi. He has performed with numerous artists including the Phil Collins Big Band, the Woody Herman Orchestra, and Natalie Cole.

Bassist David Pellow hails from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and has performed in the United States and Japan with such jazz artists as Billy Eckstine, David Liebman, Jimmy Ponder, Joe Morello, Dianne Schuur, and Back Pizzarelli. He was trained at Duquesne and Carnegie Mellon Universities and served at Carnegie Mellon as an artist-lecturer, teaching professor, and the Director of Jazz Studies from1994 to 2009. He recently earned a Ph.D. in Music Education and String Pedagogy Studies at Southern Miss.

Completing the ensemble is drummer Nathan Sanders, who is a D.M.A. candidate in Percussion Performance at the University of Southern Mississippi. He received his bachelor’s degree in music education at USM and his Master of Music in Jazz Studies from Northern Illinois University. A versatile percussionist, Sanders finds himself at home in a wide range of genres. He has held the drum chair for the prestigious NIU Jazz Orchestra, NIU Jazztet, USM Jazz lab 1, and Jazztet, as well as the Reggie Thomas Organ Trio, and the Larry Panella Quartet.

“Join us in celebration of the timeless genius of Dave Brubeck as we re-create the joyful jazz of his seminal quartet,” said Bruton.

For more information on tickets to this and the entire Opera Mississippi season, visit operams.org or call 601.960.2300.

NOTE: Duling Hall’s Updated COVID-19 Safety Protocol: Effective August 30, 2021, for the health and safety of our patrons, staff, and artists, entry to Duling Hall will require either proof of a full course COVID-19 vaccination, with their final dose at least fourteen days prior to the event or proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken in the prior 72 hours. Accommodating this temporary policy will allow artists to earn a living, our staff to be employed, and live music to have a place in society again. We will keep everyone posted on any changes moving forward

ABOUT OPERA MISSISSIPPI

The Mississippi Opera Association, founded in 1945, is a founding member of the National Opera America organization, the ninth oldest continuously operating opera company in the United States, and Mississippi’s only professional opera company. Among the remarkable singers that have graced the Opera Mississippi stage, are internationally known Beverly Sills, Monserrat Caballe, Robert Merrill, James McCracken, Roberta Peters, Jan Peerce, Richard Tucker, Norman Treigle, John Alexander, Renée Fleming, and many others.

Opera Mississippi’s mission is to provide the community and state with the most dynamic musical stage productions possible. In addition, activities include a variety of educational and community outreach programs including educational performances to students and a variety of other performances for citizens of all ages, including pop, jazz, country, and musical theatre cabarets. The annual John Alexander National Vocal Competition, the only nationally advertised music competition in the state, is designed to recognize and award outstanding vocalists in both opera and musical theatre.

Opera Mississippi is proud to be an integral part of the remarkable artistic heritage that shapes the state, and each year thousands of Mississippians and visitors attend and benefit from our quality performances.

All football coaches harp on the importance of special teams. Special teams are arguably one of the most underrated aspects of a football team, and Hinds Community College kicker Ben Duncan proved that in his team's last game. In the Eagles' 18-13 road win over Northeast Mississippi, Duncan made three field goals and an extra point.

Duncan connected on-field goals from 25, 27, and 32 yards in the game. His two second-half field goals provided all of the scorings in the second half for Hinds. His final kick was a big one, as he extended the Eagles' lead to five in the fourth quarter. He currently is three-for-four on field goals this season and has converted eight-of-nine extra points.

Duncan is a 2021 graduate of Florence High School. He signed with Hinds after a solid senior year which saw him named as District 5-4A's Most Valuable Kicker.

After losing their season opener to Coahoma, the Eagles have now won their last two games. They'll look to increase their winning streak to three against Southwest Mississippi Community College on Thursday. The kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. from Summit.

By Representative Scott Bounds

Saturday, September 25 marks our nation’s 49th Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD). Signed as an official Presidential Proclamation by President Richard Nixon in 1972, NHFD is a great opportunity to come together and recognize the historical and ongoing contributions of the original conservationists – hunters and anglers. Likewise, NHFD is another chance to highlight the availability of safe outdoor recreation opportunities that many Americans have turned to during the COVID-19 pandemic. While some are eager to return to a sense of normalcy, NHFD is a reminder that these opportunities are still available for all of us to enjoy.

As a Co-Chair of the Mississippi Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and as a member of the 49 state National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses, my fellow Caucus Co-Chairs and I are proud to take time to celebrate the time-honored traditions of hunting and angling. On this day, we ask our fellow Mississippians to join the 110 House & Senate Mississippi Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus members and our private partners in recognizing the tremendous dedication that our state’s sportsmen and women bring to the conservation of our natural resources.

Mississippi’s hunters and anglers are the primary sources of conservation funding for The Magnolia State. Through the purchase of licenses, tags, and stamps, and by paying self-imposed excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, fishing tackle, electric trolling motors, and motorboat fuel, hunters and anglers drive conservation funding in Mississippi and the United States, through the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF), a unique “user pays – public benefits” program.

Last year alone, contributions through the ASCF generated $31.74 million to fund state conservation efforts through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. All Mississippians benefit from these funds through improved access to public lands, public shooting ranges, improved soil, and water quality, habitat restoration, fish and wildlife research, habitat management on public and private lands, hunter education, boat access area construction, and many other Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks projects funded through this program.

Hunting and angling are also significant economic drivers for our state. Mississippi’s sportsmen and women spend over $2.2 billion per year on their outdoor pursuits, supporting 33,584 jobs in the state and contributing $187 million in state and local taxes. Additionally, 2017 data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that, on the national level, sportsmen and women spent more than $19 billion on hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting, which doesn’t include trip-related spending or license fees that were necessary for their participation. This spending is critical to the outdoor economy, which comprised 2.4% of Mississippi’s GDP that same year.

As has been discovered (or rediscovered) by many during the COVID-19 pandemic, hunting and fishing produce countless benefits for an individual’s physical and mental health. As a sporting community, we celebrate those that have decided to join us afield or on the water, and welcome new participants, both young and old, to our time-honored traditions. Hunting and fishing are great ways of procuring organic, sustainable, locally-sourced food for the entire family while simultaneously contributing to the conservation of our abundant natural resources for future generations.

For more information on hunting and fishing opportunities in Mississippi please visit the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks’ website. More information on National Hunting and Fishing Day is available at www.NHFDay.org or on the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation website at https://congressionalsportsmen.org/policies/national-hunting-and-fishing-day.

Merit Health River Oaks is hosting a “Plant a Seed and Watch Your Career Grow” career fair on Thursday, September 23, from 4 – 6 pm in the Private Dining Room on the first floor of the hospital located at 1030 River Oaks Drive.

The event is specifically targeting certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Attendees can speak with nurse leadership, learn first-hand about job openings from Human Resources, enjoy food and door prizes. There will be on-the-spot job offers!

For more information or to RSVP (not required), contact recruiter Mark Beason at 601-573-4254 or Mark.Beason@MyMeritHealth.com.

About Merit Health

Merit Health serves the healthcare needs of residents of Mississippi through its 9 affiliated hospitals. The healthcare system offers a wide array of services including orthopedics, cardiology, women’s health, emergency departments, and broad diagnostic medical and surgical services. The network has more than 1,800 licensed beds, more than 2,500 physicians on the combined active medical staff, more than 3,000 employees, and more than 40,000 admissions and more than 250,000 emergency department visits each year.

The administrator of the Month: Missy Jones, Pearl Lower Elementary; Classified Staff of the Month: Amanda Brewer, Central Office; Certified Staff of the Month: Emilie McEachern, Pearl High School.

The PPSD Employees of the Month Program is sponsored by Merit Health.

Again, Congratulations to the September 2021 Pearl Public School District Employees of the Month!

October marks the 5th annual Make a Racket for the Kids tennis & pickleball tournament to help raise funds for Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi, whose work has been helping defeat child abuse for 20 years.

The pickleball tournament will kick off the festivities on October 6th at The Country Club of Jackson, with all playing levels welcome. The competitive levels for this event will be both intermediate and advanced. On October 21st the tennis mixed doubles event kicks off at Parham Bridges Tennis Center in Jackson. All playing levels are welcomed, with combination levels of 6.0 and below, 7.0 and 8.0 and above.

“We are thrilled to be able to host this event for the 5th consecutive year. Make a Racket for the Kids is one of those special events that allow the community to come together, have fun, and raise funds for our cause that has helped save over 44,000 children in our state,” said Liz Torricelli, the Community Outreach Coordinator for CACM.

The entry fee to play either tennis or pickleball is $45, to play both tennis and pickleball $80, and $25 for non-players to participate. For additional information on Make a Racket for the Kids, contact Liz Torricelli directly via phone at 601.940.6183 ext.1005 or via e-mail at liz@mschaptercacs.org. You can also register now by following this link: HTTPS://MSCHAPTERCACS.NETWORKFORGOOD.COM/EVENTS/32954-5TH-ANNUAL-MAKE-A-RACKET-FOR-THE-KIDS. Anyone can also follow along with CACM’s journey through social media at @childadvocacyms.

About Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi (CACM)

Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi (CACM) is the membership organization of Mississippi’s statewide Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs), where children who have been victimized can receive a coordinated, victim-centered response from investigators and service providers. Over 6,000 children enter one of the 12 child advocacy centers each year to talk about the unimaginable. These child-friendly settings are designed to create a sense of safety and security for child victims. CACs also share the goal of stopping child abuse before it even starts. Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2008, CACM is an accredited state chapter of the National Children’s Alliance (NCA). In addition to our highly acclaimed reactive work, CACM is committed to pro-active work, fostering systemic and societal change to protect children.

Recently, Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03) joined Congressman Tom Emmer (MN-06) and other Republican Members of Congress in a letter to Speaker Pelosi, Ways and Means Chair Neal, Department of Treasury Secretary Yellen, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Commissioner Rettig to express concern about a recent IRS data collection proposal to require financial institutions and other financial services providers to report certain transaction-level data as well as information about the outflows and inflows on accounts over $600 to the IRS every year.

The requirements of this proposal would impose significant compliance costs on banks, credit unions, and related financial institutions, but also infringe on the privacy of millions of Americans.

“This proposal is simply grasping at straws in an attempt to provide cover for the huge spending proposals Congressional Democrats are pursuing. There is no evidence that the IRS data collection proposal is effective at closing the ‘tax gap’ – the difference between taxes paid and taxes owed by law. Furthermore, the proposal would sacrifice American privacy for the sake of government revenue, and ineffective and Orwellian strategy of offsetting government spending, especially when other methods remain available,” Guest said. “Following the invaluable service, our financial institutions provided to keep our nation afloat during the pandemic, this proposal to help fund a multi-trillion-dollar spending proposal at the cost of Americans’ privacy is a downright betrayal of our financial institutions and the American people and should not be implemented.”

MSF brings the community together to celebrate careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and has introduced children of all ages to the wide variety of STEM concepts and industries that are available in Mississippi. Guests can purchase 1 ticket for Saturday’s festival and explore all 4 museums for one low ticket price of $10. Exhibitors and activities will be at all four LMD museums – the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum, the Mississippi Children’s Museum, and the MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.

For this year’s MS Science Fest, we are excited to welcome American scientist and activist, Temple Grandin, to speak about her experience with science and agriculture. Grandin will speak at the MS Agriculture Museum, Friday, September 17 at 11:00 a.m. and will speak at the Mississippi Children’s Museum, Saturday, Sept. 18 at 11:00 a.m.

This year, there will be multiple events taking place over the course of three days:

Science After 6

Thursday, September 16

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

The community is invited to help kick off the 6th Annual MSF at one of Jackson’s newest and most eco-friendly gathering spots, the Ecoshed, for Science After 6. Tickets are $15 each and include bits and bytes by the Ecoshed Food Lab and out-of-this-world cocktails by Spacebar. This event is sponsored by C Spire and Southern Farm Bureau.

Field Trip Friday

Friday, September 17

9:00 am – 1:00 pm

In partnership with MSF, the four LMD museums are inviting students to attend a special STEM-themed Field Trip Friday. The museums will host a day dedicated to promoting STEM subjects and increasing science literacy for field trip guests. Students attending Field Trip Friday will have an opportunity to participate in hands-on experiments, interactive exhibits, and see classroom science lessons come to life.

Keynote Speaker Temple Grandin

Ag Museum

Friday, September 17

11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Mississippi Children’s Museum Saturday, September 18

11:00 am – 2:00 pm

For this year’s MS Science Fest, we are excited to welcome American scientist and activist, Temple Grandin, to speak about her experience with science, agriculture, and autism awareness. Grandin will speak at the MS Agriculture Museum, Friday, September 17, and at the Mississippi Children’s Museum on Saturday, September 18. She will be speaking between 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., followed by a Q & A and then a book signing from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Mississippi Science Fest

Saturday, September 18

9:00 am – 4:00 pm

All four LMD museums will host a day dedicated to promoting STEM subjects and increasing science literacy. Children and families will have the opportunity to interact with nationally renowned STEM professionals, engage in hands-on activities, and explore exciting experiments and exhibits. On this special day, visitors can purchase a $10 ticket allowing them to visit and participate in MSF festivities at all four LMD museums. A free shuttle will be provided between museums and food vendors will be onsite throughout the day at all museums.

Mississippi Science Fest will take place on September 16-18, 2021. A full schedule of activities for the festival and event tickets can be found at www.mssciencefest.org.

About the LeFleur Museum District

The LeFleur Museum District (LMD) promotes four uniquely different museums and is located at a one-quarter mile stretch, just off I-55 and Lakeland Drive in Jackson, MS. Featuring the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum, the Mississippi Children’s Museum, and the MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, the LMD’s mission is to inspire visitors from around the region and nation with a sense of wonder. LMD creates opportunities for growth for all museums involved through joint events and cross-promotion of individual activities. Associations like the LeFleur Museum District are important developments to this region’s creative economy. The district partners with nearby restaurants and hotels to build the area as a premier destination for visitors. For more information, visit LeFleurMuseumDistrict.com.

About C Spire and the C Spire Foundation

C Spire is a diversified telecommunications and technology services company that provides world-class customer-inspired service and a superior comprehensive suite of wireless communications, high-speed Internet access, and a range of other telecommunications products and services to consumers and businesses. The C Spire Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and its mission is to support STEM education that strengthens digital literacy, technology, and professional skills development for students in grades K-12 and at institutions of higher learning in Mississippi. For more information about C Spire or the C Spire Foundation, visit www.cspire.com or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cspire or Twitter at www.twitter.com/cspire.

Linebacker Sam Brumfield, a Pearl High School grad, had 15 tackles (four solos, 11 assists) in the game. He added one quarterback hurry and was active on defense all night.

This was the second consecutive game that Brumfield has led the Rangers in tackles. In the season-opening win over Copiah-Lincoln, he tallied eight tackles and a sack.

In addition, Brumfield currently ranks fourth nationally with 11.5 tackles per game. This leaves him tied for the highest among Mississippi junior colleges.

Though listed as a freshman, Brumfield is in his second year with the Rangers. The NJCAA granted an extra year of eligibility to all athletes who participated in the 2020-21 season. Brumfield played in all six games for the MACCC State Champions last season.

Brumfield transitioned to college football after finishing a storied career at Pearl High School, where he garnered Mississippi Scoreboard All-Metro and MAC Class 6A All-State honors. He notably led the Pirates with 13 tackles in their 2017 MHSAA Class 6A State Championship win over Starkville. He looks set to add college honors to his accomplishments due to his roaring start with the Rangers.

Brumfield and the Rangers will look to get back on track this Thursday night, as they will travel to Goodman to face Holmes. The kickoff for this key MACCC North Division matchup is set for 6:30 p.m.

The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum will host American scientist and activist Temple Grandin as she speaks to the public as part of the 6th annual Mississippi Science Fest (MSF) on Friday, September 17, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

The Mississippi Science Fest in the LeFleur Museum District’s signature event and will take place Thursday, September 16, through Saturday, September 18. This annual festival celebrates careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields and demonstrates the wide variety of STEM concepts and industries available in Mississippi to children of all ages. Visit www.mssciencefest.org online to learn more about the 2021 MSF, purchase tickets, and view the full schedule.

This year’s event will include a special oration by Dr. Temple Grandin on her experience with science, agriculture, and autism awareness. Grandin will speak at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum’s Sparkman Auditorium at 11:00 a.m. Grandin will also be available for a book signing from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m.

In addition, the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum will provide guests with interactive activities and demonstrations. These include blacksmithing and train exhibitions, robotics presentations, and more throughout the three-day event. The Children’s Barnyard and Small Town, Mississippi, will also be open to the public. Lunch will be available for purchase on Friday and Saturday inside the General Store.

The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, located at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson, is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, call 601-432-4500 or 1-800-844-8687, visit www.msagmuseum.org or visit the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum’s page on Facebook.

Petco Love is a nonprofit leading change for pets nationally by making communities and pet families closer, stronger, and healthier. Since their founding in 1999 as the Petco Foundation, they’ve empowered organizations with $300 million invested to date in adoption and other lifesaving efforts. And, they’ve helped find loving homes for more than 6.5 million pets in partnership with Petco and more than 4,000 organizations nationwide.

“Today Petco Love invests in Mississippi Spay & Neuter and hundreds of other organizations across the nation working to improve animal health and welfare as part of our commitment to creating a future in which no pet is unnecessarily euthanized,” said Susanne Kogut, President of Petco Love. “Our local investments are only one component. This year, we also launched the first of our national tools, Petco Love Lost, which empowers all animal lovers to drive lifesaving change right alongside us.”

“This generous investment will support our feral cat spay/neuter program and help us have a greater lifesaving impact. Often, feral cats congregate in colonies, and their care is left to the generous person who feeds them. Helping with the cost of spay/neuter can reduce this burden and help prevent further overpopulation in colonies. Petco Love's investment will help approximately 214 cats in need at our Big Fix Clinic, where we fix around forty-five feral cats each month,” said Sharon Garner, Executive Director at Mississippi Spay & Neuter.

Mississippi Spay & Neuter is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending animal homelessness and euthanasia through spay and neuter. The organization has aided more than 90,000 animals by providing affordable spay and neuter services through their Big Fix Clinic and voucher programs. Mississippi Spay and Neuter are located at 657 Highway 49 in Richland. For more information on Mississippi Spay & Neuter and its programs, call 601-420-2438 or visit www.msspan.org.

5th Graders:

The pictured Pearl Upper Elementary fifth-grade students were recognized for high scores on an end-of-the-year assessment taken in the spring. Pictured from left to right are Mrs. Odulia Anthony, Edwin Quintero, Belen Duran, Alysson Perez, Mayra Gomez, Natalie Francisco-Martinez, and PUE Principal Gavin Gill.

6th Graders:

The pictured sixth-grade students were recently recognized for their high scores on an end-of-the-year test taken in the spring at Pearl Upper Elementary. Pictured on the front row from left to right are Tri Martin, Henrik Zosa, Jeremias Zosa, and William Gomez-Patishtan. On the back row are Mrs. Odulia Anthony, Joel Garcia-Morales, Naomy Sanchez, Brayan Balderas, Tristen Carrasco, Damariz Cepeda, and PUE Principal Gavin Gill.

For those interested in being vaccinated, but lack transportation, CMPDD also provides transportation to vaccination sites – from pick-up, transport to the facility as well as the return ride home.

This program will continue as long as funds are available.

The main purpose of the MAC Center is to provide assistance to the elderly as well as people with disabilities – along with their families and representatives. Finding long-term care services and supports to keep them living well and independently is the Center’s main objective. It is a welcoming and accessible place located in Jackson, Mississippi where people can obtain unbiased information and assistance in locating services and supports. The MAC Center provides a central source of reliable and objective information about a broad range of programs and services. It also helps people understand and evaluate the various options available to them regardless of income or eligibility for publicly funded long-term care.

The Center specialists provide assistance within the local center, over the telephone, within a person’s home, or in another convenient location. All assistance is free and confidential.

To access The MAC Center’s comprehensive resource directory, visit www.mississippiaccesstocare.org

Richland Elementary School (RES) has joined over 19 million children and adults around the globe in 195 countries to celebrate International Dot Day on Wednesday, September 15. A grassroots “creativity and courage” movement, started in 2009 by a teacher in Iowa and inspired by New York Times best-selling author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds’ classic storybook for all ages The Dot, International Dot Day inspires young and old to embrace the power of personal creativity to help make their mark on the world, and move it to a better place.

International Dot Day began ten years ago when Iowa teacher Terry Shay introduced his classroom to Reynolds’ book, and his students noticed the original publishing date of The Dot was September 15, 2003. The students decided to celebrate the book’s birthday – and, little did they know, launched what would become a worldwide celebration of creativity and courage to “make your mark.”

“The Dot, is an invitation to students to be creative, and experience a breakthrough in confidence and courage, igniting a journey of self-discovery and sharing,” said Shay, a public-school teacher for over two decades “Every great teacher works for those transformational moments.”

Exploring the themes of creativity, bravery, and self-expression, The Dot is a story of a perceptive and caring teacher who reaches a reluctant student who thinks she can’t draw by encouraging her to be brave enough to “just make a mark and see where it takes you.” The Dot has been translated into multiple languages (including Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, Hebrew, Spanish, and even Braille) and the animated film of The Dot (produced by Reynolds’ multi-media design and development firm FableVision Studios and co-producer Scholastic) earned the Carnegie Medal of Excellence.

After launching in 2009, International Dot Day garnered increasing attention, simply through word of mouth, in schools, libraries, and communities around the globe. By 2011, registrations had reached 17,500 participants in several states. Noticing the phenomenon, The Reynolds Center for Teaching, Learning, & Creativity (ReynoldsTLC.org), Reynolds’ nonprofit educational R&D and creative learning support center, helped provide program support for the worldwide Dot Day event. The organization built and manages The Dot Club website (www.TheDotClub.org), which provides free registration for the event, along with many free resources, including downloadable Dot Day Educator’s Handbook, multilingual posters, and an official participation certificate. With the Reynolds Center’s help, participation soared past the 850,000 marks in 2012 – and, by 2013 involvement grew to 1.3 million participants in eighty-four countries. The count now stands at over thirteen million in 181 countries.

Shay can’t quite believe how Dot Day has caught on, “The success of International Dot Day is owed to many people who believed in a more creative and connected world and made it happen.”

Indeed, Dot Day celebrations now take many forms; from short art workshops where students make dots and sign them to animating dot-inspired art/stories on the computer, from weeklong school-wide celebrations to a year-long theme for a school district. Teachers are also celebrating Dot Day by using online video streaming to “connect the dots” with other classrooms around the globe.

A copy of The Dot was even rocketed into space, and read by Canadian Astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield serving as Commander aboard the International Space Station. The Dot’s the author/illustrator Peter H. Reynolds explains, “Commander Hadfield snapped a few photos of The Dot book floating in the cupola of the space station. On the last day of his recent Boston visit, he handed me my book, which he had signed, noting that this copy…had made 2,500 trips around the big blue dot – planet Earth.”

RES is planning to celebrate Dot Day by dressing up in dots, reading The Dot, and participating in a Flipgrid event where students will learn more about the author.

About International Dot Day, visit www.thedotclub.org/dotday. For the official Dot Day Twitter feed, follow @DotClubConnect. Find International Dot Day on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/InternationalDotDay.

The survey, known as HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems), is a national, standardized, publicly reported survey of patient's perspectives of hospital care. Merit Health Woman’s Hospital scored in the top 10% among all Press Ganey clients for patient satisfaction for the second quarter of 2021.

“Reaching this goal means a lot to the physicians and staff at Merit Health Woman’s Hospital,” says Heather Sistrunk, Chief Executive Officer. “But it means even more to our community. Our patients know we are a hospital that can be trusted to provide excellent care.”

Inpatients are eligible to receive a survey after their hospital stay has ended. Those survey results are tabulated to measure the ‘patient experience’, which includes several aspects of health care delivery that patients value highly when they seek and receive care, such as communication with physicians and nurses, information about discharge planning, care transition, and responsiveness of hospital staff.

“We review our HCAHPS scores and feedback regularly to ensure that our patients have the best and safest hospital experience possible. If we identify an opportunity for improvement, we will develop and implement ways to improve the patient experience immediately,” explains Sistrunk.

Merit Health Woman’s Hospital, known for its excellence in labor and delivery, is also home to other services including multi-specialty surgical services, breast diagnostics, and a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The most recent milestone was the addition of the only breast intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) treatment in the state of Mississippi.

For more information on Merit Health Woman’s Hospital, visit MeritHealthWomansHospital.com.

About Merit Health

Merit Health serves the healthcare needs of residents of Mississippi through its 9 affiliated hospitals. The healthcare system offers a wide array of services including orthopedics, cardiology, women’s health, emergency departments, and broad diagnostic medical and surgical services. The network has more than 1,800 licensed beds, more than 2,500 physicians on the combined active medical staff, more than 3,000 employees, and more than 40,000 admissions and more than 250,000 emergency department visits each year.

Volunteer opportunities:

Assist with people locating names in the Vietnam book

Assist with people locating names on The Wall

Assist with the security of The Wall

Field trip groups (Friday, Sept 17 (( school hours))) – share the rules and how to be respectful of The Wall. Also a brief background of The Wall (I have the details)

Assist with calling out the names on The Wall from Central Mississippi (7 pm on Saturday, September 18)

Volunteer hours:

4-hour shifts starting on Thursday, September 16th at 8 pm and ending at 8 am on Monday, September 20th

Each shift will have up to 8 people

The event will be held at Richland Town Square. It will be held behind the Richland Post Office and next to the Richland Police Department

If you are interested in volunteering, please call me at 601-420-1530 or email me at sward@richlandms.com

Feel free to share this with anyone that you feel would be interested in volunteering.

Now more than ever, it is important that Mississippians be there for one another. Having thoughts of suicide is a secret no one should keep, but you can’t always tell what someone is thinking just by looking at them. That’s why it is vital to break down barriers and have open, honest, and serious conversations about suicide. This month, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides us the perfect opportunity to do just that.

Today, we are seeing more Mississippians calling to simply talk to someone or seek help and resources: the Mississippi Call Center for National Suicide Prevention Lifeline experienced a 33 percent increase in calls from last year, and the Department of Mental Health Helpline experienced a 30 percent increase in calls. In Mississippi, the latest figures from the Mississippi State Department of Health show an increase in the number of deaths by suicide from 422 in 2018 to 436 in 2019.

Each death by suicide is one too many. These numbers send a very strong message, and one we cannot afford to ignore: people want and need to talk to someone who can offer them hope and help. Hope is a powerful thing. It is a strength and a protective factor we all need. As a famous philosopher once said, “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all the darkness.”

What if someone close to you is thinking about suicide? Something as simple as a conversation to encourage them to get help could be the very reason they chose to live. I encourage all Mississippians to check in on their loved ones and have that conversation. You just may save a life.

When speaking with someone who is having thoughts of suicide, it is easy to jump to immediately wanting to protect the person, but by failing to understand the why, we have only temporarily prevented a suicide attempt.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, don’t take it lightly or dismiss it. Thinking it will go away, keeping it a secret, thinking nothing can be done or thinking you can fix it all by yourself – these are the things that should be avoided at all costs. Instead, be honest and express your concern, listen and offer support, take your loved one seriously, or offer to accompany them to seek help. By being a friend who is understanding, accepting, and compassionate, you can make a difference.

We can only effectively intervene when we truly understand a person’s reasons for wanting to end their life. That is how we can get them the necessary help, and prevent death by suicide in the long term. We must not only hear someone’s story but deeply understand what they are trying to say. Asking someone if they need help, and truly listening to them and their story can provide hope. It can move them from focusing on the past to engaging in the present moment.

Some warning signs to look for include: talking about feeling worthless or hopeless, losing interest in activities, using or increasing the use of drugs or alcohol, changes in eating and sleeping habits, and changes from typical behavior.

Everyone can play a role in suicide prevention, not just mental health professionals or organizations. The Mississippi Department of Mental Health raises awareness of suicide prevention through our Shatter the Silence campaign to remember those affected by suicide, educate about warning signs and symptoms, and focus on efforts that direct treatment to those who need it most. Contact us today for more information and remember we should talk about this topic throughout the year, not just Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, there is help available 24 hours, seven days a week. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK), text “HOME” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741, or download the Shatter the Silence app on Google Play or Apple iTunes store. As always, you can also visit www.mentalhealthms.com to find resources close to you.

Florence High School graduate Brad Dennis entered this season with the Southern Miss football team poised to make an impact. The redshirt junior has featured mainly on special teams during his career. However, he made his second ever start at wide receiver in the Golden Eagles' season opener against South Alabama. Despite Southern Miss' 31-7 loss, Dennis recorded three catches for 26 yards.

In an interview with USM Sports Information, Southern Miss Head Coach Will Hall claimed that Dennis is a “tough guy” who represents the program well. "Brad does everything right and brings a lot to the table,” Hall stated.

Dennis played quarterback at Florence before changing positions in college. He now looks ready to be a key contributor to the Golden Eagles' receiving corps in his fourth season in Hattiesburg.

The Golden Eagles will now look to bounce back on Saturday against Grambling in their home opener.. Kickoff from M.M. Roberts Stadium will be at 6:00 P.M, and the game will be televised by ESPN3.

“Everything in this newspaper is important to someone.”

It’s become something of a mantra for me, in recent years.

Weekly community newspapers are eclectic, to say the least. We publish photos of ribbons being cut at bakeries, and donations being dropped off at local food pantries. We print the school honor roll, the court report, and in-depth stories on decisions made by planning commissions and town boards. Sometimes we cover murders, abuse, and horrific car crashes, and when we do our community journalists often

experience these tragedies as both reporters and neighbors — as both professionals and human beings.

We cover the referendum that will determine whether a new school is built and our readers’ taxes will rise. We publish birth announcements, obituaries, and the various things that, when wedged between those two bookends, make up the lives that make up our communities. I’ve learned more than I ever wanted to know about sewage, in order to cover the approval and construction of a new treatment plant. I interviewed a survivor of the Iran hostage crisis about what it’s like to be held prisoner in a foreign land while the world looks on. I’ve interviewed grandmothers about their favorite holiday recipes. Perhaps most importantly, I’ve interviewed little kids about what they want to be when they grow up, and what type of world they hope to inhabit.

I’ve even eaten lutefisk — a type of gelatinous Scandinavian fish that is usually only consumed as part of a dare — in the warm hum of a local church’s kitchen. (I even liked it, which I think qualifies as a kind of small-town gonzo journalism.)

People sometimes ask me why community newspapers are important. My reply is always the same. It’s because everything on those pages is important to someone. Maybe the ribbon cutting isn’t flashy enough to go viral, and the Thanksgiving turkey recipe is not going to change culinary trends across the nation. But these things, these small things in communities across the county and across the world, are

what gives meaning and purpose to all of our lives.

The ribbon-cutting is the culmination of a childhood dream. The donations at the food pantry will allow a family to gather around their table without worrying if there is enough to fill each plate. The honor roll goes on the fridge, of course, because it’s a reminder to a young student that she can flourish when she applies herself. The birth announcement marks the proudest, greatest moment of a mother and father’s

life together. The face looking out from the obituary is one that a wife, and children, and grandchildren, will never kiss again. The new school being paid for with the referendum is where a young student might develop an interest in science, growing up and developing a treatment for cancer or Alzheimer’s,

allowing millions of people to live a little longer, and have their faces kissed by those who love them a few more times.

Journalism matters, now more than ever, because people matter. Community journalism matters, now more than ever, because roughly half the world’s population lives in small communities, and in the pages of their newspapers, they see themselves and the ones they love.

The clinic is set up on the lower level of Garage B, across from the Adult Emergency Department, and is open seven days a week, starting at 7 a.m. and ending with the last appointments starting at 6 p.m. The antibodies are given in shots or IVs, and the treatment process takes roughly two hours.

Visit covidmabtreatment.umc.edu to see if you qualify and to make an appointment at the clinic. Appointments are required.

Learn more about monoclonal antibodies and how they work by clicking here.

As a reminder, the clinic is open through the long holiday weekend, including on Monday, Labor Day.

UMMC providers recommend the treatment for those with mild to moderate COVID-19. When started early in the virus, treatment with monoclonal antibodies may help keep people from getting worse. It’s not approved for those who have advanced past the mild to moderate stage, so it’s important to begin treatment as soon as possible.

About the University of Mississippi Medical Center

UMMC is the state’s only academic medical center. Its education, research, and health care missions share the objectives of improving the health of the state’s population and eliminating health disparities.

Located in Jackson, UMMC encompasses seven health science schools, including medicine, nursing, health-related professions, dentistry, pharmacy, graduate studies, and population health. The Medical Center’s health care enterprise includes the state’s only Level I trauma center, only children’s hospital, and only organ and bone marrow transplant program. The Medical Center also is home to a Telehealth Center of Excellence, one of two in the nation.

For more information, visit www.umc.edu or click here to view news and features stories produced by UMMC Communications and Marketing.

“The right to vote is one of the greatest liberties in our country,” said Secretary Michael Watson. “In 2020 alone, more than 113,000 Mississippians registered to vote. As of today, the Statewide Election Management System (SEMS) reported roughly 31,000 newly registered voters since January 1, 2021.

As the state's Chief Elections Officer, it's my responsibility to ensure ALL eligible Mississippians exercise their right to vote. That’s why we are more than excited to participate in this national initiative to promote educational resources and build an informed voting population.”

NASS members established September as National Voter Registration Month in 2002 as a non-partisan means of encouraging voter participation and increasing awareness about state requirements and deadlines for voting. This year, September 28, 2021, will be highlighted by NASS and other voter outreach groups as National Voter Registration Day. In 2020, over 1.5 million people used National Voter Registration Day to register or update their registration, making it the largest NVRD in history!

U.S. Census data shows that 66.8% of eligible citizens over 18 voted in the 2020 presidential election, making last year’s turnout the highest of the 21st century. For the 2018 midterm elections, 53.4% of eligible citizens over 18 voted—a historic high for a midterm year.

As a reminder, to register to vote in Mississippi, you must be:

A resident of Mississippi and the county, city, or town for 30 days prior to the election;

At least 18 years old (or will be 18 by the date of the next General Election);

Not declared mentally incompetent by a court; and

Not convicted of a disenfranchising crime as defined by Section 241 of the Mississippi Constitution or by Attorney General Opinion, unless pardoned, rights of citizenship restored by the Governor or suffrage rights restored by the Legislature.

The Secretary of State's Office serves as the primary, trusted source for election information. Visit our Y'all Vote website (yallvote.ms) to download a voter registration application and learn more about the overall voting process. The website features a variety of helpful resources, such as a step-by-step guide to absentee voting and contact information for county election officials.

Judge McDaniel has served as Rankin County Court Judge for 24 years. Former Gov. Kirk Fordice appointed him to the Rankin County Court on Sept. 1, 1997. He has 38 years of public service. He will retire a few days after his 74th birthday.

He said, “It’s time.”

“It’s bittersweet. I love this job and I love the people,” he said. “It’s been the most wonderful thing. It’s the greatest honor. I have lived the most blessed life of anybody I’ve ever known, seen, or been around. God has just blessed me in incredible ways.”

He began his career of state public service with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics as one of the original agents in 1972. He worked undercover for three years. He then supervised investigations in 27 counties in south Mississippi.

He was Deputy Commissioner of Corrections 1979-1980. His duties included dealing with the budget and Legislative appropriations for MDOC.

In 1980, he became director of the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy. He served as director until 1986. After that, he was in private law practice for about three years.

Former U.S. Attorney George Phillips appointed McDaniel as First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Mississippi. He served in that capacity from 1989 to 1995. He returned to the private practice of law in 1995 and was Flowood Municipal Judge from November 1995 until his appointment to the County Court bench.

Judge McDaniel served as chairman of the Conference of County Court Judges for more than 10 years. He was appointed to the Commission on Judicial Performance in January 2015. He stepped down on Aug. 13 as Commission chairman.

Judge McDaniel grew up in Sandersville in Jones County. He graduated with honors from Belhaven College in 1969, then earned a master's degree with honors from the University of Southern Mississippi. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from Mississippi College School of Law, graduating first in his class. In 2013, he was awarded a Doctor of Laws degree from Mississippi College School of Law, where he served as an adjunct faculty member for 25 years, teaching trial practice.

He served with the 20th Special Forces Group of the Mississippi Army National Guard from 1968-1973 and with the 112th MP Battalion, MANG, from 1973-1978, leaving the service with the rank of First Lieutenant.

He was a charter member and first president of the Mississippi Chorus. He sang for many years in the choir of Lakeside Presbyterian Church. He still sings, mostly solo, doing patriotic and spiritual music for church groups and seniors.

He is married to JoAnn Mitchell McDaniel. They have two sons, Jeffrey McDaniel and Jay McDaniel.

His plans for the future include playing some golf. “I’ve got golf balls to chase and I’ve got grandkids to chase, even though I’m no good at either one of them.”

Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and MIS from the University of Southern Mississippi. He is a graduate of the University of Mississippi School of Banking, LBA Supervisory Training – Baton Rouge; TBA Commercial Lending School and Advanced Commercial Lending School – Nashville, and a recent graduate of the Louisiana State University Graduate School of Banking. Scott has been with PriorityOne Bank since 2010. He has served in many areas of the bank, including Teller, Operations, Loan Officer, Assistant Vice President/Loan Officer, Vice President/Branch Manager/Loan Officer, and most recently Vice President/Commercial Lender.

Scott served as Mississippi Young Bankers Delegate of the Year in 2017 and serves his community in multiple leadership roles. He and his wife, Lauren, currently reside in Hattiesburg.

PriorityOne Bank, based in Magee, Mississippi, operates fifteen offices in twelve Mississippi communities: Collins, Seminary, Sumrall, Hattiesburg, Magee, Mendenhall, Richland, Brandon, Ridgeland, Flowood, Pelahatchie, and Morton. The bank has assets of approximately $850 million.

Each year, millions of dollars in life insurance benefits go unclaimed by beneficiaries who can’t find their loved ones’ policies or in some cases may not even know the policies exist. That’s where the Life Insurance Policy Locator comes in.

“Anyone can use this service for free,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. “The tool helps us meet our goal of protecting consumers and connecting them with lost policies and money that they’re owed.”

If you need help locating a lost policy, call the Mississippi Insurance Department at 601-359-2453 or email consumer@mid.ms.gov

Stewart, who was born in Chicago and lives now in Pearl, works as a Transition Coordinator in the Social Services Department. Stewart is a graduate of Sawyer Business College in Oak Park, Ill., and has been an MSH employee since 1998.

The MSH Employee of the Month award recognizes employees who have made outstanding contributions to the hospital through their work. The program is sponsored by Friends of Mississippi State Hospital, Inc.

The award is the highest honor the United States gives to teachers of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science.

Two Mississippi kindergarten through grade 6 teachers will be selected for the 2021-22 PAEMST award cycle. National honorees receive a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, recognition at a White House ceremony, and the opportunity provide input on policies to improve science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science education.

Parents, students, fellow educators, or members of the public can nominate a K-6 teacher who teaches science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or computer science as part of their teaching responsibilities. Teachers may also nominate themselves. Nominations will be accepted until January 7, 2022. Teachers must complete the application process by February 6, 2022.

“There are countless Mississippi teachers who are worthy of this national recognition,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. “I encourage families and colleagues to nominate any teacher with a passion for teaching and learning. Teachers who have made a positive impact on student achievement and the professional learning environment in their schools can also nominate themselves.”

Congress established the PAEMST Awards in 1983. The award recognizes teachers with deep content knowledge of the subjects they teach and the ability to motivate and enable students to be successful in those areas. Awardees reflect the expertise and dedication of the nation’s teaching corps, and they demonstrate the positive impact of excellent teachers on student achievement. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Each year PAEMST alternates between recognizing K-6 and 7-12 grade teachers. The 2022-23 PAEMST cycle will award the nation’s top teachers who teach science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science in grades 7-12.

To nominate a teacher or apply, visit: paemst.org.

Resources:

• PAEMST webinars to support applicants throughout the application process
• Video from previous awardees

MDE PAEMST State Coordinators:

• Science, Dr. Kevin Gaylor, kgaylor@mdek12.org
• Mathematics, Tommisha Johnson, tjohnson@mdek12.org
• Tammy Crosetti, tcrosetti@mdek12.org

Preparing a Disaster Kit

Stock your home with supplies that may be needed during an emergency. At a minimum, these supplies should include:

• Several clean containers for water, large enough for a 3-5 day supply of water (about five gallons for each person)
• A 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food.
• A first aid kit and manual.
• A battery-powered radio, flashlights, and extra batteries.
• Sleeping bags or extra blankets.
• Water-purifying supplies, such as chlorine or iodine tablets or unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach.
• Prescription medicines and special medical needs.
• Baby food, prepared formula, diapers, and other baby supplies.
• Disposable cleaning cloths, such as “baby wipes” for the whole family to use in case bathing facilities are not available.
• Personal hygiene items: soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc.
• An emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, and a fire extinguisher.

For more information on disaster supply kits, visit the MSDH website at HealthyMS.com/kit.

Food Safety

Due to power loss, food may not be safe to eat during and after a hurricane. Safe water for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled, or treated water.

• Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or stormwater.
• Throw away food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture.
• Throw away foods (including meat, poultry, fish, eggs) that have been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit (F) for two hours or more.
• Throw away canned foods that are bulging, opened, or damaged. Thawed food that contains ice crystals or is 40 degrees F or below can be refrozen or cooked.
• Food containers with screw caps, snap-lids, crimped caps (soda pop bottles), twist caps, flip tops, snap-open, and home-canned foods should be discarded if they have come into contact with floodwater because they cannot be disinfected.
• While the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
• Never place any type of food on a plate that previously held raw meat, poultry, or seafood.
• Thoroughly wash your hands before preparing or eating food, after using the bathroom or changing a diaper, after handling uncooked food, after playing with a pet, after handling garbage, after tending to someone who is sick or injured, after blowing your nose, and after coughing or sneezing.

Drinking-Water Safety

Safe drinking water includes bottled, boiled, or treated water. Remember these general rules concerning water for drinking and cooking if you are under a boil-water alert, or if you are not sure your water is safe to drink:

• Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash or prepare food or make ice.
• Tap water may be used for showering, baths, shaving, or washing, as long as one does not swallow the water or allow it in eyes or mouth. Parents should supervise children to make sure water is not ingested, and caregivers should supervise disabled individuals for the same reason. Those with recent surgical wounds, who have a chronic illness or are immunosuppressed should consider using bottled or boiled water for bathing until their boil water notice is lifted.
• Boiling water kills harmful bacteria and parasites. Bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute will kill most organisms.
• Water may be treated with chlorine or iodine tablets or by mixing eight drops (1/8 teaspoon) of unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach (5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite) per gallon of water. Mix the solution thoroughly and let stand for about 30 minutes. Unlike boiling, this treatment will not kill parasitic organisms.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas, and is highly poisonous. Depending on the level of exposure, CO may cause fatigue, weakness, chest pains for those with heart disease, shortness of breath upon exertion, nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, impaired vision, loss of consciousness, and in severe cases, death.

The following precautions can help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent, or fireplace.
• Do not use gas-powered generators or pressure washers indoors or in the garage.
• If you suspect you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning, open doors and windows, turn off gas appliances, and go outside. In cases of severe CO poisoning, call 911 emergency services or the Mississippi Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

For more information on hurricane preparedness and safety, visit HealthyMS.com/storm or download the free MS Ready smartphone app to get alerts sent straight to your phone.

“This is a great opportunity for farmers that have received the USDA Organic Certification in the past year to help offset some of the costs associated with this certification,” said Commissioner Gipson, “I am glad that we are able to offer this program again for 2021, and I encourage our farmers to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Funding is available for those that received the certification between October 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021. Individual organic operators are eligible for reimbursement of 50 percent of their fiscal year 2021 certification costs up to a maximum of $500 per certification scope.

The National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program currently recognizes the following certification scopes eligible for reimbursement: crops, wild crops, livestock, and handling (i.e., processing).

To be eligible for reimbursement, the following must be provided to MDAC by applicants: proof of valid certification issued by a USDA accredited certifying agent, a reimbursement application form, an itemized receipt that identifies allowable costs paid within the qualification period, and an IRS W-9 form. Applicants must be Mississippi organic producers and handlers located within the State of Mississippi. Funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis until the funds are depleted. Operations may receive one reimbursement per year. The deadline to submit applications is November 1, 2021.

For more information about this program or to obtain an application, visit www.mdac.ms.gov/market-development/national-organic-cost-share-program or contact Susan Lawrence at susan@mdac.ms.gov or (601) 213-7542.

The Gathering. According to MTC, these collectables are “garnering record prices and have become investment assets like stocks, precious metals, etc. If you have a long-forgotten stash sitting in the attic or closet, bring them out and let one of the many vendors in attendance evaluate them for you. Or if you want to get started, come out and find your favorite player, team, celebrity or card game. Pearson Baptist Fellowship Hall beside Sonic in Pearl. Free Admission!”

This is the first trading card show hosted by MTC. In the past, MTC has held swap meets and toy shows, including River City Toy Fest that took place in Vicksburg July 17. They also held Mississippi's largest vintage and modern toy and collectibles show, MS ToyCon. Each event was a success in its own right, with 250 to 400 persons attending the swap meets, over 1,000 collectors attending the 2020 MS ToyCon and over 500 at River City Toy Fest.

Vendors currently registered for the show will have the following items available for purchase: traditional sports cards (baseball, basketball, football); "other" sports cards (wrestling, golf, racing, etc.); non-sports cards (pop culture properties, movies, television, etc.); gaming cards (Pokeman, Digimon, Magic: The Gathering, etc.); comic books and video games as well as sports memorabilia and other collectibles. MTC continues to accept vendor applications for the event, however, space is limited.

Mom's Trash Can came into existence on Father's Day weekend 2018, at a Hot Wheels collectors event held at the Flowood Target. Rankin County residents, Neal Bumpus, Lowell Poe, and a few other local collectors, discussed holding regular trade meetings. The first meeting followed shortly after, on August 11, 2018, at K&W Garage in downtown Jackson. The organization’s primary aim is a dedication to the “collection of toys and other cool things kids used to have that ended up in the bottom of Mom's trash can once they became teenagers or moved out.”

Bumpus came up with the name based on the fact that “what has made vintage toys and collectibles valuable is that most were discarded after use. Almost every kid of the '60s-'70s-'80s has a story of their mom throwing away all their toys, comic books, etc. or giving them all to relatives or donating them or selling them at a garage sale. “

Pearson Baptist Church is located at 151 South Pearson Road in Pearl.

For more information about Mom's Trash Can, and upcoming events, contact momstrashcan@gmail.com or visit them on their Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Save the Date: Mom’s Trash Can is hosting MS ToyCon, presented by Nerdvana Comics, Games, and Collectibles, on Saturday, October 2, at the Pearl Community Center. Information updates may be found at mstoycon.com.

Phillips takes the Chief Deputy Marshal position previously held by Richard Griffin, who became Marshal of the Supreme Court on June 1.

Phillips served as Deputy Marshal of the Supreme Court for the past seven years. His previous law enforcement service includes State Capitol Police, the Clinton Police Department, Utica Police Department and the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department.

He also worked for the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Phillips is a certified law enforcement officer and has attended numerous special training programs.

He is trained in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of AED, the automated external defibrillator. He is a graduate of Draughon’s Business College and Hinds Community College.

In addition to the CEO role at Merit Health River Oaks, Dean will also assume the Chief Operations Officer role for the Merit Health Jackson/Vicksburg network.

“I am excited to work with and support the employees and medical staff as Merit Health River Oaks continues to provide the people in our community the best possible care every time they choose us,” said Dean.

Dean comes to Merit Health from USA Health University Hospital in Mobile, Alabama where he served as Hospital Administrator since 2017. Under Dean’s leadership, USA Health University Hospital has become one of the fastest growing acute care providers in the region. The hospital has expanded from 143 beds to 212 beds and will add another 64 beds by the end of 2021. In addition, service lines such as GI and surgeries have seen growth of over 45% under Dean’s guidance. Prior to his work at USA Health University Hospital, Dean served as the Chief Operations Officer for Merit Health Central from 2015-2017.

Throughout his 16 years in healthcare leadership, Dean has recruited physicians and gained extensive knowledge and understanding of physician practices, as well as the importance of a strong, positive relationship between the medical staff and the hospital. Additionally, he has broad knowledge and experience in operations of the Emergency Department, Perioperative/Interventional Cardiology, and many ancillary departments.

“Merit Health River Oaks will benefit from Sam’s leadership skills, community focus and desire to provide our patients with quality, compassionate healthcare,” said Barry Moss, CEO, Merit Health Jackson/Vicksburg market.

Dean earned his bachelor’s degree in Bio-Medical Science from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama and his master of Business Administration and master of Science in Health Administration degrees from the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Alabama.

About Merit Health

Merit Health serves the healthcare needs of residents of Mississippi through its 9 affiliated hospitals. The healthcare system offers a wide array of services including orthopedics, cardiology, women’s health, emergency departments and broad diagnostic medical and surgical services. The network has more than 1,800 licensed beds, more than 2,500 physicians on the combined active medical staffs, more than 3,000 employees, and more than 40,000 admissions and more than 250,000 emergency department visits each year.

Knight has seen time at running back and defensive back during his career in Oxford, but the 2020 season saw him embrace on a larger role on defense. He tallied a career-high 20 total tackles and two tackles for loss. Knight also led the team with forced three fumbles.

The 2018 Pearl High School graduate also had a knack for making big plays when the lights were at their brightest. With Mississippi State primed to tie the Egg Bowl in the first quarter, Knight caused a key turnover when he stripped Bulldog receiver Austin Williams of the ball at the goal-line. His Rebel teammate, Deane Leonard, returned the ball 84 yards. The Rebels scored a touchdown just a few plays later, and they went on to defeat the Bulldogs 31-24

In the Outback Bowl against nationally-ranked Indiana, Knight put an end to a Hoosier third quarter drive with another forced fumble. This time All-Big Ten wide receiver Whop Philyor was the victim, and the ball was promptly recovered teammate Jalen Jordan. The Rebels went on to upset the Hoosiers 26-20 in Tampa.

Knight and the Rebels will have a chance to build on their strong finish in 2020 very soon. The team will open the 2021 season with a non-conference meeting with Louisville at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. ESPN will televise the game nationally on September 6th at 7:00 p.m.

On Monday, 22 children were hospitalized in Children’s of Mississippi due to COVID-19, including three children in intensive care. Inside the state’s only children’s hospital, the beds are full.

“The pediatric COVID-19 cases are going up, but the other cases we traditionally see aren’t stopping,” said Dr. Jennifer Hong, associate chief medical officer for Children’s of Mississippi. “The RSV cases keep coming. We are still seeing traumas – like car wrecks and gunshot wounds, sepsis, cancer, and heart failure. Those haven’t stopped. It’s unrelenting.”

Just as in the adult hospital at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Children’s of Mississippi is also under stress as medical teams work to care for large numbers of children infected with respiratory viruses and a rising number of children with COVID-19.

“We’re now seeing new COVID-19 admissions who are otherwise healthy children,” said Dr. Mary Taylor, Suzan B. Thames Chair, professor and chair of pediatrics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Patients like Keelyn Green, 16, a senior at Jim Hill High, have faced life-threatening illness after being infected with COVID-19. After first experiencing symptoms Aug. 4, Green came to the Pediatric Emergency Department at Children’s of Mississippi Aug. 7 with problems breathing.

“I was scared for him,” said his mother, LaKeitta Brown. “He had double pneumonia. His oxygenation was low, and his heart rate was elevated. His liver and kidneys were being affected.”

He went to the pediatric intensive care unit, moving to a hospital room in a medical-surgical unit Thursday. Dr. Laura Wright-Sexton treated him there four days for acute hypoxic respiratory failure and bacterial and COVID pneumonia.

Green and his extended family were unvaccinated, choosing instead to be careful and wear masks, Brown said. “Keelyn had been inside most of the summer, but he was exposed to COVID from a family member who didn’t know he had been near someone with COVID. Everyone in the family got it but his uncle, and he was vaccinated.”

Keelyn and his family plan to get vaccinated soon.

While Keelyn was healthy prior to his COVID-19 infection, “some of our patients with COVID-19 have other conditions, and some have COVID-19 plus RSV,” Taylor said. “Many are here with just COVID.”

RSV, or Respiratory Syncytial Virus, brings on cold-like symptoms and can cause serious illness in young children as well as in older adults. A common virus spread via respiratory droplets when a person coughs or sneezes, RSV is the most common cause of pneumonia and bronchiolitis in children younger than 1.

Usually, RSV is seen in winter months, but this year, the virus surged among children in the summer.

“The things people can do to protect themselves and their families from COVID-19 also work to protect against RSV and other viruses,” Taylor said. “Wearing face masks, good hand hygiene and social distancing protects everyone.”

Children’s of Mississippi Chief Nursing and Clinical Services Officer Ellen Hansen said availability of beds in the state’s only children’s hospital fluctuates.

“Sometimes we have beds and children are admitted right away,” Hansen said, “and other times, they may wait in the Pediatric Emergency Department for a bed to open for a few to many hours.”

While hospital staff are exhausted, they’ve been rising to the challenge, she said. “Staff are tired, as we all are, with the constant changes and unknown. However, we remain focused on providing excellent care to the children and families we serve.”

Hansen said parents should still seek medical help for their children when needed. “When people avoid care, children get sicker or we have delayed diagnoses, both of which could be fatal.”

Dr. April Palmer, chief of pediatric infectious diseases, said most children with COVID-19 are being hospitalized for either pneumonia, an infection that inflames the lungs’ air sacs, making breathing difficult, or MIS-C, or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, a severe inflammatory reaction throughout a child’s body that occurs about four weeks after a COVID-19 infection.

Both situations can be life-threatening, Palmer said. “This is why, in school, we strongly recommend vaccination for those who qualify and universal masking.”

Dr. Roberto Santos, professor of pediatric infectious diseases, agrees. “We need to let the families know that we really don’t know the long-term effects of COVID-19 in children, and we are seeing those long-term effects already in adult patients.”

Because fewer children were seriously ill with COVID-19 during the pandemic’s earlier surges, there is less data available on best treatments, said Dr. Charlotte Hobbs, stressing that protecting children who are not eligible to be vaccinated is essential. “Plus, we have few treatment options for prevention of progression to severe disease or treatment – especially in younger children – as compared with adults.”

Emergency use authorization of some treatments used successfully on adults does not apply to children younger than 12, she said.

If more Mississippians were vaccinated against COVID-19, fewer children would be in the hospital with it, Taylor said. Though the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine can’t be given to children younger than 12, adult vaccinations reduce the chances children will contract the virus.

“Those who are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination should do it,” she said. “We have an increasing number of children who are needing hospitalization for COVID-19. Adults should get vaccinated to protect those who are not eligible to be vaccinated.”

For more information, visit www.umc.edu or click here to view news and features stories produced by UMMC Communications and Marketing.

About Children’s of Mississippi

Children’s of Mississippi, part of the University of Mississippi Medical Center, encompasses all of the pediatric services available at UMMC and at clinical sites throughout Mississippi. At the heart of these services is the state’s only hospital devoted exclusively to the care and treatment of sick and injured children. The Children’s of Mississippi network brings specialized clinical care for children to communities across the state, making it easier for families to get the treatment they need closer to home.

About the University of Mississippi Medical Center

UMMC is the state’s only academic medical center. Its education, research and health care missions share the objectives of improving the health of the state’s population and eliminating health disparities.

Located in Jackson, UMMC encompasses seven health science schools, including medicine, nursing, health related professions, dentistry, pharmacy, graduate studies and population health. The Medical Center’s health care enterprise includes the state’s only Level I trauma center, only children’s hospital, and only organ and bone marrow transplant program. The Medical Center also is home to a Telehealth Center of Excellence, one of two in the nation.

Detective Reynaldo "Ray Ray" Olivo

On August 3, 2021 patrol officers with Pearl PD received a call about an auto burglary. When the patrol officer arrived, he was told that more than one vehicle had been burglarized. The patrol officer called a detective to the scene. Detective Olivo along with others processed the scene and collected all evidence. The next day Det. Olivo and others were able to locate and arrest two suspects in the burglaries. Due to Det. Olivo’s initiative and resourcefulness, the suspected thieves were in custody within one day.

Detective Olivo is a valuable asset to the PD and with this special recognition we would like to thank him for his dedication and service to the city of Pearl and the Pearl Police Department.

The Pearl Chamber of Commerce presented Det. Olivo with a framed certificate, a $100 Walmart Gift Card, and a Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Gift Basket along with a gift certificate for a meal for two. Steak 'n Shake donated a $25 Gift Card; Jose's Mexican Restaurant donated a $25 Gift Certificate; The New Doris Berry's Farmer's Market donated a $25 Gift Certificate; McAlister's Deli donated a gift certificate for a meal for two; The Pearl Municipal Federal Credit Union donated a $25 Visa Gift Card; The Blue Feather Bakery donated a $15 Gift Card; Great American Cookies donated a chocolate chip cookie cake and Revell Ace Hardware-Pearl donated a stainless steel tumbler.

City Employee of the Month:

Abbie Childers

Abbie earned a promotion to Chief Deputy Clerk of Pearl Municipal Court. Abbie always has a positive attitude and is willing to do whatever needs to be done to make sure that the records department operates efficiently.

Recently Court Services has been short staffed and Abbie has continued to go above and beyond to make sure that everything is done and in a timely manner. Due to Abbie’s dedication and efficiency, the records department of the Pearl Police Department was able to continue operations effectively without any shortcomings. Abbie is a valuable employee and we are very fortunate to have someone with her character and work ethic at the Pearl Police Department. Mayor Windham congratulated Abbie and presented her with a certificate of appreciation.

Abbie and her husband Rob have two children, Riley and Samuel.

The Pearl Chamber presented her with a gift bag and a $100 Walmart gift card.

Promotions:

Congratulations to Blake Ball for earning a promotion to Captain in the Pearl Fire Department. Blake is also a nurse that has an unbelievably caring heart to serve people!

Congratulations to Nick Welch for earning a promotion to Lieutenant in the Pearl Fire Department!

Congratulations to Officer Tyler Lents for earning a promotion to Sergeant in the Pearl Police Department!

From the Community:

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen honored Pearl Junior High School Beta Club Students and Sponsors for their outstanding performance in the 2021 National Beta Club Convention!

In addition to the outstanding performance of the National Beta Club.

The Mayor and Board of Aldermen honored Elijah Hillensbeck and Griffin Jenkins for their outstanding performance at the Junior Olympics Archery Championship!

Mclaurin High School hosted their “Meet the Tigers” on the evening of Thursday, August 19, 2021. During this event, the school called out the name of every player on every athletic team while the teams stood in the field.

Each player was able to wave to the stands when their name was called. Team pictures were taken by Mr. Hite after each team was presented. The event started with the band playing the national anthem and was cut short when the rain started in about 7 p.m.

The football teams and cheerleaders were unable to be presented, but the announcer said these teams will be announced at the first football game. This first high school home game is August 27th against Puckett High School.

The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall is a 3/5 scale of the Vietnam Memorial in Washington DC, it stands six feet tall at the center and covers almost 300 feet from end to end.

This Traveling Memorial stands as a reminder of the great sacrifices made during the Vietnam War. It was made for the purpose of helping heal and rekindle friendships and to allow people the opportunity to visit loved ones in their home town who otherwise may not be able to make the trip to Washington.

Location:

380 Scarbrough Street, Richland

The Wall is open 24 hours a day during its time in Richland next to the Richland Police Department and behind the Richland Post Office.

This is a free event!

Parking areas:

City Hall, Senior Center, or Riverwood Shopping Center

Escort Details:

Thursday, September 16, 2021

The Wall will leave at Noon from 3984 Highway 49 in Hattiesburg (Exxon Gas Station-next to Camp Shelby Southgate) and arrive at Town Square in Richland around 2 pm.

Volunteers:

If you would like to volunteer contact Stephanie Ward at 601-420-1530 or sward@richlandms.com

Itinerary:

9/16/2021 8 pm The Wall open

9/17/2021 10am Opening Ceremony

9/18/2021 7 pm Candlelight Ceremony

9/20/2021 8am The Wall closes

http://www.richlandms.org/city-organizations/reda/

http://www.travelingwall.us/

Paramedics stay with their patients. They can’t unload them into an exam room bed, a responsibility of ambulance services, because all 50 are full. So are most of the Medical Center’s 15 or so parking places for ambulances.

At 11 a.m., 23 people are “bed boarding,” or admitted, but waiting for a regular floor or intensive care unit bed. On some days, it’s 35 bed boarding, or 40, or more. Emergency Department staff gather at a corner room to put a patient on a ventilator, a frequent occurrence in a busy ED or ICU.

An electronic board mounted on the wall lists patients en route by ambulance or medical helicopter transports. Many are COVID-positive transfers from other facilities, including a young pregnant woman. They’re all labeled “urgent” or “critical” or “high risk.” One was in a car wreck but not wearing a seat belt. Another was a transfer, already intubated.

Don’t be fooled by the relative calm interrupted by equipment beeps and dings, patients on oxygen being pushed across the floor when it’s their turn for a room, or overhead announcements. “Chest X-ray in Trauma 2.” Then, “Possible Code Gray,” a patient who might be having a stroke.

Unvaccinated COVID patients are “having a huge effect,” said Dr. Alan Jones, associate vice chancellor for clinical affairs and former chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine. “We know that 90-plus percent of new infections are unvaccinated. If we didn’t have all those patients to deal with, we wouldn’t be this strained.”

“It’s not quiet. It’s the calm before the storm. Almost every room in this department is full,” said ED technician Hilton Rahaim. He and other caregivers are focused on their patients in the area where COVID patients are observed. It will hit capacity, and the overflow will spill into the rest of the department.

It’s not a disaster waiting to happen.

It’s happening.

“If you think about the entire state as being one huge health system, trying to function in unison, when your input is more than your capacity, you’re in a disaster situation. That’s what we are experiencing now,” said Dr. Kendall McKenzie, professor and chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine and a veteran battlefield surgeon.

“The Smith County Watermelon Festival. The Neshoba County Fair. The opening of schools without a mask mandate. I’m waiting for that shoe to drop,” said Dr. Andy Wilhelm, division chief of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and a regular presence in the ED, seeing that many of its patients are destined for the ICU.

“That could be the catastrophe that pushes us over. When the ER fills up and we (UMMC’s four ICUs) fill up, it’s a logjam.

At UMMC and other hospitals, there’s a significant nursing shortage that is intersecting with front-line caregivers home sick with COVID – or hospitalized - in record numbers. Those on the job are exhausted, but they’re putting patients and each other first by their very presence.

As the state’s sole Level I trauma center and academic medical center, UMMC has a unique mission: care for the most gravely ill patients, including dozens with COVID-19 whose survival could depend on the state’s highest level of care found only at the Medical Center.

No beds? It’s not that simple.

“When all of the beds are filled up in every ED across the state, and you still have more input into the system, there’s no way to take care of them in a timely fashion to keep them from building up,” McKenzie said.

“People generally believe that emergency care will be available to them when they need it,” Jones said.

“What people need to understand is in situations like this, the ED is a finite resource. You might have a disease process that’s very treatable, but if you can’t get to the treatment you need because of the strain on the health system, you might have a different outcome.”

There’s a domino effect.” It’s a confluence of issues coming together that is creating a massive disaster situation,” McKenzie said.

They include:

The ED is bed boarding more patients than ever. Exam rooms each contain one bed, and “if you have 35 admitted patients who are boarding, you are trying to run a Level I trauma center out of 15 beds,” McKenzie said. “Sometimes, it’s tighter than that.”

The Emergency Department’s trauma section has four trauma and six treatment rooms. “When your resuscitation rooms are all filled with very sick people and you have a trauma patient come in who must have a room, there are inherent challenges,” McKenzie said. “Over the past 18 months, our trauma numbers have actually gone up. That adds an additional burden to the system.”

When ambulances can’t offload patients in the ED, “that means those ambulances aren’t out on the street, able to take 911 calls. And those people can’t get to the hospital because of a lack of ambulances,” McKenzie said.

The Medical Center can’t accept some requests from hospitals wanting to transfer patients, some with COVID-19, so they can get a higher level of care. “If there’s a need to send a patient here, our philosophy has always been to accept them with open arms,” McKenzie said. “We have not been able to do that to the level we’d like.”

UMMC’s ED never turns away an ambulance. But if a transfer is declined, Jones said, it would be because ER beds are full and the patient doesn’t need UMMC’s unique services. An example would be a patient with a broken leg.

Conversely, when there are no beds, people who need time-sensitive treatment through a higher level of care might not get it, Jones said. “Every hour of every day is different.”

Because caregivers can’t get to all walk-in patients in a timely fashion, some of them will get frustrated and leave. “We haven’t seen these kinds of waits historically,” McKenzie said. “Some of the people who are leaving need to be in the hospital.”

It's important to note that not all patients who are bed boarding have COVID-19. Some have suffered urgent heart attacks or stroke, gunshot wounds or other trauma. Some might require emergency ventilation. A pregnant mom with COVID-19 might need an emergency C-section.

“People have been putting off medical care for the past 18 months, and their disease processes advance,” McKenzie said. “We are seeing sicker patients than we have historically, and the number of critically ill patients coming into the ED on a daily basis is higher than any other time in our history.”

Three ED triage beds normally used to assess early on the extent of a patient’s injury or sickness are sometimes repurposed for treatment. The same is true for the family counseling room and a decontamination room for patients who have come into contact with hazardous materials. “We are utilizing as much space as we can, but there are limitations to that,” McKenzie said.

Front-line providers are more fatigued than ever. “ED personnel are extremely resilient. We pull our pants up, put our shoes on and show up prepared to handle what comes our way,” McKenzie said. “Eighteen months of doing that with very little break, being understaffed while caring for incredibly sick people, is very taxing. We are seeing the ramifications of that on every level.”

Every time the Medical Center reaches a new high on COVID-19 inpatients, “it creates a lot more pressure on the resources, beds and staff,” Jones said.

“Not only do these COVID patients have an impact, they are staying for a longer time, on average two weeks. The effect on the health system is decreased turnover of beds. You become less efficient in managing your capacity issues,” Jones said.

“All right! Let’s get some pictures, OK?”

Registered nurse Maria Wilson has just entered the room of a patient in the COVID observation area. He needs encouragement, and she offers it. “I got ya,” she said. “I hear ya.

“No, darlin’. Keep that on,” she says when he touches his oxygen cannula. “We’ve got to take some pictures now. I got you some pain meds. We’re going to go ahead and swab you for COVID, OK?”

That area was used for chest pain observation pre-pandemic. “If they’re back here, the majority have COVID,” said registered nurse Cindy Wilson. “I had a patient in that room over there a little whole ago who was negative on the antigen test, but we’ll get his long test back tomorrow.”

ED staff pack an incredible amount of work into a shift, usually either eight hours or 12. “They’ll ask us to work a 12 instead of an eight if we can stay late and if they need us,” Rahaim said. “We just have so many employees out with COVID.”

Gordon Gartrell was a veteran ED registered nurse and supervisor before recently being named pediatric ICU nurse manager. This day, he’s back in the ED for a staffer who needs his emotional support. “It’s a nightmare, but we take care of our own,” Gartrell said.

The patients they are seeing are very sick.

“We typically have patients on our wards that in other hospitals might meet the criteria for their ICU,” Wilhelm said. UMMC is helping meet the demand for more beds by opening a second medical ICU with six beds in the area formerly used as a pediatric ICU, he said.

What would happen in the ED if a mass casualty happened in the metro area or out in the state? A horrific bus or plane crash? An explosion or fire? A mass shooting?

It’s a hypothetical that must be discussed and managed, McKenzie and Wilhelm say. “The system is already full. We’d have to be creative,” Wilhelm said.

“The rules of the game would have to change, and our way of managing patients would have to change. The standard of care would not change. We’d be doing our best to provide it.”

“On the days when we are busting at the seams with patients, maybe a waiting room of 40 patients and 35 boarding ... our ability to handle that would definitely be impacted,” McKenzie. “We’d have to attempt to spread the patients to other facilities who are also equally at capacity.

“We might send teams to an alternate site and treat (the injured) there through a more robust triage system before they ever get to the ED. Med-Com and AirCare would be instrumental.”

Get vaccinated, everybody.

“The way through this pandemic is through herd immunity. If people are not willing to get vaccinated, we have to hope that natural immunity lasts longer,” Jones said. “If people are not willing to get vaccinated, it could mean thousands and thousands more deaths and hospitalizations.”

At least 97 percent of patients admitted to UMMC “from a COVID standpoint are not vaccinated,” McKenzie said.

“All of us own this problem in the health care system today. It’s been preached for months – get vaccinated. That’s the bottom line, and it’s stressing the health care system to the breaking point. It’s as simple as getting a shot in the arm.”

As the number of Mississippians testing positive grows by the thousands, so does the urgency for the state to increase an overall vaccine percentage that doesn’t even hit 40 percent.

“That’s why it’s important for people to do their part,” Jones said. “Medical care is a finite resource, and it can be depleted. It can be broken.

“If there’s no place to put you, we can’t take care of you. If there are not enough nurses, we can’t take care of you.”

About the University of Mississippi Medical Center

UMMC is the state’s only academic medical center. Its education, research and health care missions share the objectives of improving the health of the state’s population and eliminating health disparities.

Located in Jackson, UMMC encompasses seven health science schools, including medicine, nursing, health related professions, dentistry, pharmacy, graduate studies and population health. The Medical Center’s health care enterprise includes the state’s only Level I trauma center, only children’s hospital, and only organ and bone marrow transplant program. The Medical Center also is home to a Telehealth Center of Excellence, one of two in the nation.

For more information, visit www.umc.edu or click here to view news and features stories produced by UMMC Communications and Marketing.

When Erin and Ben Napier returned to her hometown of Laurel after college graduation in 2008, the community was struggling with empty storefronts and economic disinvestment. That same year, the city of Laurel became a designated Main Street program, and more than a decade later, the city of 18,000 has seen a rebirth of downtown business and an influx of tourists, many of whom have come to know and love Laurel through “Home Town,” Napier's HGTV show.

Laurel’s story resonates with viewers—in large part because it showcases the power of place and the ability of a committed group of people to make a difference. Through the redevelopment efforts of the Napiers and many other community leaders, downtown Laurel has become a thriving destination. Today, the city is known for its historic Craftsman-style homes, mom-and-pop boutiques, local restaurants, enchanting murals and small-town charm.

The story of Laurel also illustrates the power of the Main Street approach to economic revitalization, which creates change through small steps, small developments, and small business. That’s the strategy taken by the Mississippi Main Street Association, an economic development nonprofit that supports small towns and neighborhood commercial districts around the state. In just the last year alone—and in the midst of a global pandemic—Mississippi Main Street reported nearly 600 net new jobs and nearly 200 net new businesses in designated Main Street communities.


Yet politicians love nothing better than a ribbon cutting for a big new factory or distribution center. In fact, as much as 90% of state economic development dollars in the U.S. go to large companies. Take, for example, Nissan’s Canton factory, which employs about 5,200 people. To attract the plant, the state of Mississippi provided roughly $1.3 billion in subsidies over the first decade of operation—which works out to more than $200,000 per new job.

There’s no doubt projects like these have economic value. But too often, support for small businesses and small towns is overlooked in favor of elephant chasing. Contrast the amount of money the state put into the Nissan plant with the amount it allocated to Mississippi Main Street. Over the last six years, the nonprofit helped its Main Street communities create more than 8,000 net new jobs with less than $500,000 in state funding—averaging $62.50 in state investment per job created.

On a dollar for dollar basis, investing in place—through small businesses and local communities—is a better use of tax dollars. When we support small businesses, their owners tend to reinvest that money back in the community, rather than funneling it to large corporate entities outside the state. Small businesses also account for the lion’s share of new U.S. jobs. In fact, small businesses have generated 65% of net new jobs since 2000, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. And finally, small businesses help create a sense of place that is essential to attracting talent—and ultimately, to attracting large employers, too. People want to live in communities with vibrant commercial districts, walkable downtowns, a variety of restaurants, and local character.


Another successful Main Street example is the community of Tupelo, known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley. Between 1990 and 2020, Main Street investment helped reduce the downtown vacancy rate from 13 to 4 percent, as the city added live music venues, art galleries and farm-to-table restaurants. Today, visitors flock to Tupelo to attend the annual Elvis Festival or visit Fairpark, a vibrant mixed-use district built on the former site of the county’s fairgrounds.

In a state where the biggest city, Jackson, has a population of just 160,000, it’s clear that small communities matter. Mississippi’s economy depends on towns like Tupelo and Laurel, and residents and tourists alike are drawn to their unique charm. By supporting places like these—and organizations like Mississippi Main Street—we can create lasting assets that will pay dividends for the long-term. Just as Ben and Erin Napier have demonstrated, investing in small, local development offers a proven return on investment—and is key to building thriving communities in the Hospitality State.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone older than six months receive a flu shot each year. Further, the CDC recommends a COVID-19 vaccination for everyone over 12, especially as cases are on the rise. Walmart pharmacies across the country offer both vaccines, and customers can receive a low-cost flu and free COVID-19 vaccine at the same time, if they choose.

“It’s important we don’t let our guard down with our health this fall. Between COVID-19 vaccines and the annual flu shot, we know people may be experiencing ‘vaccine fatigue,’ but these preventative measures have never been more vital to keeping our communities healthy,” Del Sloneker, senior vice president and chief operating officer, Health and Wellness said. “It’s on all of us to do our part and is just another way we’re making it simple to live better, healthier lives.”

Walmart’s flu shots are administered by certified pharmacists and healthcare professionals who understand local health needs. In addition to walk-in availability, Walmart offers a variety of initiatives, making it easy to get vaccinated while following COVID-19 safety protocols. These events will make it quick and convenient for customers to get flu shots in stores in Mississippi.

Walmart is a center of well-being in the communities it serves and has everything busy families need to live better, healthier, lives this flu season. This includes a team of pharmacists who can answer any medication related questions, COVID-19 tests, prescription and over-the-counter medication, as well as a variety of immunizations, including COVID-19, flu, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), varicella (chicken pox), HPV, tetanus, whooping cough (TDAP) and more.

Stores also offer low-cost grocery items, ranging from immunity boosting foods, to soup and comfort foods. Walmart customers with a Walmart+ membership can also get free shipping on store purchases and reduced prices on select prescriptions. Finally, Walmart continues to offer everyday low prices on household essentials like cleaning supplies, tissues, thermometers and more, to help keep everyone safe and healthy.

To learn more about the flu shots and wellness resources available at your neighborhood Walmart, please visit www.walmart.com/wellnesshub.

About Walmart in Mississippi

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online and through their mobile devices. In Mississippi we serve customers at 85 retail units and online through Walmart Online Grocery and Walmart.com. We are proud to employ 25,818 associates in Mississippi. Walmart supports local businesses, spending $1.2 billion with Mississippi suppliers in fiscal year 2021 and supporting 12,470 supplier jobs. Walmart continues to be a leader in employment opportunity, sustainability, and corporate philanthropy. In fiscal year 2021, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation contributed more than $6.7 million in cash and in-kind donations to local nonprofits in Mississippi. Learn more at corporate.walmart.com.

On the evening of Tuesday, August 17, the Florence board of Aldermen met inside of city hall. On the agenda was to set a public hearing for the Tax Levy and proposed budget for the 2021-2022 year. This meeting was set for September 7 at 6:30 p.m. Next were discussions about having a “food truck night” for the city of Florence. The specific night and locations are still being discussed, but this event would have multiple food trucks set up with live music for an evening once or twice a month. It would give the locals more variety for their dinner options! This will likely begin next spring. Finally, the wholesale pine straw location will be planting a tall shrubbery, which is still to be determined, along their property line.

Hope Nicholson of Florence will be turning 100 years old on August 31! She has been a resident of Florence since 1968. To honor her, the Marvin United Methodist Church will be hosting a drive-thru where the residents can drive by and wish her a happy birthday on August 29 from 2-3:30 p.m. If residents can’t make the drive-thru, mail a birthday card! The p.o. box address is P.O. Box 541, Florence, MS, 39073. Let’s make Mrs. Hope’s 100th birthday one to remember!

Kicking off the month on Thursday, August 12, at 11:30 a.m., PSS will host the first in a series of Lunch and Learns, where the guest speaker for the event will be a representative from Ott and Lee Funeral Home. A light lunch will be served.

Following on Friday, August 13, at 10 a.m., is the final destination in a series of virtual tours, Armchair Travel to Spain. Attendees will visit the ten best places to visit in Spain, enjoy a local snack, while learning how to paint a Spanish inspired image by Spanish artist, Lucia Duque.

On Tuesday, August 17 at 10 a.m., a special arts and crafts event will be held. Attendees will paint nineteen-inch wood cutout HOME signs. The cost for attendees in $10 a head, and is due at registration.

On Thursday, August 19, at 11:30 a.m. PSS will host the speaker of the month, State Historian Clint Bagley. Greenville native Bagley, with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History will be presenting his lecture, “Talks and Tours Along the Mississippi.” Interpreting historical sights in Natchez and Vicksburg, he will identify and acquaint everyone with examples of the various styles of architecture of the Lower Mississippi Valley. Bagley will discuss popular myths and show how historic records, geneology and oral histories can bring a historic house to life. Tickets are available for purchase at $5 per person.

The second Lunch and Learn for August will be held Monday, August 23, at 11:30 a.m. Missions Pastor of Fondren Church Van Hardin will be on-site to discuss how to have “Hope in Hard Times.” Lunch will be provided.

Monthly Birthday Bingo will be held Thursday, August 26 at 1 p.m.

Finally, on Monday, August 30 at 1 p.m. is the Monday Movie Matinee, where this month’s showing is of Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors. It is based on the inspiring true story of living legend Dolly Parton, and her remarkable upbringing. Providing a front seat view inside the tight-knit Parton family, the film shows the struggle they face to overcome devastating tragedy and discover the healing power of love and faith. The setting is in the Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains of 1955. It is neither a biopic nor a musical about Parton’s life and career, but a family-oriented faith-based story about the incidents in her and her family’s life when she was approximately nine years of age.

Advanced registration is required at all Pearl Senior Services events, and space is limited. There are no holds for any of the scheduled events. All residents fifty-five and older are encouraged to attend.

The Pearl Senior Center hours are Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

For more information call 601-863-3229.

A Mississippi native, Richmond is an award-winning singer/songwriter, arranger, producer and instrumentalist. Her music is steeped in blues, peppered with jazz and a healthy dose of rhythms of the world, and reveals a powerful spiritual component which illuminates the strong cultural ties between the Mississippi region and the West African nation of the Yoruba.

Her accomplishment as songwriter also appears on the CD, Belly of the Sun where Grammy Award-winner Cassandra Wilson sings “Road So Clear” featuring Mississippi native and jazz trumpeter, Olu Dara. Richardson has performed extensively throughout the United States and Europe. She has opened for jazz vocalist Cassandra Wilson, jazz organist Jimmy Smith, The Yellowjackets, and Medeski, Martin & Wood. She has also been a guest artist on radio shows such as Michael Jonathan’s Radio Hour, Mississippi Arts Hour and Thacker Mountain Radio Show.

Her CDs are Oshogbo Town and Rhythm and Strings. Her song, “Tallahatchie Waters,” appears on Paul Saltzman’s film, Prom Night in Mississippi, a Sundance Film Festival and HBO feature. Rhonda’s composition, “I Lift You Up,” is the soundtrack for a Dr. Wilma Clopton’s film, Our Forgotten Roots, the Unkept Promise and the virtual talk show, The Truth About.

Billie Holiday, born April 7, 1915 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a superstar of her day. She first rose to prominence in the 1930’s with a unique style that reinvented the conventions of modern singing and performance. More than 80 years after making her first recording, Holiday’s legacy continues to embody what is elegant and cool in contemporary music. Her complicated life and her genre-defining autobiography Lady Sings the Blues made her a cultural icon. The evocative, soulful voice which she boldly put forth as a force for good, turned any song she sang into her own. Today, Billie Holiday is remembered for her musical masterpieces, her songwriting skills, creativity and courageous views on inequality and justice.

For more information on the season and tickets visit operams.org or call 601.960.2300.

NOTE: Duling Hall’s Updated COVID-19 Safety Protocol: Effective August 30, 2021, for the health and safety of our patrons, staff, and artists, entry to Duling Hall will require either proof of a full course COVID-19 vaccination, with their final dose at least fourteen days prior to the event or proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken in the prior 72 hours. Accommodating this temporary policy will allow artists to earn a living, our staff to be employed, and live music to have a place in society again. We will keep everyone posted on any changes moving forward.

ABOUT OPERA MISSISSIPPI

The Mississippi Opera Association, founded in 1945, is a founding member of the national Opera America organization, the ninth oldest continuously operating opera company in the United States, and Mississippi’s only professional opera company. Among the remarkable singers that have graced the Opera Mississippi stage, are internationally known Beverly Sills, Monserrat Caballe, Robert Merrill, James McCracken, Roberta Peters, Jan Peerce, Richard Tucker, Norman Treigle, John Alexander, Renée Fleming and many others.

Opera Mississippi’s mission is to provide the community and state with the most dynamic musical stage productions possible. In addition, activities include a variety of educational and community outreach programs including educational performances to students and a variety of other performances for citizens of all ages, including pop, jazz, country, and musical theatre cabarets. The annual John Alexander National Vocal Competition, the only nationally advertised music competition in the state, is designed to recognize and award outstanding vocalists in both opera and musical theatre.

Opera Mississippi is proud to be an integral part of the remarkable artistic heritage that shapes the state, and each year thousands of Mississippians and visitors attend and benefit from our quality performances.

The Motor Madness Car Show began 2019 as an idea to use the passion for antique and unique cars, trucks, and motorcycles to assist local communities. Founded and hosted by SRRC, the car show is designed to not only share the love of cars with the community, but to also be able to raise funds and support local charities.

Location charities receiving funds from events such as this include: The Center for Violence Prevention is a domestic violence emergency shelter offering services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Our services include advocacy, case management, therapy, and shelter; Mississippi Baptist Children’s Home, where Families and children can find themselves in need of extra love and care; The Billy Brumfield House provides shelter for up to fifty men per night, and its services are divided into three different programs: a homeless program, a drug-work transitional program, and a special needs program; and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where leadership skills are cultivated while having fun and making connections.

There will be food vendors on site, but SRRC welcomes more. Contact Javier Araujo at (769) 232 - 5139 or Speed Auto Sales (601) 891 - 8475 for more information.

To register online, or learn more about becoming a sponsor, visit https://motormadnesscarshow.com/about/

According to Holly Lange, the Festival’s Executive Director, “We are disappointed to have come so close to the finish line, but growing concern and cancellations from many of the authors and panelists scheduled to attend has led our Board of Directors to make the hard decision and forgo the in-person event. While we could have continued to wait, the trend lines were moving against us, so we all thought it best to give everyone enough notice so that schedules and travel plans could be changed.”

Lange went on to say that even though the in-person event was cancelled, the Festival plans to move as many of the author panels and conversations as they can to virtual presentations in the coming months. “We had more than 180 authors signed up for 49 very exciting panels,” Lange said, “So our hope is to bring those authors and moderators together online in a variety of formats. We are moving forward with a renewed commitment to engage our book-loving community and continue the spirit of the festival. We encourage everyone to stay tuned for updates on our virtual package coming soon.”

Hundreds of people work year-round to make the Mississippi Book Festival a success, and it wouldn’t be possible without the help of generous sponsors and donors from across the state. The Community Foundation for Mississippi is this year’s presenting funder. Other top funders include the Mississippi Legislature, Visit Mississippi, The James and Madeleine McMullen Family Foundation, The Selby and Richard McRae Foundation, The Phil Hardin Foundation, Donna and Jim Barksdale, The Crooks Foundation, The Mississippi Department of Archives and History, The Mississippi Humanities Council, Trustmark National Bank, Mississippi Public Broadcasting, The University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi State University, The University of Mississippi, The National Book Foundation Literary Fund, Mike McRee, and Carol Puckett and John Palmer.

For more information, visit msbookfestival.com. You can also connect with the Mississippi Book Festival on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

About The Mississippi Book Festival

The Mississippi Book Festival, a nonprofit founded by literary advocates, launched in August 2015 on the State Capitol grounds and continues to draw thousands to its annual “literary lawn party” and book lovers’ celebration. The event features hundreds of visiting authors, panel discussions, book signings, booksellers, Capitol tours, food trucks, and family-friendly activities.

A Pearl officer attempted to stop a 2005 tan Lincoln Town Car at 5:24 a.m. for speeding on Pearson Rd. near the intersection of Old Whitfield Rd. The driver, Akeem Jihad Carson, 30 of Canton, did not stop and continued at a high rate of speed onto South Pearson Rd. towards Richland.

Three minutes later at 5:27 a.m., Carson lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a wooded area at the intersection of South Pearson and Monterey Rd. Richland Firefighters responded and had to extricate Carson from the vehicle. He was transported by Pafford Ambulance to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson where he died.

Carson had active arrest warrants from the Mississippi Department of Corrections for parole violations and from Forrest County for possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.

Carson’s criminal history shows convictions for burglary and grand larceny.

The accident is under investigation by Pearl Police and the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department.

The City of Florence encourages locals to come enjoy “free food, fun and fellowship with our first responders at Hemphill Park.”

Hemphill Park is located directly next to the community center at 437 South Church Street in Florence.

For further information contact the City of Florence at 601-845-7508.

The event is specifically targeting licensed professional nurses (LPNs). Attendees can speak with nurse leadership, learn first-hand about job openings, enjoy food, door prizes and learn about NEW LPN pay rates and tuition reimbursement for the LPN to RN track. On the spot job offers!

For more information or to RSVP (not required), contact nurse recruiter Mark Beason at 601-573-4254 or Mark.Beason@MyMeritHealth.com.

About Merit Health

Merit Health serves the healthcare needs of residents of Mississippi through its 9 affiliated hospitals. The healthcare system offers a wide array of services including orthopedics, cardiology, women’s health, emergency departments and broad diagnostic medical and surgical services. The network has more than 1,800 licensed beds, more than 2,500 physicians on the combined active medical staffs, more than 3,000 employees, and more than 40,000 admissions and more than 250,000 emergency department visits each year.

Due to the rising number of Covid-19 cases and upon recommendation from the CDC and MSDH, the Pearl Public School District board voted to require masks to be worn indoors for all students, employees, and visitors beginning Tuesday, August 10, 2021. This decision was reached in an effort to keep our schools open and to provide students with face-to-face learning opportunities in a safe school environment.

Requiring masks will assist in the district’s efforts to maintain a safe school environment for students and staff and to minimize classroom disruptions due to quarantines. Masks will be available for students and employees, if needed. Also, by keeping the schools open, parents/guardians are able to continue working and the economy can thrive, which is a concern for all of us.

The Board of Trustees and administrators of Pearl Public School District are working diligently to make decisions in the best interest of our students and employees during these uncertain times. As we are all aware, the entire COVID-19 situation is one that is constantly evolving. With this in mind, the district will continue to monitor and reevaluate the situation, making adjustments as needed.

Visit our website www.pearlk12.com for more details regarding back to school.

Troop 85 of Florence’s Jana-Len Jones is approved to build an octagonal table and benches at the tennis courts at Hemphill Park.

She bravely stood before the board and asked for approval to build this table and benches to allow tennis players to have somewhere to sit during practices and for parents to sit during matches.

The board joked with her about how she picked a wonderful time to purchase lumber, then mayor Bob Morris signed her forms. Jana-Len’s eagle day is upcoming on October 21.

On the evening of August 3, 2021, awards were presented to Sargent Glynn Hancock, Officer Kristen Arendale, and dispatcher Shannon Snell.

Officer Kristen Arendale and Sargent Glynn Hancock responded to a medical call on July 6th, 2020, where a man was having chest pains. At first, the man seemed responsive and okay, but then he took a turn for the worse and was having trouble breathing before becoming unresponsive. They began life saving procedures while waiting for medical personnel. This man was transported to the hospital where he was later released, alive and well.

Officer Kristen Arendale responded to call on June 15th, 2021, for a man having a possible heart attack. Shannon Snell was on scene and directed Officer Arendale to the passenger side of a vehicle where there was an unresponsive man. Officer Arendale pulled the man from the vehicle where Shannon Snell assisted with medical aid. He was transported to the hospital where he had to undergo surgery but was later released alive and well.

The actions of these officers and dispatcher went beyond the normal scope of duties, but they acted without hesitation and have now been presented with Lifesaving Awards and Medals. The citizens of Florence are lucky to have them protecting this city.

The Mississippi Center for Justice and the Mississippi Access to Justice Commission partnered with Cambria Solutions to develop a virtual court navigator or chatbot to help Mississippi residents navigate the Justice Court system. The chatbot, named “Lex,” offers access to free legal information for the state’s Justice Court system.

See details from the Mississippi Center for Justice at this link: https://mscenterforjustice.org/mcj-and-majc-develop-chatbot-that-prepares-residents-for-justice-court/.

If you have questions, contact Brittney Perkins, Justice Court Access Program Manager, Mississippi Center for Justice, bperkins@mscenterforjustice.org.

The Florence Board of Alderman met on the evening of August 3, 2021. Sargent Glynn Hancock, Officer Kristen Arendale, and dispatcher were presented their Lifesaving Awards and Medals for going above and beyond the call of duty to begin the meeting. Jana-Len Jones of Troop 85 then presented her proposal for the building of octagonal tables and benches at the tennis courts at Hemphill Park.

The Public Works Department received approval for the city park pump station to be repaired by Hemphill Construction. The department also received approval for the Roxbury subdivision’s pump station to be repaired by Cooper Electric.

The Park Department received approval for electrical work. First, adding in a new circuit. Then, the underground lines were cut during another project that run to the outlet pedestal which is used during activities such as Florence Day. Apex will be working on both projects. Finally, approval for Apex Sports is to make the tackle and flag football jerseys for the park’s football teams.

Last, but certainly not least, Community Development received approval for Wings World to move into the old snow cone store location located behind Trustmark Bank.

Mississippi State Hospital’s annual Serendipity art show and silent auction will welcome on-campus visitors again for the Thursday, Sept. 2, event.

The public viewing of the popular show is set for Sept. 2 from 1-5 p.m. in the Conference Center on Building 71. Online bidding is currently open and runs through Sept. 2 at 6:30 p.m. Bidding can only be done online. Visit myminiauction.com/serendipity. Winning bidders will be contacted Sept. 3 for payment and pickup arrangements.

Several hundred visitors typically attend the show over the course of the day. Visitors will be required to wear masks.

The 2020 edition of the show was conducted as an online-only event due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The unique show was created in 1989 by Evelyn Carpenter, the hospital’s former Art Services Director, to display the work of MSH patients and Jaquith Nursing Home residents who are taking part in the hospital’s Art Services program. The program is now administered by art instructors Ceci Whitehurst and Ricky Shelby.

For more information about the show, call the Public Relations Department at (601) 351-8018.

The pieces on display and up for auction will include watercolor and acrylic paintings; color pencil, marker and graphite drawings; collages; and scratch art.

Serious bidders who attend Serendipity every year have learned to monitor the bidding until closing to ensure they have the highest bid on the artwork they want.

More than 150 pieces will be on display this year from about 62 different artists. All proceeds go to the artists. The work displayed in the show is produced by individuals from across the hospital’s services. For many, it is an important part of the therapeutic process as it gives them a chance to express themselves through their artwork.

MSH, a program of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, was founded in 1855 and helps the individuals it serves achieve mental wellness by encouraging hope, promoting safety, and supporting recovery. The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission.

McLaurin had their 7th grade orientation on the evening of August 2, 2021 to welcome the 21-22 7th graders into their school. The 8th grade cheerleaders and 7th grade teachers were there with enthusiasm and cake to show them around their new school.

At orientation, the students were told about their high school policies and how they differed from the elementary school, were given their new laptops, and shown around the 7th grade hall so they would know where their classes were and who their teachers were on the first day of school. Nothing better than cake and friendliness to welcome in the new 7th graders for the new school year!

The Florence Fire Department Station1 located at 201 Lewis Street held a community event on Saturday, July 31, 2021. The event started at 4 p.m. and had 12 total vendors set up in the parking lot, including Sunshine and Magnolia Divas and Poppi’s Boutique. There were food vendors as well.

Mobile Bravern Kitchen and BBQ Smokehouse of Florence were there to provide food, while Neon Freeze Treats had an ice cream truck to satisfy those sweet tooths. Paw Paw’s Lemonade was also making fresh lemonade at their booth. There were 3 bouncy houses, one with a giant slide, to entertain the kids. Inside the fire department was live music with tables and chairs available to sit and enjoy your food or just to cool off from the Mississippi summer heat.

On view August 14 through October 10, 2021, this year’s Mississippi Invitational works were selected by guest curator Danielle Burns-Wilson. “To be invited to serve as guest curator for the Mississippi Museum of Art’s 2021 Invitational is already an honor, but to do so against the backdrop of all that is happening around us is even more meaningful,” stated Burns-Wilson. “The world has reached an entropic state, seemingly never to return to its once ordered ways, and so I wanted the works in this year’s Invitational to reflect the many voices and experiences of this particular moment. I selected works that create a balance – through materials, media, and processes, as well as perspectives. This exhibition conveys human needs, reimagines our future, and liberates thought.”

Invitational artists will be eligible to apply for The Jane Crater Hiatt Artist Fellowship—a grant of up to $20,000 awarded to one artist. The recipient will be announced during an opening reception on August 13.

MMA Director Betsy Bradley said, “The might and fortitude of artists has always been an inspiration to me. In the face of all that is contrary, they summon the courage and strength to make something that speaks their truth to other people. And our communities are better for it. The 2021 Mississippi Invitational demonstrates that the power to make something beautiful, to survive, to connect with ideas and with others, can be stronger than the temptation to withdraw.”

A publication accompanying the exhibition will be available in The Museum Store.

During the month of August 2021, MMA will offer free admission as a way to welcome visitors back after the pandemic.

Danielle Burns-Wilson currently serves as Chief Curator at the Houston Public Library. With more than a decade of experience, she also serves as an adjunct professor of art history and art appreciation at Lone Star College-North Harris Campus. Burns-Wilson received her B.A. in history and political science from Prairie View A&M University and her M.A. in art history from the City University of New York, Brooklyn College.

The Jane Crater Hiatt Artist Fellowship was created in 2005 by Jane Crater Hiatt and her late husband Wood (1930-2010) in response to the need to nurture and invigorate the arts within the state. The fellowship provides support to an individual artist in the development and creation of art over a two-year period. The funds may be used to purchase supplies and equipment, conduct research, or travel, and may be used for study with an individual artist or in a studio, workshop, or residency setting. Following the conclusion of the grant period, the artist is required to donate one original work of art, chosen from at least five works created during the grant period, to the Museum. Only artists whose work is selected for inclusion in the Mississippi Invitational exhibition are eligible to apply for the Fellowship in the year that their work is chosen. The recipient’s works should demonstrate the potential for significant artistic and cultural impact, as well as act as a catalyst for the development and realization of adventurous and imaginative ideas.

The Mississippi Museum of Art hours of operation are Thursdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, noon until 5 p.m.

General admission is $15 a person; $13 for seniors and groups of 10+, and $10 for college students with school ID. Admission is free to museum members, children ages five and under; and K-12 students on Thursdays.

The Mississippi Museum of Art requires that masks be worn at all times in the Museum and has several hand-sanitizing stations located throughout the building.

For further information visit msmuseumart.org.

On the evening of July 22, the Florence Alderman board met again to discuss Discovery Christian adding in a portable building as a temporary classroom, the soccer contract with Hemphill Park, and a new business sign. Discovery Christian is a growing school, and while they have construction plans to add in more permanent classrooms, they are adding in more students than their existing buildings can accommodate. They want to add in a 24x64 temporary building as an extra classroom to house these children while the construction is in progress. The building will be parallel to 469 where there is already access to awnings, sidewalks, electricity, and water lines. This building goes against the city ordinances, but the school plans to apply for a variance. The public hearing does not have a date set yet.

Hemphill Park and the soccer association worked out the details of their new contract. The city wanted to raise the price of the contract to cover the price of the ever-rising costs of paint for the fields. After a 45-minute discussion, they finally came to an agreement and renewed their contract. Hemphill Park has the contract which states the park handles all the upkeep of the fields as well as covers the cleaning and utilities for the park’s use. The soccer association only must handle concessions and play on the fields.

Finally, Southern Diabetes Care Center got approval for their new sign.

In 2021, parents, students, teachers, and administrators nationwide nominated a record 8,510 teachers for the History Teacher of the Year Award. Amidst a very competitive field, Steven White rose to the top in Mississippi.

Inaugurated in 2004, the History Teacher of the Year Award highlights the crucial importance of history education by honoring exceptional American history teachers from elementary school through high school. The award honors one K-12 teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools and US Territories. In fall 2021, the National History Teacher of the Year will be selected from the pool of state winners. White received his Bachelor’s degree from Mississippi College in 1986 and teaches history and geography at Pearl High School. He was the Mississippi Council for Social Studies Teacher of the Year in 2003 and 2015, Mississippi Geographic Visionary Educator award recipient in 2017, and Pearl High School Teacher of the Year in 2019. A three-time winner of grants for enhancing classroom education, White is past president of Mississippi Council for the Social Studies and a recipient of a national Distinguished Teaching Award in 2013. In his 24 years in the classroom, he participated in field study trips abroad to Japan and Iceland. White creates a classroom atmosphere of deep learning to help students understand the past and connects them with artifacts in order to become engaged and informed citizens.

In addition to a $1,000 honorarium, Steven White's school will receive a core archive of American history books and Gilder Lehrman educational materials and recognition at a ceremony in Mississippi.

The 10 finalists for the National History Teacher of the Year Award will be announced on Thursday, September 9, with the national winner announced later that month. An in-person ceremony for the winner will be held in late fall 2021, health and safety protocols permitting. Support for the National History Teacher of the Year Award ceremony is provided by HISTORY®

Nominations for the 2022 History Teacher of the Year awards are now open. Students, parents, colleagues, and supervisors may nominate K-12 teachers for the award by visiting gilderlehrman.org/nhtoy. The deadline for 2022 nominations is March 31, 2022.

About the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History was founded in 1994 by Richard Gilder and Lewis E. Lehrman, visionaries and lifelong supporters of American history education. The Institute is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to K–12 history education while also serving the general public. Its mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources.

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. Drawing on the 70,000 documents in the Gilder Lehrman Collection and an extensive network of eminent historians, the Institute provides teachers, students, and the general public with direct access to unique primary source materials.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is supported through the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Institute’s programs have been recognized by awards from the White House, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Organization of American Historians, and the Council of Independent Colleges.

The Board of Aldermen for Florence met on the evening of July 20, 2021. This meeting consisted of a work session beginning at 5:30 p.pm. This work session opened with the mosquito control report stating that all is going well, or as well as to be expected with the amount of rain that has been occurring. Then was Jacob Prine, who represented the Eastwood subdivision residents, discussing drainage issues. The mayor said he is sending the city engineer to investigate the problem and see what can be done to resolve the issue. Also, in the Eastwood subdivision is a home requiring property clean-up. A public hearing was requested and has been scheduled for August 17, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. The Driftwood subdivision has a new Milllcreek home. This is a community home for people with developmental disabilities to live and be cared for within the community and will house workers and a couple people who are unable to live on their own. Milllcreek is a company that offers residential treatment and home-based programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The board meeting began at 6:30 p.m. with the approval for the police department to send a couple officers to train at the Dare Convention in Montgomery County. The street department has been approved to repair West Main Street beginning at the red light and extending out to city limits. Also approved is the repair of the Heritage Room including, but not limited to the roof, shingles, sheetrock, and repainting. The park department is getting a new lawn mower. Finally, John Banks and Trey Gunn will be attending the Ms. Rural Water Board Member Training. The meeting was recessed and will resume Thursday evening at 5 p.m. to discuss the soccer contract for the park department.

“This grant represents an investment in the success of our state’s students along the P-20 continuum and builds community connections among the universities, local K-12 schools, tutors and students,” said Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr., Commissioner of Higher Education. “Additionally, many of the AmeriCorps members go on to become certified K-12 teachers in Mississippi classrooms, which aids in addressing current teacher shortage.”

Managed by the Institutions of Higher Learning staff, America Reads—Mississippi has demonstrated educational service collaboration between universities, local elementary schools and districts, and community organizations. Their work is coordinated through four regional university offices, including Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, The University of Southern Mississippi, and Delta State University, which is returning as a regional office this year.

Since 1998, more than 4,900 AmeriCorps members have given at least one year of service and served more than 63,000 K-3rd grade students, tutoring them during the school day and in after-school programs. AmeriCorps members have received approximately $17.4 million in education award scholarships, which have allowed them to achieve their dreams of earning a degree, during that time. Many of the scholarship recipients have utilized these funds to gain the credentials necessary to become certified teachers.

“The ability to read by third grade is critical to a child’s success in school, life-long learning potential, and their ability to contribute to the state’s economy,” said Dr. Casey Prestwood, Associate Commissioner for Academic and Student Affairs. “America Reads—Mississippi provides K-3rd grade students with a key to their future by focusing on improving their literacy skills. ARM also provides a great opportunity for Mississippians to pursue higher education while serving as literacy tutors. This is a great service to Mississippi and the future of our state.”

On the horizon of reaching its 25th year of service in 2023, America Reads—Mississippi will expand its efforts over the next two years to reconnect with more than 4,900 AmeriCorps alumni, determine the number of members who have become certified teachers or work in education-related fields; and conduct an impact evaluation to measure program effectiveness on improving the literacy skills of students and on increasing the educational and professional skills of AmeriCorps members for future pursuits.

“In the end, we only regret the chances we don’t take,” said Antoinette Nicholas, An AmeriCorps member, 2019-2021. “AmeriCorps took a chance on me and gave me the greatest gift I could have ever imagined: A chance to give freely and unconditionally for two years as an AmeriCorps member and now as a certified teacher. I am thankful.”

The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning governs the public universities in Mississippi, including Alcorn State University; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteering, brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

About Volunteer Mississippi: Our story — the story of volunteerism in Mississippi — is about service as a way of life. It’s about leadership in our communities, our schools and our churches. And it’s about results — statewide, volunteers and national service members are getting things done, making a difference for our children, our seniors, our veterans and military families. More information about Volunteer Mississippi and all its programs can be found at www.volunteermississippi.org.

Children need healthy meals to learn. Pearl Public School District offers healthy meals every school day. USDA has approved that all school meals for students will be free for the 2021-2022 school year through the Seamless Summer Option (SSO).

The completion of the meal application will not impact or affect your children’s access to free meals; however, it will help our district to identify those students who might be eligible for P-EBT benefits and/or any other Federally funded program benefits. Online and paper meal applications will be available beginning July 26, 2021.

You may complete an online application by going to www.pearlk12.com and clicking on the fork and knife icon or by requesting a paper application packet for free or reduced price meal benefits and a set of detailed instructions from your child’s teacher, the front office staff at your child’s school, or by contacting the Child Nutrition Department at 601-932-7956. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Full Non-Discrimination Statement: https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/cr/Nondiscrimination-Statement.pdf

With a seven-member team of gardeners, including church pastor Reverend Barbara Taylor, the 2021 garden has currently had its most successful year of its’ three-year run.

The prodigious garden is located directly adjacent to the church, and currently the items in need of distribution include: purple hull peas, squash, zucchini, tomatoes, green beans, cream peas, zipper peas, okra, corn, nest onions, bell peppers, and jalapenos. There are also three fig trees available for the picking.

With a total of twelve rows at 120 feet each, there is plenty produce to be distributed this year, but time is of the essence, as everyone knows fresh produce does not stay fresh for long. For those interested in partaking, a visit to the garden is best done soonest. The goal for the church gardeners is to distribute everything produced. The harvest season for 2021 is expected to end by mid-August.

Anyone interested in gathering the “fruits of God’s creation,” are encouraged to come to the garden and pick their own produce. For those unable to gather the vegetables in the garden, are welcome to all produce that has been pre-picked by the volunteers and stored in the church refrigerator.

To contact RFUMC, call 601-939-1319, or email richlandumc@comcast.net. Church office hours are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. RFUMC Church is located at 255 Richland Circle in Richland.

Every five years, the Mississippi State Ratings Bureau (MSRB) pays a visit to the City of Richland to conduct an on-site survey. The survey determines the classification (rating) of the City’s fire protection resources. It not only determines the quality of fire protection the City’s fire department provides to the community, it also affects the City’s value – essentially, the lower the rating, the lower the property insurance costs. In this case, the City of Richland received a new rating Classification of 4 4/X as of June 2, 2021. Prior to this, Richland maintained a Class 5 rating for almost a decade.

All cities are required to have a fire rating, and all municipalities and established legal fire districts are rated on a scale from one to ten, one being the best rating, and ten being the worst. Many factors are graded or assessed in determining the rate that a municipality or fire district receives. Some examples include firefighter response, the training of firefighters, apparatus and how fire apparatus is stored (protected from weather), the records, response distance, emergency communications, building codes and enforcements, water supply and water shuttle systems.

On June 3, 2021, the MSRB made it official. Of significance to local residents and businesses is the following statement included in their formal report:

“Any insurance contracts covering dwellings located in this City may be endorsed from June 2, 2021, on a pro rata basis to take advantage of the current fire premiums indicated in our Mississippi Dwelling Manual. Comprehensive Dwelling Policies and Homeowner Policies also may be endorsed on a pro rata basis to take advantage of applicable rates or premiums.”

Local homeowners and business-owners are encouraged to reach out to their insurance providers to inquire about adjustments and/or reductions in their fire insurance premiums.

To date, the only municipalities or fire districts in the State of Mississippi holding a lower fire rating than the City of Richland are located in coastal regions. For a land-locked City such as Richland, City officials say the lower rating is quite an achievement.

The SBE’s action aligns with the requirements of the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARP), which provides money to schools to help safely reopen and maintain safe operations.

As a requirement of ARP, school districts receiving funds must develop a plan for the safe return to in-person instruction and continuity of services. School districts must update their plans at least every six months through September 30, 2023. Districts must seek public input on their plans take such input into account when revising their plans.

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is in charge of providing COVID-19 public health guidance to K-12 schools.

Under the SBE policies, districts that offer a virtual option for individual students must adopt local board-approved policies that include the criteria for students to participate in virtual learning, requirements for equipment, connectivity, attendance and student conduct, and assurances of equal access and non-discrimination and the delivery of Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students with disabilities.

All students who take part in virtual learning will be required to take statewide assessments on campus.

The SBE’s proposed policies will allow districts to provide school wide or district wide virtual learning days in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as weather emergencies or an epidemic prevailing in the district. However, districts must ensure any virtual learning days include actual teaching for a minimum of 330 minutes, as state law requires. Districts are required to provide a minimum of 180 days of instruction.

The SBE provided districts with broad flexibility in the 2020-21 school year to help manage the COVID-19 outbreak. Districts were allowed to meet the 180-day teaching requirement through traditional, virtual or a hybrid of in-person and distance learning. The SBE voted in April to end the pandemic-related flexibilities.

To assist with virtual learning, the Legislature provided $200 million in 2020 through the Mississippi Connects program, which provided every public-school student with a computer device to learn. The next phase of the Mississippi Connects program includes professional development and support from digital learning instructional coaches, who will help teachers, schools and districts effectively use educational technology and improve student outcomes statewide.

Virtual learning policies to start in 2021-22:

• School-Wide and District-Wide Virtual Learning Days
• Virtual Students

This special two-week event will allow parents to get a copy of their child’s Form 121 (shot record) if the child is up-to-date on immunization requirements, as well as their birth certificate, at the same time and same place.

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, July 19 - Monday, August 2

MSDH Office of Vital Records

222 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland

(Off Highland Colony Parkway)

During this event, the child's Form 121 will be available for free if the child is up-to-date on immunization requirements. Birth certificates will be available the same day for $17; each additional certified copy is $6.

Mississippi state law requires children to be immunized against childhood diseases to enter public or private school, Head Start or daycare. There are also required immunizations for first-time school entry in Mississippi as well as a requirement for 7th grade entry.

Parents must provide the school with a Certificate of Immunization Compliance (Form 121) from their immunization provider prior to school entry. The child’s birth certificate is also required for school registration.

Immunizations are available at county health departments by appointment.

Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

When the little brother of Girl Scout Nichole Johnson spent seventy-three days in neonatal intensive care at the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower at Children’s of Mississippi, her Junior Girl Scout Troop 3965 of Florence was inspired to make a difference.

Giraffes and bears, flowers and rainbows, squares and starbursts - all these prints and more were stitched together as quilts for babies in neonatal intensive care in the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower at Children’s of Mississippi. For more about the sweet story of how a Bronze Award project by the troop resulted in ninety-three handmade quilts donated to the state’s only Level IV NICU, the highest level of care.

After Evan Johnson, the youngest brother of troop member Nichole Johnson, started life there, the troop and their leader, Jessica Dowdy, knew their Bronze Award project should help neonatal intensive care.

“We’re so happy that Evan’s time in the NICU is resulting in a project that’s meaningful for Nichole and her fellow Girl Scouts,” said Ashley Johnson, a research scientist in pharmacology and toxicology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Johnson’s water broke at twenty-three weeks, bringing her to Wiser Hospital for Women and Infants, where she stayed for six weeks until Evan’s birth. Topping two pounds, he stayed in the NICU seventy-three days. “My hospital stay and his gave me a great appreciation for the clinical care side of UMMC,” Johnson said.

Dowdy welcomed Evan to the world with a handmade quilt, which sparked the idea for Troop 3965’s Bronze Award project.

“This is really a project that could be Gold level,” Dowdy said, referring to the top award in Girl Scouting. “They’ve all worked so hard on this and have learned about quilting, measurements, math and social media.”

After months of planning, the project began with the troop learning the art of quilting from Dowdy and creating videos of the experience for the Facebook page Troop #3965 Quilt-Along in March. “Every day during spring break, we were learning to quilt and making videos,” Dowdy said. “After that, we were stitching whenever we’d get together.”

Word got around about Troop 3965’s project, and soon quilters from around the country were joining in, sending the troop quilts to add to their donation.

“Each girl in the troop made two quilts, so we had twelve quilts that we made, plus eighty-one quilts that were sent in,” Dowdy said. “They’re all beautifully done, and each one is different. One of them came with a label that read, ‘Someone cares in Texas.’”

Dowdy, who has led Troop 3965 since they were at the Daisy level five years ago, plans to keep progressing with the girls through the Girl Scout ranks.

The troop members and their families met NICU nurses at the entrance of the state’s only children’s hospital to present the quilts, which filled a cart to overflowing. Each girl was presented with a plaque honoring Bronze Award achievements.

“It was hard, but I liked it,” said Junior Girl Scout Ellie Kegley. Her mother, Katie Kegley, said the project was a learning experience that was worth the effort.

“If a family receives one of these quilts and realizes that someone was thinking about them before their baby was even born, then this was worth all their hard work.”

The NICU will put the colorful blankets to good use, said nurse educator Becky Harrison. “We always need Isolette covers, and these quilts will be a memory from the NICU that families can take home as a keepsake.”

Beginning on Wednesday, July 14, and continuing every other Wednesday at 10 a.m., the Adult Book Club will meet at PPL to discuss the latest recommended reading.

Also on Wednesdays at 10 a.m., PPL offers Preschool Story Time. Story Time includes a story reading, take-home craft projects, and a “shake your sillies out” session. The themes for July are Animals in the Jungle, Shark Tales, Farm Animals, Frogs, and Zoo Animals. Registration may be made online or by phone.

Monday, July 19, at 5:30 p.m. patrons are invited to practice their dance skills using Wii for Just Dance.

Following on Tuesday, July 20, at 6 p.m. PPL hosts Simply Crafts, where patrons are encouraged to participate in the latest craft project.

Patrons may also continue to log their summer reading progress on www.CMRLS.Beanstack.org until Friday, July 16, with a chance to win a $25 gift card from PPL. Rankin County will also offer five age group prizes, including: Preschool Prize Basket KiDS (K through fourth grade) at $25; Tweens (fifth through eighth grade) at $25; Teens (ninth through twelfth grade) at $25; and Adult at $25.

Tails and Tales continues virtually for the remainder of the summer season. Preschool Story Time videos will post weekly on Mondays at 9 a.m.; Kindergarten through Fourth-Grade Story Time videos will be posted weekly on Tuesdays at 12 p.m.; Tweens and Teen Programs will post on the first Thursday of the month; Adult Programs will post on the first Thursday of the month; and Family Programs will post on Fridays at 9 a.m.

The online offerings will be posted to the CMRLS Facebook page, or group pages, to the CMRLS YouTube channel and the CMRLS website. All events and links may be found at www.cmrls.lib.ms.us.

The Foam Party is designed to entertain kids of all ages and includes micro- bubble foam with music. Swimsuits and towels are required, as well as a change of clothing.

Inflatables to be featured this year include:

the mega rainbow combo slide, purple crush slide, supersonic combo slide, yellow rush bounce house, eighteen-foot red wave slide, nineteen-foot rainbow marble slide and twenty-two- foot tsunami slide.

Also available on-site will be a few small-scale carnival games.

Food vendors will supply an assortment of southern cooking, including catfish, burgers, chicken on a stick, corn dogs, funnel cakes, nachos, sandwiches, burgers, crawfish etouffee, polish sausage, cowboy nachos and cheese fries, and for dessert, bread pudding.

Beginning at 6 p.m., adult entertainment will be live, and, in keeping with the "Back to the 80s" theme, will feature the band U.S. According to their official bio, U.S. the band"...is a rock band whose main mission seems to be keeping rock music alive and well in the southeast.

A good bit of their set is rock from the 80s, but don’t let that fool you, just when you think you’ve got them pegged, they'll kick off with a country standard like 'Calling Baton Rouge' or 'Save A Horse,' and then turn it all around with their 'Summer Love/Greased Lightning' medley from Grease. They entertain and interact with the crowds constantly and keep them involved. These fellows know how to show a crowd a good time.

U.S. the band includes Kelly Nagy on vocals, Jeff Manns on guitar, Richie Wright on drums and Corey Lessard on bass. Their presentation includes an elaborate state set-up with giant video monitors, fog, and light display.

Following U.S. the band is another

fan-favorite, The Molly Ringwalds, slated to hit the stage at 8 p.m. According to www.themollyringwalds.com:

"Those who have seen them know The Molly Ringwalds take every stage they step on with force. They dazzle and engage their audiences with energy and passion, while taking them on a musical journey filled with all the hits that transcended the 80s and defined a generation. The Molly Ringwalds' show is loaded with the visual enormity and glam that encompassed the essence of the decade’s music scene. Music videos of the iconic songs are the backdrop to a stage that comes to life with a captivating light show and a movable set that draws every single person into the moment."

Barbara Adams, events coordinator for the City of Richland encourages residents to, "come out and enjoy the good food, kid’s activities and good music."

General parking for the event will be available in Eastside Park, on Ranger Drive, and in the parking lot located behind First Baptist Church. Handicapped parking will be available at the Community Center in a pre-designated area.

For more information, contact Adams at 601-420-3402.

Pearl Senior Services (PSS) has scheduled a diverse lineup of activities and events for the month of July. Most notably, the First Lady of Mississippi, Elee Reeves, will be the guest speaker of the month on Thursday, July 15, at 11:30 a.m. The PSS July newsletter provided the following biographical synopsis:

"Reeves has enjoyed reading in schools, promoting the importance of literacy for students of all ages. After the historic flooding in our state in 2020, Reeves partnered with Keep Mississippi Beautiful to highlight the need of participating in community clean-up efforts to restore Mississippi’s natural beauty. Reeves looks forward to discussing her initiatives and what she is hoping to accomplish during the upcoming year. Committed to giving back to her community and her fellow

Mississippians, Reeves volunteers her time to numerous charitable and civic organizations. Elee and Governor Tate Reeves are the proud parents of three daughters, Tyler, Emma and Maddie. They attend Gallaway Memorial United Methodist Church. The First Family enjoys sharing their home with their King Charles Cavalier dogs, Belle and Hazel."

Tickets are available to residents fifty-five years of age and older, $5 a head. There will be no registrations holds, as space is limited.

On the following Tuesday, July 20, at 11:30 a.m., the Brown Bag Lunch will host Lori Matthews with Care & Care Senior Home Services, LLC. She will discuss providing care to loved ones while also giving a much needed break to other family members. Attendees are asked to bring lunch, and PSS will provide drinks.

Movie Matinee to be held July 26 at 1 p.m. The movie of the month is Percy vs. Goliath. Academy Award Winner Christopher Walken, Zach Braff and Christina Ricci star in the true story of a small-town farmer taking on one of the largest agricultural and food manufacturing corporations. Percy Schmeiser (Walken), a third-generation farmer, is sued by a corporate giant for allegedly using their patented seeds. With little resources to fight the giant legal battle, Percy joins forces with up-and-coming attorney Jack Weaver (Braff) and environmental activities Rebecca Salcau (Ricci) to fight the monumental case all the way up to the Supreme Court.

Those interested in registering for activities with PSS are encouraged to do so in advance, as space is limited.

Also of note is the monthly Monday Movie Matinee to be held July 26 at 1 p.m. The movie of the month is Percy vs. Goliath. Academy Award Winner Christopher Walken, Zach Braff and Christina Ricci star in the true story of a small-town farmer taking on one of the largest agricultural and food manufacturing corporations. Percy Schmeiser (Walken), a third-generation farmer, is sued by a corporate giant for allegedly using their patented seeds. With little resources to fight the giant legal battle, Percy joins forces with up-and-coming attorney Jack Weaver (Braff) and environmental activities Rebecca Salcau (Ricci) to fight the monumental case all the way up to the Supreme Court.

Those interested in registering for activities with PSS are encouraged to do so in advance, as space is limited.

To stay up-to-date on these activities and more, visit the PSS Facebook page or www.cityofpearl.com for more information.

The original concept came from the Mississippi College (MC) Art Education Program, where Vashti Graham had been a student. She, along with her classmates, visited Batson Children's Hospital and met with nine patients who had agreed to participate in the project. Unfortunately, due to complications arising from COVID-19, the project had to be scrapped.

When Graham became a teacher at PJHS this past fall, she decided the project was worth a second try, and with MC’s permission, Graham completed as a teacher what she began as a student. Graham, having already fabricated the set of four rainbow sculptures and the red pizza creature with Leo the dog at MC, was able to guide her sixth-grade art students to complete the pink girl, the butterfly, and the four-armed blue sculpture.

Graham then asked three other middle school art teachers to join the project. Cathryn Beck's seventh grade students completed the three headed monster that was started at MC. Sara Hall's eighth grade students completed the American superhero and party man. Kacee Hobson's creative project class completed the rainbow cloud. Eventually, the fanciful three-dimensional creations became a gallery on wheels at Batson Children’s Hospital where the sculptures are currently on display.

As for the students participating in the unique collaboration, Graham says, "They enjoyed being able to put their own twist and style on the projects. They liked that they had the ability to make another child feel loved and supported."

Members of the UMMC Child Life Specialist Team, from left, Michelle Chambers, Courtney Easterday, Pepper Weed-Cooper, Morgan Flournoy, Madeline Wilson, Tiffany Key, Cara Williams, Ashley Prendez, Erinn Funches and Kelsey Clark prepare for an art walk at the Batson Tower featuring life-size sculptures of patient's artwork Wednesday, May 19, 2021. The hand-made sculptures were made by Pearl Junior High art students

What happens when summer vacation is still going strong, but mom and dad have to return to work? What happens when you want your child to still have a good balance of education and fun over the break? How can a common ground be found when it comes expectations on a summer schedule? We spoke with a child expert from Canopy Children’s Solutions (Canopy) to get a few tips on how to help us navigate through the summer time limbo.

First thing first, no parent wants all that learning and growth from the previous school year to go to waste, but it can be a challenge to get children motivated to spend time doing educational activities while on break. “One thing parents can do is have a contest to see who can read more books throughout the summer, while providing incentives for desired goals which increase as they reach the end of the summer,” said Therapist Caleb Cauthen, LPC. “Implementing strategies like this is a fun way to keep children’s minds sharp and encourage a little healthy competition. The key is to make learning fun, especially during the summer.”

Having a fun and productive summer is important when trying to find a balance. Parents can help achieve this by creating a weekly summer schedule. The schedule can include things like educational activities, fun days or activities, chores, and more. Being productive during the summer and teaching responsibility to children, even during break can have a significant impact. “I provide a summer schedule for my client’s parents. I encourage them to alter this schedule to best fit them and their child,” Cauthen said. “Chores could be assigned throughout the day or chosen with priority and importance. Parents do need to hold their kids accountable if an expectation or rule is not met, or is broken. Discuss behaviors and consequences with them in a nonjudgmental tone when they have not met their goals daily or weekly.” This can help teach children responsibility, while staying active throughout the summer.

Having a set weekly schedule can also help parents manage the household while they return to work and the children are left home. This would give parents the opportunity to discuss expectations and rules to the children for when they will be home alone. “Parents could utilize the schedule to include emergency contact information and instructions, check in times, and could even go as far as adding a nutritious snack or meal plan. Parents should go over the schedule with their children and leave it in an accessible place,” Cauthen suggested.

All in all, everyone enjoys summer breaks and having fun. Going to the beach, reading a good book, or even playing video games. Adding a little structure for children can help parents and children benefit from the well-deserved break. The goal is to have fun, learn, and grow. Happy Summer!

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) continues its support for a statewide initiative that assists local residents schedule free rides to local COVID-19 vaccination sites. While not limited to a particular group, the emphasis is placed on linking persons facing transportation challenges, such as disabled or low-income individuals, veterans, and the elderly, with available transportation providers.

MDOT’s toll-free line, 1-866-813-3616, offers information and referrals for transportation to vaccination sites by connecting callers to a designated regional call center.

This initiative is being coordinated through six networks of regional community transportation providers across the state.

“My wife and I have taken both of our vaccine shots without any complications. I encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as they are able,” said Commissioner Willie Simmons, Central Transportation District. “While the vaccine is not 100 percent full proof against the virus, it will likely keep those that get it from having to go to the hospital, or funeral home.”

When contacting the toll-free number, the caller will be able to select their scheduled vaccination site from a menu of six options; Delta Area, Golden Triangle Area, Northeast Area, Central Area, Southern Area and Southwest Area. Once the region is selected, the caller will be connected to the designated call center for the ride to be scheduled within 24-48 hours. For evening and weekend calls, every effort will be made to confirm scheduled trips by the next business day.

“If not having transportation is stopping you from being vaccinated, the solution is at your fingertips,” said Simmons. “Please utilize these resources that will help keep you, your family and fellow Mississippians safe.”

The menu will also include an information option for questions and referrals through MDOT’s Public Transit Division. To reach the Public Transit Division contact them directly at (601) 359-7800.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for providing a safe intermodal transportation network that is planned, designed, constructed and maintained in an effective, cost-efficient and environmentally sensitive manner. MDOT’s objective is to maximize taxpayer’s dollars by providing a safe, efficient multimodal network that enhances economic stability and growth. For more information, visit GoMDOT.com.

Mississippi State Hospital’s annual Serendipity art show and silent auction will welcome on-campus visitors again for the Thursday, Sept. 2, event.

The public viewing of the popular show is set for Sept. 2 from 1-5 p.m. in the Conference Center on Building 71. Online bidding is currently open and runs through Sept. 2 at 6:30 p.m. Bidding can only be done online. Visit myminiauction.com/serendipity. Winning bidders will be contacted Sept. 3 for payment and pickup arrangements.

Several hundred visitors typically attend the show over the course of the day. Visitors will be required to wear masks.

The 2020 edition of the show was conducted as an online-only event due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The unique show was created in 1989 by Evelyn Carpenter, the hospital’s former Art Services Director, to display the work of MSH patients and Jaquith Nursing Home residents who are taking part in the hospital’s Art Services program. The program is now administered by art instructors Ceci Whitehurst and Ricky Shelby.

For more information about the show, call the Public Relations Department at (601) 351-8018.

The pieces on display and up for auction will include watercolor and acrylic paintings; color pencil, marker and graphite drawings; collages; and scratch art.

Serious bidders who attend Serendipity every year have learned to monitor the bidding until closing to ensure they have the highest bid on the artwork they want.

More than 150 pieces will be on display this year from about 62 different artists. All proceeds go to the artists. The work displayed in the show is produced by individuals from across the hospital’s services. For many, it is an important part of the therapeutic process as it gives them a chance to express themselves through their artwork.

MSH, a program of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, was founded in 1855 and helps the individuals it serves achieve mental wellness by encouraging hope, promoting safety, and supporting recovery. The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission.

McLaurin had their 7th grade orientation on the evening of August 2, 2021 to welcome the 21-22 7th graders into their school. The 8th grade cheerleaders and 7th grade teachers were there with enthusiasm and cake to show them around their new school.

At orientation, the students were told about their high school policies and how they differed from the elementary school, were given their new laptops, and shown around the 7th grade hall so they would know where their classes were and who their teachers were on the first day of school. Nothing better than cake and friendliness to welcome in the new 7th graders for the new school year!

The Florence Fire Department Station1 located at 201 Lewis Street held a community event on Saturday, July 31, 2021. The event started at 4 p.m. and had 12 total vendors set up in the parking lot, including Sunshine and Magnolia Divas and Poppi’s Boutique. There were food vendors as well.

Mobile Bravern Kitchen and BBQ Smokehouse of Florence were there to provide food, while Neon Freeze Treats had an ice cream truck to satisfy those sweet tooths. Paw Paw’s Lemonade was also making fresh lemonade at their booth. There were 3 bouncy houses, one with a giant slide, to entertain the kids. Inside the fire department was live music with tables and chairs available to sit and enjoy your food or just to cool off from the Mississippi summer heat.

On view August 14 through October 10, 2021, this year’s Mississippi Invitational works were selected by guest curator Danielle Burns-Wilson. “To be invited to serve as guest curator for the Mississippi Museum of Art’s 2021 Invitational is already an honor, but to do so against the backdrop of all that is happening around us is even more meaningful,” stated Burns-Wilson. “The world has reached an entropic state, seemingly never to return to its once ordered ways, and so I wanted the works in this year’s Invitational to reflect the many voices and experiences of this particular moment. I selected works that create a balance – through materials, media, and processes, as well as perspectives. This exhibition conveys human needs, reimagines our future, and liberates thought.”

Invitational artists will be eligible to apply for The Jane Crater Hiatt Artist Fellowship—a grant of up to $20,000 awarded to one artist. The recipient will be announced during an opening reception on August 13.

MMA Director Betsy Bradley said, “The might and fortitude of artists has always been an inspiration to me. In the face of all that is contrary, they summon the courage and strength to make something that speaks their truth to other people. And our communities are better for it. The 2021 Mississippi Invitational demonstrates that the power to make something beautiful, to survive, to connect with ideas and with others, can be stronger than the temptation to withdraw.”

A publication accompanying the exhibition will be available in The Museum Store.

During the month of August 2021, MMA will offer free admission as a way to welcome visitors back after the pandemic.

Danielle Burns-Wilson currently serves as Chief Curator at the Houston Public Library. With more than a decade of experience, she also serves as an adjunct professor of art history and art appreciation at Lone Star College-North Harris Campus. Burns-Wilson received her B.A. in history and political science from Prairie View A&M University and her M.A. in art history from the City University of New York, Brooklyn College.

The Jane Crater Hiatt Artist Fellowship was created in 2005 by Jane Crater Hiatt and her late husband Wood (1930-2010) in response to the need to nurture and invigorate the arts within the state. The fellowship provides support to an individual artist in the development and creation of art over a two-year period. The funds may be used to purchase supplies and equipment, conduct research, or travel, and may be used for study with an individual artist or in a studio, workshop, or residency setting. Following the conclusion of the grant period, the artist is required to donate one original work of art, chosen from at least five works created during the grant period, to the Museum. Only artists whose work is selected for inclusion in the Mississippi Invitational exhibition are eligible to apply for the Fellowship in the year that their work is chosen. The recipient’s works should demonstrate the potential for significant artistic and cultural impact, as well as act as a catalyst for the development and realization of adventurous and imaginative ideas.

The Mississippi Museum of Art hours of operation are Thursdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, noon until 5 p.m.

General admission is $15 a person; $13 for seniors and groups of 10+, and $10 for college students with school ID. Admission is free to museum members, children ages five and under; and K-12 students on Thursdays.

The Mississippi Museum of Art requires that masks be worn at all times in the Museum and has several hand-sanitizing stations located throughout the building.

For further information visit msmuseumart.org.

On the evening of July 22, the Florence Alderman board met again to discuss Discovery Christian adding in a portable building as a temporary classroom, the soccer contract with Hemphill Park, and a new business sign. Discovery Christian is a growing school, and while they have construction plans to add in more permanent classrooms, they are adding in more students than their existing buildings can accommodate. They want to add in a 24x64 temporary building as an extra classroom to house these children while the construction is in progress. The building will be parallel to 469 where there is already access to awnings, sidewalks, electricity, and water lines. This building goes against the city ordinances, but the school plans to apply for a variance. The public hearing does not have a date set yet.

Hemphill Park and the soccer association worked out the details of their new contract. The city wanted to raise the price of the contract to cover the price of the ever-rising costs of paint for the fields. After a 45-minute discussion, they finally came to an agreement and renewed their contract. Hemphill Park has the contract which states the park handles all the upkeep of the fields as well as covers the cleaning and utilities for the park’s use. The soccer association only must handle concessions and play on the fields.

Finally, Southern Diabetes Care Center got approval for their new sign.

In 2021, parents, students, teachers, and administrators nationwide nominated a record 8,510 teachers for the History Teacher of the Year Award. Amidst a very competitive field, Steven White rose to the top in Mississippi.

Inaugurated in 2004, the History Teacher of the Year Award highlights the crucial importance of history education by honoring exceptional American history teachers from elementary school through high school. The award honors one K-12 teacher from each state, the District of Columbia, Department of Defense schools and US Territories. In fall 2021, the National History Teacher of the Year will be selected from the pool of state winners. White received his Bachelor’s degree from Mississippi College in 1986 and teaches history and geography at Pearl High School. He was the Mississippi Council for Social Studies Teacher of the Year in 2003 and 2015, Mississippi Geographic Visionary Educator award recipient in 2017, and Pearl High School Teacher of the Year in 2019. A three-time winner of grants for enhancing classroom education, White is past president of Mississippi Council for the Social Studies and a recipient of a national Distinguished Teaching Award in 2013. In his 24 years in the classroom, he participated in field study trips abroad to Japan and Iceland. White creates a classroom atmosphere of deep learning to help students understand the past and connects them with artifacts in order to become engaged and informed citizens.

In addition to a $1,000 honorarium, Steven White's school will receive a core archive of American history books and Gilder Lehrman educational materials and recognition at a ceremony in Mississippi.

The 10 finalists for the National History Teacher of the Year Award will be announced on Thursday, September 9, with the national winner announced later that month. An in-person ceremony for the winner will be held in late fall 2021, health and safety protocols permitting. Support for the National History Teacher of the Year Award ceremony is provided by HISTORY®

Nominations for the 2022 History Teacher of the Year awards are now open. Students, parents, colleagues, and supervisors may nominate K-12 teachers for the award by visiting gilderlehrman.org/nhtoy. The deadline for 2022 nominations is March 31, 2022.

About the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History was founded in 1994 by Richard Gilder and Lewis E. Lehrman, visionaries and lifelong supporters of American history education. The Institute is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to K–12 history education while also serving the general public. Its mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources.

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. Drawing on the 70,000 documents in the Gilder Lehrman Collection and an extensive network of eminent historians, the Institute provides teachers, students, and the general public with direct access to unique primary source materials.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is supported through the generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations. The Institute’s programs have been recognized by awards from the White House, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Organization of American Historians, and the Council of Independent Colleges.

The Board of Aldermen for Florence met on the evening of July 20, 2021. This meeting consisted of a work session beginning at 5:30 p.pm. This work session opened with the mosquito control report stating that all is going well, or as well as to be expected with the amount of rain that has been occurring. Then was Jacob Prine, who represented the Eastwood subdivision residents, discussing drainage issues. The mayor said he is sending the city engineer to investigate the problem and see what can be done to resolve the issue. Also, in the Eastwood subdivision is a home requiring property clean-up. A public hearing was requested and has been scheduled for August 17, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. The Driftwood subdivision has a new Milllcreek home. This is a community home for people with developmental disabilities to live and be cared for within the community and will house workers and a couple people who are unable to live on their own. Milllcreek is a company that offers residential treatment and home-based programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The board meeting began at 6:30 p.m. with the approval for the police department to send a couple officers to train at the Dare Convention in Montgomery County. The street department has been approved to repair West Main Street beginning at the red light and extending out to city limits. Also approved is the repair of the Heritage Room including, but not limited to the roof, shingles, sheetrock, and repainting. The park department is getting a new lawn mower. Finally, John Banks and Trey Gunn will be attending the Ms. Rural Water Board Member Training. The meeting was recessed and will resume Thursday evening at 5 p.m. to discuss the soccer contract for the park department.

“This grant represents an investment in the success of our state’s students along the P-20 continuum and builds community connections among the universities, local K-12 schools, tutors and students,” said Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr., Commissioner of Higher Education. “Additionally, many of the AmeriCorps members go on to become certified K-12 teachers in Mississippi classrooms, which aids in addressing current teacher shortage.”

Managed by the Institutions of Higher Learning staff, America Reads—Mississippi has demonstrated educational service collaboration between universities, local elementary schools and districts, and community organizations. Their work is coordinated through four regional university offices, including Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, The University of Southern Mississippi, and Delta State University, which is returning as a regional office this year.

Since 1998, more than 4,900 AmeriCorps members have given at least one year of service and served more than 63,000 K-3rd grade students, tutoring them during the school day and in after-school programs. AmeriCorps members have received approximately $17.4 million in education award scholarships, which have allowed them to achieve their dreams of earning a degree, during that time. Many of the scholarship recipients have utilized these funds to gain the credentials necessary to become certified teachers.

“The ability to read by third grade is critical to a child’s success in school, life-long learning potential, and their ability to contribute to the state’s economy,” said Dr. Casey Prestwood, Associate Commissioner for Academic and Student Affairs. “America Reads—Mississippi provides K-3rd grade students with a key to their future by focusing on improving their literacy skills. ARM also provides a great opportunity for Mississippians to pursue higher education while serving as literacy tutors. This is a great service to Mississippi and the future of our state.”

On the horizon of reaching its 25th year of service in 2023, America Reads—Mississippi will expand its efforts over the next two years to reconnect with more than 4,900 AmeriCorps alumni, determine the number of members who have become certified teachers or work in education-related fields; and conduct an impact evaluation to measure program effectiveness on improving the literacy skills of students and on increasing the educational and professional skills of AmeriCorps members for future pursuits.

“In the end, we only regret the chances we don’t take,” said Antoinette Nicholas, An AmeriCorps member, 2019-2021. “AmeriCorps took a chance on me and gave me the greatest gift I could have ever imagined: A chance to give freely and unconditionally for two years as an AmeriCorps member and now as a certified teacher. I am thankful.”

The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning governs the public universities in Mississippi, including Alcorn State University; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteering, brings people together to tackle the country’s most pressing challenges. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations dedicated to the improvement of communities. AmeriCorps helps make service to others a cornerstone of our national culture. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

About Volunteer Mississippi: Our story — the story of volunteerism in Mississippi — is about service as a way of life. It’s about leadership in our communities, our schools and our churches. And it’s about results — statewide, volunteers and national service members are getting things done, making a difference for our children, our seniors, our veterans and military families. More information about Volunteer Mississippi and all its programs can be found at www.volunteermississippi.org.

Children need healthy meals to learn. Pearl Public School District offers healthy meals every school day. USDA has approved that all school meals for students will be free for the 2021-2022 school year through the Seamless Summer Option (SSO).

The completion of the meal application will not impact or affect your children’s access to free meals; however, it will help our district to identify those students who might be eligible for P-EBT benefits and/or any other Federally funded program benefits. Online and paper meal applications will be available beginning July 26, 2021.

You may complete an online application by going to www.pearlk12.com and clicking on the fork and knife icon or by requesting a paper application packet for free or reduced price meal benefits and a set of detailed instructions from your child’s teacher, the front office staff at your child’s school, or by contacting the Child Nutrition Department at 601-932-7956. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Full Non-Discrimination Statement: https://fns-prod.azureedge.net/sites/default/files/cr/Nondiscrimination-Statement.pdf

With a seven-member team of gardeners, including church pastor Reverend Barbara Taylor, the 2021 garden has currently had its most successful year of its’ three-year run.

The prodigious garden is located directly adjacent to the church, and currently the items in need of distribution include: purple hull peas, squash, zucchini, tomatoes, green beans, cream peas, zipper peas, okra, corn, nest onions, bell peppers, and jalapenos. There are also three fig trees available for the picking.

With a total of twelve rows at 120 feet each, there is plenty produce to be distributed this year, but time is of the essence, as everyone knows fresh produce does not stay fresh for long. For those interested in partaking, a visit to the garden is best done soonest. The goal for the church gardeners is to distribute everything produced. The harvest season for 2021 is expected to end by mid-August.

Anyone interested in gathering the “fruits of God’s creation,” are encouraged to come to the garden and pick their own produce. For those unable to gather the vegetables in the garden, are welcome to all produce that has been pre-picked by the volunteers and stored in the church refrigerator.

To contact RFUMC, call 601-939-1319, or email richlandumc@comcast.net. Church office hours are from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday. RFUMC Church is located at 255 Richland Circle in Richland.

Every five years, the Mississippi State Ratings Bureau (MSRB) pays a visit to the City of Richland to conduct an on-site survey. The survey determines the classification (rating) of the City’s fire protection resources. It not only determines the quality of fire protection the City’s fire department provides to the community, it also affects the City’s value – essentially, the lower the rating, the lower the property insurance costs. In this case, the City of Richland received a new rating Classification of 4 4/X as of June 2, 2021. Prior to this, Richland maintained a Class 5 rating for almost a decade.

All cities are required to have a fire rating, and all municipalities and established legal fire districts are rated on a scale from one to ten, one being the best rating, and ten being the worst. Many factors are graded or assessed in determining the rate that a municipality or fire district receives. Some examples include firefighter response, the training of firefighters, apparatus and how fire apparatus is stored (protected from weather), the records, response distance, emergency communications, building codes and enforcements, water supply and water shuttle systems.

On June 3, 2021, the MSRB made it official. Of significance to local residents and businesses is the following statement included in their formal report:

“Any insurance contracts covering dwellings located in this City may be endorsed from June 2, 2021, on a pro rata basis to take advantage of the current fire premiums indicated in our Mississippi Dwelling Manual. Comprehensive Dwelling Policies and Homeowner Policies also may be endorsed on a pro rata basis to take advantage of applicable rates or premiums.”

Local homeowners and business-owners are encouraged to reach out to their insurance providers to inquire about adjustments and/or reductions in their fire insurance premiums.

To date, the only municipalities or fire districts in the State of Mississippi holding a lower fire rating than the City of Richland are located in coastal regions. For a land-locked City such as Richland, City officials say the lower rating is quite an achievement.

The SBE’s action aligns with the requirements of the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARP), which provides money to schools to help safely reopen and maintain safe operations.

As a requirement of ARP, school districts receiving funds must develop a plan for the safe return to in-person instruction and continuity of services. School districts must update their plans at least every six months through September 30, 2023. Districts must seek public input on their plans take such input into account when revising their plans.

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is in charge of providing COVID-19 public health guidance to K-12 schools.

Under the SBE policies, districts that offer a virtual option for individual students must adopt local board-approved policies that include the criteria for students to participate in virtual learning, requirements for equipment, connectivity, attendance and student conduct, and assurances of equal access and non-discrimination and the delivery of Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students with disabilities.

All students who take part in virtual learning will be required to take statewide assessments on campus.

The SBE’s proposed policies will allow districts to provide school wide or district wide virtual learning days in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as weather emergencies or an epidemic prevailing in the district. However, districts must ensure any virtual learning days include actual teaching for a minimum of 330 minutes, as state law requires. Districts are required to provide a minimum of 180 days of instruction.

The SBE provided districts with broad flexibility in the 2020-21 school year to help manage the COVID-19 outbreak. Districts were allowed to meet the 180-day teaching requirement through traditional, virtual or a hybrid of in-person and distance learning. The SBE voted in April to end the pandemic-related flexibilities.

To assist with virtual learning, the Legislature provided $200 million in 2020 through the Mississippi Connects program, which provided every public-school student with a computer device to learn. The next phase of the Mississippi Connects program includes professional development and support from digital learning instructional coaches, who will help teachers, schools and districts effectively use educational technology and improve student outcomes statewide.

Virtual learning policies to start in 2021-22:

• School-Wide and District-Wide Virtual Learning Days
• Virtual Students

This special two-week event will allow parents to get a copy of their child’s Form 121 (shot record) if the child is up-to-date on immunization requirements, as well as their birth certificate, at the same time and same place.

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday, July 19 - Monday, August 2

MSDH Office of Vital Records

222 Marketridge Drive, Ridgeland

(Off Highland Colony Parkway)

During this event, the child's Form 121 will be available for free if the child is up-to-date on immunization requirements. Birth certificates will be available the same day for $17; each additional certified copy is $6.

Mississippi state law requires children to be immunized against childhood diseases to enter public or private school, Head Start or daycare. There are also required immunizations for first-time school entry in Mississippi as well as a requirement for 7th grade entry.

Parents must provide the school with a Certificate of Immunization Compliance (Form 121) from their immunization provider prior to school entry. The child’s birth certificate is also required for school registration.

Immunizations are available at county health departments by appointment.

Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

When the little brother of Girl Scout Nichole Johnson spent seventy-three days in neonatal intensive care at the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower at Children’s of Mississippi, her Junior Girl Scout Troop 3965 of Florence was inspired to make a difference.

Giraffes and bears, flowers and rainbows, squares and starbursts - all these prints and more were stitched together as quilts for babies in neonatal intensive care in the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower at Children’s of Mississippi. For more about the sweet story of how a Bronze Award project by the troop resulted in ninety-three handmade quilts donated to the state’s only Level IV NICU, the highest level of care.

After Evan Johnson, the youngest brother of troop member Nichole Johnson, started life there, the troop and their leader, Jessica Dowdy, knew their Bronze Award project should help neonatal intensive care.

“We’re so happy that Evan’s time in the NICU is resulting in a project that’s meaningful for Nichole and her fellow Girl Scouts,” said Ashley Johnson, a research scientist in pharmacology and toxicology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Johnson’s water broke at twenty-three weeks, bringing her to Wiser Hospital for Women and Infants, where she stayed for six weeks until Evan’s birth. Topping two pounds, he stayed in the NICU seventy-three days. “My hospital stay and his gave me a great appreciation for the clinical care side of UMMC,” Johnson said.

Dowdy welcomed Evan to the world with a handmade quilt, which sparked the idea for Troop 3965’s Bronze Award project.

“This is really a project that could be Gold level,” Dowdy said, referring to the top award in Girl Scouting. “They’ve all worked so hard on this and have learned about quilting, measurements, math and social media.”

After months of planning, the project began with the troop learning the art of quilting from Dowdy and creating videos of the experience for the Facebook page Troop #3965 Quilt-Along in March. “Every day during spring break, we were learning to quilt and making videos,” Dowdy said. “After that, we were stitching whenever we’d get together.”

Word got around about Troop 3965’s project, and soon quilters from around the country were joining in, sending the troop quilts to add to their donation.

“Each girl in the troop made two quilts, so we had twelve quilts that we made, plus eighty-one quilts that were sent in,” Dowdy said. “They’re all beautifully done, and each one is different. One of them came with a label that read, ‘Someone cares in Texas.’”

Dowdy, who has led Troop 3965 since they were at the Daisy level five years ago, plans to keep progressing with the girls through the Girl Scout ranks.

The troop members and their families met NICU nurses at the entrance of the state’s only children’s hospital to present the quilts, which filled a cart to overflowing. Each girl was presented with a plaque honoring Bronze Award achievements.

“It was hard, but I liked it,” said Junior Girl Scout Ellie Kegley. Her mother, Katie Kegley, said the project was a learning experience that was worth the effort.

“If a family receives one of these quilts and realizes that someone was thinking about them before their baby was even born, then this was worth all their hard work.”

The NICU will put the colorful blankets to good use, said nurse educator Becky Harrison. “We always need Isolette covers, and these quilts will be a memory from the NICU that families can take home as a keepsake.”

Beginning on Wednesday, July 14, and continuing every other Wednesday at 10 a.m., the Adult Book Club will meet at PPL to discuss the latest recommended reading.

Also on Wednesdays at 10 a.m., PPL offers Preschool Story Time. Story Time includes a story reading, take-home craft projects, and a “shake your sillies out” session. The themes for July are Animals in the Jungle, Shark Tales, Farm Animals, Frogs, and Zoo Animals. Registration may be made online or by phone.

Monday, July 19, at 5:30 p.m. patrons are invited to practice their dance skills using Wii for Just Dance.

Following on Tuesday, July 20, at 6 p.m. PPL hosts Simply Crafts, where patrons are encouraged to participate in the latest craft project.

Patrons may also continue to log their summer reading progress on www.CMRLS.Beanstack.org until Friday, July 16, with a chance to win a $25 gift card from PPL. Rankin County will also offer five age group prizes, including: Preschool Prize Basket KiDS (K through fourth grade) at $25; Tweens (fifth through eighth grade) at $25; Teens (ninth through twelfth grade) at $25; and Adult at $25.

Tails and Tales continues virtually for the remainder of the summer season. Preschool Story Time videos will post weekly on Mondays at 9 a.m.; Kindergarten through Fourth-Grade Story Time videos will be posted weekly on Tuesdays at 12 p.m.; Tweens and Teen Programs will post on the first Thursday of the month; Adult Programs will post on the first Thursday of the month; and Family Programs will post on Fridays at 9 a.m.

The online offerings will be posted to the CMRLS Facebook page, or group pages, to the CMRLS YouTube channel and the CMRLS website. All events and links may be found at www.cmrls.lib.ms.us.

The Foam Party is designed to entertain kids of all ages and includes micro- bubble foam with music. Swimsuits and towels are required, as well as a change of clothing.

Inflatables to be featured this year include:

the mega rainbow combo slide, purple crush slide, supersonic combo slide, yellow rush bounce house, eighteen-foot red wave slide, nineteen-foot rainbow marble slide and twenty-two- foot tsunami slide.

Also available on-site will be a few small-scale carnival games.

Food vendors will supply an assortment of southern cooking, including catfish, burgers, chicken on a stick, corn dogs, funnel cakes, nachos, sandwiches, burgers, crawfish etouffee, polish sausage, cowboy nachos and cheese fries, and for dessert, bread pudding.

Beginning at 6 p.m., adult entertainment will be live, and, in keeping with the "Back to the 80s" theme, will feature the band U.S. According to their official bio, U.S. the band"...is a rock band whose main mission seems to be keeping rock music alive and well in the southeast.

A good bit of their set is rock from the 80s, but don’t let that fool you, just when you think you’ve got them pegged, they'll kick off with a country standard like 'Calling Baton Rouge' or 'Save A Horse,' and then turn it all around with their 'Summer Love/Greased Lightning' medley from Grease. They entertain and interact with the crowds constantly and keep them involved. These fellows know how to show a crowd a good time.

U.S. the band includes Kelly Nagy on vocals, Jeff Manns on guitar, Richie Wright on drums and Corey Lessard on bass. Their presentation includes an elaborate state set-up with giant video monitors, fog, and light display.

Following U.S. the band is another

fan-favorite, The Molly Ringwalds, slated to hit the stage at 8 p.m. According to www.themollyringwalds.com:

"Those who have seen them know The Molly Ringwalds take every stage they step on with force. They dazzle and engage their audiences with energy and passion, while taking them on a musical journey filled with all the hits that transcended the 80s and defined a generation. The Molly Ringwalds' show is loaded with the visual enormity and glam that encompassed the essence of the decade’s music scene. Music videos of the iconic songs are the backdrop to a stage that comes to life with a captivating light show and a movable set that draws every single person into the moment."

Barbara Adams, events coordinator for the City of Richland encourages residents to, "come out and enjoy the good food, kid’s activities and good music."

General parking for the event will be available in Eastside Park, on Ranger Drive, and in the parking lot located behind First Baptist Church. Handicapped parking will be available at the Community Center in a pre-designated area.

For more information, contact Adams at 601-420-3402.

Pearl Senior Services (PSS) has scheduled a diverse lineup of activities and events for the month of July. Most notably, the First Lady of Mississippi, Elee Reeves, will be the guest speaker of the month on Thursday, July 15, at 11:30 a.m. The PSS July newsletter provided the following biographical synopsis:

"Reeves has enjoyed reading in schools, promoting the importance of literacy for students of all ages. After the historic flooding in our state in 2020, Reeves partnered with Keep Mississippi Beautiful to highlight the need of participating in community clean-up efforts to restore Mississippi’s natural beauty. Reeves looks forward to discussing her initiatives and what she is hoping to accomplish during the upcoming year. Committed to giving back to her community and her fellow

Mississippians, Reeves volunteers her time to numerous charitable and civic organizations. Elee and Governor Tate Reeves are the proud parents of three daughters, Tyler, Emma and Maddie. They attend Gallaway Memorial United Methodist Church. The First Family enjoys sharing their home with their King Charles Cavalier dogs, Belle and Hazel."

Tickets are available to residents fifty-five years of age and older, $5 a head. There will be no registrations holds, as space is limited.

On the following Tuesday, July 20, at 11:30 a.m., the Brown Bag Lunch will host Lori Matthews with Care & Care Senior Home Services, LLC. She will discuss providing care to loved ones while also giving a much needed break to other family members. Attendees are asked to bring lunch, and PSS will provide drinks.

Movie Matinee to be held July 26 at 1 p.m. The movie of the month is Percy vs. Goliath. Academy Award Winner Christopher Walken, Zach Braff and Christina Ricci star in the true story of a small-town farmer taking on one of the largest agricultural and food manufacturing corporations. Percy Schmeiser (Walken), a third-generation farmer, is sued by a corporate giant for allegedly using their patented seeds. With little resources to fight the giant legal battle, Percy joins forces with up-and-coming attorney Jack Weaver (Braff) and environmental activities Rebecca Salcau (Ricci) to fight the monumental case all the way up to the Supreme Court.

Those interested in registering for activities with PSS are encouraged to do so in advance, as space is limited.

Also of note is the monthly Monday Movie Matinee to be held July 26 at 1 p.m. The movie of the month is Percy vs. Goliath. Academy Award Winner Christopher Walken, Zach Braff and Christina Ricci star in the true story of a small-town farmer taking on one of the largest agricultural and food manufacturing corporations. Percy Schmeiser (Walken), a third-generation farmer, is sued by a corporate giant for allegedly using their patented seeds. With little resources to fight the giant legal battle, Percy joins forces with up-and-coming attorney Jack Weaver (Braff) and environmental activities Rebecca Salcau (Ricci) to fight the monumental case all the way up to the Supreme Court.

Those interested in registering for activities with PSS are encouraged to do so in advance, as space is limited.

To stay up-to-date on these activities and more, visit the PSS Facebook page or www.cityofpearl.com for more information.

The original concept came from the Mississippi College (MC) Art Education Program, where Vashti Graham had been a student. She, along with her classmates, visited Batson Children's Hospital and met with nine patients who had agreed to participate in the project. Unfortunately, due to complications arising from COVID-19, the project had to be scrapped.

When Graham became a teacher at PJHS this past fall, she decided the project was worth a second try, and with MC’s permission, Graham completed as a teacher what she began as a student. Graham, having already fabricated the set of four rainbow sculptures and the red pizza creature with Leo the dog at MC, was able to guide her sixth-grade art students to complete the pink girl, the butterfly, and the four-armed blue sculpture.

Graham then asked three other middle school art teachers to join the project. Cathryn Beck's seventh grade students completed the three headed monster that was started at MC. Sara Hall's eighth grade students completed the American superhero and party man. Kacee Hobson's creative project class completed the rainbow cloud. Eventually, the fanciful three-dimensional creations became a gallery on wheels at Batson Children’s Hospital where the sculptures are currently on display.

As for the students participating in the unique collaboration, Graham says, "They enjoyed being able to put their own twist and style on the projects. They liked that they had the ability to make another child feel loved and supported."

Members of the UMMC Child Life Specialist Team, from left, Michelle Chambers, Courtney Easterday, Pepper Weed-Cooper, Morgan Flournoy, Madeline Wilson, Tiffany Key, Cara Williams, Ashley Prendez, Erinn Funches and Kelsey Clark prepare for an art walk at the Batson Tower featuring life-size sculptures of patient's artwork Wednesday, May 19, 2021. The hand-made sculptures were made by Pearl Junior High art students

What happens when summer vacation is still going strong, but mom and dad have to return to work? What happens when you want your child to still have a good balance of education and fun over the break? How can a common ground be found when it comes expectations on a summer schedule? We spoke with a child expert from Canopy Children’s Solutions (Canopy) to get a few tips on how to help us navigate through the summer time limbo.

First thing first, no parent wants all that learning and growth from the previous school year to go to waste, but it can be a challenge to get children motivated to spend time doing educational activities while on break. “One thing parents can do is have a contest to see who can read more books throughout the summer, while providing incentives for desired goals which increase as they reach the end of the summer,” said Therapist Caleb Cauthen, LPC. “Implementing strategies like this is a fun way to keep children’s minds sharp and encourage a little healthy competition. The key is to make learning fun, especially during the summer.”

Having a fun and productive summer is important when trying to find a balance. Parents can help achieve this by creating a weekly summer schedule. The schedule can include things like educational activities, fun days or activities, chores, and more. Being productive during the summer and teaching responsibility to children, even during break can have a significant impact. “I provide a summer schedule for my client’s parents. I encourage them to alter this schedule to best fit them and their child,” Cauthen said. “Chores could be assigned throughout the day or chosen with priority and importance. Parents do need to hold their kids accountable if an expectation or rule is not met, or is broken. Discuss behaviors and consequences with them in a nonjudgmental tone when they have not met their goals daily or weekly.” This can help teach children responsibility, while staying active throughout the summer.

Having a set weekly schedule can also help parents manage the household while they return to work and the children are left home. This would give parents the opportunity to discuss expectations and rules to the children for when they will be home alone. “Parents could utilize the schedule to include emergency contact information and instructions, check in times, and could even go as far as adding a nutritious snack or meal plan. Parents should go over the schedule with their children and leave it in an accessible place,” Cauthen suggested.

All in all, everyone enjoys summer breaks and having fun. Going to the beach, reading a good book, or even playing video games. Adding a little structure for children can help parents and children benefit from the well-deserved break. The goal is to have fun, learn, and grow. Happy Summer!

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) continues its support for a statewide initiative that assists local residents schedule free rides to local COVID-19 vaccination sites. While not limited to a particular group, the emphasis is placed on linking persons facing transportation challenges, such as disabled or low-income individuals, veterans, and the elderly, with available transportation providers.

MDOT’s toll-free line, 1-866-813-3616, offers information and referrals for transportation to vaccination sites by connecting callers to a designated regional call center.

This initiative is being coordinated through six networks of regional community transportation providers across the state.

“My wife and I have taken both of our vaccine shots without any complications. I encourage everyone to get vaccinated as soon as they are able,” said Commissioner Willie Simmons, Central Transportation District. “While the vaccine is not 100 percent full proof against the virus, it will likely keep those that get it from having to go to the hospital, or funeral home.”

When contacting the toll-free number, the caller will be able to select their scheduled vaccination site from a menu of six options; Delta Area, Golden Triangle Area, Northeast Area, Central Area, Southern Area and Southwest Area. Once the region is selected, the caller will be connected to the designated call center for the ride to be scheduled within 24-48 hours. For evening and weekend calls, every effort will be made to confirm scheduled trips by the next business day.

“If not having transportation is stopping you from being vaccinated, the solution is at your fingertips,” said Simmons. “Please utilize these resources that will help keep you, your family and fellow Mississippians safe.”

The menu will also include an information option for questions and referrals through MDOT’s Public Transit Division. To reach the Public Transit Division contact them directly at (601) 359-7800.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for providing a safe intermodal transportation network that is planned, designed, constructed and maintained in an effective, cost-efficient and environmentally sensitive manner. MDOT’s objective is to maximize taxpayer’s dollars by providing a safe, efficient multimodal network that enhances economic stability and growth. For more information, visit GoMDOT.com.

On the evening of July 7th, the Florence Aldermen Board Members were sworn in by the city attorney. The mayor, the 5 aldermen, and their families attended the inauguration Tuesday evening. Mayor Bob Norris was sworn in first by placing his left hand on the bible and his right hand in the air, followed by the other aldermen Todd Norris, John Helms, Trey Gunn, Brian Grantham, and John Banks. John Helms has his son hold the bible for him, and Brian Grantham and John Banks had his wife and daughter hold theirs. The short inauguration was filled with lots of laughs, love, and pride. These men will do a wonderful job leading our city over the next 4 year term.

Also appointed were John Helms as mayor pro-tem, Ringer, Lingold & Spencer as city attorney and prosecutor, Ken Fairly as city judge, Joshua McCrory and Randy Clark as city judge pro-tem, Sarah Gregory as indigent attorney, Linda Wigley as city clerk, and Dan McClendon as chief of police. This was done simply by the attorney saying to appoint the person as per the same terms and conditions as the prior fiscal years, and the mayor and board approving.

About 4 a.m. a Toyota RAV4 was travelling eastbound on I-20 and left the roadway at mile marker 50.6 (about halfway between Pearson Rd and Airport Rd.), went several feet into the tree line and caught fire.

There were no witnesses that saw the SUV leave the road but several motorists called 911 seeing the flames.

There was one female in the vehicle that died.

Rankin County Coroner David Ruth is working on the official identification of the victim and is the contact for that information.

Star Baptist Church located at 301 Magnum Dr in Star will have a community celebration for the 4th of July! This celebration will begin at 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 4th and end with a fireworks show at 8:15 in the evening.

During these hours, guests are encouraged to come join in with contests including best homemade ice cream, the most patriotic family, watermelon seed spitting, pie eating, and corn hole. All contestants must register by 5 p.m. at the church office.

The kids can join in on all the fun too with a kids’ parade (can be anything on wheels!), water slides, and face painting.

There will also be live music featuring “Day Three Rio” and classic 4th of July food with hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, and snow cones. Everyone is encouraged to attend this down-home celebration and with the fireworks at 8:15 p.m., there is plenty of time to make the well-known Empire Truck Sales show at 9 p.m. in Richland.

July 1 - 11... Need July 4th plans? Join us Sunday July 4th for both the carnival and other activities. See more details here.

16 carnival rides, games and food wagons... fun for the whole family!

Ride list includes the Gentle Giant Ferris Wheel, Merry Go Round, Sizzler, Tornado, Kiddie Carousel, Mini Tea Cup, Super Slide and many more!

Rides accept 3 - 8 tickets; hours, prices & rides subject to change, weather permitting.

Regular Ticket Prices:

1 Ticket - $1.50

10 Tickets - $15

22 Tickets - $25

55 Tickets - $55

Wristband prices include unlimited rides (See POP wristband prices below).

Thursday, July 1

5:00pm – 11:00pm

POP Wristband $25

Friday, July 2

5:00pm – 11:00pm

POP Wristband $30

Saturday, July 3

1:00pm – 11:00pm

POP Wristband $30

Sunday, July 4

1:00pm – 11:00pm

POP Wristband $30

Monday, July 5

5:00pm – 11:00pm*

POP Wristband $30

Tuesday, July 6

5:00pm – 11:00pm

POP Wristband $25

Wednesday, July 7

5:00pm – 11:00pm

POP Wristband $25

Thursday, July 8

5:00pm – 11:00pm

POP Wristband $25

Friday, July 9

5:00pm – 11:00pm

POP Wristband $30

Saturday, July 10

1:00pm – 11:00pm

POP Wristband $30

Sunday, July 11

1:00pm – 11:00pm

POP Wristband $25

Outlets of Mississippi

200 Bass Pro Drive

Pearl, MS 39208

(769) 972-3000

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) introduces “The Extra Mile” podcast. This podcast is aimed at taking Mississippi’s traveling public behind the scenes of transportation infrastructure in the state.

“There is so much that happens here at MDOT, especially behind the scenes, that many people never hear about; our agency has so many moving parts, from project planning and bidding, intermodal, traffic control, our digital messaging signs, and they all work together in different ways to keep the traveling public safe and moving,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “We believe this podcast will answer many transportation questions and help Mississippians better understand how MDOT works.”

“The Extra Mile” focuses on ongoing projects happening throughout the state, MDOT’s role in severe weather, travel resources available for the public, technology’s role in transportation, work zone safety and much more. There will also be interviews with MDOT employees and leaders, and transportation infrastructure stakeholders outside of the agency.

MDOT Executive Director Brad White is the first guest on the podcast.

Click Here for Podcast Episode 1

You can subscribe and download “The Extra Mile” wherever podcasts can be found. For more information on “The Extra Mile” click here.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for providing a safe intermodal transportation network that is planned, designed, constructed and maintained in an effective, cost-efficient and environmentally sensitive manner. MDOT’s objective is to maximize taxpayer’s dollars by providing a safe, efficient multimodal network that enhances economic stability and growth. For more information, visit GoMDOT.com.

Anheuser-Busch (A-B), the country’s leading brewer, recently announced a national campaign with the White House to help meet President Biden’s goal of encouraging as many Americans as possible to get vaccinated against COVID-19 by July 4th. With many parts of the country in a pivotal transition phase, the brewer is doubling down on its pledge to use its unique capabilities and deep connection to consumers to lead a strong and safe recovery by encouraging consumers to get their vaccines with its biggest beer giveaway in history.

“At Anheuser-Busch, we are committed to supporting the safe and strong recovery of our nation and being able to be together again at the places and with the people we have missed so much. This commitment includes encouraging Americans to get vaccinated, and we are excited to buy Americans 21+ a round of beer when we reach the White House goal,” said Michel Doukeris, CEO, Anheuser-Busch. “We pride ourselves on stepping up both in times of need and in times of great celebration, and the past year has been no different. As we look ahead to brighter days with renewed optimism, we are proud to work alongside the White House to make a meaningful impact for our country, our communities and our consumers.”

As part of Anheuser-Busch’s “Let’s Grab A Beer” initiative aimed at playing an active role in the country’s recovery and making the moments that we come together over a beer even better, the brewer will offer its biggest beer giveaway ever to give eligible adults another reason to get their vaccines by July 4th. When the nation reaches the White House’s goal of seventy percent of adults partially vaccinated, Anheuser-Busch will buy America’s next round of beer, seltzer, non-alcoholic beverage or other A-B product* – inclusive of over 100 brands – to enjoy with family and friends. Adults 21+ will simply upload a picture of themselves in their favorite place to grab a beer, whether with friends at their favorite local bar and restaurant or with family in their very own backyard, at MyCooler.com/Beer to enter to receive a beer on A-B.

“For us, everything begins and ends with people, and consumers are at the center of everything we do,” said Marcel Marcondes, CMO, Anheuser-Busch. “Since last March, we’ve been focused on pivoting all our plans in order to ensure that our brands remained relevant and meaningful, through tangible actions. And now that we are at this pivotal moment where people are excited to be together again, it only makes sense that we would unite our full portfolio and take this action to encourage people to get vaccinated. There’s never been a better time to be able to say, ‘let’s grab a beer.’”

Today’s announcement is also another way Anheuser-Busch is using its unique capabilities in support of COVID-19 safety and recovery. In addition to producing and donating hand sanitizer to support critical relief and safety efforts, the brewer’s brands have also stepped up to provide consumers a sense of joy, comfort and normalcy. Most recently, Budweiser, celebrated National Beer Day with a reminder that COVID-19 vaccines can help bring people back together in a film that marked the next chapter of the partnership between Budweiser and the Ad Council COVID Collaborative’s COVID-19 Vaccine Education Initiative. The King of Beers also rewarded those 21+ who showed proof of vaccination with a “Beer on Bud”. To bring back some much-needed fun and be sure everyone across America has the best summer ever, Bud Light introduced the “Bud Light Summer Stimmy”– a proposal designed to hook 21+ fans up with prizes worth up to a total of $10 million.

To help prepare the on-premise for safe and successful re-openings, the brewer joined the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Revival Campaign as the exclusive beer partner, and through Stella Artois, committed $2.25 million to the ServSafe Dining Commitment. The partnership with the National Restaurant Association was part of Anheuser-Busch's broader commitment to lifting up the bar and restaurant industry. In addition to donating over $5 million in partnership with the U.S. Bartenders Guild, the James Beard Foundation and others, the brewer’s brands highlighted local restaurants that were “Open for Takeout,” and encouraged consumers to safety return to the on-premise with “Your Table Is Ready,” in addition to other programs.

Earlier this year, as part of its commitment to leading the recovery, Anheuser-Busch announced it is planning to invest more than $1 billion over the next two years in its facilities to drive economic prosperity in communities across the U.S., further fortify its operations, and strengthen connections to its consumers. The brewer has since announced several significant investments as part of that commitment, including nearly $300 million to produce Stella Artois in the U.S. and $100 million in its St. Louis brewery to support domestic operations for EverGrain, an innovative barley ingredient company.

Read more about Anheuser-Busch’s support of COVID-19 recovery efforts at www.anheuser-busch.com/community/response-to-covid-19.html.

*LET’S GRAB A BEER GIVEAWAY. No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents (excluding AL, CA & TX residents) 21+. Begins when 70% of U.S. adults receive at least one (1) COVID-19 vaccine dose as determined by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) and ends at 11:59 EDT on the seventh (7th) day following the date that the CDC confirms that 70% of adults have received at least one (1) COVID-19 vaccine, or until all prizes have been awarded, whichever comes first. See Official Rules at MyCooler.com/beer for prizes and details. Void where prohibited. Prize is a $5.00 virtual debit card that can be used to purchase one (1) Anheuser-Busch product.

COVID-19 vaccinations for Mississippians are available at no cost from MSDH sites around the state, and from some local healthcare providers.

MSDH operates free vaccination sites in locations around the state for anyone twelve years of age or older. (A parent or guardian must accompany minors to their vaccination.) No appointment is required, but optional appointments are available for quicker service. They also operate special one-week vaccination sites in selected locations.

The state continues to offer COVID-19 vaccination appointments at MSDH drive through, walk in, and pop-up sites. Currently, first and second doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are available. Mississippi is currently offering COVID-19 immunizations to persons aged twelve and over.

Parents of twelve-to-seventeen-year old's now have the ability to schedule first dose Pfizer appointments in the UMMC scheduler. They still have the option to schedule through the hotline if they choose. Parental consent is required to schedule an appointment and receive vaccine through an MSDH Vaccination location. To be effective, two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are required. Both doses must be the same vaccine. The second Pfizer vaccine dose should be given within three to six weeks after the first dose and the second Moderna vaccine dose should be given four to six weeks after the first dose. (*Both are still effective if received more than twenty-one or twenty-eight days apart*) To ensure the second dose received is the same type of vaccine, schedule second dose appointment at the same location where the first dose was received. Second dose appointments will be made on-site, after receipt of the first dose. If the first dose has been received, but no second dose appointment has been scheduled, call the COVID19 Hotline below to schedule a second dose appointment.

The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is now available at designated locations. The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is a one dose vaccine. No second dose appointment is required.

A Fact Sheet on the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine can be found at ,https://www.janssenlabels.com/emergency-use-authorization/Janssen+COVID-19+Vaccine-Recipient-fact-sheet.pdf .

To receive the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, choose an appointment at a location marked (Johnson & Johnson).

Upon arrival, expect vaccination and related paperwork to take about ten minutes. MDHS also has a fifteen-minute observation period after vaccination.

For any questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine, call 877-978-6453.

Current MSDH sites in Rankin County:

Monday, June 21

Rankin County: Brandon High School, 3090 Hwy 18, Brandon

Rankin County Health Department, 401 Parkway Dr, Pearl

Tuesday, June 22

Rankin County Health Department, 401 Parkway Dr, Pearl

Wednesday, June 23

Rankin County: Brandon High School, 3090 Hwy 18, Brandon

Friday, June 25

Rankin County: Brandon High School, 3090 Hwy 18, Brandon

Some hospitals, private healthcare providers and pharmacies have also received COVID-19 vaccine distributed to them for administration to persons eligible in Mississippi. Contact a provider directly to find out about cost and the availability of appointments.

LOCAL VACCINATION PROVIDERS IN SOUTHWEST RANKIN:

PEARL

• Walmart, COVID-19 Vaccines at This Location: Pfizer-BioNTech (age twelve+); 5520 US-80, Pearl, 39208, 601-939-0281;
• CVS Pharmacy, COVID-19 Vaccines at This Location: Pfizer-BioNTech (age twelve+); 3201 US-80, Pearl, 39208, 601-939-0834;
• Walgreens, COVID-19 Vaccines at This Location: Pfizer-BioNTech (age twelve+); 3189 US-80, Pearl, 39208, 601-664-0641;
• Alliance Primary Care Plus, COVID-19 Vaccines at This Location: Moderna (age eighteen+); 209 Riverwind East Drive, Suite B, Pearl, 39208, 769-572-5343;
• HealthPlus Pharmacy, COVID-19 Vaccines at This Location: Johnson & Johnson/Janssen (age eighteen+); 238 South Pearson Road, Pearl, 39208, 617-270-6986;
• Baptist Medical Group – Rankin/Internal Medicine*, 3011 Greenfield Road, Pearl, 855-733-8863;
• The Pediatric Dental Studio*, 201 Riverwind East Drive, Pearl, 601-965-9549;
• Family Health Care Clinic, Inc.-Pearl*, 4635 Highway 80 East, Pearl, 1-800-508-7481;
• 360 Healthcare Clinic*, 202 St. Paul Street, Pearl, 769-572-7819;
• **NEW**Sams Club, COVID-19 Vaccines at This Location: Moderna (age eighteen+); 90 Bass Pro Drive, Pearl, 39208, 601-939-4161.

*call to confirm vaccine type and availability

RICHLAND

• CVS Pharmacy, COVID-19 Vaccines at This Location: Pfizer-BioNTech (age twelve+), 915 US 49, Richland, 39218, 601-939-3970;
• Walmart, 200 Market Place, Richland, 39218, 601-939-0538 COVID-19 Vaccines at This Location: Moderna (age eighteen+), Pfizer-BioNTech (age twelve+);
• Kroger Pharmacy, COVID-19 Vaccines at This Location: Pfizer-BioNTech (age twelve+), Johnson & Johnson/Janssen (age eighteen+); 1167 US 49 Frontage Road, Richland, 39218, 601-664-0600;
• Walgreens, COVID-19 Vaccines at This Location: Pfizer-BioNTech (age twelve+); 1199 US 49 Frontage Road, Richland, 39218, 601-932-3818;
• Baptist Medical Group – Richland*, 1201 Highway 49 South, Suite1, Richland, 855-733-8863.

*call to confirm vaccine type and availability

FLORENCE

• South Rankin Family Clinic*, 128 Earl Clark Drive, Florence, 601-891-8465;
• Florence Family Clinic*, 218 East Main Street, Florence, 601-845-6602.

*call to confirm vaccine type and availability

To check if a location is currently available, or to make an appointment, visit ,www.vaccines.gov and enter the zip code.

Free transportation to vaccination sites:

All appointments include free transportation courtesy of Lyft/Uber at:

,https://www.lyft.com/vaccine-access?utm_source=vanityurl

or

,https://www.uber.com/us/en/coronavirus/?%243p=a_custom_354088&~campaign=Free-Rides-Vaccines&_branch_match_id=931923754861154260&utm_campaign=Free-Rides-Vaccines&utm_medium=paid%20advertising

MDOT’s toll-free line, 1-866-813-3616, offers information and referrals for transportation to vaccination sites by connecting callers to a designated regional call center.

Homebound? For homebound residents who need assistance getting the COVID-19 vaccination, send e-mail to ,COVIDHomebound@msdh.ms.gov

Host a local vaccination event:

MSDH will assist organizations, cities, groups or individuals interested in holding a COVID-19 vaccination event in their community, particularly in rural or minority communities with less access to COVID-19 vaccinations. Call the Mississippi COVID-19 Hotline at 877-978-6453 for more details, or e-mail ,VaccineEvent@msdh.ms.gov

The Florence aldermen meeting of the mayor and board was held on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at 6:30 in the evening. These meetings are held inside city hall every first and third Tuesday of the month. Before the official meeting began, they discussed allowing transit vendors, such as Bougie Coffee, to be allowed to set up in parking lots inside the city of Florence with approval of the business parking lot owners.

This shall be discussed further at later meetings as the city attorney is looking over the current standards for vendors. When the official meeting began, they first heard from Brennan Miller with the youth scout project. He wanted approval to build a tennis return board for use at the tennis courts at Hemphill Park. This board would allow kids to practice tennis without the accompaniment of a second player; it would have wheels and be able to move around the court without tearing up the existing ground covering.

Brennan’s request was approved, so be on the lookout for his scout group to begin construction of this project soon! Next, a small discussion about part-time security at Berry’s Fish House on the weekends was approved. The board then moved to the street department where they approved the repair of certain streets in the city. The first approval was for the ditch at Eastwood Subdivision. The washout that has occurred here has been approved to be repaired, and JMT Construction will begin repair in the near future. Also approved is the repair of two streets in the Southern Oaks subdivision. These streets are the entrance for the neighborhood and East Southern Oaks Drive.

They will begin with the overlay repair of these streets soon. Finally, the city engineer requested the authorization to advertise and accept bids for the sewer rehab project for the city. This sanitation project will be advertised on June 23rd and 30th, with the final bids being opened on July 23rd at 10 in the morning. Electronic bidding was denied, so only paper bids in sealed envelopes will be accepted. There will be more details about this project by the end of the summer. The meeting came to an end just before 7 p.m., and the next meeting will be held on July 6th.

The Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) is seeking public comment on two policies that call for all school districts to resume in-person instruction as the primary mode of teaching starting in the 2021-22 school year. The policies set requirements for districts that choose to offer a virtual learning option to individual students and establish standards for virtual learning days.

The SBE’s action aligns with the requirements of the federal American Rescue Plan Act, which provides money to schools to help safely reopen and maintain safe operations.

“The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) remains committed to providing guidance and support to help districts ensure all students have access to in-person learning,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education.

Under the proposed policies, districts that offer a virtual option for individual students must adopt local board-approved policies that include the criteria for students to participate in virtual learning, requirements for equipment, connectivity, attendance and student conduct, and assurances of equal access and non-discrimination and the delivery of Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students with disabilities.

All students who take part in virtual learning will be required to take statewide assessments on campus.

The SBE’s proposed policies will allow districts to provide schoolwide or districtwide virtual learning days in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as weather emergencies or an epidemic prevailing in the district. However, districts must ensure any virtual learning days include actual teaching for a minimum of 330 minutes, as state law requires. Districts are required to provide a minimum of 180 days of instruction.

The SBE provided districts with broad flexibility in the 2020-21 school year to help manage the COVID-19 outbreak. Districts were allowed to meet the 180-day teaching requirement through traditional, virtual or a hybrid of in-person and distance learning. The SBE voted in April to end the pandemic-related flexibilities.

To assist with virtual learning, the Legislature provided $200 million in 2020 through the Mississippi Connects program, which provided every public-school student with a computer device to learn. The next phase of the Mississippi Connects program includes professional development and support from digital learning instructional coaches, who will help teachers, schools and districts effectively use educational technology and improve student outcomes statewide.

Proposed virtual learning policies to start in 2021-22:

School-Wide and District-Wide Virtual Learning Days

Virtual Students

The APA comment period will be open through July 12, 2021 at 5 p.m. The comments will be submitted to the SBE on July 15, 2021 for consideration of final approval. The APA comments will be submitted to Dr. Jo Ann Malone at accreditation@mdek12.org.

Through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) at the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), participants statewide are now able to use eWIC benefit cards to get healthy food more easily.

eWIC benefit cards work like debit cards: simply swipe and enter your PIN. The cards are accepted at 275 authorized locations, including 160 grocery stores, 103 grocery stores with pharmacies, and 12 independent pharmacies across Mississippi.

Because WIC’s emphasis is on healthy eating for mothers, infants and children, eWIC cards can be used to buy milk, cereal, yogurt, juice, eggs, cheese, peanut butter, beans, whole wheat bread, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat and corn tortillas, fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables, baby formula and baby food. Each participant has a unique food package and may not be eligible to get all food items.

“This is a dramatic increase in access from the 95 WIC food distribution centers we were operating. This change gives our clients more variety of food options and more flexibility in when and where they shop,” said Diane W. Hargrove, Director of the WIC program.

WIC is a supplemental food program for pregnant, breastfeeding, and post-partum women, infants, and children under 5. The program helps mothers and babies get healthy foods and healthy advice in the first years of life.

Each eWIC card will have a unique account number. WIC will use that number to send benefits to the account each month. Any WIC benefits that are not used during the monthly cycle do not roll over. WIC will reload the card when the next benefit period begins.

For additional information about WIC and an updated list of authorized vendors, please check our website at www.HealthyMS.com/WIC, or call (601) 991-6000 or toll-free 1-800-545-6747.

These two powerhouse arts organizations join forces to bring you an evening filled with beautiful music and world-class dance. Held every four years, the USA International Ballet Competition is a two-week “Olympic-style” competition for top young dancers and a major stepping-stone toward a professional career. Competitors from all over the world vie for gold, silver, and bronze medals; cash prizes; and company contracts. Dancers for this evening include Princess Reid (Joffrey Ballet), Chisako Oga (Boston Ballet), Derek Dunn (Boston Ballet), Misa Kuranaga (San Francisco Ballet), Brooklyn Mack (international guest artist), and Julia Rust (Joffrey Ballet).

In addition to the great dance performances, the Lagniappe Trio, featuring Rachel Taratoot Ciraldo, flute, Christopher Lowry, viola and composer, and Stephanie Gustafson Amfahr, harp, will perform to make the evening a perfect pairing of music and dance.

As a special offering for students of dance, the USA International Ballet Competition presents a barre class, Friday, June 11 from 12:00 noon - 1:30 p.m. at the South Mississippi Ballet Theatre (5296 Old Hwy 11 #5, Hattiesburg, MS 39402). In this class, Joffrey dancer and 2018 USA IBC medalist, will teach a special limited capacity class for aspiring dancers. Recommended or intermediate and advanced level dancers age 12 and up. Participants should wear leotards, tights, ballet shoes, have hair secured neatly (a bun for ladies), and a mask. The cost for the master class is $25 per participant. Visit festivalsouth.org to pre-register and for complete details.

Tickets, registration and more information may be found at festivalsouth.org. For more information, visit festivalsouth.org and social media including Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter.

Website:

https://festivalsouth.org/event/on-pointe-usa-international-ballet-competition-showcase/

Image:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/dq9w8cq0ler49u3/ON%20POINTES%20USA%20IBC%20DANCERS.jpg?dl=0

Video:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/6n4g1dn49bsv8bl/ON%20POINTE%20IBC%20PROMO%202021.mp4?dl=0

The 2021 City General Election was held June 8. Here are the results from the two contested races: Alderman-At-Large: John P. McHenry (R)* 1,331 Willie Moore (I) 619 Alderman District 5: James W. Thompson (I)* 411 Willie Harvey (D) 279 Gary Spurgeon (R) 53 The Mayor and Board of Aldermen will be sworn in on ***July 1***, The first board meeting will be Tuesday, July 5. Mayor Jake Windham John McHenry, Alderman at Large Sammy Williams, District 1 Keith Dennis, District 2 Johnny Steverson, District 3 Casey Foy, District 4 James Thompson, District 5 Gavin Gill, District 6

This expansion will include six counties in the Central District

Central District Public Service Commissioner Brent Bailey announced the final approval for federal funds to Aristotle Unified Communications LLC and Windstream Communications LLC to support the deployment of high-speed internet service to customers across six counties in the Central District.

The Commission conducted a special open meeting on Thursday. Following a unanimous vote by the Commission, Windstream Communications, LLC was approved to receive funds through the Federal Communications Commission’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) Phase 1 Auction. Aristotle Unified Communications, LLC was approved by the Commission at a later date.

Within the Central District, Aristotle Unified Communications will receive $1,484,976.08 to distribute to 4,347 locations in three counties- Issaquena, Sharkey and Yazoo. Windstream Communications will receive a total of $9,426,300 with some of those funds covering costs to provide service in Copiah, Hinds and Rankin counties, which are also located within the Central District.

“I am excited to join my fellow Commissioners in closing the broadband divide we have had for too long across much of rural Mississippi,” Commissioner Bailey said. “With these funds, these companies will have the ability to provide reliable, good quality service at just, reasonable and affordable rates for those who are unserved or underserved. I am thrilled to be a part of the enormous steps we as a Commission have been taking over the last year with the common goal of bringing connectivity to all Mississippians.”

Overall, Mississippi had a total of 24 winning bidders of RDOF funds who will potentially receive a collective total of $495,725,799.60. Mississippi received the second highest amount of funds in the country, following California. More information on the RDOF Phase I auction is available at https://www.fcc.gov/auction/904, including complete auction results and a map of winning bids.

The Courts of Mississippi are pleased to announce Pearl River Community College’s inaugural program for court reporters. Classes are scheduled to begin Aug. 6 at the Hattiesburg campus of Pearl River Community College.

The program is designed to respond to an urgent need for well-trained professional stenographers to record, transcribe and create an official record of court proceedings. There is a shortage of certified court reporters, as retirements have outpaced new people coming into the profession. There are currently 281 licensed court reporters in Mississippi, according to the Mississippi Board of Certified Court Reporters. There were 375 licensed court reporters a decade ago. That includes official court reporters for all federal and state courts as well as freelance court reporters.

For students considering court reporting as a profession, “You are not going to have a problem finding a job,” said Rose Sanchez of Hattiesburg, who became the Mississippi Court Reporters Association president in April. She is a court reporter for Circuit Judge Prentiss Harrell in the 15th Circuit District.

Other employment opportunities are available outside the courtroom, with the need for closed captioning in television, movies, sports broadcasting and other venues.

Twila Jordan-Hoover of Carriere, immediate past president of the Mississippi Court Reporters Association, and Sanchez will teach classes on Friday and Saturday twice a month. The hybrid program will also include online classes.

The new program is prepared to enroll as many as 15 students, said Dr. Jana Causey, Vice President for the Forrest County campus of PRCC. The first step for interested students is to apply for enrollment at PRCC. Enrollment information may be found on the college’s website, www.prcc.edu.

Leaders of the Mississippi Court Reporters Association set plans in motion for a training program about three years ago. Sanchez, Jordan-Hoover and other court reporters around the state volunteered to provide in-person instruction through a national organization that provides a hybrid online six-week introduction to court reporting. The free program, known as A to Z, is designed to give students an opportunity to learn about a possible career path without investing a lot of time and money.

Online programs are available through which students can pursue training, but the nearest classroom program for court reporting was in Gadsden, Ala. “The problem is if they leave, what if they don’t come back,” Jordan-Hoover said. She knows several A to Z participants who went to classes in Alabama and Texas. “Having a school here will allow us to keep our students here and fulfill the need we have in our state.”

Jordan-Hoover works as a court reporter for Chancellor Deborah Gambrell Chambers in the 10th Chancery District. She discussed the association’s ideas with Judge Gambrell Chambers, who reached out to Supreme Court Chief Justice Mike Randolph and to Mississippi Judicial College Director Randy Pierce. They discussed ways to set up a training program and contacted several colleges and universities. Pearl River Community College agreed to provide the program and obtained approval for the curriculum.

“There was a need and we just figured out a way to bring it to fruition,” said Judge Gambrell Chambers. “Pearl River Community College and its leadership are to be commended,” Pierce said.

Chief Justice Randolph said, “I am extremely pleased that the leaders of the Court Reporters Association, in conjunction with urging by Judge Gambrell Chambers, and the willingness of Pearl River Community College, have created this wonderful opportunity for young people to get involved in a very well-respected and well-paid profession. This will provide a career path for those individuals who do not desire a four year education, but seek a meaningful and rewarding career.”

Chancellor Kiley Kirk and Court Administrator Erin Land of the Sixth Chancery Court know the frustration of searching for temporary court reporters to fill in. The official court reporter left in April. Land said, “I call around and just try to find one to schedule for motions and trial dates.” Trial dates are scheduled into next year. But, Land said, “Nobody really wants to schedule that far in advance.” Judge Kirk said, “I like for things to be lined up. I’m having to work in an atmosphere of uncertainty.”

Soldiers from units across Mississippi are conducting their

annual training with the Mississippi National Guard at the National Training

Center at Fort Irwin, California now through the month of June.

The MSNG is a lethal, relevant, and ready force. They are prepared to

deploy for missions in Mississippi and beyond when our Nation calls. The

155th is one of two Army National Guard fully modernized brigade combat

teams in the U.S. Army and is the largest unit in the Mississippi National Guard with approximately 3,850 Soldiers (including Kansas' 1-635th Armor

Regiment). The brigade's 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment is the sixth

oldest infantry regiment in the U.S. Army and is known as the "Mississippi

Rifles."

The Magnolia State's NTC rotation is designed by the U.S. Army's Total

Force Policy training guidelines. Mississippi is just one of several states

serving together executing joint training focused on realistic scenarios

designed to challenge a multitude of military occupational specialties and

diverse units from across the state and nation to include but not limited

to;

. 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team - Tupelo

. 1st Battalion, 155th Infantry Regiment - McComb

. 2d Battalion, 198th Armor Regiment - Senatobia

. 2d Battalion, 114th Field Artillery Regiment - Starkville

. 1st Squadron, 98th Cavalry Regiment - Amory

. 106th Base Support Battalion - Hattiesburg

. 150th Engineer Battalion - Meridian

. 1st Battalion, 635th Armor Regiment - Kansas National Guard

. 184th Sustainment Command - Laurel

. 298th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, Philadelphia

. 113th Military Police Company - Brandon

. 11th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade - Texas National Guard

. A/1-49 Attack Reconnaissance Squadron - Tupelo

. D/1-49 Aviation Maintenance - Tupelo

. A/1-185th Assault Helicopter Battalion - Jackson

. D/1-185th Assault Helicopter Battalion - Jackson

. 238th Air Support Operations Squadron - Meridian

. 172d Airlift Wing - Flowood

. 102d Mobile Public Affairs Detachment - Jackson

Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, the Mississippi National Guard adjutant

general, defines success for this year's annual training mission. "The

Mississippi National Guard's training at the National Training Center offers

a Total Force training opportunity focused on testing our systems and skills

so that we can communicate, move down range, and order equipment and

supplies in an austere environment. The training is realistic and prepares

our soldiers, airmen, and leaders for any mission at home or abroad."

National Guard readiness relies on well-considered planning, expertly

trained personnel, and the willingness to respond to the nation's needs at

moment's notice. Cmd. Sgt. Maj. Silvester Tatum, the Mississippi National

Guard senior enlisted leader, got a firsthand look with MSNG senior leaders

during a recent visit to NTC as our personnel focused on the beginning

phases of training.

"Ensuring readiness and resiliency for our Soldiers is a primary task.

To maintain readiness requires our soldiers and airmen to be deployable,

sustainable, and interoperable with our active duty comrades," said Cmd.

Sgt. Maj. Tatum. "A rotation at the National Training Center enhances our

readiness across the state."

A NTC rotation replicates the tough, realistic operational environment

that America's war fighters face in combat; the training is relevant and

quickly adaptable to emerging threats and technologies in today's current

operational environments and for tomorrow's challenges. The training is

reflective of the complexities of potential adversaries our nation could

face to include: guerrilla, insurgent, criminal and near-peer conventional

forces woven into one dynamic environment. The NTC rotation allows the

155th, and supporting units to build teamwork and maintain combat readiness

for future missions. Total force training benefits include increased

individual soldier and collective battle staff proficiency, standard

operating procedure exchanges, and stronger cross component relationships.

The 155th is developing those partnerships with the Kansas National Guard's

1st Battalion, 635th Armor Regiment as a member of its formation during NTC

2021. The National Guard is unique with the diversity of our professional

soldiers and airmen and the experience and expertise they bring to the Total

Force.

Monticello's 184th Sustainment Command is the lead command element in

Joint Task Force Magnolia assisting the deployment process for the 155th

ABCT's 2021 NTC rotation. It is one of the U.S. Army's 13 sustainment

commands and one of two in the National Guard. The 184th helps to build

combat power and maintain readiness. Without sustainment, units cannot

engage and defeat our adversaries. The 184th and partner elements

facilitated the movement of over 4,000 MSNG personnel and 800 vehicles to

Fort Irwin for the 2021 NTC exercise.

"Our Mississippi Soldiers and Airmen are fully prepared to complete and

support combat operations training at the National Training Center," said

Maj. Gen. Boyles. "This NTC rotation will display the Mississippi National

Guard's robust talent, joint capabilities, and commitment to national

defense."

Members of the MSNG will complete their NTC rotation by the end of

June. MSNG soldiers and airmen are true professionals dedicated to the

safety and security of our state and nation.

MSNG DVIDS Photo and Video links available on page four of the attached MSNG

PRESS RELEASE

MSNG Video - Interview with Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles at NTC June 2, 2021

https://www.dvidshub.net/tags/video/155ntc21?view=list&sort=date

MSNG Imagery - MSNG Service Members Training at NTC 2021

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/6675698/pulling-security

Decorate your bike, scooter, trike,golfcarts, wagon, stroller, and even your dog (must be on a leash and kept under control)…..be sure to turn in your application…..no adult ATV’s, motorized vehicles for children 6 and under only.

Patriotic attire suggested. Men and Women that have served or serving now in the Armed Forces are encouraged to participate in uniform.

For additional information:

click here -> Patriotic Parade – Richland MS or contact Special Events Coordinator Barbara Adams at 601-420-3402.

More than 63,000 Mississippi homeowners currently have flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). An update to the progr ]]>

“I agree with FEMA’s assessment of the update,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. “The NFIP has historically suffered from funding issues and needed a long-term solution to provide flood insurance for years to come. Risk Rating 2.0 ensures protection for flood policyholders going forward.”

In Mississippi, 96% of current policyholders’ premiums will either increase or decrease by $20 or less per month. Over 10,000 policyholders will see an immediate decrease in premiums. An increase or decrease will depend on the property flood zone, year of construction, how the property will be used and elevation difference. Click here for a further breakdown of policy premiums.

“While these changes do result in higher premiums for some policyholders, there will be savings for others,” said Chaney. “There are also private flood insurance providers which is a good thing, providing policyholders with options. Homeowners should also consider improvements to their homes to make them safer and less flood-prone.”

McLaurin Elementary and Rankin County School District are excited to announce the promotion of Dr. Melissa McCray as the new RCSD Director of Elementary Education Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development for the 2021-2022 school year. The staff thanks her for all the magic made at MES under her leadership and are excited for her new journey. Following Dr. McCray’s move to director, Mrs. Kristen Langerman has been promoted from assistant principal to head principal for McLaurin Elementary, and is beyond thrilled to continue her journey with MES. McLaurin Elementary would also like to announce the hiring of Mrs. Amanda Boteler as the new assistant principal for the upcoming school year.

By unanimous consent, the Mississippi Transportation Commission (MTC) has voted to appoint Brad White as the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) beginning July 1, 2021.

White currently serves as Chief of Staff for Governor Tate Reeves. He has previously served as Chief of Staff for United States Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and former United State Senator Thad Cochran.

“Brad has a proven track record in managing governmental affairs on the federal level as well as the state level,” Transportation Commission Chairman Tom King said. “He brings a wealth of knowledge of the legislative process and staff management. He will certainly be an asset to MDOT and we look forward to working with him to move Mississippi’s transportation infrastructure forward.”

White is no stranger to MDOT as he previously served as assistant to former Central District Commissioner Dick Hall from 1999 to 2005.

“I feel in some ways like I’m coming home. MDOT has always been a special place for me,” said White. “I look forward to what we can accomplish together working with the Transportation Commission and MDOT staff.”

The State of Mississippi vests oversight of its transportation resources and operations in a three-member elected Mississippi Transportation Commission representing three geographic areas in the state as defined by the Supreme Court Districts: Northern, Central and Southern. The Commissioners represent the electorate and have the authority and responsibility for the supervision of all modes of transportation in the state dealing with aeronautics, highways, ports, public transit and railroads. In accordance with state law, the Commission is responsible for planning, developing and coordinating a comprehensive, balanced intermodal transportation policy for the state. The Commission membership appoints its Chairman. The Commission appoints an Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) to carry out the day-to-day policies and procedures of the agency.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for providing a safe intermodal transportation network that is planned, designed, constructed and maintained in an effective, cost-efficient and environmentally sensitive manner. MDOT’s objective is to maximize taxpayer’s dollars by providing a safe, efficient multimodal network that enhances economic stability and growth. For more information, visit GoMDOT.com.

Special to The Clinton Courier

The American Heart Association’s annual Metro Jackson Go Red for Women Luncheon Digital Experience is set for Thursday, June 10, at 12 p.m. The virtual event will raise money and awareness about women’s number one health threat: heart disease. The American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all, invites all Mississippians to join the experience that will offer educational opportunities, an inspiring story from a special little survivor, and share what is being done to improve the lives of people living in communities across the state.

The American Heart Association’s signature initiative, Go Red for Women®, is a comprehensive platform designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women globally. While nearly eighty percent of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, claiming the lives of one in three women. The American Heart Association believes losing even one woman is too many. This year’s digital experience will be an opportunity to come together and take action against heart disease in women while empowering guests to take charge of their physical, mental and maternal health. Guests will learn about the efforts of the American Heart Association throughout the last year as the work of the organization moves forward to ensure longer, healthier lives for everyone in Mississippi communities.

“The work being done in Mississippi is having an incredible impact on our community to reach those in need of additional support or simple awareness about the impacts of heart disease and stroke,” said Emily Speed, co-chair of the Metro Jackson Go Red for Women® movement. “We’re excited to invite everyone to join us for this year’s luncheon to learn more about how they can play a role in making real change in their health and the health of our community.”

WJTV-12’s Chloe Ortega will emcee the event.

Registration must be completed to reserve a spot and receive the digital invitation. For more information or to register, visit metrojacksongored.heart.org.

The Mississippi School of the Arts (MSA) is accepting applications for the Dance, Vocal and Media Arts/Filmmaking Departments. Students who will be entering 11th grade apply online on the MSA website www.msabrookhaven.org. The process for admission includes on-line application, virtual audition and interview. Accepted students attend their Junior and Senior years of high school at MSA. If you know of students just finishing the 10th grade that will be entering the 11th grade who might be interested in dance, vocal music or filmmaking, please let them know about this opportunity. Students have the option to be a Commuting Student and live at home if they live within 27 miles of MSA.

MSA is a public statewide eleventh and twelfth grade residential high school located in Brookhaven, MS on the Historic Whitworth College campus. Annually, MSA enrolls students who meet and exceed the traditional Mississippi high school curriculum by receiving intensive instruction in dance, literary arts, theatre, visual arts, vocal music and media arts/filmmaking.

MSA is a great school for those students who want to explore the arts in an extraordinary way. We also fill a special need for students with demonstrated talent that need a collegiate level learning experience in the arts that is not widely available across our state.

We have some very exciting, unique opportunities for our students in the upcoming 2021-2022 school year! Our Media/Filmmaking students will be doing a collaborative project with the San Francisco Arts Institute (SFAI) where they will work with MSA Instructor, John Kelly Shelburne and SFAI Instructor, Christopher Coppola to produce short films centered on Jackson, Mississippi and San Francisco, California. Christopher Coppola’s inspiration for the project comes in part from his Uncle, Director Francis Ford Coppola, whom he states taught him, “The job and purpose of cinema is to convince people that the world they live in is not the only one available to them.” SFAI students will be traveling to Mississippi and MSA students will be traveling to San Francisco to work on this project! It will be a class students receive credit for and it is also open to other disciplines.

Jonathan Sharp, Broadway performer and dance instructor at Idyllwild School of the Arts will be doing a Guest Residency at MSA where he will work with our Dance department and also students from our Vocal and Theatre departments that are interested in Broadway and Musical Theatre. His Residency will culminate with a Musical Theatre Review highlighting performances by MSA students!

In addition to MSA students consistently winning awards for their work on the state, regional and national levels, the school holds the #2 highest ACT average in the state and the college scholarship opportunities for graduating Seniors are amazing!

For additional information and the application, visit our website at www.msabrookhaven.org email, admissions@msabrookhaven.org or call 601-823-1300.

will host a free virtual expungement workshop on Tuesday, June 1, 2021 to assist individuals with their felony and misdemeanor expungement matters. The workshop begins at 12:00 p.m. with presentations to discuss the following: expungement laws in Mississippi; proper protocol when pulled over by police; and voting rights for ex-offenders. Participants will also find out if their charges are eligible for an expungement. If eligible, participants will be contacted to receive legal court documents prepared by licensed Mississippi attorneys and/or legal advice on their matter. Participants can join the workshop by phone: 1 (312) 626-6799 Access Code: 601 960 9577 or online at https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6019609577. Pre-registration is encouraged. Interested participants should pre-register at http://www.mvlp.org/clinics/.

Participants must have the following documents available to receive services:

Your driver’s license or state-issued ID

For Misdemeanor Charges

- Abstract of Court Record

(obtained from municipal/justice court in the city where the

charges were received)

- Proof of Payment of Fine/Fees

For Felony Charges

- Sentencing Order or Dismissal Order

(obtained from Circuit Court in the county where the

charges were received)

- Indictment

- Discharge Order (if probation time served)

- Proof of Payment of Fine/Fees

The virtual expungement workshop is co-sponsored by MVLP, The Magnolia Bar Association, Office of the State Public Defender, the Mississippi Public Defenders’ Association, and Mississippi Association for Justice.

The legal clinics are pro se clinics, meaning the individuals who attend and receive services from the attorneys are empowered to handle their legal matters in court on their own. The clinics are designed to assist self-represented litigants in preparing to go to court. MVLP has helped nearly 400 litigants a year through the pro se legal clinics. In 2020, MVLP served approximately 700 Mississippi residents through referrals, direct representation, advice, and legal clinics.

For more information on MVLP or the legal clinics, please contact 601-882-5001 or visit www.mvlp.org.

About MVLP

The Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project (MVLP) is a 501(c) (3) legal nonprofit entity that was formed as a collaboration between the Mississippi Bar Association and the Legal Services Corporation to provide free legal services to low-income residents

of Mississippi, for nearly forty years. Founded on the belief that everyone should have access to courts, MVLP’s early efforts of reaching those in need were accomplished exclusively through directly representing clients. MVLP currently assists clients with

civil legal matters, primarily in the following areas: uncontested divorces, emancipations, simple wills, power of attorney, advance healthcare directives, adoptions, guardianships, name changes, birth certificate corrections, conservatorships, and expungement

matters.

Hinds Community College is offering a Teacher Academy aimed at helping K-12 Mississippi teachers earn needed professional development courses, known as CEUs, to maintain their state licenses.

The three online courses begin on June 1 and end on July 23. There is no deadline to register, as long as the course is finished by July 23. The classes, offered through a partnership between academic instruction and workforce programs at Hinds Community College, are about 10 hours long and are self-paced.

The three courses are:

· Canvas Course Design Bootcamp

· Classroom Management for the Modern Educator

· Understanding Classroom Diversity and Creating a Sense of Belonging.

Teachers can enroll through the Hinds Community College Aquila catalog: https://hindscc.catalog.instructure.com/browse/workforce

Summer 2021 offerings are open to Mississippi residents, who are eligible for a Non-Credit Student Grant valued at $60 for these Hinds Teacher Academy offerings. Each course is worth 1.0 CEUs. All the courses are taught by a credentialed Hinds instructor with master’s or doctorate degrees.

“These are experts in their fields. They are not just able to contribute to the credit side of the house but now they’re jumping outside their box and contributing to workforce. It’s our job to teach, whether it’s for credit or not for credit,” said Hinds Community College Vice President Dr. Keri Cole.

The courses were designed with the input of Hinds instructors and the type of courses they say are needed.

“It's really what our teachers are saying they need now. The way we’re teaching has changed so much, not just in the past few years but really in the past year, because of the pandemic,” Cole said. “I think that this is the perfect response to what a community college is here for — to serve our community.”

Plans are to offer the courses again in the fall and to begin to build a catalogue of additional courses, Cole said.

With six campuses in central Mississippi, Hinds Community College is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities with academic programs of study leading to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills.

Our Mission: Hinds Community College is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession.

Our Vision: Hinds Community College will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.

Our Values: Hinds Community College aspires to the following IDEALS: Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, Stewardship.

To learn more, visit www.hindscc.edu or call 1.800.HindsCC.

Christy Henderson of Pearl gave up horseback riding after Parkinson’s disease made it difficult to stay in the saddle. “I get so stiff when I’m up there, it’s not fun anymore,” she said. But Henderson still gets a kick out of helping people with special needs enjoy the sport at RideABILITY Therapeutic Riding Center in Brandon.

So when a series of recent falls threatened that pastime, Henderson took action. She started doing LSVT Big, an intense therapy program for movement problems related to Parkinson’s. “I had an appointment with my neurologist, and he recommended I do it to work on my balance,” she said.

Henderson worked with physical therapists Lisa Indest and Karen Klein, who are among five therapists certified to lead the program at Methodist Outpatient Therapy clinics in Flowood and Ridgeland. Methodist also offers LSVT Loud, which helps Parkinson’s patients with speech and swallowing problems.

Nether program is meant to replace medications. “But it does address a lot of impairments that can get progressively worse, such as a shuffling gait, slow movements, loss of trunk rotation, postural changes and muscle rigidity,” Indest said.

It’s quickly evident why the therapy is called big. Participants amplify every exercise, swinging their arms wide and taking giant steps. It’s all designed to delay the movement constrictions that can come with Parkinson’s.

“Sometimes people diagnosed with Parkinson’s become slower and take really small steps,” Indest explained. “Mrs. Henderson has not lost her mobility. So we work on postural alignment and size of the movement.”

It didn’t take long for the therapy to deliver results. As she backed her car out of a parking space recently, Henderson noticed she could once again look over her shoulder. “I just realized I had turned my whole body, and I was like, ‘Yay.’”

LSVT Big is custom-tailored to help patients achieve personal goals. For Henderson, that meant maintaining her involvement with RideABILITY. The 62-year-old is a long-time horse lover. “I did not grow up riding horses, but I was very attracted to them,” she said. “If I saw a horse, I had to touch it.”

After a trip to a Colorado guest ranch intensified her interest, Henderson took riding lessons and bought a horse. RideABILITY came to be after she saw a photo of a boy with Down syndrome happily sitting on a horse and holding a Special Olympics blue ribbon.

Henderson researched therapeutic riding with hopes of volunteering for a program. When she couldn’t find one nearby, she and her late husband, Dr. Harold Henderson, launched RideABILITY in 2007.

That same year, Henderson’s coworkers at Rankin Medical Center began noticing what turned out to be her first Parkinson’s symptom.

“People would say, ‘What’s wrong with your shoulder?’” remembers Henderson, then chief nursing officer for Rankin Medical Center in Brandon. “I wasn’t swinging my right arm. It was just staying in a flexed position.”

As a physician, her husband knew the connection between Parkinson’s and the loss of a natural arm swing. And a neurologist soon confirmed his suspicions. “At first, I just cried,” Henderson said. “I didn’t like the thought of a future like this. But once they put me on Sinemet, it was very dramatic.”

The go-to Parkinson’s medicine kept Henderson physically active for many years. And she needed to be. As RideABILITY grew into a six-horse center serving a variety of students with special needs, Henderson and a crew of faithful volunteers stayed busy.

“Back then, I was picking up 50-pound bags of horse feed and doing a lot of walking and shoveling horse manure,” she said. “And my doctor said keep on doing it as long as you can. But over time, I was not coordinated enough.”

Today, Henderson has stepped away from the center’s executive duties and left the heavy lifting to others. But she’s grateful that LSVT Big therapy is helping her maintain her connection to the students, who mostly have mental or physical development problems such as autism or cerebral palsy. “They run the gamut,” she said. “We’ve even had a couple of men in their 60s who are post-stroke.” Like her students, Henderson has learned to live with her disability. But she also embraces programs designed to limit Parkinson’s symptoms.

LSVT-Big proved to be intense, requiring therapy four days a week for four weeks, plus daily homework. And Henderson will have to keep at it long-term. But she’s enjoying the fruits of her hard work.

“I am definitely less stiff,” she said. “I feel stronger and have improved stamina. And my balance is better. I would highly recommend the program. My therapists have helped me and done a really good job of working on my problems.”

For information on LSVT Big and Loud therapy, call Methodist Outpatient Therapy at 601-936-8888.

To learn more about RideABILITY, a therapeutic riding program for people with special needs, call 601-808-2287 or go to rideabilityms.com.

LSVT1: Physical therapist Lisa Indest, left, leads Parkinson’s patient Christy Henderson through a series of exercises at Methodist Outpatient Therapy in Flowood. Methodist has five therapists certified in LSVT Big, a program to address movement problems related to the Parkinson’s.

LSVT2: Parkinson’s patient Christy Henderson works on her balance and reaching ability under the watchful eye of Lisa Indest, a physical therapist at Methodist Outpatient Therapy in Flowood.

LSVT4: Christy Henderson practices exaggerated marching movements as physical therapist Lisa Indest monitors her form. Such amplified movements are at the core of LSVT Big, a therapy program for Parkinson’s patients.

HENDERSON1: Christy Henderson began RideABILITY, a therapeutic riding program for people with special needs, because of her love for horses like Lily. “I did not grow up riding horses, but I was very attracted to them,” she said. “If I saw a horse, I had to touch it.”

HENDERSON3: Although the symptoms of Parkinson’s prevent her from doing strenuous chores, Christy Henderson still enjoys grooming RideABILITY’S horses.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has financial assistance available to qualified Mississippi landowners wanting to create or restore longleaf pine stands on their land. This Longleaf Pine Initiative (LLPI) is offered under the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) to qualified landowners and forest managers in Central and Southern Mississippi to restore longleaf ecosystems.

Longleaf pine forests nearly vanished, but a coordinated conservation effort led by NRCS and other conservation partners is helping this unique ecosystem of the Southeast recover. Longleaf pines provide valuable forest products, pine straw production, scenic beauty, suitable wildlife habitat, and harbor many threatened and endangered species. There are 29 threatened and endangered species that depend on these forests for survival. Two specific species are found in Mississippi, the gopher tortoise and the black pine snake.

“NRCS is committed to working with land managers to help restore and expand this critical ecosystem,” stated Kurt Readus, NRCS state conservationist for Mississippi. “Longleaf pine forests provide vital habitat to a variety of species as well as valuable timber. We look forward to seeing what we can accomplish with our partners.”

NRCS provides technical and financial assistance to help landowners and land managers plant and manage longleaf forests. LLP is in its ninth year and has helped restore more than 350,000 acres of longleaf forests.

Applications for all NRCS financial assistance programs are accepted on a continuous sign-up process, with specific sign-up deadlines established to rank, contract, and fund qualified tracts of land. Applications for the Longleaf Pine Initiative received by June 25, 2021, will be considered for funding in the second-ranking period.

For additional information about the Longleaf Pine Initiative, visit https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/.

To find your local NRCS office, visit https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=MS&agency=NRCS.

NRCS financial assistance covers part of the cost to implement conservation practices. Interested landowners are encouraged to contact their local USDA service center or go to the EQIP link for technical and financial assistance information. For more information, visit our website at https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/site/ms/home/.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Moore, who lives in Pearl, is a Recreation Therapist working at Jaquith Inn. A Jackson State University graduate, Moore has been employed at MSH for 20 years.

The MSH Employee of the Month award recognizes employees who have made outstanding contributions to the hospital through their work. The program is sponsored by Friends of Mississippi State Hospital, Inc.

MSH, a program of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, was founded in 1855 and helps the individuals it serves achieve mental wellness by encouraging hope, promoting safety, and supporting recovery. The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission.

The first annual Mississippi Ag & Outdoor Expo, the largest outdoor show to ever be held in Mississippi, will be held August 6-8, 2021, at the new Mississippi Trade Mart located at the state fairgrounds in Jackson, Miss. The show will be hosted by The Foundation for Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks and presented by Southern AgCredit.

A concert featuring three musical acts will take place on Saturday evening, August 7, in conjunction with the new Ag and Outdoor Expo.

“We are thrilled to bring a brand-new show in a new venue to Mississippi,” said Don Brazil, CEO of The Foundation. “This show will highlight the incredible hunting, fishing, the agricultural and outdoor spirit of our great state. The Foundation is proud to be a part of this show and looks forward to a great time we will have together in August!”

Mississippi’s premier outdoor show will feature large displays of everything for fishing, hunting, agriculture, and outdoor recreation, a Big Buck contest, and activities for the entire family including Fetch & Fish High Flying Dogs and Ax Women Loggers of Maine.

“After almost 18 months of COVID-19 and staying home, we know people will be thrilled at the opportunity to get out and celebrate the Mississippi outdoors,” said Andy Gipson, Commissioner of Agriculture & Commerce. “Agriculture and the great outdoors go hand in hand, and this provides a great opportunity to bring those enthusiasts together at one event. We are excited to partner with the Mississippi Wildlife and Fisheries and Parks Foundation and look forward to hosting the largest agriculture and outdoor show in the state.”

For additional comments from Commissioner Gipson see the linked video.

Show Hours

12 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Friday

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Saturday

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Sunday

Tickets

Adults – 13 years & older … $12.00

Kids – 6-12 years old ………. $6.00

Kids – 5 years and under ….. Free

Saturday Evening Concert

A concert will be held Saturday evening featuring Travis Denning and Walker Hayes and headlined by Tyler Farr. Doors will open at 6 with Travis Denning taking the stage at 7:00 p.m. Combo tickets for the Expo/concert will be available as well as separate concert admission.

About The Foundation

In 2003, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) established a foundation to assist in protecting and preserving our wildlife heritage. The Foundation is the only outdoor organization that directly supports the MDWFP, which has the primary responsibility for hunting, fishing, shooting sports, and conservation in the state. Through the Foundation’s financial support, various wildlife and educational projects associated with the MDWFP are made possible.

The Foundation also helps fund many additional programs not directly associated with the MDWFP whose goal is to preserve and protect the natural resources of the state.

For more information on the Foundation, visit www.foundationmwfp.com.

For more information on the Mississippi Ag & Outdoor Expo, visit www.mississippioutdoorexpo.com.

For additional comments from Commissioner Gipson, visit https://vimeo.com/552381673.

Individuals interested in learning more about Leadership Mississippi are invited to join this informal virtual meeting.

During the call, we will discuss the history of the Leadership Mississippi program, our distinguished alumni, and how individuals can be a part of a future class of Leadership Mississippi. Interested parties can join the call using the Zoom information below.

Leadership Mississippi Virtual Interest Meeting

Thursday, May 20, 2021

6:00-7:00 p.m.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88913211094

Meeting ID: 889 1321 1094

ABOUT MEC:

The Mississippi Economic Council has been the voice of Mississippi business since 1949. MEC deals with broad business issues through advocacy, research, resources, and leadership. MEC has more than 11,000 members from 1,200 member firms in 2,400 locations throughout Mississippi.

As Opera Mississippi's 75th Anniversary season comes to a close, they have saved the best for last. In what has been a unique, but powerful season, Opera Mississippi invites you to join them IN PERSON, Thursday, June 17 at 6:30 p.m., at the Jackson Yacht Club, as they present a Diamond Anniversary Celebration Concert. Filled with music that covers the entire span of the company’s existence, this concert features the most famous arias and ensembles from the entire operatic genre.

Hosted by well-known personality William Fulton, formerly of Mississippi Public Radio, the concert also features 7 wonderful singers who will come from Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Nebraska, Texas, and Germany to join in the celebration that also features the Opera Mississippi Chamber Orchestra.

Artistic Director, Jay Dean said, “I am very excited about this concert. It’s been well over a year since we were able to perform live for anyone and I can think of no better way to celebrate not only our 75th anniversary but also celebrate our ability to perform music live for our dedicated patrons and friends.”

The vocal performers for the evening will be sopranos Maryann Kyle, Stacey Trenteseaux, Tjaden Cox, mezzo-soprano Bridget Cappel, tenor Peter Lake, baritone Patrick McNally, and bass Hosea Griffith.

Come join us for wine and hors d’oeuvres at 6:30, followed by the concert at 7:30.

This event is sponsored in part by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi.

For more event and cast information, and to purchase tickets go to www.operams.org or call 601-960-2300.

ABOUT OPERA MISSISSIPPI


Celebrating their 75th Anniversary, the Mississippi Opera Association, founded in 1945, is a founding member of the National Opera America organization, the ninth oldest continuously operating opera company in the United States, and Mississippi’s only professional opera company. Among the remarkable singers that have graced Opera Mississippi stage, are internationally known Beverly Sills, Monserrat Caballe, Robert Merrill, James McCracken, Roberta Peters, Jan Peerce, Richard Tucker, Normal Treigle, John Alexander, Renée Fleming, and many others.


Opera Mississippi’s mission is to provide the community and state with the most dynamic musical stage productions possible. In addition, activities include a variety of educational and community outreach programs including educational performances to students and a variety of other performances for citizens of all ages, including pop, jazz, country, and musical theatre cabarets. The annual John Alexander National Vocal Competition, the only nationally advertised music competition in the state, is designed to recognize and award outstanding vocalists in both opera and musical theatre.

Opera Mississippi is proud to be an integral part of the remarkable artistic heritage that shapes the state, and each year thousands of Mississippians and visitors attend and benefit from our quality performances.

A water contact advisory for the Pearl River, immediately downstream of the Savanna Street wastewater treatment plant, has been and remains in effect. Furthermore, a water contact advisory for the Pearl River and its tributaries in the vicinity of the City of Jackson remains in effect. These tributaries include Purple Creek, Three Mile Creek, Cany Creek, White Oak Creek, Hanging Moss Creek, Town Creek, Lynch Creek, Eubanks Creek, Hardy Creek, Trahon Creek, Big Creek, and Belhaven Creek (including Belhaven Beach). Also included is Tilda Slough which is along the south side of Pascagoula Street and east of Jefferson Street (parallel to Pascagoula Street) that flows through an underground culvert then emerges at I-55 near the Pearl Street exit. This slough drains north under High Street where it is pumped to the Pearl River (see attached map).

MDEQ recommends that people avoid water contact recreational activities such as swimming, wading, and fishing in these waters.

The Henley-Young Juvenile Justice Center is hosting a multi-day career fair at its facility located at 940 East McDowell Road, Jackson, MS 39204. The dates and times for the fair are:

Saturday, May 22nd from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Saturday, June 19th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Saturday, July 24th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Whether hoping to find a fresh start, a better job, or a new career direction, job seekers will find a wealth of exciting opportunities at the free career fair. Henley-Young administration and staff will be available to answer questions and assist with the application process. The career fair is open to the entire community.

Positions currently available for hire include:

· Youth Care Professional

· Youth Care Professional Senior

· Licensed Clinical Psychologist

· Clinical Social Worker

· Food Service Worker

· Treatment Director

Applicants must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug test. They should bring the following items to the fair:

· Photo Identification

· Social Security Card

It’s back again — the punniest, wittiest, and most clever contest Mississippi has ever seen! Do you think your one-liners have what it takes to make the final cut? If so, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) wants you to put your skills to good use and encourage safe driving by entering MDOT’s Safety Message Contest!

The contest will begin May 17 and runs through June 17.

“Each time MDOT sponsors this contest, the messages pour in from the public and they continue to get more creative,” said Jeffery Altman, P.E., Acting MDOT Executive Director. “It’s been such a successful way to engage with the public and help remind motorists of the importance of practicing safe driving when behind the wheel.”

Over 90 percent of vehicle crashes are caused by driver decisions, such as speeding, driving aggressively, distracted, or impaired. MDOT’s witty traffic safety messages are part of an effort to encourage drivers to change their actions behind the wheel. The messages are often related to current events and pop culture.

There is no limit to the number of messages you can submit, but there are some guidelines to remember:

The message must relate to traffic safety.

Signs can only accommodate three lines and 21 characters per line, including spaces.

Hashtags, phone numbers, and website addresses are not allowed.

No emojis.

After entries have been submitted, MDOT will select the top five messages, and each will be displayed on overhead signs along Mississippi highways. The winning messages will also be posted on MDOT social media.

To enter, head over to GoMDOT.com/MDOTcontest.

Kansas City, MO, May 13, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The DeBruce Foundation today announced its gift to the Class of 2021: a free, online career-building experience to help graduates focus on their strengths, expand their career pathways, and feel more secure about their futures.

The Graduation Toolkit is a four-part, online experience designed to help recent high school and college graduates gain awareness of their skills, discover where their interests align with workforce opportunities and devise their plan to get there. Once signed up, the experience will take about 15-30 minutes each day over four days, or it can be “binged” all in one day. The Graduation Toolkit is available HERE.

“The tools in the Graduation Toolkit helped me prepare to land my job after graduation,” said Alex Oleson, Class of 2021. “And they’re helping me build the career I want.”

The DeBruce Foundation’s Graduation Toolkit features a story about a fictional graduate and includes online resources such as the Agile Work Profiler, Career Explorer Tools, and the Draw Your Future with Agilities video tutorial. These resources are free and easy to use, and they can help individuals reach their career goals.

“We applaud the Class of 2021. Completing one’s high school or college education in the context of the past year was no small feat,” said Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight, Executive Director and COO of The DeBruce Foundation. “Through the Graduation Toolkit, we’re pleased to provide graduates with resources that will help them with the next steps in their career journeys.”

To deliver this gift to high school and college graduates, The Foundation is partnering with various educational institutions across the country and launching a public awareness campaign.

“This experience will help graduates take the next step in their future with confidence,” said Cindy Schluckebier, a high school teacher. ”This is a stressful time for some graduates and the Graduation Toolkit will help validate decisions they may have already made or help lead them in the right direction to a brighter future.”

Access the Graduation Toolkit.

The multi-million dollar DON’T QUIT! The campaign has named Jefferson County Junior High School in Fayette, McLaurin Attendance Center in Florence, and Woolfolk Middle School in Yazoo City as the state’s most outstanding schools for demonstrating leadership in getting and keeping their students fit. This year, the NFGFC program will have completed 40 states and will make its way into all 50 states in the coming years.

"I can't wait to see what our teachers and students can do with these new fitness centers,” said Governor Reeves. “I’m grateful to Jake and his entire team for their focus on instilling healthy habits in our young people. Their hard work and dedication are helping provide crucial building blocks for our Mississippi kids to become healthy adults. I am proud that Mississippi is able to participate in this wonderful initiative!”

“We had an overwhelming response from elementary and middle schools throughout the great state of Mississippi. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of Governor Reeves, who helped make this campaign a huge success by putting the health and well-being of children first,” said Mr. Steinfeld. “Three schools really embodied our mission of building a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world. I’m thrilled to announce that Jefferson County Junior High School, McLaurin Attendance Center, and Woolfolk Middle School are all being awarded a brand new $100,000 DON’T QUIT! Fitness Centers. Congratulations to all, we look forward to visiting these three schools during our ribbon cutting ceremonies this fall!”

Each fitness center is financed through public/private partnerships with companies like The Coca-Cola Company, Amerigroup Foundation, Wheels Up and Nike, and does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding. Fitness in Motion provides all the fitness equipment, which is manufactured right here in the United States. The foundation’s goal is to build a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world.

This state-of-the-art DON’T QUIT! Fitness Centers will be unveiled during ribbon-cutting ceremonies this fall.

For more information about the National Foundation, visit www.natgovfit.org.

Griffin Bowers signed his letter of intent to play in the famous maroon band drum line and be in the concert band at Mississippi State University for the 2021-2022 school year. Pictured are (front, l to r) Douglas Bowers (dad), Griffin Bowers, Dorthy Bowers (mom), and Janie Bowers (sister); (back, l to r) Assistant Principal Corey Yates, Assistant Principal Dr. Terrance McEwen, Principal Dr. Marcus Stewart, and Band Director Jordan Salvant.

Rankin County School District

Mission: Bring Everyone's Strengths Together! We will all intentionally focus on empowering our students to reach their maximum potential by embracing opportunities and challenges while cultivating a tradition of distinction in education.

Vision: Continue a tradition of excellence by providing a world-class education that empowers all to grow through curiosity, discovery, and learning.

C Spire, along with the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum (MSHOF), announced today that fan voting will count for a weighted 10% of the C Spire Conerly Trophy, C Spire Ferris Trophy, C Spire Howell Trophy, and the C Spire Gillom Trophy. Coaches, professional scouts, and a panel of statewide sports news media determine the remaining 90 percent of the voting.

The awards program was canceled last year after a global pandemic caused some sports to be discontinued and others to be curtailed due to health restrictions and concerns. “College sports is back and we’re anxious for fans to weigh on their favorite players and programs,” said Bill Blackwell, executive director of the MSHOF.

Due to pandemic restrictions and general health concerns, the MSHOF and C Spire, which co-sponsor the awards, will confer the Outstanding Player Awards during a virtual program on Monday, May 24 at noon. Fans, players, coaches, and family members can watch the program live online at www.msfame.com. Veteran CBS NFL television analyst Charles Davis will be the special master of ceremonies.

“College sports are an important part of our state’s social fabric - so we felt it was important that we continue to honor these athletes and schools while giving passionate fans another way to support their favorite teams and players in a safe and responsible way,” said Jim Richmond, vice president of Marketing for C Spire.

Fan voting will begin today (Wednesday, May 12) at noon CT and conclude on Monday, May 17 at noon CT. Fans can vote once daily per email address for any of the 19 Mississippi college football, baseball, or basketball nominees at the CSOPA site.

This is the first time in the program’s history, the Outstanding Player awards will be conferred at the same time. The Conerly Trophy in college football, the Howell Trophy in men’s college basketball, the Gillom Trophy in women’s college basketball, and the Ferriss Trophy in college baseball comprise the four elements of the C Spire Outstanding Player Award series.

Nominees for the C Spire Outstanding Players Awards in 2021 include:

Football: Conerly Trophy (selected by the schools that played football last fall or this spring): Belhaven running back Brad Foley, Jackson State wide receiver Daylen Baldwin, Millsaps defensive back Christian Roberts, Mississippi College running back Cole Fagan, Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes, Mississippi Valley State defensive end-linebacker Jerry Garner, Ole Miss wide receiver Elijah Moore, and Southern Miss offensive lineman Arvin Fletcher.

Men’s basketball: Howell Trophy (selected by statewide media): Jackson State guard Tristan Jarrett. Mississippi State guard D.J. Stewart Jr. and Ole Miss guard Devontae Shuler

Women’s basketball: Gillom Trophy - Jackson State center Ameysha Williams and guard Dayzsha Rogan and Ole Miss forward Shakira Austin.

Baseball: Ferriss Trophy (selected by Major League Baseball professional scouts and coaches): Mississippi State outfielder Tanner Allen and pitcher Landon Sims and Ole Miss outfielder Kevin Graham and pitchers Gunner Hoglund and Doug Nikhazy.

About C Spire

C Spire is a privately-owned telecommunications and technology company driven to deliver the best experiences in wireless, fiber internet, and business IT solutions such as internet, VoIP, cloud, and managed services. Read more news releases and announcements at cspire.com/news. For more information, visit cspire.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

About The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame exists to promote, preserve and protect Mississippi’s rich sports heritage for this and generations to come. The Museum serves as a destination for sports legends to live forever through interactive displays and exhibits where visitors can play, live and dream. The 501(c)(3) organization recognizes excellence in athletics and contributions to sports. For more information about the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, visit msfame.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mssportshofandmuseum or Twitter at www.twitter.com/mssportshof.

The job fair for positions available at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds includes general maintenance, custodial, equipment operators, and facility operations. Those interested in attending are required to bring a completed application and current resume. To find an application, visit www.mdac.ms.gov/agency-info/employment-opportunities.

“I would like to invite anyone looking for a job to attend our job fair for available positions on the State Fairgrounds staff,” said Michael Lasseter, acting director of the Mississippi State Fairgrounds Complex. “We are excited about the future of the Mississippi State Fairgrounds, and we wish to grow a team with an enthusiasm and passion for our vision.”

The Mississippi Trade Mart is located on the State Fairgrounds at 1200 Mississippi Street in Jackson, Miss., 39202. For more information about the job fair, visit www.mdac.ms.gov or the Mississippi State Fairgrounds page on Facebook.

The Mississippi Braves hit two more home runs on Sund ]]>

Rain paused play as the M-Braves (2-4) were coming to bat in the bottom of the seventh inning. After a 30 minute delay, the game was deemed official, and Mississippi celebrated Mother's Day with their second straight game over Pensacola (4-2).

CJ Alexander started the scoring for the M-Braves in the bottom of the first inning with a three-run home run off the batter's eye in centerfield. The 415-foot blast was the third baseman's first on the season. Jurrar Encarnacion belted a solo homer on the first pitch from Matt Withrow in the top of the second inning and immediately trimmed the lead to 3-1.

The 27-year-old Withrow was making his first start for the M-Braves on May 21, 2017. The Texas Tech product was making his second appearance of the season after relieving for 2.0 scoreless innings on opening night. Withrow worked 4.0 innings of one-run, two-hit baseball with a strikeout and two walks.

In his second start of the season, Jacob Pearson added to Mississippi's lead with a two-out-two-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning. The long ball to right was the West Monroe native's first as a member of the Atlanta Braves organization after being a Rule 5 selection last December.

Kurt Hoekstra (W, 1-0) took over after Withrow and worked 2.0 scoreless innings in his second outing to earn the win. Pensacola did push across one more run in the top of the seventh inning, making the final 6-2.

The M-Braves matched a season-high with nine hits on Sunday, led by Wendell Rijo's 3-for-3 day at the plate, with two doubles. Drew Lugbauer registered his first multi-hit game of the year and was 2-for-3 with a run scored. Justin Dean reached base safely all four times, being hit by a pitch twice, walking, and singling in the first inning.

The M-Braves will enjoy a day off on Monday before beginning their first road trip of 2021 on Tuesday in Biloxi. The six-game series stretches from May 11-16 at MGM Park. LHP Hayden Deal will get his second start of 2021 on Tuesday against a to-be-determined starter for Biloxi. The first pitch from MGM Park is set for 6:35 pm CT with coverage on 103.9 FM and MiLB.tv.

The Braves will return to Trustmark Park for 12 games in 13 days, May 18-30, against the Chattanooga Lookouts and Montgomery Biscuits. The homestand will feature the return of Bark in the Park, two Post-Game Fireworks Shows, and two great giveaways. On Friday, May 21, the first 1,000 fans receive a Dansby Swanson replica jersey, courtesy of the Mississippi Forestry Commission. On Friday, May 28, the Braves will wear throwback Jackson Generals jerseys, and the first 1,000 fans will get a replica Generals cap, courtesy of NCADD.

For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit mississippibraves.com, or

call 888-BRAVES4.

About the Mississippi Braves

Based in Pearl, MS since 2005, the Mississippi Braves are the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since the inaugural season, there have been 150 M-Braves go on to play in Major League Baseball, including Brian McCann, Jeff Francoeur, Freddie Freeman, Craig Kimbrel, Andrelton Simmons, Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies, Max Fried, Mike Soroka, Austin Riley, Ian Anderson, Cristian Pache, and Ronald Acuña Jr. The M-Braves are owned and operated by the Atlanta Braves, the longest continuously operated franchise in Major League Baseball.

Students at the Pearl Public School District Early Childhood Education Center enjoyed using technology for a learning activity. Pictured from left to right are Jamison Brown and Mary Zetterholm from Mrs. Johnna LeVern’s class.

The First Annual Central Mississippi 7v7 Classic, hosted by Richland High School Boys’ soccer team, is scheduled to kick-off Monday, June 14, at the Richland Community Center Soccer Fields. This event is open to any and all junior high, high school, club soccer and adult teams interested in competing in 7v7 soccer games.

The event was originally imagined by The Richland boys soccer coaches, Coach Corey Myers and Coach John Adams as a way to“ continue to grow our soccer program.” Myers says locale played a part in the planning as well, “The city of Richland, being centrally located on Highway 49, is a great location for teams from all surrounding areas, as well as northern and southern cities, to meet centrally and play teams they may not normally play.”

However, it is not only physical location that makes the City of Richland a prime spot for this type of competition, it is also about the people,“Richland is a community that cares deeply about soccer. We have awesome support for our soccer program from the Richland Parks and Rec department as they are allowing us to use their fields,” says Myers.

Organized by The Richland Soccer Program and Richland High parents, the event also offers a unique opportunity to provide competitive summer soccer matches for local school and club teams in preparation for the upcoming school season.

Each team will play three games and go on to compete in a single elimination tournament to determine a champion for each bracket. The competitions are separated into three divisions/bracket: the gold division for adult and high level high school teams; the silver division for lower level high school or junior varsity teams; and the red division for middle school/ junior high teams.

Concession stands will also be on-site with various food options such as: burgers, hot dogs and authentic Hispanic dishes.

As far as plans for the future, Myers says, “We hope this inaugural event is a success and will continue as an annual event.”

This is an team event. The cost for participation is $20 per registrant. Those interested may register online via the Richland High School Boys' soccer team social media pages or contact the Richland Boys soccer coaches, Coach Corey Myers- or Coach John Adams- . The deadline for registration is Friday, June 11.

Payments may be mailed to Richland Rangers Men Soccer, 331 Adams Stree, Richland, Mississippi 39218 OR Venmo @rangermens (Sandie Lee).

In the event of inclement weather, the Central Mississippi 7v7 Classic will be moved to Thursday, July 1.

Commissioner of Insurance Mike Chaney is warning customers of Mississippi Farm Bureau Casualty Insurance Company (Mississippi Farm Bureau) about a potential scam.

Some individuals and customers have recently received a fraudulent letter and check purporting to be from Mississippi Farm Bureau. The heading of the letter reads “FUNDS / CHECK MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTION” and the instructions accompanying the check advise the recipient to send an email or text to a fraudulent email address or telephone number before depositing the check at the bank.

Mississippi Farm Bureau is working to protect their customer’s security. The Company does not require preauthorization on company-issued checks. Anyone who receives a fraudulent letter or check such as the one described herein should immediately contact their local Farm Bureau insurance agent or adjuster. We also strongly recommend you notify the following:

The Insurance Fraud Division of the Mississippi Insurance Department toll-free at 1-800-562-2957;

The Insurance Integrity Enforcement Bureau of the Mississippi Attorney General’s office toll-free at 1-888-528-5780;

The National Insurance Crime Bureau toll-free at 1-800-TEL-NICB.

Media questions or interview requests should be directed to Mississippi Farm Bureau.

The chain, which has 21 stores overall in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and Louisiana, invites applicants to apply online at www.shoestation.com/careers. Hiring is underway for full- and part-time employees company-wide.

Shoe Station President Brent Barkin stated, "Business has picked up in the past few months, and we are hiring in anticipation of a busy Summer season. Our buyers purchased tens of thousands of pairs of the latest styles of sandals, shoes, and accessories for women, men, and children, and now the cartons are arriving. It's an exciting time to explore different opportunities at a growing company that often promotes from within."

Factors driving business include pent-up demand from Covid, changing fashions, and government stimulus checks. Shoe Station welcomes new team members who are passionate about fashion and retail. "We invite applicants from all walks of life to gain hands-on experience in today's evolving retail sector. Shoe Station especially welcomes students and graduates of The University of Southern Mississippi, Mississippi College, and Jackson State University." Barkin said. Shoe Station also encourages high school students to apply.

"There are generally three categories of footwear consumers: people who need new shoes; people who avidly follow fashion; and a smaller category of people who need support and/or comfort footwear to ease aches and pains. In 2021, Shoe Station has experienced substantial growth in revenue from all three of these footwear consumer categories. We are hiring in response and invite all eager, qualified applicants to join us."

Applicants can apply at any Shoe Station location or at www.shoestation.com/careers.

About Shoe Station

Shoe Station is one of the nation’s largest independent shoe retailers. The family-owned chain was founded in 1984 in Mobile, Alabama by Terry S. Barkin. Shoe Station has 21 locations in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Georgia and employs approximately 480 individuals. Through a donor-advised fund, Shoe Station and the Barkin family sponsor United Way of Southwest Alabama, Distinguished Young Women, Alabama Public Radio, and the University of South Alabama's Mitchell College of Business. For more information, visit www.shoestation.com.

With vaccinations across Mississippi increasing and health and safety protocols still in place, the Mississippi Braves are pleased to announce that Trustmark Park will operate at 100% capacity during the 2021 season, beginning with the season opener Tuesday night against Pensacola at 6:35 pm.

“After careful consultation with the Governor’s office, the Atlanta Braves, and Major League Baseball, we are pleased to announce that Trustmark Park will be open to 100% seating capacity beginning on Tuesday for our long-awaited 2021 Opening Day," said M-Braves vice president and general manager Pete Laven. "Stadium COVID-19 protocols will remain in place to ensure the health and safety of our fans, players, coaches, and employees. We encourage all fans to visit this link for more information.”

Revisions to the seating capacity or other health and safety measures will be subject to continuous review throughout the season. All fans are strongly encouraged to manage their tickets through their mobile devices. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance to save from the day-of-game price. The M-Braves will work closely with the Atlanta Braves and local health officials to ensure the safest fan experience possible.

Mississippi Braves single-game tickets are on sale now! Fans can purchase tickets to all 60 home games by clicking here, by calling the box office at 888-BRAVES4, or via Ticketmaster.

Fans can secure their single-game tickets for each of the 60 games at Trustmark Park. Tickets may be purchased HERE, or by calling 888-BRAVES4 or stopping by the Trustmark Park box office Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

Opening Day for the Mississippi Braves is Tuesday, May 4 at 6:35 pm against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at Trustmark Park. Fans can guarantee their seat with 2021 season tickets. Also currently available are flex plans, group tickets, suite nights, and sponsorship opportunities. View ticket options HERE. For more information, fans are encouraged to visit mississippibraves.com or call 888-BRAVES4.

About the Mississippi Braves:

Based in Pearl, MS since 2005, the Mississippi Braves are the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. Since the inaugural season, there have been 150 M-Braves go on to play in Major League Baseball, including Brian McCann, Jeff Francoeur, Freddie Freeman, Craig Kimbrel, Andrelton Simmons, Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies, Max Fried, Mike Soroka, Austin Riley, Ian Anderson, Cristian Pache, and Ronald Acuña Jr. The M-Braves are owned and operated by the Atlanta Braves, the longest continuously operated franchise in Major League Baseball.

The Richland Elementary School held a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of six new classrooms, an electrical upgrade, mechanical upgrade, new intercom/fire alarm, security cameras for doors/halls, reroof, new toilets, ceilings, lights, new serving line, drainage, fencing, parking, and site work.

Pictured holding ribbon: Richland Mayor, Pat Sullivan; Richland Elementary 2021-22 Assistant Principal, Johnna Henley; Richland Elementary Principal, Anitra Hollis; RCSD School Board Member, Kym Jamison; RCSD Superintendent, Dr. Sue Townsend; and RCSD Assistant Superintendent, Shane Sanders

Also pictured but in no particular order:

RCSD Assistant Superintendent, Karen Schmidt; RCSD Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Scott Rimes; RCSD Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Undray Scott; RCSD Construction Administrator, Jay Yarbrough; Richland Elementary Assistant Principal, Lisa Sammons; Richland 2nd grade teacher, Jessica Perkins; Richland Elementary Kindergarten Assistant, Chrissy Thompson; Richland Elementary Literacy Coach, Mary Margaret Tuttle; Richland Elementary Counselor, Whitney Gray; Richland Elementary Custodians, Wayland Coleman and Joe Rice; Richland Elementary Students: Breah Obasuyi, Quinn Snow, Carly Kate Chapman, Joseph Wooten, Jackson Fletcher, Kenlee Benson, Yuliana Felipe, Noah Patrick, and Xuan Hoang; Peyton Perkins, Miss Mississippi Junior High; Richland Elementary parents: Vickie Chapman (PTO), Mary Ellen Snow (PTO), Cynthia Fletcher, Jeff Wooten; Richland Mayor’s Administrative Assistant, Stephanie Ward; Richland Alderman: Beth Sanford, Clay Burns, and Gus Black; Pryor Morrow, Jose’ Arellano, and Ashley Sanders; Richland Fire Chief, Brandon Weems and Richland Upper Elementary Principal, Lindsay Starbuck

Rankin County School District is moving from Great to BEST and is continuing a Tradition of Excellence.

Mission: Bring Everyone's Strengths Together! We will all intentionally focus on empowering our students to reach their maximum potential by embracing opportunities and challenges while cultivating a tradition of distinction in education.

Vision: Continue a tradition of excellence by providing a world-class education that empowers all to grow through curiosity, discovery, and learning.

Only days remain to apply for Walmart’s eighth annual Open Call for products made, grown, or assembled in the United States. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 30. Entrepreneurs and small businesses with shelf-ready products can find the application, and more information about the event, via Walmart-jump.com.

For the second consecutive year, Walmart will hold its Open Call in a virtual format, and one-on-one opportunities to meet with company merchants remain available. So far, more than 3,500 businesses have applied for the chance to pitch their products, and more than 10,300 merchant meetings have been requested for the June 30 event.

On March 3, Walmart announced a new commitment to spend an additional $350 billion on items made, grown, or assembled in the United States. It’s estimated that this spend will support more than 750,000 new American jobs. Walmart’s Open Call is one way in which the company supports this commitment.

“We learned last year that offering Open Call in a virtual format allows us to reach hundreds of more businesses and discover more American-made products that might appeal to our customers,” said Laura Phillips, Walmart senior vice president for global sourcing and U.S. manufacturing. “Given the momentum of our recently announced $350 billion commitment to buy products made, grown, or assembled in the United States over the next 10 years, we’ve seen even more interest in Open Call. Small businesses of all kinds will participate – and that’s good for them, Walmart, and our customers.”

Now in its eighth year, Open Call allows participants the opportunity to secure deals to reach customers through Walmart stores, Sam’s Clubs, and Walmart.com. This year’s event will include similar programming to last year. In addition to one-on-one pitch meetings with Walmart and Sam’s Club merchants, participants will have an opportunity to hear directly from Walmart executives at the hour-long kickoff of the event. Smaller breakout sessions will be available throughout the day where suppliers can learn more on valuable topics and about resources available to them.

Apply for Open Call today by visiting Walmart-jump.com. And you can join the conversation on your social media channels by using #WalmartOpenCall.

About Walmart in Mississippi

Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online, and through their mobile devices. In Mississippi, we serve customers at 85 retail units and online through Walmart Online Grocery and Walmart.com. We are proud to employ 25,377 associates in Mississippi. Walmart supports local businesses, spending $1.2 billion with Mississippi suppliers in the fiscal year 2021 and supporting 12,470 supplier jobs. Walmart continues to be a leader in employment opportunity, sustainability, and corporate philanthropy. In the fiscal year 2021, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation contributed more than $6.7 million in cash and in-kind donations to local nonprofits in Mississippi. Learn more at corporate.walmart.com.

The project will extend Adkins Drive to State Route 468 and upgrade the signal at South Pearson and SR 468. The work includes water and sewer relocation.

“This is the type of project that, once complete, will have a positive impact on these communities for generations to come,” said Simmons. “It will improve safety conditions, for both motorists and first responders during emergencies, as well as provide a more convenient, sustainable, and enjoyable travel experience.”

The project is the first phase of larger bridge construction over the railroad on South Pearson. The $2.15 million projects was awarded to Hemphill Construction with a projected completion date of spring 2022.

“This is a three-tier partnership between the state, cities, and consultant,” said Jeffrey C. Altman, P.E., Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Acting Executive Director. “All three pulling their weight is what it takes to have a project like this come to fruition.”

The project was funded by the Federal Highway Administration and appropriated by MDOT with a local match. Stay updated on active construction and maintenance projects at MDOTtraffic.com, download the MDOT Traffic mobile app and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is responsible for providing a safe intermodal transportation network that is planned, designed, constructed, and maintained in an effective, cost-efficient, and environmentally sensitive manner. MDOT’s objective is to maximize taxpayer’s dollars by providing a safe, efficient multimodal network that enhances economic stability and growth. For more information, visit GoMDOT.com.

Mississippi Boychoir will present its annual spring concert Saturday, May 15 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5400 Old Canton Road, Jackson 39211. This will be an alive, in-person concert with an audience limit of 100.

This is a free concert and open to the public. Donations are appreciated!

Mississippi Boychoir is funded in part by the Mississippi Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts.

About Mississippi Boychoir:

Founded in 1995, Mississippi Boychoir has been providing a life-changing musical, cultural, and developmental experience for the young men of our state for over 25 years. From the group’s beginnings in Columbus, Mississippi Boychoir now operates two chapters: Jackson and Vicksburg. More information is at www.msboychoir.org, or 601-665-7374.

• Irreconcilable differences (no-fault) divorce
• Uncontested guardianships
• Simple wills
• Advance healthcare directive (AHD)
• Power of attorney (POA)

Interested participants must complete an intake form at http://www.mvlp.org/clinics/. If they do not have access to a computer, smartphone, or tablet, they can complete their intake forms by calling 601-882-5001 on Thursday, April 22nd between 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

MVLP will host additional virtual family law and wills clinics listed below:

• May 6
• May 20
• June 4
• July 23
• August 6
• September 10
• September 24
• October 1

For more information on MVLP or the legal clinics, please contact 601-882-5001 or visit

www.mvlp.org.

About MVLP

The Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project (MVLP) is a 501(c) (3) legal nonprofit entity that was formed as a collaboration between the Mississippi Bar Association and the Legal Services Corporation to provide free legal services to low-income residents of Mississippi, for nearly forty (40) years. Founded on the belief that everyone should have access to courts, MVLP’s early efforts of reaching those in need were accomplished exclusively through directly representing clients. MVLP currently assists clients with

civil legal matters, primarily in the following areas: uncontested divorces, emancipations, simple wills, power of attorney, advance healthcare directives, adoptions, guardianships, name changes, birth certificate corrections, conservatorships, and expungement matters.

The Flowood Family Festival will be held on May 8, 2021, at Flowood’s Liberty Park. The annual festival and free concert will feature Chris Tomlin as this year’s headliner.

The gates will open at 4 PM, with space jumps and activities for the kids, and will feature food vendors from local Flowood restaurants. A fireworks display will follow the concert that begins at 6:30 PM with Tomlin taking the stage at 8:30 PM.

The Festival celebrates family and community. While encouraging social distancing and following CDC guidelines, the concert will allow the community to gather outside together on the fields of Liberty Park.

Mayor of Flowood, Gary Rhoads, has said, “God’s blessings on this city and its people are evident every day, we are happy to have Chris Tomlin sing and celebrate those blessings at this year’s festival.”

It is estimated that 20-30 million people across the world using one of Chris Tomlin’s songs every week in church services in nearly every language. Time magazine heralded him as the “most often sung artist in the world” as his music has inspired and uplifted an entire generation of believers. His tours have sold-out venues everywhere, including New York City’s Madison Square Garden, Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, and Red Rocks.

Pop worship band, I AM THEY will open for Tomlin touring their third album and single, “Faithful God,” It speaks to those familiar times of confusion and feelings about uncertainty about the future, but just as quickly confirms that beyond all hope, God has not let go.

The Flowood Family Festival is a free community event. 

For more information, please contact Susan Bolian at the City of Flowood, Parks and Recreation Department: sbolian@cityofflowood.com. 



About The City of Flowood:

Flowood is one of the fastest-growing cities in Mississippi. Diversified with industrial, medical, retail, office, and residential areas, Flowood is ideal for both businesses and families. Flowood leadership believes that what is good for families is good for businesses and that what is good for businesses can also benefit families. Every opportunity for growth is viewed as an opportunity to improve the quality of life for Flowood residents as well as corporate citizens. Learn more at cityofflowood.com

C Spire and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame have announced that Charles Davis, former University of Tennessee defensive back and veteran CBS NFL television analyst, will be the Master of Ceremonies for the virtual presentation of the C Spire Conerly, Gillom, Howell, and Ferriss Trophies. Due to pandemic restrictions and general health concerns, this year’s awards will be presented virtually on Monday, May 24.

The versatile Davis has worked as an analyst for both college and NFL for Conference USA, the Big East, ESPN Plus, TBS, TNT, and Fox prior to joining CBS in April of 2020. Besides his work in football, Davis has also covered NBA and college hoops and has worked as the analyst for Madden NFL video games. Since graduation from the University of Tennessee, he also became the first African-American director of a PGA Tour event when he ran the Disney Golf Classic from 1998-2000.

The C Spire Conerly Trophy, which will be presented for the 25th time, is the oldest of these awards and goes annually to the top college football player in the state. The C Spire Gillom Trophy goes to the top women’s basketball player from any of the state’s four-year college programs while the C Spire Howell Trophy goes to the top men’s hoopster. Baseball’s top in-state college player will receive the C Spire Ferriss Trophy.

Details on fan voting for each award and on how to watch this year’s presentation will be announced soon.

About C Spire

C Spire is a privately-owned telecommunications and technology company driven to deliver the best experiences in wireless, fiber internet, and business IT solutions such as internet, VoIP, cloud, and managed services. Read more news releases and announcements at cspire.com/news. For more information, visit cspire.com or find us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

About The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame exists to promote, preserve and protect Mississippi’s rich sports heritage for this and generations to come. The Museum serves as a destination for sports legends to live forever through interactive displays and exhibits where visitors can play, live and dream. The 501(c)(3) organization recognizes excellence in athletics and contributions to sports. For more information about the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, visit msfame.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mssportshofandmuseum or Twitter at www.twitter.com/mssportshof.

The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) recognized Mississippi in its latest report on pre-K quality as one of only six states whose state-funded pre-K program meets all 10 quality standards for early childhood education.

The latest ranking is published in the NIEER report, The State of Preschool 2020. The annual survey provides an in-depth look at state-funded education for 3- and 4- year-olds nationally and in each state with a focus on enrollment, spending, and 10 policies that support quality education.

NIEER evaluated Mississippi’s Early Learning Collaborative (ELC) programs, which are partnerships among school districts, Head Start agencies, childcare centers, and non-profit organizations. There are currently 18 collaboratives serving more than 3,000 children.

Because of the quality of the Early Learning Collaboratives, Mississippi has consistently been one of only several states meeting all original NIEER standards.

“Mississippi sets an example of policies to support high-quality preschool, but funding is too low to allow programs to implement those policies well,” said Steven Barnett, Ph.D., NIEER’s founder and senior co-director, who is pushing for more federal funding for high-quality pre-K. “Increased funding is needed to ensure quality and expand access to more children who can benefit from the program.”

The Mississippi Legislature passed the Early Learning Collaborative Act in 2013, which provided $3 million to establish a limited number of ELCs in underserved areas throughout the state. Funding increased in subsequent years based on the program’s immediate success. During the 2021 legislative session, funding doubled to $16 million, which will serve approximately 6,000 pre-K children.

“Research consistently shows how high-quality early childhood education has a profound impact on children throughout their lives,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. “High-quality pre-K leads to increased school readiness, reading proficiency by third grade, higher graduation rates, and even less crime.”

The Mississippi State Board of Education has made increasing access to high-quality early childhood education one of its top priorities.

The Mississippi Department of Education has partnered with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to build the state’s early childhood education infrastructure through coaching and professional development and by providing guidance and support to school districts.

Mississippi’s Early Learning Collaborative program served 8% of 4-year-olds in 2019-20, up from 5% in 2018-19. When combined with Head Start (22%) and special education pre-K programs (5%), approximately 35% of Mississippi 4-year-olds attended public early childhood education programs in 2019-20.

Mississippi ranks 39th in the nation for pre-K access for 4-year-olds and 42nd in state spending per child.

Read the State of Preschool Report 2020 at NIEER.org.

For over a year, supply and distribution chains in America have been adversely affected by COVID-19 and the related workforce shutdowns. Initially, last spring, government mandates are driven by the virus, and CDC recommendations forced many people other than those deemed “essential workers” to stay home from their jobs. For some, work could continue remotely as workers, teachers, and students adapted to virtual classrooms and other technology-based methodologies. But for the bulk of the workforce and the public relying on manufactured and processed products, these shutdowns had an immediately noticeable impact in temporarily interrupting manufacturing and distribution systems across the country, and even around the world.

I can give you one real-life example from the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. In 2020, the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce made the decision to continue working during pandemic restrictions, including the completion of the new Mississippi Trade Mart and Coliseum renovations. As the new Trade Mart was nearing completion, the contractor was faced with major backlogs in supplies from manufacturers across America – manufacturers who had halted or slowed operations. The dividing doors for the new Trade Mart being manufactured in another state were delayed six weeks, thus delaying the entire project. But this was only a small symptom of a much broader crisis.

International trade halted or slowed. Manufacturing and food processing facilities shut down or scaled back as workers were forced home. Prices increased dramatically due to temporary shortages in products such as ground beef, coupled with higher demand. Lumber prices climbed exponentially as sawmills could not keep up with the demand of the home improvement sector. Thankfully, most of these issues were only temporary as employers and workers adapted to find ways to keep plants open during the pandemic and eventually caught up with consumer demand.

But as a lingering effect of COVID-19, I believe there remains a far greater and perhaps more significant long-term threat. Since last spring, governors across America’s 50 states have taken vastly different approaches in terms of “reopening” states as the threat of COVID-19 has dissipated. Some states such as California, New Mexico, and New York have insisted on essential perpetual shutdowns of large portions of their manufacturing and economic sector. Meanwhile, states such as Mississippi, Texas, and Florida have successfully reopened nearly completely, and employers are hiring. The problem is, in both sets of states, employers are faced with a seemingly insurmountable problem: the lack of a once existing robust workforce that is willing to return to work.

People are choosing to stay home because the federal government adopted stimulus and unemployment policies making it more profitable for some people NOT to work for a lengthy period of time. Many people ask the question: “Why work when the government will pay me to stay home?” And so, jobs are not being filled. Factories are not operating at capacity. Slaughterhouses and food processing plants are not keeping up with demand. In America right now, there is a shortage of pork products – not because of COVID, but because of a shortage of workers.

The agriculture sector has faced a shortage of skilled laborers for many years, and this is an issue my office has been working on since 2019. But the issue now is much broader and impacts all of us. Try to purchase a piece of manufactured equipment right now or parts to make a repair; chances are that delivery is severely delayed. There is a shortage of cashiers in grocery stores and other retail outlets, causing long lines and extreme wait times. Restaurants cannot serve at full capacity due to a shortage of staff. Cattle producers are experiencing delays in having livestock processed for consumption because there is a waitlist at the processor due to high demand and fewer workers.

If Americans in all 50 states are not soon motivated to return to work, and if the incentives NOT to work are not removed, we could see the temporary shortages of the COVID Spring of 2020 repeat themselves in construction, manufacturing, and transportation, as well as food production, processing and distribution at grocery stores, restaurants and ultimately, at our dinner tables.

America, let’s all get back to work.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) will be closing all 81 of its Women, Infants and Children (WIC) food distribution sites throughout the state in the months ahead. Approximately 70 positions will be eliminated.

This comes as WIC clients throughout the nation are being transferred to the use of electronic banking and a debit card for food purchases due to a federal mandate. The process has also started in Mississippi. The eWIC card will be more convenient for clients as they will have a choice of where to purchase food and infant formula. The list of products has been expanded as well. The eWIC phased rollout will take place over the next few months. For now, clients will have paper vouchers to take to the existing food centers for WIC food.

To date, 85,000 Mississippians are enrolled in the WIC Program. The food distribution sites will be permanently closed by late summer and early fall.

Follow MSDH by email and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) is assisting the Mississippi Crisis Foundation in distributing 2,592 food boxes to the public at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson, on Wednesday, April 21, at 9:00 a.m. as part of the USDA sponsored Farmers to Families Food Box Program.

“The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce is proud to partner with the Mississippi Crisis Foundation on this endeavor,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. “A lot of our citizens are still struggling with health and loss of work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and we’re glad to be able to assist Mississippi families in need on the State Fairgrounds.”

M. Palazola Produce Co. of Memphis, Tenn., will provide the 2,592 food boxes, containing meat, milk, cheese, yogurt, potatoes, and apples. In addition, Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. of Jackson is donating 6,480 dozen eggs. Those receiving a food box will also collect two and a half dozen eggs.

The public can start arriving at 9:00 a.m. and must remain in their vehicles with the windows up. MDAC volunteers will wear masks and gloves at all times and when instructed, the public will be allowed to open their car trunks for placement of their food box.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) created the Farmers to Families Food Box Program under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Through this, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service partners with national, regional, and local suppliers, whose workforce has been significantly impacted by the closure of restaurants, hotels, and other foodservice businesses, to purchase up to $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat products. Suppliers then package these products into family-sized boxes and transport them to food banks, community and faith-based organizations, and other non-profits serving Americans in need.

The Mississippi State Fairgrounds is located at 1207 Mississippi Street, Jackson, MS 39202. The public must enter through Gate 1 on Jefferson Street and exit through Gate 6 on Greymont Street. Visit www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food-to-usda/farmers-to-families-food-box to learn more about the Farmers to Families Food Box Program.

The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce will distribute 2,592 food boxes to the public at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson, on Wednesday, April 21, at 9:00 a.m. as part of the USDA-sponsored Farmers to Families Food Box Program. The public must enter through Gate 1 on Jefferson Street and exit through Gate 6 on Greymont Street.

As Mississippi's 2021 Legislative Session comes to a close, advocates spanning many issues are reflecting on what did and did not make it past the finish line this year. Among the most prevalent topics emerged several policies that improve health equity in Mississippi.

Following last week’s Sine Die, the American Heart Association highlighted the policy progress made in 2021. The organization focused its advocacy work this year on policies that would support funding for SNAP incentive programs and improve water access in schools.

Expanding SNAP Incentives

The American Heart Association supported House Bill 115, by Representative Becky Currie (R-Brookhaven) and Representative Price Wallace (R-Mendenhall), as well as Senate Bill 2163, by Senator Nicole Boyd (R-Oxford). Although the House bill did not move, the Senate version got traction thanks to a bipartisan group of senators -- SNAP Incentives passed out of the Senate Public Health Committee as well as on the Senator floor. Unfortunately, this legislation did not survive when transferred to the House. The American Heart Association considered the policy’s attention and movement this year a win and will continue to work with lawmakers to expand SNAP Incentives next legislative session.

“Food insecurity is a very serious issue in Mississippi,” said Justin Martin, executive director of Tupelo/Lee County Hunger Coalition and an American Heart Association Advocate. “It sees no color, gender or age. I work daily so that all Mississippians can have the food they need to have a quality life.”

Water Access in Schools

The American Heart Association also worked with lawmakers to help make water bottle refill stations the new normal in public schools, aiming to improve access to free, clean drinking water for Mississippi students. “Water is critical to a child’s overall health,” said Jennifer Godwin, school nurse for the Lamar County School District and advocate for the American Heart Association. “But for many Mississippi children, drinking water is not a part of their day, nor is it available to them. And a passing sip in the hallway is not enough.”

The American Heart Association supported the Water Access in Schools Bill, House Bill 925, sponsored by Representative Kent McCarty (R-Hattiesburg) and a group of bi-partisan co-sponsors. Though the bill did not pass this year, the American Heart Association said it was encouraged to see the topic getting attention in the Legislature.

“My mother has worked in public education for nearly 30 years and seeing her passion for the success of her students has made a huge impact on me,” McCarty said. “She has seen first-hand the struggle of students striving to keep up while dehydrated or undernourished. This is a basic need that all children should have access to, especially in the space where their ability to pay attention impacts their education outcomes.” “Both of these health equity policies had such strong early success,” added Kathryn Rehner-Sullivan, Mississippi government relations director for the American Heart Association. “We were hopeful we’d see them through to the finish line this year. But we are grateful to our bill sponsors who worked so hard to advance health in Mississippi through these efforts. We look forward to continuing this work with our legislative champions.”

To learn more and get involved, visit yourethecure.org/myheart_myvoice.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, Twitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

Following the completion of Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments, the State of Mississippi has requested a Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance following the February 11-19, 2021 Winter Storm. During this event, multiple rounds of wintry precipitation impacted that state resulting in dangerous road conditions, widespread power outages and damage to public infrastructure.

At this time, 31 counties and the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians met their thresholds with an estimated total of approximately $25 million worth of damage. The counties included in the request for Public Assistance are: Adams, Attala, Choctaw, Claiborne, Copiah, Covington, Franklin, Grenada, Hinds, Jasper, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Kemper, Lafayette, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Leake, Lincoln, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Pike, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, Smith, Tallahatchie, Walthall, Warren, Winston, Yazoo.

The purpose of the Public Assistance Program is to support local governments and certain nonprofits to recover from major disasters by providing them with grant assistance for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and the restoration of public infrastructure.

The request must be approved by the president for federal assistance to become available to local and county governments as well as certain nonprofits. Some counties could be added to this declaration request at a later date if the damage threshold is met following damage assessments.

Babyscripts, a leading virtual care obstetrics platform, has teamed up with The Mississippi Public Health Institute on an initiative to improve maternal health outcomes and reduce maternal health inequities by offering remote patient monitoring programs to OB-GYN practices to help care for their patients.

The initiative will offer eligible Mississippi providers use of the Babyscripts platform, which provides remote patient monitoring to address maternal mental health, hypertension, preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. Remote monitoring of pregnant mothers can help prevent adverse maternal outcomes, and lead to reductions in overall healthcare costs and improved outcomes for both mom and baby. Pregnant patients at participating health systems will have access to the Babyscripts myJourney app, which delivers gestational age-appropriate educational content, email campaigns, satisfaction surveys, appointment reminders, and weight monitoring; evidence-based guidelines approved by the patient’s obstetrician in the form of daily nutritional, medical and lifestyle action items; and real-time updates from their providers about changes in policies or services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The events of this year drew much-need attention to the needs of pregnant moms, especially low-income and minority women,” said Tennille Collins, R.E.A.C.H. program manager at MSPHI. “We must expand access to high-quality and tech-enabled care to all. This collaboration is a huge step in the right direction.”

“Black moms and babies in Mississippi face disproportionately high adverse birth rates compared to their peers,” said Juan Pablo Segura, co-founder and President of Babyscripts. “Technology has the potential to be an equalizer, and cost should never be a barrier to getting these tools into the hands of moms. This partnership with MSPHI will ensure that moms in the state of Mississippi don’t have to make a choice for better pregnancies.”

This collaboration reflects a collective commitment by MSPHI and Babyscripts to target and reduce systemic racial and ethnic inequities in both maternal and infant outcomes in Mississippi. Infants born preterm or with low birthweight are at an increased risk for experiencing physical disabilities and developmental impairments throughout their lives. According to America’s Health Rankings, the rate of Mississippi’s low birth weight infants (defined as less than 5 pounds 8 ounces) has been on the rise, now accounting for 12.1% of its births, leaving the state ranked last of 50 states. Additionally, the state’s preterm birth rates have been increasing for five years, making up 14.6% of its current births, and the state’s Black women have a 43% higher rate than all other women.

About Babyscripts

Babyscripts is delivering a new model for prenatal and postpartum care that is transforming the way expectant mothers use technology to work with their healthcare providers. We’ve spent the last six years delivering the most-implemented mobile clinical solution for remote monitoring in pregnancy, with the mission to eliminate maternal mortality and improve access to care for all mothers. Babyscripts was named to the 2020 Digital Health 150, CB Insights’ annual ranking of the 150 most promising private digital health companies in the world. For more information on our virtual care solution and to request a demo, visit www.babyscripts.com.

About the Mississippi Public Health Institute

MSPHI is a nonprofit entity established in 2011 to protect and improve the health and well-being of Mississippians, serving as a partner and convener to promote health, improve outcomes and encourage innovations in health systems. We cultivate partnerships aimed at program innovation, health resources, education, applied research, and policy development.

Hope Focused Training programs for courts will be presented on April 13, 14 and 15 by Chan Hellman, Ph.D., a leading researcher in the ]]>

More than 1,200 people who work with abused and neglected children in the Youth Courts have registered to participate in the training in Oxford, Pearl and Gulfport. More than 400 of those are expected to join via Zoom. Justice Dawn Beam, co-chair of the Commission on Children’s Justice, said, “ There is this real thirst for how we can make systemic change in our state.” Participants will include judges and court staff, Department of Child Protection Services leaders and social workers, Department of Education school attendance officers, representatives from the Department of Human Services, representatives of the Department of Mental Health, representatives of child advocacy centers and service providers. Youth Court teams from each jurisdiction will participate as groups in the interactive training.

Resident Jurist John N. Hudson of Natchez, who will help lead the training, said that hope needs to be infused from the top down in all Youth Court settings. “We want everything that touches this court to be hope-centered – on the juvenile delinquency side, on the child protection side – that when we bring those social workers into the courtroom, when we bring those juvenile counselors in the courtroom, their message is we are about hope here.”

All presentations are scheduled for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The schedule is: • April 13 at the Oxford Conference Center, 102 Ed Perry Boulevard, Oxford; • April 14 at the Clyde Muse Center, 515 Country Place Parkway, Pearl; • April 15 at Michael Memorial Baptist Church, 10553 John Clark Road, Gulfport.

The program agenda and training material are available on the Commission on Children’s Justice website, www.hope.ms.gov at this link: https://www.hope.ms.gov/sites/mccj/files/images/Hope%20training%20agenda%20and%20case%20scenarios%2C%20corrected.pdf

Dr. Hellman, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a professor of social work at the University of Oklahoma and Director of The Hope Research Center. His research is focused on hope as a psychological strength helping children and adults overcome trauma and adversity. He is the co-author of the book Hope Rising: How the Science of Hope Can Change Your Life.

His approach includes teaching people to do three things: • set desirable goals; • identify viable pathways to goals, finding solutions to the problems that stand in the way; • maintain the willpower to pursue those goals.

“Hope is the belief that the future will be better, and you have the power to make it so,” Dr. Hellman said. The Commission on Children’s Justice established Programs of HOPE to continue to address child neglect prevention. The model is centered on hope. The idea is to create pathways of hope for children and families. Justice Beam said, “We are committed to help them improve their lives. We believe this is possible one person, one family, one community at a time.” The presentations are part of the Court Improvement Program. The programs are sponsored by the Commission on Children’s Justice and Casey Family Programs in cooperation with the Mississippi Judicial College.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/legislature-passes-teacher-pay-raise-increases-funds-for-state-board-of-education-priorities 61ae6d1013b6110016070ca3 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi Legislature made significant investments in public education during the 2021 legislative session including a statewide teacher pay raise and millions allocated for Mississippi State Board of Education priorities including early childhood education, instructional coaches, teacher supply funds, and the Mississippi Student Information System (MSIS).

Mississippi teachers early in their careers will receive a $1,100 raise in the new school year and all other teachers and teachers’ assistants will receive a $1,000 pay increase.

Funds for the state’s Early Learning Collaboratives doubled to $16 million, which will serve approximately 6,000 pre-K children.

Lawmakers funded new instructional coaches, allocating $5 million for math coaches and $1.5 million for early childhood education coaches. The new coaches will bolster Mississippi’s team of Literacy-Based Promotion Act (LBPA)-funded literacy coaches, who help teachers statewide become more effective teachers of reading. Since the passage of the LBPA in 2013, Mississippi has become the No. 1 state in the nation for gains in reading.

Other public education allocations include $20 million for the teacher supply fund, up from $12 million the previous year, and $7.6 million to modernize MSIS. Teacher supply funds go directly to teachers to buy classroom materials. Funding for MSIS, created in the 1990s, will update the system for the modern technological era.

“Students and teachers statewide will benefit from these new investments that advance the State Board of Education’s goals,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. “The state has put in place proven strategies that have significantly improved student achievement, and these investments will help students and teachers build upon their successes.”

The State Board Strategic Plan prioritizes access to high-quality early childhood education, data-driven decision making, student growth and achievement, all students having effective teachers, leaders, and schools, and all students graduating prepared for college and career.

“Mississippi students and teachers deserve all the support the state is able to provide so they can continue making historic gains,” said House Education Committee Chairman Richard Bennett.

The legislature also allocated $1 million to help districts pay for advanced learning assessments including Advanced Placement and the ACT WorkKeys, and $1 million for career and technical education grants to districts.

“Our additional investments in public education will support teachers and have a direct impact on student learning in the classroom,” said Senate Education Committee Chairman Dennis DeBar.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/hinds-cc-offering-free-summer-classes 61ae6d1013b6110016070ca2 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Hinds Community College is offering 12 hours of free credit courses for the summer, including tuition, fees and books. Summer registration is now open for current students and opens on April 12 for new students. Classes begin June 1.

The free courses are open to current Hinds students, dual enrolled students, high school graduates, transfers from other colleges as well as university students who want to take courses at Hinds over the summer.

The courses include both face-to-face and online courses.

Students should meet admission requirements and then register for summer classes.

For more information, call 601.857.3767, email cares@hindscc.edu or go to hindscc.edu/summer.

The free courses are made possible with funding from the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act/Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund.

With six locations in central Mississippi, Hinds Community College is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities with academic programs of study leading to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills. To learn more, visit www.hindscc.edu or call 1.800.HindsCC.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/opera-mississippi-guild-s-virtual-fundraising-concert 61ae6d1013b6110016070ca1 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

As Opera Mississippi's 75th Anniversary Virtual Season comes to a close, they have truly saved the best for last on what has been a unique but powerful season. On Sunday, April 18, at 2 p.m.,, the Opera Mississippi Guild presents Opera Virtuale, a virtual fundraising concert of performers from all around the nation. Filled with music from both opera and musical theatre, from classical to present day, this concert has something for everyone and has been an exciting project for everyone involved. The event will be hosted at youtube.com/operams Hosted by well-known Mississippi TV personality Walt Grayson, the virtual concert promises wonderful music and the opportunity for patrons to donate to the guild to ensure that Mississippi and the Southeast has an opera company for another 75 years. Artistic Director, Jay Dean said, “Knowing that this year’s Opera Guild Gala had to be virtual, we reached out to singers across the nation and asked them to contribute their time to our gala. We were able to put together fourteen music videos of everything from classical opera arias to great tunes from musical theatre. We are particularly thankful to the opera program at the University of Mobile for providing some very well-done music videos that you will find very interesting. You will see everything from live night club performances to a Steven Sondheim song being sung from a hospital bed. Certainly, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused all of us to reach inside ourselves and come up with new ways to express our artistic creativity.

This gala program is a perfect example of how we can take a situation that will not allow us to do anything in person and use our creative skills to make a really interesting virtual product.” "The Opera Mississippi Guild functions as the arm that assists Opera Mississippi through an annual gala," said Atchley. "Guild members pay $75 annually to participate by providing lodging for out-of-town performers and organizing volunteers to help with each season's performances. Guild members gain access to all social events, so it is a great way to meet new friends while giving back to the community." Anna Dean, Opera Mississippi's Development and Outreach Director, is very excited for this year’s event as it allows a wider audience to see what the company does and for even more people to become members of the guild or supporters of Opera Mississippi. “There are several ways you can support Opera Mississippi for our annual Guild gala concert this year. First, Become a member! You can easily join our Opera Mississippi Guild by going to www.operams.org/the-guild and select "Join Now" Second, Attend our Diamond Anniversary Celebration on June 17 at the Jackson Yacht Club to get to know the Opera Mississippi Family! Ticket information will soon be available at www.operams.org/diamond-anniversarygala-concert. Third, follow us on Facebook at Opera Mississippi and on instagram @operamississippi. Finally, most definitely, become a donor at www.operams.org/sponsordonor-levels.” For more information about upcoming interviews and performances or to donate or become a member, visit www.operams.org.

ABOUT OPERA MISSISSIPPI

Celebrating their 75th Anniversary, the Mississippi Opera Association, founded in 1945, is a founding member of the national Opera America organization, the ninth oldest continuously operating opera company in the United States, and Mississippi’s only professional opera company. Among the remarkable singers that have graced Opera Mississippi stage, are internationally known Beverly Sills, Monserrat Caballe, Robert Merrill, James McCracken, Roberta Peters, Jan Peerce, Richard Tucker, Normal Treigle, John Alexander, Renée Fleming and many others. Opera Mississippi’s mission is to provide the community and state with the most dynamic musical stage productions possible. In addition, activities include a variety of educational and community outreach programs including educational performances to students and a variety of other performances for citizens of all ages, including pop, jazz, country, and musical theatre cabarets. The annual John Alexander National Vocal Competition, the only nationally advertised music competition in the state, is designed to recognize and award outstanding vocalists in both opera and musical theatre.

Opera Mississippi is proud to be an integral part of the remarkable artistic heritage that shapes the state, and each year thousands of Mississippians and visitors attend and benefit from our quality performances.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-upper-elementary-school-wide-service-project 61ae6d1013b6110016070ca0 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT Pearl Upper Elementary Quest students recently led a school-wide service project to benefit Gateway Rescue Mission. Pearl Upper students and staff donated items to be used by Gateway to provide care bags for needy individuals.

Gateway Service Project

Pictured packing donated items from left to right are Samantha Neese, Yoselyn Maeda-Sirin, Cayden Henry, Wilmer Gomez, and Kevin Hynum.

Gateway Service Project

Pictured with the packed donations on the front row from left to right are Lane Seymour, Ryker Barnette, and Isaiah King. On the back row are Mathis Weems and Javin Green.

For more updates on what Pearl upper middle is up to, click here; https://www.pearl.k12.ms.us/pearlupper

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/nasa-conducts-2nd-rs-25-test-in-latest-series-for-artemis-moon-missions 61ae6d1013b6110016070c9f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT PHOTO CREDIT – NASA or National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NASA conducted a second RS-25 single engine hot fire test April 6 as part of a new

series to support the development and production of engines for the agency’s Space

Launch System (SLS) rocket on future missions to the Moon. The full-duration hot fire of

more than eight minutes (500 seconds) was conducted on the A-1 Test Stand at

NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis. It is part of a scheduled seven-test

series designed to provide valuable data for Aerojet Rocketdyne, lead contractor for the

SLS engines, as it begins production of new RS-25 engines for use after the first four

SLS flights. Four RS-25 engines help power SLS at launch, firing simultaneously to

generate a combined 1.6 million pounds of thrust at launch and 2 million pounds of

thrust during ascent. The RS-25 engines for the first four SLS flights are upgraded

space shuttle main engines and have completed certification testing. During the new

test series, operators will focus on evaluating new engine components and reducing risk

in engine operation. They will fire the engine through a range of operating conditions to

demonstrate and verify its capabilities and to provide data to enhance production of new engines being manufactured with cutting-edge and cost-saving technologies. The initial test of the new series was conducted Jan. 28 for 500 seconds as well, the same amount of time the engines must fire during a launch to power the SLS rocket to orbit. During the subsequent full-duration hot fire April 6, operators also gimbaled the RS-25 engine,

using a new NASA-designed vector control system for the first time since it was

installed. “Gimbaling” refers to how the engine must move on a tight circular axis in

order to ensure proper flight trajectory. NASA is building SLS as the world’s most

powerful rocket. SLS will fly to the Moon as part of NASA’s Artemis program, including

the Artemis I uncrewed test flight this year that will pave the way for future flights with

astronauts to explore the lunar surface and prepare for missions to Mars. RS-25 tests at

Stennis are conducted by a combined team of NASA, Aerojet Rocketdyne and Syncom

Space Services operators. Syncom Space Services is the prime contractor for Stennis

facilities and operations.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ag-commissioner-andy-gipson-announces-next-wild-hog-control-programapplication-period 61ae6d1013b6110016070c9e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Today, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced that the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) will begin accepting a new round of applications for its Wild Hog Control Program (WHCP) on Wednesday, April 7. The application period will close on Wednesday, April 21. All Mississippi counties are eligible for the application period. In Mississippi alone, wild hogs cause more than $60 million in damages annually. Through the WHCP, MDAC provides “smart” wild hog traps to landowners and managers for the control of wild hogs on private agricultural and forestry lands in Mississippi. MDAC will provide the training necessary to use the “smart” traps and technical guidance regarding the most effective methods to trap and control wild hogs on private lands. “The Wild Hog Control Program has been a great success so far. Working with farmers and landowners, we have captured wild hogs on 21 properties in 11 counties to date,” said Commissioner Gipson. “This program provides a great opportunity for farmers and landowners to gain access to the latest technology used to trap wild hogs. It also provides a great opportunity for the Department of Agriculture and Commerce to teach farmers and landowners how to trap wild hogs and use that knowledge for future control efforts on their lands.” Applications must be completed and submitted online at www.mdac.ms.gov/whcp. Submitted applications will be evaluated based on the number of acres available for trapping, historical agricultural losses caused by wild hogs on the property and current trapping efforts on the property. A cooperative application is encouraged for small acreage (i.e., adjoining land managers of small parcels should work together to submit one application). Traps will be available for one-month intervals, dependent upon use and success. One trap per 1,000 acres is recommended, depending on landscape and land use. Visit www.mdac.ms.gov/whcp for program guidelines, applications and additional information. Submit questions regarding the WHCP to Chris McDonald at chris@mdac.ms.gov.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/national-safe-digging-month-kicks-off-following-historic-storms 61ae6d1013b6110016070c9d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT Atmos Energy Reminds Everyone to Call 811 Before Any Digging Project.

Since 2008, April has been designated National Safe Digging Month to encourage safe digging practices for any project. Following historic winter storms, gusty winds, hail, and flooding that may have caused significant tree and landscape damage in some areas, Atmos Energy reminds all residents and business owners to call 811 and have underground utility lines marked before removing deep rooted tree stumps or shrubbery. Call 811 is a free service that is mandated by law. Also following any storm, it is important to clear the area around natural gas meters from trash or debris to help cleanup crews see above ground infrastructure and avoid striking any natural gas facilities.

“Spring provides a time when many people begin outdoor projects, including landscaping, and we want you and your family to take these important safety steps,” said John McDill, Atmos Energy vice president of pipeline safety. “National Safe Digging Month reminds us that calling 81l before any digging project is the safest way to avoid damaging your underground utility lines, which could lead to an inconvenient outage.”

A recent survey revealed that 19.5 million U.S. homeowners plan to dig this year for projects like gardening, installing a mailbox, and building a fence or deck, and 63 percent of those homeowners use the free Call 811 service before starting an excavation project. That leaves a significant opportunity to educate the remaining 37 percent who put themselves and their communities at risk by digging without contacting 811 beforehand to mark the approximate location of underground utilities.

Buried beneath the ground is an extensive network of more than 7 million miles of pipes, wires, and cables needed to transport natural gas, electricity, telecommunications, water, and sewage. When severe weather hits, underground natural gas distribution pipelines and other utility lines can be damaged by uprooted trees and shifted foundations. After the storm, call 811 to have the location of underground utility lines marked, as gas lines could become tangled.

Every day and especially during National Safe Digging Month, Atmos Energy encourages homeowners to take the following steps before any type of digging begins:

• Always call 811 a few days before digging, regardless of the depth or familiarity with a property.
• Plan ahead. Call on Monday or Tuesday for work planned for an upcoming weekend, providing ample time for the approximate location of lines to be marked.
• Confirm that all lines have been marked.
• Consider moving the location of your project if it is near utility line markings.
• If a contractor has been hired, confirm that the contractor has called 811. Do not allow work to begin if the lines aren't marked.
• Visit www.call811.com for complete info.

For additional severe weather safety tips, please visit, https://www.atmosenergy.com/safety/weather-safety.

Become a safety ambassador and take the Atmos Energy Call 811 Pledge at https://www.atmosenergy.com/safety/sign-call-811-pledge.

About Atmos Energy

Atmos Energy Corporation is the nation’s largest fully regulated, natural gas-only distributor of safe, clean, efficient and affordable energy. As part of our vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services, we are modernizing our business and our infrastructure while continuing to invest in safety, innovation, environmental sustainability and our communities. An S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, Atmos Energy serves more than 3 million distribution customers in over 1,400 communities across eight states and manages proprietary pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas.

Find us online at http://www.atmosenergy.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/amr-advises-residents-and-businesses-to-rehab-mailbox-address-and-building-numbers 61ae6d1013b6110016070c9c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

With a spin on the old saying, “There’s safety in numbers,” American Medical Response (AMR) asks families and businesses to improve mailbox address and building numbers as part of their spring fix-up.

“Even with GPS, mailbox markings and building numbers are vital to ambulance crews, fire departments, and police responding to your emergency,” said Steve Peacock, AMR Central Mississippi operations manager. “A mailbox or building number that’s easy to see from the road by day or night can be a lifesaving landmark. Plus, delivery services, repairmen, and utility companies can also save time getting to you. Spring fix-up is a great time to improve your mailbox address and building numbers.”

AMR’s tips to help public safety responders find your house or other building:

• Replace or repaint faded mailbox addresses and building numbers.
• Colors of numbers and letters should contrast with the background they are against.
• Numbers and letters should be at least four inches tall.
• Use numbers and letters that reflect emergency vehicles’ headlights and spotlights.
• Place building numbers where trees, shrubs, hanging baskets, chimes or other objects won’t block them.
• If your home or other building is on a corner, post numbers facing both streets.
• Do not rely solely on a house or building number painted on the curb or planted in the lawn on a low sign. For more security, also post the numbers over the doorway or elsewhere up on the building. Parked vehicles, tall grass, leaves and even running water can obstruct rescuers’ view of curb numbers and signs at ground level.

More advice on mailboxes:

• Put your family’s last name and street address on your mailbox.
• Mark mailboxes on both sides because rescuers might not come from the same direction as your mail carrier.
• Cut tall weeds and grass blocking the view of your mailbox.

Peacock said, “If your building number is hard to spot or the mailbox is poorly marked, your rescuers may take longer to reach you. In a life-threatening emergency, every second is precious to the patient’s survival. Bottom line: Your rescuers can’t help you until they find you, so make sure your number is up!”

About American Medical Response (AMR)

American Medical Response, Inc., America’s leading provider of medical transportation, provides services in 40 states and the District of Columbia. More than 28,000 AMR paramedics, EMTs, RNs and other professionals work together to transport more than 4.8 million patients nationwide each year in critical, emergency and non-emergency situations. AMR also provides fire services through Rural Metro Fire Department, www.ruralmetrofire.com. For more information about AMR, visit www.amr.net and follow American Medical Response on Facebook @AMR_Social on Twitter and Instagram.

AMR is part of the Global Medical Response family of companies. Global Medical Response, Inc. is the industry-leading air, ground, specialty and residential fire services, and managed medical transportation organization. With more than 38,000 employees, GMR delivers compassionate, quality medical care, primarily in the areas of emergency and patient relocation services in the United States and around the world. For more information, visit www.globalmedicalresponse.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/msdh-looking-for-community-vaccination-partners 61ae6d1013b6110016070c9b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT The Mississippi State Department of the Health’s (MSDH) Office of Preventive Health and Health Equity, which works to reduce health disparities related to COVID-19 in minority and rural populations, is seeking organizations statewide to host vaccination efforts in their community.

“The Office of Health Equity addresses disparities primarily in Hispanic, Black, Vietnamese and rural populations. We identify the disparities and gaps that exist and find ways to engage with the communities to get them what they need. We have been providing testing opportunities, giving out PPE, and promoting health education in these communities. Vaccination is our next step in reducing the impact of COVID-19,” said Victor D. Sutton, Ph.D., MPPA, Director of the Office of Preventive Health and Health Equity.

“We are partnering with Federally Qualified Health Centers to increase vaccination efforts around the state, focusing on vulnerable and rural populations. What we need now are new local partners to help us bring vaccinations into communities that have not had the access that other Mississippians have had so far,” said Chigozie Udemgba, Dr.PH, CHES, Director of the Office of Health Equity.

All organizations, groups, businesses, municipalities, and even cities are potential partners for MSDH. As a community partner, you will help identify those needing vaccinations, and the COVID-19 Health Equity Response Team will work to schedule the event.

Please call the Mississippi COVID-19 Hotline at 1-877-978-6453 if you would like to host a vaccination event in a minority or rural Mississippi community.

Keep up with the latest COVID-19 information by downloading the free MS Ready mobile app or follow MSDH by email and social media at www.HealthyMS.com/connect.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/commissioner-bailey-commends-mississippians-for-calling-811-avoiding-damage-to-underground-utilities 61ae6d1013b6110016070c9a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT Public Service Commissioner Brent Bailey commends Mississippians for calling 811 before performing the digging activity in 2020. Mississippi 811 reported a total of 444,416 calls received in 2020 resulting in almost 2.2 million utility locates, compared to 400,426 calls received in 2019 and 2 million utility locates.

Each April, we recognize National Safe Digging Month, an initiative that urges excavators and homeowners to call 811 before beginning a digging project to avoid any damages, injuries, or fatalities that could result from striking a utility line.

Excavation damage is the leading cause of natural gas distribution pipeline incidents, and a leading cause of other pipeline incidents, nationwide. A critical step in preventing excavation damage is for the excavator to notify pipeline operators of intent to excavate at a specific location. This is normally done by the excavator calling a one-call center, such as Mississippi 811. The 811 agent then issues a locate ticket to alert pipeline operators and other underground utility operators with facilities located near the planned excavation activity. The pipeline operators can then locate and mark the location of their pipelines and otherwise communicate with the excavator as necessary to prevent damage to the pipelines.

“In the last year, our agency’s Pipeline Safety Division reported the lowest number of natural gas pipeline damage occurrences per thousand locates, 3.83, in more than 10 years,” Commissioner Bailey said. “In addition, the call volume at Mississippi 811 is 11% higher. These numbers indicate that Mississippians, statewide, are taking the time to call 811 before starting their digging projects. However, we must continue to improve in our excavation and locating practices.”

Installing a mailbox, building a fence, and planting a tree or garden are all examples of digging projects that should begin only after underground utility lines are marked by a professional locator. The depth of utility lines can vary for a number of reasons, such as erosion, previous digging projects, and uneven surfaces. Utility lines need to be properly marked because even when digging only a few inches, the risk of striking an underground utility line still exists. Striking a single line can cause injury or death, significant repair costs, fines, and inconvenient outages, which is why every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811.

“Under the leadership of the MPSC Pipeline Safety Program, the number of natural gas distribution line damages from excavation activities in Mississippi remain low,” Commissioner Bailey said. “Congratulations to the MPSC Pipeline Safety Division and to Mississippi 811 for their joint work of increasing awareness of 811, improving safety, and preventing damage to underground utilities and pipelines in the state.”

Call 8-1-1 before you plan to do any digging or excavation work on your property in Mississippi or visit https://www.ms811.org/. For any other consumer matters, please contact the Mississippi Public Service Commission Central District Office at 1-800-356-6430.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/altman-named-acting-director-of-mdot 61ae6d1013b6110016070c99 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT The Mississippi Transportation Commission (MTC) named Jeffrey C. Altman, P.E., acting executive director of the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT).

Altman will assume the role effective April 1 following the retirement of MDOT Executive Direct Melinda McGrath after 36 years of state service.

“It was with great reluctance that we accepted Melinda’s retirement earlier this month,” said Commissioner Tom King, MTC Chairman. “Jeff has served the state for 23 years, most recently as MDOT Assistant to the Executive Director. He has the knowledge and leadership skills to take the helm and keep Mississippi moving on a safe, efficient and effective transportation network.”

Altman began his public service career in 1998 in the MDOT Planning Division. In 2009, he was named assistant director of the Local Public Agency Division, a function of MDOT that oversee federal money for local government projects. He became LPA division director in 2012. Since 2019, he has served as assistant to the executive director.

“I am thankful for the commission’s confidence in me to lead MDOT,” Altman said. “Melinda set a high standard for excellence, integrity and transparency. While she will be sorely missed, we know the quality of our infrastructure impacts our quality of life and affects economic development. We are prepared to continue being good stewards of taxpayer dollars as we maintain nearly 30,000 highway miles and 6,000 bridges. With the guidance and support of the commission and legislature, we will invest wisely and systematically to make Mississippi a better place to live, work and play.”

A native of Wiggins and graduate of Mississippi State University, Altman lives in Rankin County with his wife and children.

The commission will begin a nationwide search for a permanent executive director with the goal of having an appointment by April 2022.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/municipal-primary-election-day-reminders 61ae6d1013b6110016070c98 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT Municipal Primary Elections will take place one week from today, on Tuesday, April 6, 2021. Polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Any voter in line at 7 p.m. is entitled to cast a ballot.

Our office will have observers in precincts across the State. Problems at the polls observed by State observers or otherwise reported to the Elections Division will be referred to the authorities, including the Attorney General’s Office or appropriate District Attorney’s Office. As a reminder, the Secretary of State’s Office has no enforcement authority to resolve problems.

Municipal Primary Election Day Reminders

• In-person Absentee Voting Deadline: The last day to vote in-person absentee at your Municipal Clerk’s Office is this Saturday, April 3. Municipal Clerk Offices will be open from 8 a.m. until noon.
• Mail-In Absentee Voting Deadline: All mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked by Primary Election Day (April 6th) and received by Municipal Clerk Offices within five business days of Primary Election Day in order to count.
• Polling Place Location: Please contact your Municipal Clerk’s Office for directions to your polling place.
• Voter Photo ID: Voters are required to show photo identification at the polls. A voter without an acceptable form of photo identification is entitled to cast an affidavit ballot. An affidavit ballot may be counted if the voter provides an acceptable form of photo identification to the Municipal Clerk’s Office within five business days after the election.
• Campaigning: It is unlawful to campaign for any candidate within 150 feet of any entrance to a polling place, unless on private property.
• Loitering: The polling places should be clear for 30 feet from every entrance of all people except elections officials, voters waiting to vote, or authorized poll watchers.
• Camera Phones: Voters are prohibited from taking pictures of their marked ballot.
• COVID-19: Voters are encouraged to practice good hygiene and follow CDC guidelines at the polls.

For more information about Municipal Primary Election Day, please contact your local Municipal Clerk’s Office.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/league-of-women-voters-correction 61ae6d1013b6110016070c97 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

City services touch your life every day, including water, streets, trash collection, parks, recreation, fire and police protection.

To learn more about who is running for mayor and aldermen, the League of Women Voters of Mississippi has compiled city election information on Vote411.org. This resource includes candidate information for the following municipalities: Bay St. Louis, Biloxi, Brandon, Clinton, D’Iberville, Gautier, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Jackson, Long Beach, Meridian, Moss Point, Ocean Springs, Oxford, Pascagoula, Pass Christian, Pearl and Petal.

Important dates for 2021 city elections include*:

• April 6 - primary election day
• April 27 - primary run-off election day
• June 8 - general election day

The Vote411.org Voters Guide is available with information about the candidates and their stances on issues affecting the residents of their cities.

The interactive tool allows voters to enter their street address to see their particular candidates. Upon clicking “Finish,” voters have choices to print a sample ballot as well as get text or email.

While we strive for accuracy, please report any errors and omissions to lwvmississippi@gmail.com Every attempt has been made to contact all candidates for their input.

The League encourages all registered voters to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming primary and general elections.

*For the full 2021 elections calendar, visit https://www.sos.ms.gov/content/documents/elections/2021%20Website%20Calendar.pdf

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/health-officials-issue-updated-guidance-for-faith-based-gatherings-and-worship-services 61ae6d1013b6110016070c96 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) has now issued updated guidance on safer faith-based gatherings and worship services.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the vulnerable, the safest options continue to be virtual or outdoor services.

The MSDH recommends that everyone 16 and older be vaccinated against COVID-19, even if the individual has been previously infected with COVID-19.

For those meeting indoors, MSDH recommends the following guidelines:

1) Everyone 65 years of age or older should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to attending in-person worship services (full vaccination is considered 2 weeks after the second dose of a two-dose vaccine, or 2 weeks after receiving a single-dose vaccine).

2) Anyone 16 or older with high-risk medical conditions should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to attending in-person worship services (two weeks after completing vaccination).

3) Indoor safety guidance:

1. All congregants should wear a face mask at all times during in-person services.
2. All congregants should maintain six feet of separation from persons outside of their household. Household members may sit together.
3. Congregants should not gather in close groups while entering or exiting the building.
4. Congregants should use hand sanitizer prior to or upon entry of the building.
5. Singing is a high-risk activity that can quickly spread viral particles. It is preferable to not have choirs; however, if choirs are performing, they should be small in number, masked, and separated by six feet.
6. Those in classroom settings such as Sunday school or study groups should maintain six feet of separation and wear a mask at all times.
7. As appropriate, alternatives to shared cups for communion should be pursued.
8. The use of hymn books or prayer books is acceptable so long as congregants practice proper hand hygiene upon entering.

4) Additional procedures to protect congregants are encouraged based on local congregation leadership decisions.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/fema-to-provide-federal-covid-19-funeral-assistance-program 61ae6d1013b6110016070c95 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020, for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. The policy was finalized today, and FEMA is now moving rapidly to implement this funeral assistance program nationwide.

To be eligible for COVID-19 funeral assistance, the policy states:

• The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or a qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020, for a death attributed to COVID-19.
• If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant. FEMA will also consider documentation from other individuals not listed as the applicant and co-applicant who may have incurred funeral expenses as part of the registration for the deceased individual.
• An applicant may apply for multiple deceased individuals.
• The COVID-19-related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
• This assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application.
• Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.

In the coming weeks, a dedicated 800 number will be established to help individuals who apply. In the meantime, potential applicants are encouraged to start gathering the following documentation:

• • An official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and shows that the death occurred in the U. S. The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely the result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19 like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are considered sufficient attribution.
  • Funeral expense documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased individual’s name, the number of funeral expenses, and the dates the funeral expenses were incurred.
  • Proof of funds received from other sources specifically for use toward funeral costs. Funeral assistance may not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, federal/state/local/tribal/territorial government programs or agencies, or other sources.

More information regarding this assistance can be found at COVID-19 Funeral Assistance | FEMA.gov

Interviews from FEMA will be available as soon as the hotline rolls out within the week or two.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/children-s-advocacy-centers-of-mississippi-to-blanket-capitol-lawn-for-child-abuse-prevention-month 61ae6d1013b6110016070c94 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services Commissioner Andrea Sanders and Representatives to Plant Pinwheel Garden On Capitol Lawn Wednesday, March 31st, From 11:00 a.m. To 1:30 p.m.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi is spreading awareness through visual impact at the Mississippi State Capitol. CACM is planting a pinwheel garden on the lawn of the Capitol that will consist of over 400 pinwheels with every 100 pinwheels representing a thousand children served through the Children’s Advocacy Centers. The past 20 years have led CACM to serve 44,320 children, and the “I Protect Children” movement campaign was created to recognize these children and spread awareness to Mississippians. “Across the country, pinwheels are used during the month of April. The pinwheels are a national symbol of childhood hope, health and happiness. Unfortunately, due to child abuse and neglect, thousands of children are denied their innocence each year. The 12 Child Advocacy Centers across the state work to ensure that despite being abused and neglected, these children have the chance to receive hope, healing, and justice,” said Karla Tye, Executive Director of CACM.

Child Abuse Prevention Month has been an annual observance in the United States since 1983. The purpose of this month is to raise awareness of child abuse and maltreatment and emphasize the fact that it can happen anywhere. The pinwheel garden gives a visual representation of children who have been affected by child abuse and brings awareness to the public to act or become involved to defeat child abuse. “We hope the pinwheels will serve as a visual reminder of the prevalence of child abuse in our communities. Each pinwheel represents 100 children that were served by a child advocacy center over the past 20 years. We hope it sparks conversations about how to eradicate child abuse in our communities across the state. We are all mandatory reporters and have a role to play in defeating child abuse.” CACM is committed to continuing the growth of the local Child Advocacy Centers in Mississippi and improving systems that benefit every child who walks through its doors. In order to continue to grow and serve abused children, people need to recognize that no matter your career or financial status, everyone is required by law to report child abuse. Making one phone call to local law enforcement or the Child Abuse Hotline at 1.800.222.8000 could save a child’s life. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with all calls being anonymous. For additional information on how to get involved with CACM and helping spread awareness, visit CACM’s website at www.childadvocacyms.org. The website is also a resource for upcoming events, training opportunities, resources, and much more. Anyone can also follow along on CACM’s journey through their social media at @childadvocacyms. About Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi (CACM) Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi (CACM) is the membership organization of Mississippi’s statewide Children’s Advocacy Centers (CACs), where children who have been victimized can receive a coordinated, victim-centered response from investigators and service providers. Nearly 1,800 children enter a Mississippi child advocacy center each year to talk about the unimaginable. These child-friendly settings are designed to create a sense of safety and security for child victims. CACs also share the goal of stopping child abuse before it even starts. Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2008, CACM is an accredited state chapter of the National Children’s Alliance (NCA). In addition to our highly acclaimed reactive work, CACM is committed to pro-active work, fostering systemic and societal change to protect children.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/league-of-women-voters-of-mississippi-has-compiled-city-election-information 61ae6d1013b6110016070c93 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

City services touch your life every day, including water, streets, trash collection, parks, recreation, fire, and police protection. To learn more about who is running for mayor and aldermen, the League of Women Voters of Mississippi has compiled city election information on Vote411.org. This resource includes candidate information for the following municipalities: Bay St. Louis, Biloxi, Brandon, Clinton, D’Iberville, Gautier, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Jackson, Long Beach, Moss Point, Ocean Springs, Oxford, Pascagoula, Pass Christian, Pearl, and Petal.

Important dates for 2021 city elections include*:

• April 6 - primary election day
• April 27 - primary run-off election day
• June 8 - general election day

The Vote411.org Voters Guide is available with information about the candidates and their stances on issues affecting the residents of their cities.

The interactive tool allows voters to enter their street address to see their particular candidates. Upon clicking “Finish,” voters have choices to print a sample ballot as well as get text or email.

While we strive for accuracy, please report any errors and omissions to lwvmississippi@gmail.com. Every attempt has been made to contact all candidates for their input.

The League encourages all registered voters to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming primary and general elections.

*For the full 2021 elections calendar, visit https://www.sos.ms.gov/content/documents/elections/2021%20Website%20Calendar.pdf

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/rhs-students-of-the-month-of-february 61ae6d1013b6110016070c92 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Richland High School recently named the February 2021 Students of the month. These students are nominated and selected by their teachers for such qualities as dependability, attitude, leadership, attendance, and classwork. Students are awarded a certificate from the Exchange Club, a gift card from BancorpSouth, and Mazzio's. The students are as follows: (seated, l to r) Mason Moha, Catalion Campusano, and Brenna Sanford; (standing, l to r) Ben Bates, Destiny Lesh, and Matthew Bass.

Mission: Bring Everyone's Strengths Together! We will all intentionally focus on empowering our students to reach their maximum potential by embracing opportunities and challenges while cultivating a tradition of distinction in education.

Vision: Continue a tradition of excellence by providing a world-class education that empowers all to grow through curiosity, discovery, and learning.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/calling-all-ms-entrepreneurs-apply-now-for-walmart-s-annual-open-call-for-usa-made-products 61ae6d1013b6110016070c91 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The application process for Walmart’s eighth annual Open Call is now open, and the company invites Mississippi entrepreneurs dreaming of landing their products on Walmart shelves and online to apply for the opportunity to meet with Walmart buyers on June 30, 2021, via virtual pitch meetings.

The deadline to apply for participation in this year’s Open Call for products made, grown, or assembled in the United States is April 30. The application and additional information about the event are available via this link.

On March 3, Walmart announced a new commitment to spend an additional $350 billion on items made, grown, or assembled in the United States. It’s estimated that this spend will support more than 750,000 new American jobs. Walmart’s Open Call is one way in which the company supports this commitment.

The June 30 virtual event will include similar programming to last year. In addition to one-on-one pitch meetings with Walmart merchants, participants will have an opportunity to hear directly from Walmart executives at the hour-long kickoff of the event. Smaller breakout sessions will be available throughout the day where suppliers can learn more on valuable topics and about resources available to them.

“Open Call is like watching the American Dream play out in real-time,” said Laura Phillips, Walmart senior vice president for Global Sourcing & US Manufacturing. “You see on full display the spirit and energy of new ideas and the hope of what could be – founded on creativity, hard work, and self-belief. It’s inspiring. Walmart’s announcement earlier this month to spend an additional $350 billion on products made, grown, or assembled in America makes Open Call even more exciting and important. We know how much this opportunity means to small businesses, and we can’t wait to see the new product submissions from potential new suppliers.”

This year’s Open Call attendees could secure opportunities that range from promoting products in a handful of stores in local markets to supplying products to hundreds, even thousands, of Walmart stores, Sam’s Clubs, and online.

“Walmart makes it easy – they really do,” Henry Johnson, who owns Le’Host Hair & Wigs with his wife, Haith, said about their experience at Walmart’s 2020 Open Call. “They sent us a video that they send to everyone who’s going to present to buyers and said, ‘This is what we’re looking for.’ … We found out what was important to Walmart as a company, in the community. What’s important to Walmart is its customers. To us, our customers are No. 1. So, when we saw that was the mindset of Walmart, we knew it was a good marriage.”

Earlier this year, Walmart began expanding Le’Host products into some 300 stores across the Southwest and Southeast regions of the United States.

Apply for Open Call today by visiting Walmart-jump.com. And you can join the conversation on your social media channels by using #WalmartOpenCall.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mde-seeks-digital-learning-instructional-coaches-to-support-educators-statewide 61ae6d1013b6110016070c90 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has partnered with the North Mississippi Education Consortium (NMEC) to hire a team of digital learning instructional coaches and coordinators to help teachers, schools and districts effectively use educational technology and improve student outcomes statewide.

Current and former educators and educational technology specialists with K-12 classroom experience are encouraged to apply. Available positions:

· State Digital Learning Instructional Coordinator (1 full-time position)

· Regional Digital Learning Instructional Coordinator (4-6 full-time positions)

· Digital Learning Instructional Coach (20-25 full-time or part-time positions)

All positions are available through three full- and part-time hiring options:

1. Educator-in-Residence grant program for current teachers (full-time or part-time positions): Teachers are hired as a digital learning instructional coach or coordinator while remaining on the payroll of their current district or state educational institution for administrative purposes. Applicants who choose this option must secure advance approval from their district superintendent or human resources representative.

2. North Mississippi Education Consortium (NMEC) employee (full-time positions only)

3. Contract worker with NMEC (part-time positions only)

The digital learning instructional team will help teachers, schools, and districts statewide to:

· Effectively use and implement technology, including devices, learning management systems, software,

and other web-based tools;

· Plan, develop, and deliver high-quality digital instruction aligned to the Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards;

· Implement best practices in digital learning and instructional practices; and

· Evaluate digital learning and instructional practices;

· Collaborate with other coaches and MDE staff to develop professional development resources that support the continued improvement of digital learning.

The coaching positions are part of MDE’s Mississippi Connects initiative, which is a comprehensive digital learning program providing computers and teaching and learning support to every public-school student in the state.

For complete job descriptions and instructions to apply, visit https://www.northmsec.com/dli/. Applications are due April 4, 2021.

For questions, contact Melissa Banks, MDE Director of Digital Learning, at mebanks@mdek12.org.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/msdh-covid-19-drive-through-site-closures-for-thursday 61ae6d1013b6110016070c8f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Due to the threat of severe weather on Thursday, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) announces the following closures for drive-through vaccination sites.

CLOSED ALL DAY

Desoto County

Panola County

Lafayette County

Washington County

Hinds County

Rankin County

Warren County

Claiborne County

CLOSING AT 11 A.M.

Lee County

Oktibbeha County

Lowndes County

Neshoba County

Jones County

Forrest County

CLOSING AT 11:30 A.M.

Lawrence County

Adams, Harrison, Jackson, and Sharkey/Issaquena county sites will be open as scheduled.

If you have an appointment at a closed site tomorrow, you will receive information about your rescheduled appointment date by e-mail, text, or phone message in the next few days.

Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/march-23-proclaimed-as-agriculture-day-in-the-state-of-mississippi 61ae6d1013b6110016070c8e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson was joined by Tommy Stansell with Vicksburg Forest Products, as Governor Tate Reeves signed a proclamation declaring March 23, 2021, as Agriculture Day in the State of Mississippi. “I appreciate Governor Reeves recognizing the importance of agriculture to our state and encouraging our citizens to also recognize the value of our state’s largest industry,” said Commissioner Gipson. “The agriculture industry contributes over $7 billion to the economy annually in farm-gate value of the commodities produced on our 34,700 farms. Our farmers and ranchers provide food, fiber, and shelter, and over the past year, we’ve especially seen the importance of their contributions during the pandemic. Today, I’m honored to celebrate our dedicated ag workers throughout the state.” This designation of March 23 as Agriculture Day in Mississippi coincides with National Agriculture Day. National Ag Day was started in 1973 by the Agriculture Council of America as an effort to encourage every American to understand how food and fiber products are produced, to appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant, and affordable products, to value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy, and to acknowledge and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food and fiber industry. “Today is an important day, not only to farmers but to all Mississippians,” said Governor Reeves. “Agriculture remains a direct part of daily life for many of our citizens, but it also plays an essential role in all our lives. The people in our agriculture community work to feed and provide for the world, and I am proud to proclaim today as Agriculture Day in the State of Mississippi.”

To learn more about National Agriculture Day, visit www.agday.org.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/the-mississippi-school-of-the-arts-round-two-auditions 61ae6d1013b6110016070c8d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi School of the Arts (MSA) will be holding Round 2 Auditions for the 21-22 school year in all areas. Tenth graders apply online by April 16th. All auditions will be virtual.

The process for admission includes on-line application, and virtual audition and interview. Accepted students attend their Junior and Senior years of high school at MSA. If you know of students currently in the 10th grade who might be interested in visual arts, dance, theatre, vocal music, literary arts, or filmmaking, please let them know about this opportunity. Applications are available on our website, www.msabrookhaven.org.

MSA is a public statewide eleventh and twelfth-grade residential high school located in Brookhaven, MS on the Historic Whitworth College campus. MSA is a great school for those students who want to explore the arts in an extraordinary way. We also fill a special need for students with demonstrated talent that need a collegiate level learning experience in the arts that is not widely available across our state.

In addition to MSA students consistently winning awards for their work on the state, regional and national levels, the school holds the #2 highest ACT average in the state and the college scholarship opportunities for graduating Seniors are amazing!

For additional information and the application, visit our website at www.msabrookhaven.org or email, admissions@msabrookhaven.org.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ag-fitch-recovers-nearly-500-000-ppe-items-from-price-gouger-gives-back-to-community-healthcare 61ae6d1013b6110016070c8c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Attorney General Lynn Fitch and her team began the process of distributing hundreds of thousands of FDA-approved Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including N-95 respirators, surgical masks, and disposable gloves statewide. The Attorney General’s Office came into possession of these items as a result of a plea agreement in a price-gouging case on the Coast.

“Taking advantage of our neighbors in need during a crisis to turn an extra profit is wrong,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “We are turning this PPE back to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for us during this pandemic – health centers, law enforcement, and fire departments.”

In March 2020, following multiple complaints of price gouging, the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office began an investigation into Gulf Coast Pharmaceuticals Plus, LLC. United States Magistrate Judge for the Southern District of Mississippi, Robert Walker, signed a search and seizure warrant for the GCPP premises, and the following items were inventoried and seized:

· 6,576 N-95 respirators

· 8,950 KN-95 respirators

· 365,225 Surgical masks

· 26,300 Shoe covers

· 77,200 Gloves

· 230 Lab coats/ coveralls

· 4,332 Gowns/ scrubs/ scrub caps · 300 Disposable scrub caps

· 163 Face shields/goggles

It was uncovered that Gulf Coast Pharmaceuticals Plus, LLC, under the direction and supervision of owner Kenneth Ritchey, was intentionally and feloniously price-gouging medical facilities by excessively marking up and selling PPE that was in short supply at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, including Mississippi’s G.V. Sonny Montgomery VA Medical Center.

Kenneth Ritchey pled guilty to one count of price gouging and was ordered to pay nearly $60,000 in restitution to the G.V. Sonny Montgomery Veterans Administration Hospital, a maximum fine of $5,000, and all court costs. Ritchey also surrendered all PPE seized by law enforcement personnel to the Attorney General’s Office.

In mid-January, representatives of the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office contacted first responders, emergency management entities, health officials, and law enforcement associations asking organizations to complete a PPE request form, and all 189 unique organizations that submitted a request are receiving PPE. The AGO is no longer accepting PPE requests. All available PPE has been allocated and distribution will continue to occur over the next month.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/deadline-to-apply-for-help-grant 61ae6d1013b6110016070c8b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The deadline to complete the Mississippi Aid Application (MAAPP) in order to qualify for the HELP Grant is March 31, 2021. Applicants will then have through April 30 to submit supporting documents, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Students should apply online at www.msfinancialaid.org or link directly from the FAFSA.

"Students have demonstrated their resilience and persistence this last year," said Jennifer Rogers, Director of Student Financial Aid. "It is important for students to finish strong, stay on track with their plans for college, and continue pursuing the resources needed to help pay for it."

The HELP Grant pays up to full tuition for students attending Mississippi public colleges and universities. Students attending a private institution will receive an award amount equal to the average award of a student attending a comparable public institution.

To qualify for the HELP Grant, students must:

• Complete the MAAPP by March 31
• Apply for the first time within two years of high school graduation
• Have a cumulative high school GPA of 2.5
• Score a minimum of 20 on the national ACT (or an equivalent score on the SAT)
• Take the required IHL College Prep Curriculum in high school
• Meet income requirements and be Pell eligible, as determined by completion of the FAFSA, and
• Provide supporting documentation by April 30

More information about HELP is available at www.msfinancialaid.org/help. Students who need assistance with their online applications are encouraged to submit questions via email to sfa@mississippi.edu, call1-800-327-2980 (toll-free in MS), and check their MAAPP Dashboard for updates.

Students are also encouraged to take advantage of the services offered free of charge by the non-profit Get2College, including help with the FAFSA or MAAPP. Visit www.get2college.org or call 601.321.5533 to make a virtual appointment with a counselor.

The deadline to complete MAAPP to qualify for MTAG or MESG is September 15.

The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning governs the public universities in Mississippi, including Alcorn State University; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ms-governor-tate-reeves-signs-hudson-s-law-to-protect-babies-from-lethal-discrimination-abortions 61ae6d1013b6110016070c8a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The national pro-life group Susan B. Anthony List (SBA List) today celebrated as Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves signed the Down Syndrome Information Act, legislation that would require doctors to provide accurate and up-to-date educational information to parents of children newly diagnosed with Down syndrome. The legislation passed with wide bipartisan support in both legislative chambers.

The bill is commonly known as “Hudson’s Law,” named after Hudson Hartman, a two-year-old Mississippian who has Down syndrome. Last year, Hudson and his mom Mika were key lobbyists for the Life Equality Act, legislation to ban discrimination abortions based on race, sex, disability, or genetic makeup. Governor Reeves signed the Life Equality Act into law last summer.

“We thank Governor Reeves for signing Hudson’s Law and for his strong pro-life leadership in Mississippi,” said SBA List State Policy Director Sue Liebel. “This law goes hand in hand with the Life Equality Act and will serve as an important check to ensure that doctors are empowering parents of children who have Down syndrome with accurate information and resources. Parents deserve to know that 99% of people with Down syndrome live happy and fulfilled lives. No child should be deprived of the right to be born, especially due to a disability – this is no less than modern-day eugenics.

“We are grateful to State Senator Jeremy England and State Representative Jansen Owen for championing this legislation. Their leadership on behalf of Mississippi’s most vulnerable will save lives.”

Polling conducted earlier this year found that 70% of Americans, including 56% of those who identify as pro-choice, 59% of Democrats, and 70% of Independents, oppose abortion based on the expectation that an unborn child may have Down syndrome.

SBA List is a network of 900,000 pro-life Americans nationwide, dedicated to ending abortion by electing national leaders and advocating for laws that save lives, with a special calling to promote pro-life women leaders.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/fhs-s-msa-hosting-get-fit-florence 61ae6d1013b6110016070c89 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Special to SW Rankin News Florence High School’s class of 2021 Medical Science program will be hosting “Get Fit Florence,” during the fourth week of March. Set to begin March 21, the goal of the week-long community service event is to collectively walk and/or run 2,021 miles as a community. All Florence residents are eligible to participate, and possibly win a prize. The event is free. Participants are free to walk anywhere they like, however locations earmarked for the event include: Florence Elementary, Florence High School track, Hemphill Park, and Florence Middle School. Participants may scan/log mileage for each days walk/run using the Quick Response code (QR Code) available at each location. On the final day of the event, March 27, FHS MSA will host a “community clean up” at all event locations. Closing out the week, prizes will be awarded to those who logged the most miles. FHS’s MSA encourages Florence residents with this message, “The Countdown is on for ‘Get Fit Florence!’ We can't wait to see how many miles the Florence Community can walk during the week of March 21-27. If you haven't already, join our event [on Facebook] to stay up to date with information. The QR codes to log your miles will be posted [soon]. Maps will be posted at the four locations next week as well...Please be prepared to walk a few days during that week to help our Senior Class reach their 2021 mile goal! Every little bit helps!” Visit the FHS MSA’s Facebook page for further information, updates, as well as nutritional tips that will be posted throughout the week-long virtual exercise program.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/act-scores-for-mississippi-juniors-release 61ae6d1013b6110016070c88 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has released ACT results for the spring 2020 statewide administration of the ACT to all public high school juniors.

The average score for juniors increased from 17.6 in 2019 to 17.7 in 2020. The percentage of juniors meeting the benchmark scores for all four tested ACT subjects increased from 9% the previous two years to 10%. Scores for Mississippi public school students who graduated in 2020 decreased from 18.1 to 17.9, and the percentage of students meeting all four benchmarks remained flat at 10%.

The national average ACT score for all students in the class of 2020, which includes public and private school students, was 20.6, down from 20.7 in 2019. ACT scores nationwide have dropped in recent years as the population of students taking the test has broadened.

The ACT is designed to predict how well students will perform in college, and colleges use standardized tests like the ACT to compare students across schools and states. ACT research shows students who take four or more years of English and three or more years each of math, social studies and natural science typically outperform their peers who report taking fewer courses in these subjects.

“Taking certain courses in high school substantially increases students’ readiness for college-level work and workforce training programs,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. “Families are encouraged to work with high school counselors to ensure students are taking courses that will prepare them for their goals after graduation.”

The MDE provides districts with training related to analyzing ACT data, evaluating course

taking patterns and designing ACT preparation courses. All school districts are now required to offer two specialized classes, the Essentials for College Literacy and the Essentials for College Math, to seniors who are on the cusp of meeting the ACT benchmark scores. All students who earn a grade of 80% or higher in these courses are entitled to enter credit-bearing college courses, without remediation, at all Mississippi public universities and community colleges.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-house-of-representatives-tenth-week-of-the-2021-legislative-session 61ae6d1013b6110016070c87 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT This was the tenth week of the 2021 Legislative Session.

Wednesday was the deadline for the House to discuss general Senate bills. Any Senate bills that did not make it off the calendar and before the House died. The deadline to discuss Senate appropriations and revenue bills will occur next Tuesday, March 16. More than 80 Senate bills were discussed on the floor, including the following:

Senate Bill 2765, or the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act, was the source of much debate on the House floor this week. The bill would have created an alternative to the medical marijuana program in Initiative 65 that was voted on by Mississippians in November 2020. During discussion, several amendments were offered, and a few members raised points of order and other parliamentary inquiries. Eventually, SB 2765 was laid on the table, and the bill died on the calendar. Similar language to SB 2765 was added to “Harper Grace’s Law” (HB 119) in the Senate late on Thursday.

Another greatly debated bill in the House this week was Senate Bill 2727. The bill would have revised the way members of the board of the Department of Archives and History are chosen. Since its inception in 1902, board members have chosen their own successors in the seat, which are then subject to Senate confirmation. SB 2727 would have given board appointments to the governor and the lieutenant governor. The bill failed by a vote of 17-105.

Senate Bill 2119 would authorize the sale and purchase of pseudoephedrine and ephedrine in the state without a prescription. Since 2010, Mississippi has required a prescription to purchase medicines containing these stimulants. SB 2119 passed by a bipartisan vote of 117-3, and it has been sent to the governor for his signature. The House passed a similar bill (HB 479) earlier in the session, but it has since died in committee.

A few bills passed the House with unanimous support including a bill that would authorize a veteran to establish proof of military service for Veteran Driver’s License Designation in person at a DPS driver’s license station (SB 2294); a bill that would give the option to combine a concealed carry weapons permit with a driver’s license or other identification card (SB 2253); and a bill that would allow the Department of Education to grant teaching licenses to teachers who already possess the equivalent from another state (SB 2267).

The calendar also included several House bills that were passed earlier in the session, sent to the Senate and are now back before the House. With this process, the representatives will vote on whether to concur with the changes the Senate made, or to invite conference for possible further revisions before becoming law or dying.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/merit-health-employees-of-the-month 61ae6d1013b6110016070c86 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT Congratulations to the March 2021 Pearl Public School District Employees of the Month! The employees of the month are selected from the nominations submitted each month by employees, parents, and community members. Classified Staff of the Month: Nurse Julie Thornton, Pearl Upper Elementary; Certified Staff of the Month: Rhonda Green, Pearl Lower Elementary; Administrator of the Month: Chris Chism, Pearl High School. The PPSD Employees of the Month Program is sponsored by Merit Health.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-mudbug-festival-coming-soon 61ae6d1013b6110016070c85 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Details on the Inaugural Mississippi Mudbug Festival: April 7-11, 2021! Crawfish, Concerts and Carnival Rides! Music includes Frank Foster at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday April 10th.

Jackson MS Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce, Andy Gipson, announced the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce will host the inaugural Mississippi Mudbug Festival on Wednesday, April 7, through Sunday, April 11, at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds.

“I am excited to host the Mississippi Mudbug Festival right here in Jackson,” said Commissioner Gipson. “This event will include a large crawfish boil, musical performances and over 20 carnival rides. All events will take place across the 105-acre Fairgrounds complex, and I want to invite the public to come out with their families and enjoy some good, Southern-style crawfish at this open-air, outdoor event.”

The Festival will include live entertainment featuring Frank Foster, Doctor Zarr, Chad Wesley, Fordie Hays and J Edwards; a crawfish eating contest on Friday; and on Sunday, crawfish enthusiasts will vie for the ultimate title of Champion of the 2021 Battle of the Crawfish. Other attractions include food vendors and amusement rides provided by North American Midway Entertainment with daily ride specials; crawfish plates provided by The Back Porch restaurant; and beverages provided by Southern Beverage Company and Clark Beverage Group. General admission is free and parking is $5 per car.

“Many Jacksonians will remember the Fairgrounds as the location of crawfish boils in the past with many good memories from those events. Though the Mississippi Mudbug Festival will be different from those crawfish boils of the past, we hope this new tradition will generate the same kind of great memories for a new generation of children and adults,” said Commissioner Gipson.

Rides will open each day and prices are $1.50 per coupon, $25 for 22 coupons and $60 for 50 coupons. The public can also enjoy all rides for one low wristband price of $15 on Wednesday, April 7, and $25 on the remaining days. Advanced ride wristbands can be purchased online for $20 at https://tickets.authentigate.ca/store/#/NAME/546. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday’s musical performances can be purchased online at https://www.ticketmaster.com/search….

The Courtyard will be open daily with crawfish and beverages available for purchase. Crawfish will be provided by The Back Porch and sold for $15 per plate.

Entry to the Mudbug Music Area on Saturday, April 10, will be $20 online pre-sale and $25 the day of. Entry to the Mudbug Music Area on Sunday, April 11, will be $15 online pre-sale and $20 the day of.




Schedule of the Mississippi Mudbug Festival is as follows:

Wednesday, April 7, 2021
o 5:00 p.m. – Gates and Rides open - Free admission
 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Ride-A-Thon - Attendees can enjoy over 20 great rides for one low wristband price of $15
o 5:00 p.m. – Crawfish and beverages will be available for purchase inside the Tails and Ales Courtyard.
 10:00 p.m. – Gates close

Thursday, April 8, 2021
o 12:00 p.m. – Gates open - Free admission
o 2:00 p.m. – Rides open
o 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. – Ride-A-Thon - Attendees can enjoy over 20 great rides for one low wristband price of $25
o 2:00 p.m. – Crawfish and beverages will be available for purchase inside the Tails and Ales Courtyard
o 10:00 p.m. – Gates close

Friday, April 9, 2021
o 12:00 p.m. – Gates open - Free admission
o 2:00 p.m. – Rides open
o 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. – Ride-A-Thon - Attendees can enjoy over 20 great rides for one low wristband price of $25
o 2:00 p.m. – Crawfish and beverages will be available for purchase inside the Tails and Ales Courtyard
o 4:00 p.m. – Mudbug Music Area opens - Free admission
o 6:00 p.m. – J Edwards performance
o 8:00 p.m. – Fordie Hays performance
o 8:00 p.m. – Crawfish Eating Contest
o 11:00 p.m. – Gates close

Saturday, April 10, 2021
o 12:00 p.m. – Gates and Rides open - Free admission
o 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. – Ride-A-Thon - Attendees can enjoy over 20 great rides for one low wristband price of $25
o 2:00 p.m. – Mudbug Music Area opens - Entry will be $20 with presale ticket or $25 the day of
o 2:00 p.m. – House music/DJ will start
o 3:30 p.m. – Chad Wesley performance
o 5:30 p.m. – Chad Wesley performance
o 7:30 p.m. – Frank Foster performance
o 11:00 p.m. – Gates and Mudbug Music Area close

Sunday, April 11, 2021
o 12:00 p.m. – Gates and Rides open - Free admission
o 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. – Ride-A-Thon - Attendees can enjoy over 20 great rides for one low wristband price of $25
o 12:00 p.m. – Mudbug Music Area opens - Entry will be $15 with presale ticket or $20 the day of
o 1:00 p.m. – Doctor Zarr performance
o 1:00 p.m. – Battle of the Crawfish begins
o 7:00 p.m. – Mudbug Music Area closes
o 8:00 p.m. – Gates close

For more information about the Mississippi Mudbug Festival, visit www.MississippiFairgrounds.com online or follow the Mississippi State Fairgrounds page on Facebook.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/energy-agriculture-entrepreneurs-invited-to-vie-for-25k-in-grants 61ae6d1013b6110016070c84 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT The Mississippi Development Authority is accepting applications through March 31, 2021.

Advancements in the energy and agriculture sectors help make lives more comfortable, flavorful and efficient, but shepherding the advancements from the idea stage to the marketplace takes hard work and resources. The Mississippi Development Authority is seeking to help entrepreneurs in these sectors through the Mississippi Virtual-Quad grant program.

Teams of high school and college students, university or community college faculty, for-profit businesses, non-profit organizations, public-sector employees, or any combination of these individuals, are invited to apply for five $5,000 stage-one venture development grants. Recipients of stage-one grants will also participate in a 10-week technology accelerator program and will be eligible to pitch their venture to compete for grants in stage two. Applications are available online. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2021.

“The Mississippi Virtual-Quad Grant Program is a great example of public and private entities coming together to support the state’s next generation of entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr., Commissioner of Higher Education. “The resources provided through the program will help these innovators advance their ideas to the next level and we appreciate the leadership provided by the Mississippi Development Authority and the participation of our fellow members in the consortium.”

Supported by the EPIC Prize from the U.S. Department of Energy, V-Quad’s goal is to build an innovative, virtual incubator network to support Mississippi’s entrepreneurs working on energy- and agriculture-related technologies. The program is public-private partnership that brings together Mississippi’s research universities, industry, government, and non-profits into a cohesive, tech-based entrepreneurial network.

The program includes a consortium with the Institutions of Higher Learning, the Mississippi Development Authority, Innovate Mississippi, and the four research universities, including Jackson State University, Mississippi State University, the University of Mississippi, and the University of Southern Mississippi.

“Energy and agriculture are vital sectors to Mississippi’s economy and future growth,” said John Rounsaville, executive director of MDA. “These grants will help foster that growth and support entrepreneurs with new or expanding businesses. This program also encourages partnerships with MDA, Innovate Mississippi and our research universities.”

Resources available to teams participating in the program include access to business and technical mentoring, researchers and subject matter experts, laboratory space at the state’s research universities, and the ability to connect with local and national energy and agricultural entrepreneurial networks.

Focused on “Inclusive Innovation,” the program is seeking applications from a diverse range of individuals. Minority and rural entrepreneurs are strongly encouraged to apply.

Teams working on innovations to improve any facet of the energy or agriculture supply chain are invited to apply. Advances in other sectors that impact energy or agriculture, including information and communication technologies, robotics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, unmanned aerial and terrestrial vehicles may be explored. Projects may also focus on using digitalization to improve the energy and agriculture infrastructure. These may include energy storage, transmission and distribution, distributed generation, solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, biomass, bluetech, process safety, security, energy efficiency, marine energy, crop yields, crop and animal health, process monitoring, personnel training, farm devices, geospatial applications, and innovative financing for these technologies.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-senate-confirms-andrea-sanders-as-new-child-welfare-agency-commissioner 61ae6d1013b6110016070c83 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

MDCPS Commissioner Andrea A. Sanders received unanimous Senate confirmation today to lead Mississippi’s child welfare agency in achieving its mission to protect the state’s most vulnerable children.

Acting upon a February 24 advise and consent recommendation from the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, the full Mississippi Senate confirmed Sanders as the third commissioner for the 1,500-employee Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services, established in 2016 by the Mississippi Legislature.

“The MDCPS team performs critical work every day that directly and significantly impacts the lives of vulnerable Mississippi children and their families,” said Sanders. “We must get this work right; there is too much at stake for us not to achieve our mission. We are intentionally building a state of hope for the children and families of Mississippi. They deserve nothing less than the absolute best we can provide.”

In October 2020, Gov. Tate Reeves appointed Sanders to her current post.

“Commissioner Sanders is the right person at the right time for MDCPS,” said Gov. Tate Reeves. “Her organizational leadership experience combined with her personal and professional commitment to compassionate service delivery, accountability, professionalism and empathy are what the agency needs to ensure safe children and strong families across our state.”

Sanders holds a law degree from the Mississippi College School of Law and a Master’s in Social Work from Tulane University. Before assuming her current MDCPS responsibilities on November 9, 2020, Sanders served as General Counsel and Principal Deputy Executive Director for the Mississippi Department of Human Services where she also served on the Senior Leadership Team and held administrative responsibility for the state's subsidized childcare program. She brings additional experience as an attorney in private practice, for the judiciary, as a clinical therapist with families, children and adolescents, and as a hospital administrator in both the public and private sectors.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ag-fitch-reaches-settlement-withcenturion-filing-services-llc 61ae6d1013b6110016070c82 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Attorney General Lynn Fitch reached a settlement with Centurion Filing Services, LLC, which conducts business as MS Certificate Service.

“It’s hard enough to start a business without someone misleading you, especially in a pandemic,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “I stand by my commitment to protect Mississippi consumers from unfair and deceptive business practices that seek to scam them out of their hard-earned money.”

The consent judgment resolves allegations that Centurion Filing Services, LLC violated the Mississippi Consumer Protection Act. The company sent solicitations to new business owners, containing elements meant to make the correspondence look like an official State form, charging a fee to obtain a Certificate of Existence from the Mississippi Secretary of State. The solicitation charged these new businesses over three times the actual cost of a certificate, which are not even necessary for the businesses targeted by Centurion. Nearly 6,000 businesses have been affected and have lost as much as $374,125, total.

Under the terms of the agreement, Centurion must:

• Stop using the solicitation that the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office deemed deceptive and use a format approved by the State, and

• Refund any customers who believe they were misled by the solicitation letter.

Any consumer who paid Centurion for a Certificate of Existence using this form and believes they were a victim of this scam may request a refund of $62.50 by contacting:

Centurion at mscs@certificatefilingservice.com or

The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office at centurion@ago.ms.gov.

You must request your refund within 3 years of making the payment to Centurion. Any consumers who have questions may call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division at 601-973-4938.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/twin-lakes-camp-and-conference-is-hiring-summer-staff 61ae6d1013b6110016070c81 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Just wanted to give everyone an update on staff hiring. We still need quite a few counselors for the summer, and a few more support/leadership...44 to be exact! The number is a bit shocking, I know. We are trusting the Lord to bring in just the right people to help minister to the hearts of the 700+ campers (and climbing) who have already signed up for this summer.

We would greatly appreciate your help in spreading the word of what an amazing opportunity serving at Twin Lakes is in the life of a summer staffer. Feel free to share with your church youth and/or college ministry leader, high school, college campus ministry, social club, intramural team, GroupMe's, etc. Who knows...maybe we can make this fun with some prizes and such?!?

FYI, the only category that we have filled for this summer is female assistant counselors (ages 16-17). Male and female applicants age 18+ are welcome to apply, as well as males age 16-17.

Thanks, guys. We greatly appreciate your prayers and support as we continue to prepare. We are super excited to see the way that God provides in this and so many more ways this summer.

https://twinlakescamp.org/summer-camp/staff/

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/the-ninth-week-of-the-2021-legislative-session 61ae6d1013b6110016070c80 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The deadline for House committees to report general bills originating from the Senate occurred Tuesday at 8 p.m. Any Senate bills that did not make it out of committees died. The House began working on these Senate bills on the House floor, and the deadline for these bills to be passed is next Wednesday, March 10. Senate Bill 2536, known as the Mississippi Fairness Act, would require schools to designate sports teams based on biological sex. This would not include teams that are already classified as “co-ed.” The language is similar to an amendment added to House Bill 1030 earlier in the session. After little debate, the bill passed the House by a vote of 81-28, and it has been returned to the Senate. Several other Senate bills passed the House floor including a bill that would create the Mississippi Dementia Care Program to provide assistance to caregivers for those with Alzheimer’s Disease or another form of dementia (SB 2221); a bill that would establish the Mississippi Historic Site Preservation Fund Grant Program within the Department of Archives and History (SB 2834); and a bill that would extend the repealer on the State Board of Funeral Services (SB 2098). The House will continue to work on bills originating from the Senate until the deadline on Wednesday. All Senate bills approved by the House will be sent back with changes to the Senate for concurrence or to invite conference. As a reminder, visiting the Capitol is a little different this year than in years past. All guided tours are still suspended, and the Capitol Gift Shop is closed. However, Mississippians are more than welcome to visit the Capitol and participate in self-guided tours as long as they follow the proper guidelines. For more information, visit the Legislature website.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/the-2021-pearl-public-school-district-job-fair 61ae6d1013b6110016070c7f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The 2021 Pearl Public School District Job Fair will be held on Thursday, March 25, 2021. The event will be held from 3:00-5:30 p.m. at Pearl Upper Elementary located at 400 Treasure Cove, Pearl, MS. Administrators will be on site to discuss the following vacancies: certified teachers (all grade levels and all content areas), assistant teachers, bus drivers, and cafeteria staff. Kelly Services will also be available for those interested in being a substitute in Pearl Schools.

Participants are asked to bring a resume and references. Teachers should also bring a copy of their Mississippi Educator License or most recent transcript.

Masks are required in all PPSD buildings and social distancing rules will be followed.

For more information about the job fair visit www.pearlk12.com or email jobs@pearlk12.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-hs-senior-winner-of-the-mississippi-school-board-association-essay-and-speaking-contest 61ae6d1013b6110016070c7e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Pearl High School senior Isabelle Garcia is the Congressional District 3 winner of the Mississippi School Board Association Essay and Speaking Contest.

The contest is designed to give eleventh and twelfth grade Mississippi students an opportunity to express creative ideas for concepts, conduct research, think critically, practice public speaking skills, and subsequently receive recognition for doing so. Isabelle’s speech was broadcast during the Virtual Mississippi School Board Association Annual Conference.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/college-soccer-signings-from-florence-high-school 61ae6d1013b6110016070c7d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Congratulations to Senior Captain, Clint Roberts! Clint will be continuing his soccer career as he signs with Homes Community College! Pictured below from left to right: (sitting) Father - Justin Roberts, Sister - Helen Grace Roberts, Clint Roberts, Mother - Holly Harris (standing) Principal - Tony Martin, Coach - Joshua Cavanaugh, Coach - George William Hood III, Assistant Principal - Keith Reed

Congratulations to Senior Captain Josh Heflin! Josh will be continuing his soccer career as he signs with Holmes Community College! Pictured below from left to right: (sitting) Mother - Johna Heflin, Josh Heflin, Father - Joseph Heflin (standing) Assistant Principal - Keith Reed, Coach - George William Hood III, Brother - Jeremy Heflin, Sister - Jessie Heflin, Coach - Joshua Cavanaugh, Principal - Tony Martin

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/dr-daniel-edney-of-vicksburg-joins-msdh 61ae6d1013b6110016070c7c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Daniel P. Edney, MD, FACP, has joined the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) in the role of chief medical officer and regional health officer for the Central Public Health Region.

Edney, a 30-year Vicksburg resident, is a graduate of the University of Mississippi Medical School, where he graduated with summa cum laude distinction and numerous other honors.

He has served on the staff of Medical Associates of Vicksburg and most recently as the medical director for several local nursing homes and hospice services, as well as the addictionologist for several mental health facilities.

“I am so pleased to have a physician of Dr. Edney’s stature join the MSDH team. We really recognized his talents as he worked with us on COVID-19, and I am confident his contributions will be significant,” said State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs.

Edney is a longtime member of the American Medical Association and the Mississippi State Medical Association, in which he currently serves as Immediate Past President and on the Board of Trustees, and has served previously in the role of president, speaker and vice speaker of the House of Delegates, and as chairman of the young physician’s section.

“I look forward to joining this amazing team. I have always been a physician in the private sector, but this last year I have seen the importance of merging the public and private sectors. This is a great partnership that needs to continue as we move forward,” said Edney.

Dr. Edney was appointed to his position on February 16, 2021.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ms-coast-heritage-information-center-has-resources-to-help-connect-people-to-their-roots 61ae6d1013b6110016070c7b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT https://youtu.be/ZWjwjnqiYus

Disability Connection is enthusiastic about announcing the MS Coast Heritage Information Center at www.DisabilityConnection.org, a four-year project for the MS Coast National Heritage Area, which is administered locally through the MS Department of Marine Resources.

The MS Coast Heritage Information Center promotes the heritage areas of South Mississippi by education and connecting the public to the cultural, historical, recreational, and scenic resources. It hosts the stories of the people: their cultural and ethnic heritages, their industries, churches, traditions, foods, festivals, and events that are still present to enjoy today. The Center connects people to their roots and celebrates diversity.

The Center has information to plan their travels:

• 3 Film Documentaries
• 41 Heritage Moments (films)
• 160+ pages of information on people & places that are a part of our heritage

These resources include places to visit that are barrier- free and have special accommodations for travelers with disabilities.

The films have been produced by Disability Connection in partnership with Walt Grayson, the featured state-wide host of Mississippi Roads.

For more information about the MS Coast Heritage Information Center please contact Disability Connection at 228.604.4020 or 228.870.7775.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-psc-issues-280-000-no-call-fine 61ae6d1013b6110016070c7a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi Public Service Commission imposed civil penalties of $280,000 against Arrowbridge Holdings, LLC for 32 violations of the state’s No-Call law, Commissioner Brent Bailey announced today.

“Today, we voted 3-0 to impose the penalty against Arrowbridge Holdings, LLC, which is based in Kissimmee, Florida,” Commissioner Bailey said. “The Commission and the Attorney General’s Office work these cases in a joint effort to take action against companies and telemarketers that ignore the Mississippi registry. We will continue to hold these companies accountable should they continue to illegally harass Mississippians at their homes or businesses.”

The company was accused of making unauthorized telephone solicitations and failing to register with the PSC as a telephone solicitor.

“In our findings regarding the types of calls Arrowbridge made, a majority of their calls were related to vacations and timeshares,” Commissioner Bailey said. “There are a few that were related to auto warranties as well.”

After the defendant failed to answer the matter, an entry of default in the PSC’s favor was granted. The commission's penalty is a civil fine, not a criminal action.

Mississippi maintains a “No-Call List” as part of the Mississippi Telephone Solicitation Act of 2003. The law prohibits those attempting to sell consumer goods and services by telephone from calling telephone numbers that appear on the list.

Mississippians who want to add their home telephone or mobile numbers to the list may call 1-800-356-6430 or go online at www.psc.ms.gov/NoCall/home.

Since the start of this Commission in January 2020, we have imposed $570,000 in fines to companies for violating the no-call law.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-egg-marketing-board-announces-2021-easter-coloring-contest 61ae6d1013b6110016070c79 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi Egg Marketing Board announced it is hosting the annual Easter Coloring Contest. The contest is open to Mississippi school children ages four to nine years old, and one winner will be taken from each age group. The winners in each age group will receive a $50.00 gift card.

Information and Rules:

1. The age groups are as follows: 4-5 years old, 6-7 years old and 8-9 years old. Only ONE entry per child allowed.
2. Entries are due by the end of business on Friday, March 26, 2021, and NO LATER.
3. Coloring sheet entries must be turned in to the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum, located at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson.
4. BEFORE TURNING IN – include the child’s name and age, a parent’s name and phone number, email address and school on the bottom of the coloring sheet. Incomplete forms will not be eligible for prize selection.
5. Coloring sheets will be judged at the end of the contest and prizes will be awarded to the winners at the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 3, at the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum. There will be one winner per age bracket. If your child is unable to attend the Easter Egg Hunt, the winner will be contacted by phone or email no later than April 12, 2021, by 5:00 p.m.
6. Decision of the judges is FINAL.
7. The Mississippi Egg Marketing Board reserves the right to post any entry and use for promotional purposes. All entries become the property of the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board and will not be returned.
8. Entry forms are available for pickup at the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum or download here from Southwest Rankin News.

For more information about the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board, contact Jennifer Thompson at (601) 359-1144 or email jennifer@mdac.ms.gov.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/atmos-energy-addresses-customer-bills-following-historic-winter-storms 61ae6d1013b6110016070c78 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Atmos Energy understands customer concerns that the recent extreme weather may affect their natural gas bills, so we want to assure customers that bills in the near-term will not include any of the unusually high gas prices from the historic winter storms.

Atmos Energy does not set the market pricing for natural gas. There is no profit added to the gas cost. We have been and will continue working with regulators to find solutions that will minimize the impact on monthly bills. Until those solutions are identified, the gas cost portion of a customer’s bill will reflect normal, seasonal gas prices.

February and March bills may still be higher than recent months based on the amount of gas used during the bitterly cold weather.

Atmos Energy offers installment plans that spread out payments of the total balance over time with no added charges or fees. To set up an installment plan, visit www.atmosenergy.com, log in to the Atmos Energy Account Center and select the Payment Assistance tab, or call the Atmos Energy customer service team at 888.286.6700 Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. central time.

Federal assistance funds are also available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), in addition to Atmos Energy’s Sharing the Warmth funds. Sharing the Warmth is a program that leverages the generosity of customer donations with additional contributions by Atmos Energy to amplify the amount of assistance offered. Atmos Energy then partners with local agencies to offer program funds to eligible customers.

Financial assistance is available on a first come, first served basis to eligible residential customers through a local energy assistance agency. To locate an agency, visit atmosenergy.com/assistance or call 211. Customers needing solutions to keep up with their monthly natural gas expenses are encouraged to contact Atmos Energy’s customer service team at 888.286.6700 or visit the account center at https://www.atmosenergy.com/accountcenter/logon/login.html.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/copy-of-ad-ready-post 61ae6d1013b6110016070c77 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Students at the PPSD Early Childhood Education Center recently learned about the letter Ww. The students visited a center where they wrote and illustrated words that begin with the letter Ww. Pictured clockwise from left to right are Heaven Butler, Malachi Lynch, Jase Sebren, and Elena Campbell from Mrs. Melissa Brower’s class.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-braves-announce-2021-schedule 61ae6d1013b6110016070c76 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi Braves, in conjunction with Major League Baseball, are pleased to announce the 120-game schedule for the 2021 season and return to baseball.

The M-Braves open the 16th season of Braves baseball at Trustmark Park on Tuesday, May 4, against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. The season will conclude Sept. 19 on the road against the Chattanooga Lookouts. The M-Braves will be in Trustmark Park for 18 of the first 24 games of 2021.

"First and foremost, we'd like to thank our incredible fans for their patience and support during the last 11 months," said Pete Laven, vice president, and general manager of the Mississippi Braves. "We are very excited to announce our 2021 schedule, signifying M-Braves baseball's return to central Mississippi this Spring."

As a part of the eight-team Double-A South in MLB's new Professional Development League (PDL) structure, the Braves join seven other former Southern League members. Mississippi will be in the South Division with the Biloxi Shuckers (Milwaukee Brewers), Montgomery Biscuits (Tampa Bay Rays), and Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Miami Marlins). The North Division consists of the Birmingham Barons (Chicago White Sox), Chattanooga Lookouts (Cincinnati Reds), Rocket City Trash Pandas (LA Angels), and Tennessee Smokies (Chicago Cubs).

The schedule consists of 20 six-game series' (10 home, 10 road). The 60-game home schedule in Pearl includes 30 Thursday-Saturday contests and holiday games on Mother’s Day (May 9), Memorial Day weekend (May 28-30), Juneteenth (June 19), and Father's Day (June 20). Fireworks will light up the sky above Trustmark Park after each Saturday home game.

The M-Braves will play South Division rivals Pensacola and Biloxi 30 times, respectively, and Montgomery 18 times. The Braves will play a home-and-home series against North Division foes Birmingham, Chattanooga, and Tennessee.

Today's announcement comes days after MLB's announcement that confirmed the M-Braves as the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves for the next ten years.

Game times and 2021 promotions will be announced in the coming weeks. Game dates are subject to change, and the Mississippi Braves will continue to work with Major League Baseball, the Atlanta Braves, and state and local government on hosting a safe and responsible 2021 season.

Season tickets, flex plans, group outings, and sponsorship opportunities are available now by calling 888-BRAVES4.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/outlets-of-mississippi-welcomes-two-new-tenants-break-it-entertainment-and-the-lit-brand 61ae6d1013b6110016070c75 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Outlets of Mississippi, the state’s largest outlet shopping destination located minutes from the capital city of Jackson in the city of Pearl, is excited to announce its newest tenants, Break iT Entertainment and The LIT Brand!

Entertainment is taking over at Outlets of Mississippi! Break iT is the shopping center’s premier “Smash Room” where patrons can physically smash items with baseball bats, golf clubs, hammers and more. If you are having a bad day or feeling stressed or just want to have some good ole fun, come to Break iT and suit up in professional grade coveralls, a helmet and safety glasses and break something! Smash Rooms are for ages 18 and up, but ages 16 – 18 are allowed inside with a parent or guardian. And don’t forget your closed-toe shoes!

Break iT also offers kid friendly games such as Paint Explosion, Gem Mining and even arcade games and skee-ball that everyone will enjoy. Feel free to stop by in Suite 460 for a tour and learn about booking Break iT for birthday parties, family gatherings, and celebrations of all types, even date night! Learn more at www.BreakiTms.com

The LIT Brand is Outlets of Mississippi’s latest store for men’s urban and streetwear styles as well as sophisticated dress wear. Located next to Nike, shoppers will discover brands such as Lanzino, Barabas, Prestige, Diesel, True Religion and many more.

The LIT clientele understands style and appreciates high fashion. From relaxed, casual looks to more haute couture trends, LIT leads a contemporary approach for young, urban men who appreciate a more tailored and inspired flair.

LIT also provides shoes and accessories perfect for every outfit in the store. Stop in and find your inspiration for bold styles at The LIT Brand!

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/psc-to-review-state-s-public-utility-infrastructure-in-light-of-recent-winter-storms 61ae6d1013b6110016070c74 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The three Mississippi Public Service Commissioners unanimously announced today the launching of a comprehensive review of the Magnolia State’s public utility infrastructure in light of horrifying events in other areas of the nation and the lingering after-effects of the recent winter storm. The Commission’s review will begin immediately. The Commissioners stated that their goal was to ensure that all reasonable steps be taken to protect the reliability of electric, gas, water and sewer service at all times. While Mississippi utilities are accustomed to extreme weather events like hurricanes and tornadoes, winter storms are much rarer. The latest winter storm presented new challenges to Mississippi utilities that the Commission feels must be addressed immediately and forthrightly. The Commissioners stressed the fact that our State’s electric utilities performed incredibly well during recent, unprecedented weather, even producing more electricity than needed on the coldest day of the year. Additionally, preparations were made in advance to secure resources to assess outages and begin the restoration of electrical service as soon as safely able to do so. Natural gas utilities avoided supply disruptions and kept supplies flowing to their customers. However, the Commission said, these facts do not negate the responsibility of state regulators to ensure that utilities are doing all they can ensure its systems are resilient, services are reliable and that Mississippians avoid experiencing large-area outages that take a long time to recover from. “Grid resiliency and reliability is an incredibly important issue and we must maintain a proactive approach to protect our systems and infrastructure,” Chairman Dane Maxwell said. “The extreme winter weather last week brought to light many issues throughout the region that must be addressed to ensure forced outages on a massive scale do not happen here in Mississippi like we saw in other parts of the country.” “Although the majority of utilities performed well during the recent extreme weather, the events have raised the bar of preparation and preventative actions utilities should take to minimize outages,” Commissioner Brent Bailey said. “Our emphasis remains on providing Mississippi residents with effective communication, ensuring reliability and preventing the loss of vital public utility services during any inclement weather conditions, particularly for the most vulnerable of customers.” “It is our highest duty as Commissioners to make sure that we not only solve problems but anticipate them ahead of time,” Commissioner Brandon Presley said. “This latest winter storm has presented challenges that must be addressed in a formal and thorough manner. Mississippians deserve to have every assurance that the public and private power grid, water and other utility services will be there at all times. After all, the customers are the ones paying for it. Working families and small businesses are already financially struggling because of the pandemic, we must protect their pocketbooks along the way.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-class-of-2020-improves-advanced-placement-achievement-rate 61ae6d1013b6110016070c73 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Mississippi’s graduating class of 2020 achieved a 38.2% qualifying score rate for Advanced Placement (AP) exams, an increase from the previous year's achievement rate of 32.5%.

AP courses are college-level courses offered by trained high school teachers. Every qualifying AP score of 3, 4 or 5 entitles students to earn at least three college credits at any Mississippi public university or community college.

Among the class of 2020, 20.7% (5,235) of graduates took a total of 11,526 AP exams during their high school experience, according to the College Board’s AP Cohort Data Report for Class of 2020 issued today. Though achievement on AP increased, the number of students taking AP exams declined. Among the class of 2019, 22.7% of graduates (5,801) of graduates took 13,178 AP exams.

Though the class of 2020 saw a drop in AP participation, overall, the number of Mississippi students taking AP courses and passing AP exams have both nearly doubled since 2013.

“The AP experience is an extremely valuable learning opportunity for students. It exposes students to college-level work and helps them develop the study skills they need to be successful in college,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. “Students who earn qualifying scores on AP exams can reduce the cost of their college education.”

Mississippi’s AP policy has the potential to save Mississippi families millions of dollars on college tuition. In Mississippi, public and private high school students earned 5,648 AP® qualifying scores of 3, 4, or 5 in 2020. These scores translate into a potential savings of close to $5 million in tuition for students and their families. Research shows AP students are better prepared for college and more likely to graduate college in four years than non-AP peers. Students earning college credit can save what they would otherwise have to pay for another year of college.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/spring-break-rocking-richland 61ae6d1013b6110016070c72 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

REDA and Richland Parks and Recreations Dept. will be hosting ‘Spring Break Rocking Richland’, March 15 thru March 19. Rocks will be painted and placed at Eastside and Westside park each day during spring break. There will be 1, $20 winner per day, per park. Those rocks will have the word ‘WINNER’ and that particular day of the week painted on them. Bring the rock to the community center between 9am and 5pm,Mon – Fri, to receive your prize. Winners are only eligible for 1 prize. This will give the opportunity for us to have more winners. Prizes are sponsored by Engineering Service, Bancorp South, Irby, Rankin First, Yates Construction and Capitol Oil. There will also be rocks painted by Mississippi Artist Cliff Speaks valued at $25 to be found! Please call Tammy Morgan at 601-487-9989 for any questions.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/covid-19-vaccination-site-update 61ae6d1013b6110016070c71 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) advises Mississippians to please be patient in the coming days if there is a longer than usual wait time at our drive-through vaccination sites. Because of severe winter weather last week, MSDH has had to schedule more appointments than usual for this week (as make-up dates), in order to reduce delays in getting as many Mississippians vaccinated as possible. Please arrive for your vaccination appointment 15 minutes early, and please keep to your assigned appointment time. Additionally, the MSDH Central Office in Jackson will be closed on Tuesday due to lack of water. The MSDH Public Health Laboratory will remain OPEN for all services, including water testing and clinical testing. Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/fire-risk-increases-with-freezing-weather 61ae6d1013b6110016070c70 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) is investigating several heating-related fire deaths. At least one involved a chimney that caught fire. Others have involved space heaters.

“Many parts of the state will not get a break from this extreme cold, ice, and snow for a few more days,” State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney said. “When heating your home, keep flammable objects like furniture, clothing, mattresses, or bedding away from heat sources like fireplaces and space heaters.”

Every home should have multiple smoke alarms. Smoke alarms should be placed outside of each bedroom. You should also install Carbon Monoxide alarms if you are using gas. If using a generator, make sure it’s outside and well ventilated. Carbon Monoxide is a deadly killer when generators are not used correctly. The State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends the following heating fire safety tips:

• All heating equipment should be UL® approved and cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional prior to being used each year.
• Remember to keep clothes, drapes, and anything else combustible at least 3 feet away from all heating equipment, especially space heaters.
• Inspect the space heater’s power cord for damage, fraying or heat. If the cord inspection reveals any of these issues, the heater should be replaced. Proper cleaning is essential and should be done regularly. Never use space heaters while you sleep or in areas where children may be without adult supervision.
• Do not leave space heaters on when you are away from home.
• Always unplug space heaters when they are not in use. The heater should also be equipped with a tip over shut‐off switch.
• Never use a stove or oven to heat living spaces. Kerosene is a poor choice for heating as it will give off poisonous fumes.
• Never use outdoor cooking equipment like grills for heating and do not bring propane bottles inside.
• Have chimney flues cleaned and inspected by qualified personnel.
• Have a spark screen that is age appropriate for all individuals if using a fireplace.
• Burn only approved materials in a fireplace or wood‐burning stove; never burn paper or trash in a fireplace or wood burning stove.

Should a fire break out in the home, have an emergency evacuation plan for the family to follow and have a designated meeting place for all family members. Once everyone is outside, call 911 and don’t go back inside the home under any circumstances.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-state-department-of-health-confirms-first-case-of-covid-19-variant-strain 61ae6d1013b6110016070c6f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) confirms the first case of a COVID-19 variant strain in a Mississippi resident.

A case of the B.1.1.7 UK variant strain of COVID-19 was confirmed during routine testing.

No international travel or spread to contacts is known to have occurred, but additional investigation is ongoing.

The B.1.1.7 variant strain has been identified in 40 U.S. states and is known to spread more easily and quickly than other strains. While suspected, currently there is no direct evidence that this strain causes a more severe infection or a higher risk of death.

MSDH continues to expand surveillance for variant strains in Mississippi, and it is likely that additional cases will be identified. Current available vaccines are expected to be effective against variant strains, but further research continues.

Mississippians are strongly encouraged to wear a mask, social distance, avoid large gatherings, and wash hands frequently. Vaccination is also encouraged for those who are eligible. Current eligibility includes Mississippi residents or those who work in Mississippi ages 65 and older, or those 16-64 with certain underlying conditions, healthcare personnel, and residents of long term care facilities.

For eligibility criteria, visit the MSDH website at HealthyMS.com/covid19. To schedule an appointment at an MSDH drive-through clinic, visit covidvaccine.umc.edu or call the COVID-19 hotline at 1-877-978-6453.

Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/msdh-closures-for-wednesday 61ae6d1013b6110016070c6e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Due to winter weather, all Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) county health departments, WIC centers, and offices except those in Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, Stone, George, Greene, Perry, Forrest, Lamar, Wayne and Jones counties will be closed on Wednesday, February 17.

MSDH drive-through COVID-19 vaccination sites are cancelled tomorrow except those in

Harrison, Jackson, Forrest and Jones counties. Those with cancelled appointments will automatically be rescheduled for the same time on a different day and notified by phone, e-mail, or text.

MSDH COVID-19 testing sites in Calhoun, Copiah and Hinds (Farmer’s Market) counties are cancelled tomorrow. All patients have been advised to reschedule for a later date. The Hancock County testing site will be open.

These details can change dependent on weather.

Check the MSDH website at HealthyMS.com for the latest in cancellations.

Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pedestrian-safety-in-slippery-conditions-tips-from-amr-medics-1 61ae6d1013b6110016070c6d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Paramedics at American Medical Response (AMR) have issued advice to prevent falls and getting hit by vehicles when walking in slippery conditions:

· Wear shoes or boots that fit well and have good non-slip tread.

· Watch the path ahead.

· Bend your knees a little and slow down.

· Wear gloves or mittens so you don’t have to put your hands in your pockets. If your hands are out of your pockets, you can use your arms to balance yourself and, if needed, to soften a fall.

· Hold onto railings and stable objects, particularly when going up or down stairs.

· If at all possible, don’t step out on stairs or steps before clearing them of ice.

· Don’t carry more than you can handle easily. Heavy loads can impair your balance.

· If you must walk in the road, walk facing the traffic and walk close to the curb.

· Wear bright clothing so drivers can easily see you.

· Ice can prevent cars from stopping at stop signs and traffic lights. Before stepping into the street, make sure all approaching vehicles have in fact stopped.

· Ear muffs, hats and scarves can make it hard to hear nearby vehicles. Stay warm AND alert.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/slippery-driving-tips-from-amr-paramedics-1 61ae6d1013b6110016070c6c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Because area roads and bridges could be slippery on Tuesday morning, paramedics at American Medical Response (AMR) urge motorists to follow this advice when driving on ice or slush:

· If you don’t have to drive, please stay home. Ask yourself, “Am I skilled at driving on icy roads?” If you’re not, stay home.

· If you must drive, slow down well below speed limits. Give yourself extra time to reach your destination.

· Allow more space between you and other vehicles.

· Seeing well and being seen are crucial to avoiding crashes. Before starting your trip, remove all ice and snow from your car’s windshields, windows, mirrors, headlights and tail-lights. Defog your windshields thoroughly. Turn on your low-beam lights.

· Be sure your tires, brakes, battery, windshield wipers and other safety gear are good for icy driving on ice or snow. Don’t let your fuel run low.

· Drive on interstates and divided four-lane roads when possible. Two-way traffic leads to more head-on collisions.

· When driving on ice and snow, brake only if you must. Do not “pump” anti-lock brakes. Just step on the pedal once, slowly, gradually, and steadily. With conventional brakes, gently pump the brake pedal with your heel on the floorboard and your toe on the pedal.

· Slow down before you cross bridges and patches of ice and before you go down hills. Some ice is invisible. It’s called “black ice” because it looks as though the pavement ahead is normal. Black ice often results from precipitation refreezing after a thaw.

· If you skid, take your foot off the gas pedal and shift quickly into neutral. Turn your steering wheel in the direction the rear wheels are skidding. For example, if the tail of your vehicle starts to skid to your right, turn your steering wheel to the right until the vehicle straightens out. Shift back into drive and gently accelerate.

· If you crash, pull all the way off the road. Turn your flashers on. Get out on the passenger side, because there is greater risk of other drivers skidding into the driver side. Stand on the passenger side.

· No matter how short the trip, buckle up everyone in your vehicle.

· Dress warmly, in case of a breakdown or a crash.

· In your trunk, carry a couple of burlap bags or short wooden planks and a shovel to help with traction if you get stuck.

· Put in some pop-top canned food, energy bars or other food that’s easy to open plus extra clothing and a blanket.

Be sure your cell phone keeps a good charge.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/cold-weather-can-be-deadly-amr-medics-warn-1 61ae6d1013b6110016070c6b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

With an arctic front expected to bring snow and ice to parts of Mississippi, AMR paramedics remind us: Plunging temperatures and wind chill are a direct threat to life and limb, especially for elders, small children, the chronically-ill, substance-abusers and individuals who stay out in the cold for long periods.

AMR medics have advice for avoiding, recognizing and treating two deadly cold-induced conditions, hypothermia and frostbite. Both conditions can and do happen in the southern United States. The risk is high for someone who is outdoors, gets wet, stays wet and has extensive exposure to severe wind chill. Hypothermia can also occur indoors such as in homes without heat.

To avoid hypothermia and frostbite, AMR medics say:

· Wear at least three layers of clothing, even indoors. Layering the clothes conserves more body heat than one thick garment. The layer closest to the body should be thin, made of polyester or similar material. The first thin layer should pull moisture from your skin. The next layers should be bulkier, providing more insulation. Wool is a sound choice unless you are at risk of getting the wool soaked. Newer materials such as polyester pile are also recommended. For the outdoors, the top layer should resist rain, sleet or snow and have zippers for venting body heat when you get warm.

· Wear a stocking cap or a hood that covers all of the face except the eyes, nostrils and mouth. The Wilderness Medicine Society has reported that a shivering person loses a high percentage of body heat through the scalp.

· Wear mittens, not gloves; mittens keep hands warmer than gloves.

· Immediately remove clothing that gets wet and layer on another dry outfit.

· Keep at least one room in the home at a comfortable temperature. Close the doors to rooms that are not in use and cover heating vents in those rooms. Jam towels or blankets under the bottom of doors to conserve heat. Closing curtains cuts heat loss through windows.

· In cold weather, friends of elders should check on them frequently, as age weakens the body’s ability to sense and adapt to temperature changes.

Hypothermia is dangerously low cooling of the body’s internal temperature. Hypothermia victims go through stages of shivering, numbness, confusion, drowsiness and, eventually, they become unconscious. Unless emergency aid is provided, death soon follows.

First aid for hypothermia includes removing the person from the cold setting, if possible. If the patient is outdoors, shield him or her from wind. Give CPR if needed. Remove wet clothes and wrap the patient in warm materials. If – and only if – the victim is alert, give warm non-alcoholic drinks. Never give anything by mouth to someone who is less than fully alert. Treat the patient gently.

Frostbite is the actual freezing of a body part, most often the fingers, toes, ears or nose. The part often feels hard and waxy and may be discolored.

First aid for frostbite includes removing the person from the cold setting. Handle the affected part gently to protect it from further injury. Do not rub the frostbitten part. Do not allow the victim to try to use the part, such as walking on frostbitten toes. Wrap the part in a dry, sterile dressing. Never put ice on frostbite.

Re-warm the frostbitten body part only if hospital care is remote or unavailable. After re-warming, never let the part re-freeze.

When hypothermia or frostbite may have struck, call 911 immediately for trained, equipped help from your local ambulance service.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mdot-responding-to-winter-weather-conditions 61ae6d1013b6110016070c6a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Freezing temperatures and lingering moisture are causing icy conditions on roads and bridges as Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) crews continue to respond to winter weather in Mississippi.

The majority of the impacts are north of Interstate 20 along Instate 55. In north Mississippi, a line of freezing rain caused black ice to form early Friday morning in some areas.

MDOT crews continue to monitor conditions and are treating bridges with salt and slag to lower the freezing point of water and increase traction.

Currently, ice is being reported on bridges in the following counties:

• Bolivar
• Coahoma
• DeSoto
• Holmes
• Lafayette
• Leflore
• Marshall
• Panola
• Quitman
• Tallahatchie
• Tunica
• Warren
• Yalobusha
• Yazoo

All highways remain open and passable, but motorists should avoid travel if possible in affected areas.

For motorists who must drive in winter weather conditions, MDOT offers these safe driving tips.

• Remember, ice will form on bridges and overpasses quicker than the road.
• Slow down; should winter weather conditions become present, black ice can form.
• Allow more space between the vehicles around you.
• Brake early and gently to avoid skidding, and never slam on the brakes.
• Avoid distractions, such as talking or texting on a cell phone.
• Stay alert.

Looking ahead, winter weather conditions are expected to continue Sunday and Monday. Crews will be pretreating highways throughout north and central Mississippi in the Friday and Saturday.

For real-time road conditions on Mississippi’s highways and bridges, visit ,MDOTtraffic.com and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/preparing-for-bitterly-cold-temperatures-atmos-energy-offers-these-safety-tips 61ae6d1013b6110016070c69 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Bitterly cold temperatures are settling in for the next several days. Atmos Energy is closely monitoring the weather and staging its employees across the system.

Atmos Energy offers these safety tips:

• Never use an oven or a gas stovetop to heat your home.
• Protect natural gas meters. Natural gas meters are weather-proof; however, to ensure that the meter keeps working smoothly, remove snow and ice from natural gas meters with a broom or brush. Never kick or chip snow and ice away with a hard object.
• Safely remove snow from vents for dryers and other natural gas equipment. Blocked vents for dryers and other gas appliances can lead to a dangerous buildup of carbon monoxide gas.
• Minimize the risk of frozen pipes. Leave faucets running at a trickle, leave cabinet doors open, and close all doors and windows to keep heat inside.
• If you think you smell gas, act fast! Leave the area immediately and from a safe distance call 911 and the Atmos Energy emergency number, 866.322.8667: https://www.atmosenergy.com/safety/recognizing-leak

Atmos Energy encourages customers needing solutions to keep up with their monthly natural gas expenses to contact Atmos Energy’s customer service team at 888.286.6700 or visit the account center at https://www.atmosenergy.com/accountcenter/logon/login.html

For more ways to save energy and money, please visit www.atmosenergy.com/energytips.

For additional information about carbon monoxide safety, please visit https://www.atmosenergy.com/safety/carbon-monoxide-safety.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/city-of-pearl-launches-new-text-service 61ae6d1013b6110016070c68 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The City of Pearl is proud to announce a new text service that provides two-way communication with residents, visitors and businesses.

There are two services available:

• Receive City Alerts: Text "Pearl" to 91896. This allows you to receive important information about emergencies, weather threats, road closures, etc... directly from the city.
• Report Issues or Find Answers to Questions: Text "Hi" or any keyword to 601-706-3177

When reporting an issue to the city, the text will guide you through a series of steps that allows you to submit all the necessary info and even allows you to upload a picture.

Our main categories for reporting and common keywords are:

Report Animals: Dog cat Animal Alligator deer snake raccoon

Report Street: Pothole road striping stop sign street sign

Report Leaks: Leak pipe puddle flooding fountain Hydrant

Report Code Enforce: overgrown grass business construction

Report Ditch

Report Street Light

Report Police: Non-emergency issues like speeding areas, tips, etc...

The report will go directly to the appropriate city department for attention.

You will receive a reference number once you send the report so you can follow-up on the issue.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/prepare-now-for-the-threat-of-winter-storms 61ae6d1013b6110016070c67 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

In Mississippi, February 15 through 19 is designated as Severe Weather Preparedness Week, but it looks like Mississippi will need to prepare beforehand. Over the next several days, winter weather is expected to bring everything from ice and snow to the northern part of the state to freezing rain to the southern part. All of Entergy Mississippi’s 45-county service area is expected to experience dangerously cold temperatures.

Extreme winter weather can cause power outages and downed power lines, but the company is prepared. Entergy Mississippi employees plan and train year-round, ready to respond and restore power when severe weather strikes. Our perpetual cycle of planning, preparation and training ensures we are Operation Storm Ready for every weather situation.

“We continually watch the weather and put our plan in action as soon as a severe weather threat emerges,” said Lea Turnipseed, Entergy Mississippi vice president of customer service. “These storms can be deadly. We encourage customers to form a storm-preparedness plan before severe weather appears. Waiting until a storm arrives may be too late.”

Prepare for extreme winter weather and the soon-to-come spring storms in advance by assembling an emergency kit of basic supplies. Make sure your family knows what to do and where to go if disaster strikes. Entergy can help you prepare with these tips on how to make a plan and a kit. Keep an emergency kit at home, but also keep one in your vehicle so you are prepared for the weather outside, as well, should you become stranded during an emergency.

After stocking up, ensure that you have several ways of getting severe weather warnings:

• Install a smart phone app that will alert you to severe weather in the area or sign up for emergency alerts on your smart phone.
• Have a weather radio with a loud alarm that will wake you when severe weather threatens at night.

Know how to communicate with Entergy Mississippi if you need help after a storm hits. There are several ways to report outages or downed power lines:

• Download the free app for your smartphone at entergy.com/app.
• Sign up for text alerts by texting REG to 36778 and have your account number and ZIP code handy. The registration pattern is as follows including spaces: REG (account number) (ZIP code). Once registered, text OUT to 36778 to report an outage. You can also report an outage online as a guest.
• Visit the Entergy Storm Center website and our View Outages page.
• Call us at 800-9OUTAGE (800-968-8243).

“While we work hard to prevent disruptions, unpredictable and powerful storms can still cause power outages,” said Turnipseed. “Being prepared and having everything you need in one location, including a way to notify us, can help you weather the storm with greater peace of mind while we work to safely restore your service.”

Cold weather can also affect bills. Heating systems have to work harder to keep your home or business warm, thus using more electricity. Also, leaky doors or windows can let cold air in. Follow these tips to minimize the impact of cold weather on your energy bill:

• Set the temperature at 68 degrees for optimum energy efficiency and comfort. Every degree higher than this can raise your bill as much as 3 percent, so a winter setting of 78 degrees could increase your bill by 30 percent.
• Do not waste money heating rooms you don’t use often. Close the vents to direct the air to the rooms you use the most.
• Put weather stripping around doors or windows, or place a rolled-up towel at the bottom of exterior doors to block cold air that can seep in.

For more simple, low-cost tips to help you save energy and money on your power bill, visit entergymississippi/savememoney.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ms-house-weekly-summary-1 61ae6d1013b6110016070c66 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The fifth week of the 2021 Legislative Session proved to be the busiest thus far. Comm ]]>

House Bill 997 would remove the Department of Revenue from being a wholesale distributor of alcoholic beverages within the state and allow for wholesale permits to be issued to private companies. The Department of Revenue currently operates the Alcoholic Beverage Control warehouse in Gluckstadt. The bill passed by a bipartisan vote of 104-3 and has been sent to the Senate for consideration.

Another bill that would change alcohol laws was House Bill 1135. The bill would create a delivery service permit to allow the holder to contract for the delivery of alcoholic beverages from a licensed retailer to a consumer. HB 1135 passed the House by a vote of 71-38.

One greatly debated bill was House Bill 1315. The bill would repeal occupational licenses for art therapists, auctioneers, interior designers, funeral home directors and wigologists. Proponents of the bill noted that these professions pose no real threat to public safety and have no need for state regulation, while those opposed argued that this repeal would lead to a lack of oversight in these industries. HB 1315 passed by a vote of 74-36, and the bill is now being held on a motion to reconsider.

House Bill 1302 was another source of much debate among House members. The bill would authorize optometrists who have passed educational requirements and have professional experience to perform certain procedures to treat eye diseases. Proponents of the bill stated that the proposed procedures are already being taught in optometry schools and are allowed in neighboring states. Opponents of the bill debated that these procedures should be performed by licensed physicians who specialize in ophthalmology. The bill passed 90-25 and has been sent to the Senate.

House Bill 1303 would allow advance practice registered nurses, or nurse practitioners, who have met certain experience requirements to practice primary care without a collaborative agreement with a licensed physician. The bill passed the House by a vote of 78-38.

House Bill 122 would authorize expungement for up to three felony convictions if 15 years have passed since a person’s last felony conviction. Various felonies such as violent crimes, arson and trafficking would not be eligible for expungement. The bill passed by a vote of 78-42 and is now being held on a motion to reconsider.

A number of noncontroversial bills also passed through the House this week, including a bill naming the firing range at the MS Law Enforcement Officers’ Training Academy after Lieutenant Colonel Pat Cronin (HB 9); a bill authorizing the sale of pseudoephedrine and ephedrine without a prescription (HB 479); a bill authorizing the Department of Corrections to provide hospice care to terminally-ill patients (HB 1174); and a bill exempting law enforcement officers from concealed firearms permit fees and renewal fees (HB 886).

Floor debate will continue on these general bills until the Feb. 11 deadline. After that, discussion will move to appropriation and revenue bills, as well as bills originating in the Senate.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mdot-preparing-for-potential-winter-weather-conditions-1 61ae6d1013b6110016070c65 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT https://video.wixstatic.com/video/5283db_fdff60e4d6464e30af90c4e015cb6d1e/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) crews are preparing for potential winter weather conditions as a cold front moves through Mississippi.

“With a winter event, MDOT bases its response from information issued by the National Weather Service (NWS),” Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT executive director. “Crews in areas that could potentially be affected by winter weather will be monitoring local forecasts and riding the highways treating problem areas.”

Current weather reports from NWS show potential for consistent rain fall Wednesday and Thursday across portions of north Mississippi. Overnight, temperatures are expected to drop below freezing. Overpasses and elevated surfaces could freeze.

MDOT crews have prepared equipment by installing salt spreaders on trucks and making sure all response vehicles are fueled and running properly. Crews have stocked salt, sand and asphalt slag piles. Overnight, crews will be riding the highways to treat problem areas as they are found.

“Initially, we treat the roadway with salt as temperatures drop and icy conditions occur,” McGrath said. “Depending on the temperature drop and precipitation mix, we also combine the salt with slag for increased traction.”

A second round of winter weather is currently forecast for Sunday and Monday. Crews will be working over the holiday weekend in preparation.

To assist the traveling public in preparing for potential winter weather conditions, MDOT offers these safe driving tips.

• Remember, ice will form on bridges and overpasses quicker than the road.
• Slow down; should winter weather conditions become present, black ice can form.
• Allow more space between the vehicles around you.
• Brake early and gently to avoid skidding, and never slam on the brakes.
• Avoid distractions, such as talking or texting on a cell phone.
• Stay alert.

“MDOT will be monitoring the weather so the appropriate response efforts can be activated,” McGrath said. “The best thing you can do to stay safe is pay attention to local weather forecasts and advisories, and alerts from the Mississippi Highway Patrol and local law enforcement. Everyone should stay off the roads if they become unsafe for travel due to winter weather conditions.”

For more information and tips on how to prepare for winter weather conditions, visit ,GoMDOT.com/winter.

For real-time road conditions on Mississippi’s highways and bridges, visit ,MDOTtraffic.com and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/free-covid-19-testing-available 61ae6d1013b6110016070c64 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is offering additional free COVID-19 testing through the Office of Preventive Health and Health Equity. This new testing opportunity is in addition to the regular testing already being done by MSDH. No appointment is necessary, and participants do not have to have symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested. No vaccinations will be given.

Upcoming testing events When: 2-5:45 p.m., February 17 Where: Jackson Revival Center, 4655 Terry Road, Jackson When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., February 20 Where: Port Gibson Fairgrounds, 1120 Highway 61 North, Port Gibson When: 2-6 p.m., February 20 Where: Iglesia de Dios Fuente de Vida, 223 Lonnie T. Jenkins, Pearl When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., February 25 Where: Bella-Rouge Healthcare Inc., 500 Martin Luther King Jr. Road, Natchez When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., February 27 Where: Hermanville Fire Station, 4117 Old Highway 18, No. 4, Hermanville Keep up with the latest COVID-19 information by downloading the free MS Ready mobile app or follow MSDH by email and social media at www.HealthyMS.com/connect.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-walmarts-to-administer-covid-19-vaccines-through-new-federal-retail-pharmacy-program 61ae6d1013b6110016070c63 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Walmart pharmacies will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines in Mississippi through the U.S. Federal Retail Pharmacy Program on Feb 12, 2021. Eligible customers can schedule a vaccine appointment via the Walmart website once appointments are available, making it convenient to get vaccinated while allocation lasts. Vaccines will be available to those who meet the current phase of vaccine eligibility in Mississippi which can be found at the Mississippi State Department of Health website. More than 1,000 Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacies in 22 states are receiving federal vaccine allocations this week, with an emphasis on locations that reach customers in underserved communities with limited access to healthcare. While initial vaccine supply is limited, Walmart and Sam’s Club pharmacists and technicians stand ready to help expand vaccine access across the country. In consultation with Center for Disease Control (CDC) and states, we took into account the population density, customer demographics, infection rates and availability of local healthcare resources among other factors to identify many of the participating locations, including pharmacies located in a Medically Underserved Areas, as designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration. “Ninety percent of the country lives within ten miles of a Walmart. We’re committed to helping people live better – and healthier lives – in Mississippi and we take that role very seriously,” said Dr. Cheryl Pegus, Executive Vice President, Health & Wellness. “We want to help the country re-open, but we can only achieve that through widespread COVID-19 vaccination. We’re proud to work together with the federal government, states, communities, customers and associates to expand access to the vaccine and reach that goal.” Walmart is partnering with the CDC and states to move as quickly as possible to help administer vaccines to eligible populations in participating states. For a list of stores in each state administering the vaccine under the federal agreement, visit www.corporate.walmart.com/covid-vaccine. In addition to the 22 states where Walmart will support the vaccination efforts as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program, the retailer is also currently administering vaccinations under the jurisdiction allocation in 11 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Vaccine supply and eligibility will vary based on state and local guidelines. In addition to appointments, the scheduler will provide a digital reminder when it is time to return for the second vaccine, which is why customers are asked to create a profile, helping to ensure customers receive the second dose of the vaccine in the timeframe required. Appointments are available seven days a week, but exact timing will vary based on local availability of the vaccine. Walmart pharmacies will continue to support states and the federal government to help increase the accessibility and availability of COVID-19 vaccines. To stay up to date on how Walmart is supporting the vaccine rollout, visit https://corporate.walmart.com/covid-vaccine.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/city-of-pearl-launches-new-two-way-text-notification-service 61ae6d1013b6110016070c62 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The City of Pearl has launched a new text notification system that provides two-way communication between residents, visitors, or businesses and city government departments.

The text notification system has 2 types of available services:

City Alerts - allows you to receive information about emergencies, weather threats, road closures, and more directly from the city. To enable this service, text the word Pearl to 91896.

Report Issues/ Find Answers - allows you to contact a specific department by using a "keyword". When reporting an issue, the text will guide you through the steps that allows you to submit the needed information to take care of the issue and will even allow you to upload an image. To enable this service, text the word Hi or any keyword below to 601.706.3177

Keyword Categories:

Report Animals: Dog, Cat, Animal, Alligator, Deer, Snake, Raccoon

Report Street: Pothole, Road, Striping, Stop Sign, Street Sign

Report Leaks: Leak, Pipe, Puddle, Flooding, Fountain, Hydrant

Report Code Enforce: Overgrown Grass, Business Construction

Report Ditch

Report Street Light

Report Police: Non-emergency issues like Speeding Areas, Tips, etc...

You will receive a reference number once you send the report, so you can follow up on the issue.

If you are experiencing an emergency situation, please do not attempt use the text notification system to summon help, but immediately call 911.

The service is powered by TextMyGov. Message and Data rates will apply, and message frequency will vary. You can text the word STOP at any time to opt-out. You can view the terms and privacy policy info at http://textmygov.com/opt-in-terms-conditions.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/intersection-closure-announced-for-rankin-county 61ae6d1013b6110016070c61 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi Department of Transportation has announced an intersection closure at Gunter Road and US Highway 49 in Rankin County.

The closure is expected to last 3 weeks, starting Monday, February 8, 2021 and ending Sunday, February 28, 2021.

The closure is needed to allow crews to install and configure traffic signals at the intersection.

US Highway 49 will remain passable in both directions. US 49 southbound traffic to Gunter Road is advised to use alternate crossovers. Motorists should slow down and be alert for roadside workers.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ms-center-for-justice-offers-virtual-daca-clinic 61ae6d1013b6110016070c60 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is an immigration policy that provides protection

from deportation, a work permit and educational opportunities to young people brought to the United States as children without immigration status.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is now accepting first-time applicants and renewal requests. Applicants need to have been born after June 15, 1981 and have been living in the United States since June 15, 2007. They cannot have been convicted of a serious crime and need photo ID. Applicants also must have graduated from high school or be enrolled in an educational program.

The Mississippi Center for Justice and our pro bono partner, Akin Gump, are providing free application support to those Mississippians applying for DACA. If you’re interested, please scan our QR code and fill out the survey. We will get in touch with you to see if you can apply for DACA and, if so, place you with an attorney. The Mississippi Center for Justice is located in Jackson, Biloxi, and Indianola, and Max Meyers is the staff attorney working on this project.

For more information please contact the Mississippi Center for Justice at 601.709.2141 or visit www.mscenterforjustice.org.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-high-school-pirate-players-prepare-for-the-mississippi-thespian-conferenc 61ae6d1013b6110016070c5f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Pearl High School Pirate Players are working to prepare individual events for the upcoming THESPYS, the International Thespian Excellence Awards, which will be featured at the first virtual Mississippi Thespian Conference. The acts vary from musical theatre numbers, duet scenes, and monologues. Pictured seated from left to right are Evelin Aguilar, Damon McKnight, and Caelan Ingram. Standing are Genevieve Moore, Bailee Giambalvo, Asher Roe, Destiney Carter, Elena Ward, Aleshia Taylor, and Emma Alley. The Pirate Players are under the direction of Mr. Erick Weeks.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/merit-health-to-hold-virtual-career-fair-for-nurses 61ae6d0e13b6110016070a6a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Merit Health is hosting a virtual nursing career fair Friday, February 12 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm through Google Meet.

Attendees will have an opportunity to speak first-hand about nurse openings at our Jackson area and Vicksburg hospitals with nursing leadership and the nurse recruiter.

If interested:

Join with Google Meet

Meet.google.com/iag-seif-czh

For more information, contact Mark Beason, 601-573-4254.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/national-wear-red-day-february-5-2021-calls-attention-to-no-1-health-threat-for-women 61ae6d0e13b6110016070a69 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Despite the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, cardiovascular disease remains the leading killer of women in the U.S., according to the American Heart Association’s newly released 2021 Heart Disease & Stroke Statistics. Heart disease kills one woman approximately every 80 seconds, taking more lives than all forms of cancer combined, and cardiac events are on the rise in young women in their 20s. At the same time, recent market research has indicated that the youngest, most diverse groups of women are the least aware that cardiovascular disease is their greatest health threat.

The American Heart Association, the leading global volunteer organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, is calling on women to spread awareness on National Wear Red Day®, February 5, 2021, that 1 in 3 women are dying from cardiovascular disease.

Women (and men) are encouraged to “wear red and give” as part of the American Heart Association’s signature movement, Go Red for Women®, nationally sponsored by CVS Health and supported by Big Lots.

“We’re now seeing cardiovascular disease affecting younger women, and women from Black and Hispanic communities are disproportionally impacted by heart disease and stroke,” said Mitch Elkind, M.D., M.S., FAHA, FAAN, president of the American Heart Association and professor of neurology and epidemiology at Columbia University in New York City. “Now, more than ever, we need to ensure all women have access to education about heart attack and stroke warning signs, as well as proper diagnoses and treatment when they present with symptoms – regardless of their age or background. Losing even one woman to heart disease or stroke is a tragedy.”

The American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement encourages people to take action through the month of February by:

• Wearing red on National Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease. The iconic Red Dress pin and other apparel are available at ShopHeart.org.
• Making a donation to support the lifesaving work of the American Heart Association at WearRedDay.org. Big Lots Foundation will match online donations on National Wear Red Day, up to $333,333.
• Visiting CVS Health and making a donation at the register until March 6. Donations can also be made online at www.CVSHealth.com/GoRed.
• Signing up to participate in the lifesaving Research Goes Red initiative, a joint collaboration between the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement and Verily’s Project Baseline.
• Joining the conversation by using #GoRedJXN on social media.

Learn more at GoRedforWomen.org.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/insurance-commissioner-warns-against-covid-related-scams 61ae6d0e13b6110016070a68 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Many Mississippians have already received a second round of stimulus checks. Those in long-term care facilities should know that this money does not go to the facility and does not affect your Medicaid benefits.

“Stimulus money belongs to the recipient and should not go to the nursing home or other facility where they are staying,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. “While my office has not received complaints about this, there have been complaints in other states. Mississippians should know stimulus checks do not count as income and should not be given to facilities to pay for services.”

Long-term care residents should decide for themselves, or with a trusted family member, how to spend their stimulus money. The money also does not change what Medical Assistance a person may receive based on income.

Additionally, the Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) is warning against COVID-19 vaccine fraud.

The following are signs of potential scams, according to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud:

1. You are asked to pay out of pocket to get the vaccine.

2. You are asked to pay to put your name on a list to receive the vaccine or asked to pay to get early access to the vaccine.

3. You receive unsolicited emails, phone calls and text messages. Scammers may pretend to be vaccine centers or insurance companies to steal your information.

4. You are asked to visit a fake vaccine website. Scammers uses phony sites to steal your information and money.

5. When in doubt about anything vaccine-related, call your state or local health department.

If you have a COVID-19 or insurance-related question or complaint, call the MID Consumer Services division at 601-359-2453 or email consumer@mid.ms.gov

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/a-sober-drive-is-the-winning-play 61ae6d0e13b6110016070a67 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Whether you tune in for the game, the half-time show or the commercials, the National Football League’s Super Bowl LV on February 7 is one of America’s favorite annual celebrations. If you are hosting a virtual watch party, attending a socially-distanced gathering or heading to a restaurant or bar, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) wants you to celebrate responsibly.

“While Mississippians are following health officials by quarantining and practicing social distancing, we know festivities will still occur,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “If your celebration involves alcohol, plan for a sober ride home. Remind your friends and family: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.”

In 2019, 10,142 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year since 2014. These fatalities are preventable, and drivers must remember that driving impaired by any substance — alcohol or other drugs — is illegal and potentially deadly behavior.

The consequences of impaired driving can also be expensive. Impaired drivers face jail time, the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates and many other unanticipated expenses, including attorney’s fees, court costs, and lost wages due to time off from work. The average DUI costs approximately $10,000.

Take a page from MDOT’s playbook to help you arrive at your destination safely:

· No false starts. Buckle up: Every seat, every time.

· Avoid interference. Put down phones and other distractions so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

· Have a game plan. If you intend to consume alcohol or other substances, make sure you have a designated driver or a taxi to take you home.

· Be an MVP. Choose to be a designated driver and keep your team safe.

· Call an audible, if necessary. If your plans change, call a taxi or sober driver to get you home.

· Stay focused. Be alert for other drivers and don’t assume everyone is driving as safely as you are.

· Throw a flag. If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call the police when it is safe to do so.

“Traveling on Mississippi highways takes teamwork and cooperation,” McGrath said. “We can all be on the winning team by celebrating responsibly and never driving impaired.”

For real-time travel and traffic information, visit MDOTTraffic.com, download the free MDOT Traffic app or like and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/virtual-concert-offers-music-to-remember-and-reflect 61ae6d0e13b6110016070a66 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Following a year filled with doubt, uncertainty, and loss, Opera Mississippi offers hope for the new year and its new season. Featuring Maryann Kyle, soprano, and pianist, Michael Bunchman, Reminiscence will debut virtually on February 14, 2021 on the Opera Mississippi website and YouTube channel. This powerful program features music to remember, reflect, and to dwell on the past with a program to provide the audience a voyage through pain, memories, loss, love, and the faith that sustains us all. Though the concert is free, donations of at least $1 are encouraged to view the stream.

With 2020 having been such a difficult year for everyone, both Kyle and Bunchman understand the need for this type of concert right now.

“Over the past year, we have seen so much uncertainty and unknowing in our country and around the world. We have all lost something over the last year, and it is because of this why this concert was conceived,” said Kyle. “We must remember that while we may be in dark times now, that was not and will not always be the case. We must reminisce on the times where we smiled, we hugged, we laughed, and we loved and know that we will be there once again.”

Reminiscence is dedicated to a treasured member of the arts community and dear friend of Kyle, Mr. William Russell, who has recently overcome cancer.

“William is the true embodiment of why this concert is so important,” said Jay Dean, Artistic Director of Opera Mississippi. “We at Opera Mississippi are proud to have the opportunity to dedicate this performance to him and to share this with the many people who experience difficulty and make it through.”

Featuring music of Mahler, Gershwin, Luigi Zaninelli, and Stephen Sondheim, Reminiscence promises to bring back memories when music filled the air and audiences packed concert halls.

For more information on this concert and the rest of the Opera Mississippi season, visit operams.org or call 601.960.2300

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/children-need-to-be-told-that-they-matter-psychologist-says 61ae6d0e13b6110016070a65 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Children need to know that they matter and that they are worthy, says a psychologist whose hope-centered training could change the thinking of those responsible for safeguarding the well-being of children.

“If you want to nurture hope in a child, focus on communicating to that child that they matter,” Dr. Chan Hellman told a virtual training audience of more than 150 people on Jan. 26.

Hellman spent Jan. 26 and 27 in Jackson training people from more than 40 agencies and entities to be “hope navigators” to begin work toward building a culture of hope. Participants included judges and staff, social workers, educators, health and mental health practitioners, advocates for children and members of the faith-based community.

“We should speak hope,” said Justice Dawn Beam of Sumrall, co-chair of the Commission on Children’s Justice. Speak encouraging words, not negatives. For example: “ ‘I am working towards my best self.’ ”

So what is hope? Hellman says, “ Hope is the belief that your future will be better than today, and you have the power to make it so.” It’s not sprinkles, rainbows and unicorns.

Six principles are at work here:

• Hope is a way of thinking. Hope-centered thinking involves setting goals, finding pathways around obstacles, and finding the willpower to pursue the goals. • Imagination is the instrument of hope. Imagining oneself pursuing a goal, such as attending college, moves one toward attaining the goal. Touring a college campus strengthens one’s ability to imagine what it would be like to be a student there. • Hope is not wishful thinking. Again, hope takes the idea beyond wishing by setting goals, finding pathways and maintaining willpower. • Hope begets hope. It’s a velcro approach. When hope rises, it pulls other positive changes along with it. • Hope is a social gift. Mentoring programs nurture hope. • Hope can be taught.

“How do we build a culture of hope within a courtroom? How do we build a culture of hope within a classroom?” Hellman asked training participants.

Participants spent time in small group discussions to make plans.

Programs of Hope is not just another good idea. It has to be an ongoing effort. “There is a real thirst for how we can make systemic changes in our state,” Justice Beam said.

Andrea Sanders recently became the leader of the Department of Child Protection Services, the lead agency tasked to safeguard the well-being of children. “The time is right and the players are in place” to make changes toward a culture of hope, Sanders said. “It has to be the new culture in our agency.” She is thinking of ways to put hope into practice throughout, from agency leadership practices all the way down to how social workers talk to children.

Chancellor Rhea Sheldon of Hattiesburg, co-chair of the Commission on Children’s Justice, said all members of her court staff will be trained to utilize the power of hope.

“I really want there to be an atmosphere of hope in the courtroom,” she said. “I think it’s going to be beneficial to all the families” who come into court.

Resident Jurist John N. Hudson of Natchez said, “We want everything that touches this court to be hope-centered.”

Educators have an opportunity to make a difference in children’s futures. Hope needs to permeate everything in education, said Mississippi Judicial College Director Randy Pierce. “If we are not careful, well intentioned people can stifle hope and not even know it.” Pierce as a high school student was told that college wasn’t in his future. He’s a certified public accountant, lawyer, former legislator, former Justice of the Supreme Court and author of four novels.

Hellman said, “The ultimate goal is always well-being. We are nurturing hope so that children and families can live well.”

Hellman, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a Ph.D. professor of social work at the University of Oklahoma and Director of The Hope Research Center. His research is focused on hope as a psychological strength helping children and adults overcome trauma and adversity. He is the co-author of the book Hope Rising: How the Science of Hope Can Change Your Life.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/stephen-mccraney-appointed-new-mema-executive-director 61ae6d0e13b6110016070a64 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Governor Tate Reeves appoints Stephen McCraney as the new Executive Director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. McCraney started his new duties as executive director following the governor’s announcement on January 28, 2021.

“Stephen McCraney has done exceptional work with MEMA since 2016 and I am proud to elevate him to this new role. His work ethic is second to none. He has a command of Mississippi’s emergency infrastructure, and there is no steadier hand in a crisis,” says Governor Tate Reeves.

Before assuming the role as Executive Director, Mr. McCraney served as the Deputy Director and the Chief of Staff of MEMA since February of 2016. During his tenure, McCraney has worked on 15 federally declared disasters, six emergency measures declarations and numerous state emergencies.

“I’m deeply honored to take the helm of MEMA. This agency has shown tremendous strength within the last year. I will strive to keep Mississippi and her citizens ready to handle any manmade or natural disaster that comes our way; and forge an even greater relationship with our county EMA directors to ensure the needs of all Mississippians are met during a disaster. As we remain in the fight against COVID-19 and processing the other 17 open federally declared disasters, MEMA stands ready to respond to whatever emergency happens next,” says Executive Director McCraney.

Mr. McCraney has extensive experience in responding to disasters in Mississippi. While serving for 28 years as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Mississippi Army and Air National Guard, McCraney responded to Hurricane Katrina, the Smithville Tornado, Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and the Mississippi River Flooding of 2011.

He has been married to Sandra Kaye Champion for 34 years and they have two children.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-public-school-district-2021-job-fair 61ae6d0e13b6110016070a63 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The 2021 Pearl Public School District Job Fair will be held on Friday, February 19, 2021. The event will be held from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at Pearl High School located at 500 Pirate Cove, Pearl, MS. Administrators will be on site to discuss the following vacancies: certified teachers (all grade levels and all content areas), assistant teachers, bus drivers, and cafeteria staff. Kelly Services will also be available for those interested in being a substitute in Pearl Schools.

Participants are asked to bring a resume and references. Teachers should also bring a copy of their Mississippi Educator License or most recent transcript.

Masks are required in all PPSD buildings and social distancing rules will be followed.

For more information about the job fair visit www.pearlk12.com or email jobs@pearlk12.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/nasa-to-begin-new-rs-25-engine-test-series-for-future-artemis-missions 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a62 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

NASA is set to begin a new round of tests for development of RS-25 engines that will help power the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on future missions to the Moon and, eventually, Mars. The first test of the new series is set for Jan. 28 on the A-1 Test Stand at Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.

The test will be streamed live on NASA TV.

The seven-test series will use RS-25 developmental engine No. 0528 and will provide valuable data for Aerojet Rocketdyne, prime contractor for the SLS engines, as it begins production of new RS-25 engines for use after the first four SLS flights. Operators will focus on evaluating new engine components and reducing risk in engine operation. They also will fire the engine through a range of operating conditions to demonstrate and verify its capabilities.

The upcoming test series will provide data to enhance production of new RS-25 engines and several engine components that are being manufactured with cutting-edge and cost-saving technologies. Operators also will demonstrate engine gimbaling capabilities, using a newly installed A-1 Test Stand thrust vector control system. “Gimbaling” refers to how the engine must move on a tight circular axis in order to ensure proper flight trajectory.

“We’re going to evaluate these newly designed parts that were made using advanced manufacturing techniques,” said Johnny Heflin, SLS liquid engines manager at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, where the SLS Program is based. “This test series will prove that the RS-25 production restart engines can be built with the same high performance but with more affordability. This is a big milestone that will greatly contribute to the future sustainability of SLS.”

Resumption of RS-25 single-engine testing on the A-1 Test Stand follows completion of major maintenance work on the facility originally built for Apollo Program testing more than 50 years ago. Projects designed to ensure the facility continues functioning at a high level included upgrading piping and the test stand flame deflector, painting the 40,000-gallon liquid oxygen 100,000-gallon liquid hydrogen tanks, remodeling the Test Control Center, and upgrading the data acquisition system, facility cameras, and facility control systems. The new NASA-designed-and-manufactured thrust vector control system also was finalized and installed during this time.

“It is exciting to return to hot fire testing at the A-1 Test Stand,” Stennis RS-25 Project Manager Chip Ellis said. “We have worked hard the last 20 or so months to complete needed test stand maintenance projects. Now, the team is ready to get back to the business of testing for future deep space missions.”

The engine will be fired seven times for a total of 3,650 seconds during the first half of 2021. The schedule calls for six full-duration tests of about eight and a half minutes (500 seconds) and one hot fire of just under 11 minutes (650 seconds). A full duration test refers to the time the engine must fire during an actual launch in order to power SLS towards orbit. Longer duration hot fires are conducted to test the limits of engine performance.

For about half of the firing time, the engines will operate at 111 of the power level at which the original space shuttle main engines were designed to perform. Operators will also demonstrate operation at the 113 percent power level for an extended period, as was initially demonstrated in a Feb. 2018 hot fire.

The previous round of RS-25 testing concluded April 4, 2019 and focused primarily on validating new operating parameters for the initial RS-25 engines, which are modified heritage space shuttle main engines, and included acceptance testing of 16 former space shuttle main engines that will help launch the first four SLS missions. This new RS-25 test series begins as a separate test series, called Green Run, is in its final phase. The Green Run is a comprehensive series of tests of the core stage of the SLS rocket, which includes four RS-25 engines, and culminates with a final test to fire all four together for about eight minutes. The Green Run team recently fired all four RS-25 engines together for the first time and is currently evaluating if a second hot fire test is required.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/merit-health-woman-s-hospital-first-in-ms-to-offer-single-dose-radiation-therapy-for-breast-cancer 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a61 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Merit Health Woman’s Hospital is the first hospital in Mississippi to offer single-dose intraoperative radiotherapy for qualifying early-stage breast cancer patients. This advanced treatment can completely replace the three- to six-week course of traditional external beam radiation by administering a targeted dose of radiation during the patient’s tumor removal surgery. By completing all necessary treatment in one day, breast cancer patients and healthcare staff alike can benefit from fewer office visits during the pandemic.

“We are proud to be the first in Mississippi to provide such an important treatment for women, particularly during the pandemic when exposure should be minimized. This leading edge, clinically-supported radiotherapy system will allow us to provide our patients with another treatment option in the fight against breast cancer,” said Heather Sistrunk, Chief Executive Officer at Merit Health Woman’s Hospital.

The procedure is called Targeted Intraoperative Radiotherapy, or TARGIT-IORT, which was investigated in a large, international study. Long-term study results published in BMJ last August demonstrated no significant difference in the five-year local recurrence rates or survival rates between this new procedure and traditional external beam radiation. In addition, deaths related to heart disease and other cancers were significantly reduced among women receiving the treatment.1

“Women with early-stage breast cancer who are eligible for the treatment achieve the same benefits of traditional radiation with fewer office visits and fewer side effects than traditional radiation. As a physician I am excited to offer this treatment to eligible early-stage breast cancer patients in our state,” said Phillip Ley, MD, FACS, surgical oncologist at Merit Health Woman’s Hospital.

The treatment may also lessen or even eliminate unnecessary travel during the pandemic. Recent studies show that coronavirus surges last spring and summer adversely affected patients’ willingness to comply with their post-surgical treatment regimens. A study published in Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in August found that the number of patients receiving breast cancer treatment fell 52% during the pandemic.2 A study published in November in BMJ demonstrated that deferring breast cancer treatment by as little as four weeks can increase mortality. 3

“As we are seeing another surge in COVID-19 cases impacting the region, this pioneering technology couldn’t be coming to Merit Health Woman’s Hospital at a better time,” continued Dr. Ley. “We can provide our patients with the same clinical benefits as external radiation without additional unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. This new technology also provides all the radiotherapy treatment that is required while allowing the doctor and patient to comply with local and state regulations that may classify some cancer treatments as elective or non-essential.”

Patients who meet the following criteria may be eligible for the new treatment:

· Age 45 or older

· Invasive ductal cancer of the breast

· Have breast cancer in only one part of the breast

· Have breast cancer treatable with lumpectomy

· Have a tumor that is 3 cm (1.5 inches) or smaller

· Don’t have any signs of cancer in the lymph nodes

· Have stage 1 or early stage 2 breast cancer

To learn more about Merit Health Woman’s Hospital’s introduction of intraoperative radiation therapy for breast cancer treatment, please visit MeritHealthWomansHospital.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/board-of-education-suspends-policies-on-grading-passing-reqs-for-3rd-grade-reading-hs-assessments 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a60 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) voted today to suspend three statewide policies regarding assessment and ]]>

All required state and federal assessments will be administered this school year as usual. However, the policy suspensions mean schools and districts will not be assigned A-F letter grades for their performance during the 2020-21 school year, 3rd graders do not have to pass a reading test to qualify for promotion, and high school students do not have to pass end-of-course assessments to meet graduation requirements.

Below is a summary of the key statewide policy suspensions enacted today. View the SBE meeting back-up material on the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) website for full details and additional policy suspensions for the 2020-21 school year.

3rd Graders Current 3rd graders will take the 3rd Grade Reading/Language Arts assessment. Students are not required to meet a passing score on the assessment to be promoted to 4th grade for the 2021-22 school year. Students still must meet all other district requirements for promotion.

High School Students All eligible students who take required end-of-course high school assessments including Algebra I, English II, Biology and U.S. History in the 2020-21 school year are not required to meet a passing score to meet high school graduation requirements. Students must meet all other state and district requirements to graduate.

A-F Accountability Grades for Schools and Districts Schools and districts will not be assigned A-F letter grades for their performance in the 2020-21 school year because the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) will not have sufficient data to calculate grades based on state and federal requirements. Schools and districts will retain their most recent letter grades earned in the 2018-19 school year.

The MDE will calculate and report the results of all statewide assessments administered during the 2020-21 school year and will submit information and a waiver request to the U.S. Department of Education to meet federal requirements for assessment and accountability.

“This year’s statewide assessments will provide valuable information about the impact of COVID-19 on learning and will help identify where accelerated learning opportunities for students are most needed,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. “The policy suspensions are intended to support schools through this intensely challenging year for educators and students.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-reeves-names-ms-development-authority-leader 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a5f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Governor Tate Reeves announced John Rounsaville as the leader of the Mississippi Development Authority. He has been serving as Interim Director of the MDA since May of 2020.

Rounsaville was appointed by President Donald Trump to serve as State Director for USDA Rural Development. He holds many distinctions for his military service, including the Air Force Meritorious Service, Commendation, and Achievement Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Ribbon, and Mississippi War Medal. He also currently serves as a JAG and Major at the 186th in the Mississippi Air Force National Guard.

"He’s done an exceptional job in his interim capacity," Governor Reeves said. "He’s earned the respect of Mississippi businesses across the state, because they know he’s pulling for them. And he’s helped us win in the competition for jobs and expansions."

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-reeves-made-two-judicial-appointments 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a5e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Governor Tate Reeves announced two appointments for South Mississippi. Governor Reeves appointed Joel Smith to the Mississippi Court of Appeals. Smith was the former district attorney of Harrison County for nearly a decade.

The second appointment was to Crosby Parker to serve as the new District Attorney for the 2nd Circuit Court District.

"These men are going to bring a devoted spirit and unbeatable work ethic," Governor Reeves said. "I’m excited to see what they can accomplish, and proud to be a part of this great day!"

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ms-lottery-corp-warns-of-fraud-and-scam-possibilities 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a5d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi Lottery Corporation (MLC) reminds players to stay aware and alert as they play Mississippi Lottery games. Fraud accounts and scammers never take a break, especially around the holidays and new year.

“Fake lottery scams are fairly common,” said MLC President Tom Shaheen. “You can receive a phone call, e-mail, text and even social media message that is seemingly real. Do not be fooled. Stay aware and play responsibly.

“We were informed today of a scam going around where Mississippians have received telephone calls regarding a second chance at winning the Mega Millions® jackpot,” he continued. “If you should receive such a call, you should immediately hang up. In addition, if you receive this information by email, text, social media message, or any other method of communication, do not respond. This is a scam.”

Some reminders:

• The Mississippi Lottery does not contact the winner. We don’t even know who the winner is until they step forward to claim a prize.
• In online games such as Powerball®, the lottery knows only the winning numbers drawn and where the ticket was sold. The winner must keep their ticket and confirm to lottery officials the numbers on the ticket. If a winner does not step forward with the winning numbers, no one wins the prize.
• A legitimate lottery never asks winners to pay taxes upfront. All federal and state taxes are paid before the lottery releases the money to the winner.
• Lotteries of foreign countries are illegal in the United States. No legitimate foreign lottery sells tickets in the United States. If you have been contacted by a lottery claiming to be affiliated with the government of another country, it is a scam.
• Finally, if you did not buy a ticket, you cannot win a lottery prize. If you have been contacted by a “lottery” claiming you won a prize, but you have never purchased a ticket, it is a scam.

If you think you’re a victim of fraud or attempted fraud by someone posing as a representative of the Mississippi Lottery Corporation, please report it to the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Division at (601) 359-4230 or toll-free at (800) 281-4418.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/lady-sings-the-blues-rhonda-richmond-concert-postponed 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a5c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The 2020-21 season celebrates Opera Mississippi’s 75th anniversary. The company had planned a series of live cabarets and performances that would continue their tradition of providing high quality musical offerings to the Jackson metropolitan area and the state of Mississippi. However, as with most all performing arts organizations, they are in a position of not being able to do live performances because of the COVID-19 virus. Singing has been identified as one of the most significant ways of spreading aerosols, so in order to keep performers and patrons safe, they have chosen not to present professional vocal performances until such time it is safe to do so.

Therefore, the Lady Sings the Blues event, featuring Rhonda Richmond, which was scheduled for Monday, January 18, 2021, at Duling Hall, has been postponed until September 2021. Also, Letters from Puccini scheduled for February, has been postponed until February 2022. At this point, all other performances are still planned to be live, but pending the virus situation, may be postponed. There will also be 3 more virtual offerings in the near future featuring a variety of vocal performers.

In lieu of live performances, Opera Mississippi has chosen to present virtual events. The first of these is an interview with Rhonda Richmond. The interview features another one of Mississippi’s most notable arts figures, Malcolm White. The video is available beginning Friday, January 15 at operams.org and through their social media channels.

Click here to read Richmond’s bio .

For more information please contact Opera Mississippi at 601-960-2300 or info@operams.org.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-interact-club-brings-together-young-people-to-develop-leadership-skills 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a5b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Richland Interact Club brings together young people to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Richland High School Interact club organizes at least two projects every year. The Rotary Club of South Rankin sponsors our Interact Club at RHS. Picture left to right spublitanding: Marcus Stewart (Head Principal at RHS), Eddie Grimes (South Rankin Rotary Club Sponsor), Christine Smith, Jackson Gordon, Nyla Holmes, Michelle Cresap (Interact Sponsor). Left to right sitting: Christopher Hernandez (Treasurer), Lisabeth Campusano (President), Tiara Jackson (Vice-President), and Kaygan Harrison (Secretary).

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/natural-gas-service-remains-safe-reliable-as-temperatures-plunge-across-mississippi 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a5a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

As cold weather sweeps through Mississippi and residents take advantage of reliable, affordable natural gas to efficiently heat their homes, Atmos Energy’s natural gas system is experiencing no issues thanks to significant investments made over the past several years to further modernize its infrastructure.

“Atmos Energy is proud to serve more than 260,000 customers in 121 communities across the state. We’ve invested more than $280 million to modernize our Mississippi system, which has resulted in the installation of more than 2.1 million feet of gas pipe over the past five years,” said Bobby Morgan, Atmos Energy Vice President of Public Affairs for the Mississippi division. “We have also retired 984,192 feet of gas main with new pipe that will ensure we meet the energy needs of our customers well into the future. Throughout our Mississippi territory we are engaged in targeted enhancements to our system. This work includes repairs, replacements, and reinforcement projects. Dedicating such significant resources supports our vision of being the safest provider of natural gas services, and we are pleased that our customers are enjoying the benefits of reliable service during this early cold snap.”

Low temperatures are forecasted for the next several days, which has the potential to impact critical infrastructure in many areas of the state.

“This type of weather can present challenges for any utility company,” added Morgan. “Because we took steps to further modernize our natural gas system, Atmos Energy customers will continue to enjoy the heat they need when they need it most.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-public-service-commission-holds-january-docket-meeting 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a59 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi Public Service Commission conducted its monthly open meeting on Tuesday to consider and discuss matters pending before the Commission.

One item on the agenda focused on the establishment of a new docket for the purpose of reviewing the Mississippi Net Metering and Interconnection Rules. The Commission adopted the Net Metering and Interconnection rules five years ago, which contained a mandatory reopener provision. Today, the Commission moved to open a new docket to review the efficacy of the rules and will proceed with a thorough and comprehensive fact gathering process.

“This reopening allows utility customers, stakeholders, all utilities over which the Commission has jurisdiction, and other interested parties to intervene in this docket,” Commissioner Bailey said. “Any parties who wish to file written comments must file a motion to intervene within 20 days. A schedule for accepting comments will be announced in a future order.”

Additional items on the agenda included a net rate decrease by Entergy Mississippi. The net rate decrease is a result of adjustments to their Energy Cost Rider, Power Management Rider, Unit Power Cost Rider, MISO Rider, Energy Efficiency Rider, Grid Modernization Rider and Restructuring Credit.

“A residential customer of Entergy Mississippi using an average of 1,000 kWh per month can expect a total decrease of $3.11 to their monthly utility bill beginning with the February billing cycle,” Commissioner Bailey said. “We appreciate Entergy Mississippi’s continuing efforts to maintain competitive utility rates for homes and businesses. I applaud the dedication of utility companies in our state to provide reliable, affordable power in addition to the positive impacts they have on our economy and job growth.”

Commissioner Bailey concludes by stating, “Last January, I attended my first docket meeting as a new Commissioner. It has been an honor to serve as your Commissioner this past year and I along with my fellow Commissioners will continue the positive work of the Mississippi Public Service Commission.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/more-than-1-billion-combined-mega-millions-and-powerball-jackpots 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a58 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

As of 11 a.m. CST, the Mega Millions jackpot for tonight, January 12, just jumped again to an estimated annuity jackpot of $625 million! The new cash value is now estimated at $458.8 million.

The Powerball jackpot for tomorrow, January 13, remains at an estimated annuity jackpot of $550 million. The cash value is estimated at $411.4 million.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ms-house-weekly-summary 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a57 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT Week of January 4, 2021

By Representative Fred Shanks

On January 5, 2021, the 133rd Mississippi State Legislature began the second session in its four-year term.

Though it is early in the session, there were several items taken up and passed on the House floor. House Bill 1, the first item introduced, provides that the flag design chosen by the Commission to Redesign the Mississippi State Flag and approved overwhelmingly by the citizens of Mississippi will be the new state flag. The bill passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 119-1 and was sent to the Senate for consideration, where it also passed.

Following House Bill 1, the Appropriations Chairman also introduced House Bill 68. The bill would appropriate an extra $10,000 to the Department of Finance and Administration for purchasing and flying the new flag over state buildings and other offices. HB 68 passed by a vote of 117-3, and it has been sent to the Senate.

Another measure introduced was House Bill 69. The bill would revise the term “nonstate service” under the State Personnel System to include employees of the State Veterans Affairs Board who are employed at Veterans Homes across the state. HB 69 passed by a vote of 122-0 and was sent to the Senate.

Finally, House Concurrent Resolution 2 was introduced on Friday morning. The resolution honors the life and career of former Representative Gary Staples (R-Laurel) who passed away at the end of last week. The late Representative Staples served in the House from 1988 to 1992 and from 2004 to 2020. HC 2 passed with unanimous consent in the chamber, and all House members were included as authors of the resolution.

Next Wednesday, January 13, is the deadline to request legislation, and Monday, January 18, is the deadline for filing bills. More than 190 House bills have already been filed and referred to committees.

Three new members joined the Mississippi House of Representatives since the House last convened as a result of special elections. De’Keither Stamps (D-Jackson), Lynn Wright (R-Columbus) and Joseph Tubb (R-Hattiesburg) joined the roster of representatives for the 2021 Legislative Session.

Due to COVID-19, visitors to the Capitol are limited this year. All guided tours have been suspended, and the Capitol Gift Shop is closed. However, Mississippians are allowed to visit the Capitol as long as they adhere to the proper guidelines.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mdot-preparing-for-potential-winter-weather-conditions 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a56 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) crews are preparing for potential winter weather conditions Sunday and Monday as cold air and precipitation are forecast to move through Mississippi.

“With a winter event, MDOT bases its response from information issued by the National Weather Service (NWS),” Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT executive director. “Crews in areas that could potentially be affected by winter weather will be monitoring local forecasts and riding the highways throughout the evening and into the early morning.”

Current weather reports from NWS show a potential for snow and ice Sunday night north of the Natchez Trace corridor. Up to two inches of snow may be possible. Bridges and elevated surfaces may freeze.

MDOT is preparing equipment by installing salt spreaders on trucks and making sure all response vehicles are fueled and running properly. Crews are stocking salt, sand and asphalt slag piles. Overnight, crews will be riding the highways to treat problem areas as they are found.

“Initially, we treat the roadway with salt as temperatures drop and icy conditions occur,” McGrath said. “Depending on the temperature drop and precipitation mix, we also combine the salt with slag for increased traction. Motorists should always slow down and drive carefully in winter weather conditions.”

To assist the traveling public in preparing for potential winter weather conditions, MDOT offers these safe driving tips.

• Remember, ice will form on bridges and overpasses quicker than the road.
• Slow down; should winter weather conditions become present, black ice can form.
• Allow more space between the vehicles around you.
• Brake early and gently to avoid skidding, and never slam on the brakes.
• Avoid distractions, such as talking or texting on a cell phone.
• Stay alert.

“MDOT will be monitoring the weather so the appropriate response efforts can be activated,” McGrath said. “The best thing you can do to stay safe is pay attention to local weather forecasts and advisories, and alerts from the Mississippi Highway Patrol and local law enforcement. Everyone should stay off the roads if they become unsafe for travel due to winter weather conditions.”

For more information and tips on how to prepare for winter weather conditions, visit ,GoMDOT.com/winter.

For real-time road conditions on Mississippi’s highways and bridges, visit ,MDOTtraffic.com and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-teen-wins-keep-mississippi-beautiful-s-youth-of-the-year 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a55 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The City of Pearl is excited to announce that Damon “DJ” Thomas was recently named the Keep Mississippi Beautiful organization’s statewide “2020 Youth of the Year”.

Thomas graduated from Pearl High School in May 2020, and is now a freshman at Mississippi State University. He was a member of the prestigious Pearl Mayor’s Youth Council and was nominated by the Keep Pearl Beautiful Association.

“We are thrilled to see DJ receive this honor,” said Stacy Smith, Director of Keep Pearl Beautiful. “All our volunteers work so hard to keep this city beautiful and we are blessed to have young people like DJ committed to the cause.”

Thomas’s work included:

· Accumulating more than over 60 community service hours.

· Volunteering with beautification projects all over the city (Bright Park, City Hall, The Memorial Garden, etc.)

· Volunteering with the Spring Lake Garden Club.

· Volunteering with Pearl Parks and Recreation Summer Camp and Kids Night Out.

· Volunteering with the Pearl Senior Center luncheons.

· Volunteering with city events such as Pearl Day, the Mayor’s Easter Egg Hunt, Christmas Parade, and Fishing Rodeos.

· Served on the Mayor’s Youth Council.

Thomas will receive the “2020 Youth of the Year” award during the 2021 Keep Mississippi Beautiful’s Award luncheon.

For more information and to see other award winners, please visit www.keepmsbeautiful.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/the-ms-dept-of-public-safety-mbi-announce-mississippi-s-most-wanted-list 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a54 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Today Commissioner Sean Tindell announced the launch of Mississippi’s Most Wanted list. This list is compiled by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation in conjunction with law enforcement agencies throughout the state and includes ten of Mississippi’s most wanted fugitives. The list is available at www.dps.ms.gov/ms-most-wanted and on the Mississippi Department of Public Safety’s social media platforms.

“It is my hope that with this list, Mississippians can help capture the fugitives labeled as Mississippi’s Most Wanted,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “We can work together and make this great state safer.”

“The individuals on this list pose a very serious threat to our communities,” said Commissioner Sean Tindell. “We are asking for the public’s assistance in locating these individuals. It is our hope that Mississippi’s Most Wanted list will increase exposure and lead to the capture and arrest of these fugitives.”

If you have information on the whereabouts of any of the individuals on Mississippi’s Most Wanted list, please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-888-8CRIMES (1-888-827-4637). Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment of the suspect.

It is important to note that all individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of competent jurisdiction.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/florence-high-school-students-sign-to-play-baseball-with-hinds-community-college-and-copiah-lincoln 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a53 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

FHS senior Austin Robinson recently signed a letter of intent to play baseball for Hinds Community College in Raymond, MS. Austin is the son of Angie and Chad Robinson. Pictured during his signing ceremony at FHS are (front row) Austin Robinson (back row L to R) FHS assistant baseball coach Tony O'Hair, assistant principal Keith Reed, FHS principal Tony Martin, head baseball coach Josh Anderson, assistant baseball coach Joal Rankin, and assistant baseball coach Danny Nelson.

FHS senior Kade May recently signed a letter of intent to play baseball for Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson, MS. Kade is the son of Ed and Hollie May. Pictured during his signing ceremony at FHS are (front row) Kade May (back row L to R) FHS assistant baseball coach Tony O'Hair, assistant principal Keith Reed, FHS principal Tony Martin, head baseball coach Josh Anderson, assistant baseball coach Joal Rankin, and assistant baseball coach Danny Nelson.

FHS senior Cole Smith recently signed a letter of intent to play baseball for Hinds Community College in Raymond, MS. Cole is the son of Jennifer and Neil Smith. Pictured during his signing ceremony at FHS are (front row) Cole Smith (back row L to R) FHS assistant baseball coach Tony O'Hair, assistant principal Keith Reed, FHS principal Tony Martin, head baseball coach Josh Anderson, assistant baseball coach Joal Rankin, and assistant baseball coach Danny Nelson.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mde-recommends-waiver-of-passing-requirements-for-3rd-grade-reading-end-of-course-assessments 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a52 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education, recommended waiving the passing requirements for statewide 3rd grade reading and high school end-of-course assessments for the 2020-21 school year. The recommendation was included in a presentation today to the Mississippi Senate Education Committee.

“I think this year is a year of grace,” Wright said. “I understand that COVID-19 has disrupted teaching and learning this school year, and we want to make sure we support teachers, administrators and students as much as possible.”

Statewide assessments will take place as scheduled this year to measure statewide student progress, assess the impact of COVID-19 disruptions on learning and meet U.S. Department of Education requirements.

“Statewide assessments provide critical data to the department to identify any learning gaps and what resources the state needs to accelerate learning opportunities for students and professional development for teachers,” Wright said.

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) is working with technical advisers to examine ways to meet requirements of federal law to address accountability concerns. MDE recommends all districts and schools retain their letter grade from the 2018-19 school year for the 2020-21 school year. All recommendations in assessment and accountability are subject to policy decisions from the incoming presidential administration.

Mississippi lawmakers requested information from MDE on the impact of the pandemic on public education and how the MDE is addressing student needs.

Wright said MDE will continue to help districts plan afterschool, enrichment and summer learning opportunities. Literacy-Based Promotion Act funds could fund summer reading camps, afterschool programs and reading enrichment programs. These funds are available because of reduced face-to-face training and travel costs due to COVID-19. Districts are expected to use federal funds to support literacy and learning efforts as well.

View Wright’s presentation.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/rep-anderson-says-flag-vote-in-legislature-puts-that-issue-to-rest-but-there-is-more-work-to-be-done 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a51 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Representative Jeramey Anderson released this statement following the vote on House Bill 1 to

approve the results of the 2020 referendum on a new state flag for Mississippi.

Rep. Jeramey Anderson today voted in favor of codifying the 2020 referendum results to remove the confederate themed Mississippi State flag and replace it with a new design. Anderson and many of his House colleagues had long advocated for the removal and replacement of the flag that prominently displayed symbols from the Confederacy and Jim Crow era.

“While proud of this accomplishment by our state, we must understand that this is by no means a cure-all solution for the racial tension and the lack of equality we face around the state, we must also continue to work towards equity in education, police reform, voting and election reform, criminal justice reform,” he said. “Still far too many Mississippians in black and brown communities aren’t afforded the equitable economic opportunities and upward mobility.”

He said he will continue to be an advocate and push the House to address all issues of equality.

“All of these issues are issues that need to be addressed within the state of Mississippi as it relates to minority communities. So the flag, although a significant win — not only for African-Americans or black Mississippians, but for the entire state as well — it’s just the first step.”

“I thank those who led this charge before us, those who with courage and resolve nurtured the Civil Rights Movement that helped bring us to this day. This has been a beautiful moment of unity. I hope we remain united in the fight to bring equality and justice to all Mississippians.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mega-millions-jackpot-jumps-to-447-million 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a50 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Mega Millions jackpot just jumped $15 million increasing the estimated annuity jackpot from $432 million to $447 million. The new cash value is now estimated at $339.6 million.

The Mega Millions jackpot is the largest since June 9, 2020, when it reached $414 million.

“With both the Mega Millions and Powerball® Jackpots currently over $400 million, Mississippi players are enjoying their first in-state experience of the fun and anticipation the big jackpots bring,” said Mississippi Lottery Corporation (MLC) President Tom Shaheen. “We are seeing a lot of energy among players and retailers as both the Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots continue their rolls. Good luck!”

If there is no jackpot winner in the Jan. 5 drawing, the estimated jackpot for the Friday, Jan. 8 drawing is anticipated to roll to $490 million with an estimated cash value of $372.3 million.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-tate-reeves-announces-additional-covid-19-vaccine-measures 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a4f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Governor Tate Reeves announced the decision to allow vulnerable Mississippians to have access sooner than expected to the COVID-19 vaccine. Next week, individuals 75 and older will have availability to the vaccine. The following week, Mississippians 65 and older will have the next available access. Executive order 1535 is still in effect until 5pm January 15th, 2021. The following counties are currently under a county wide mask mandates after meeting the certain requirements in relation to COVID-19: Adams, Alcorn, Amite, Attala, Benton, Bolivar, Calhoun, Carroll, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Clarke, Clay, Coahoma, Copiah, Covington, De Soto, Forrest, Franklin, George, Greene, Grenada, Hancock, Harrison, Hinds, Holmes, Humphreys, Itawamba, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Kemper, Lafayette, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Leake, Lee, Leflore, Lincoln, Lowndes, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Monroe, Montgomery, Neshoba, Newton, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Panola, Pearl River, Perry, Pike, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Quitman, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, Smith, Stone, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, Union, Walthall, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Wilkinson, Winston, Yalobusha and Yazoo Counties. As of now, 78 of Mississippi's 82 counties are under mask mandates. "The most important task that we have is getting the vaccine out to the public. That is our only way out of all this," Governor Tate Reeves said. "I still believe everyone should continue to take social distancing seriously." A copy of the executive order 1535 can be found here. The press conference can be watched here.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/cindy-hyde-smith-to-be-sworn-in-for-six-year-term-on-january-3rd 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a4e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) on Sunday, Jan. 3, will take the oath of office to serve Mississippi in the United State Senate for the next six years. Mississippians reelected Hyde-Smith in November to serve her first full term. Vice President Mike Pence will officiate the swearing-in ceremonies from the Senate floor beginning at 11 a.m. Central with reelected and new Senators taking the oath in order of seniority. Reenactment of the swearing-in ceremony will occur in the Old Senate Chamber. Hyde-Smith, who will be accompanied by her husband Michael Smith and daughter Anna-Michael, is slated for 2 p.m. Central. The Hyde-Smith office expects to offer video and still photographs following the ceremonies. C-SPAN2 should cover the official floor proceedings and reenactment content will also be available from a limited national media pool. Hyde-Smith is the first woman elected to represent Mississippi in Washington, D.C. The former Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce has served in the U.S. Senate since April 2018 after being appointed by then-Governor Phil Bryant to the fill the seat following U.S. Senator Thad Cochran’s retirement. She won a special election and runoff in November 2018 to fulfill the remaining two years of Cochran’s term.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/i-protect-children-children-s-advocacy-centers-of-mississippi-s-20th-anniversary-movement 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a4d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi (CACM) is celebrating its 20th Anniversary of saving and protecting the abused, neglected, and trafficked children of Mississippi. To honor this major achievement, CACM is initiating a yearlong, statewide movement, “I Protect Children” that encourages everyone to become aware and get involved to improve the environment for child victims and families of abuse and maltreatment.

“During the 20-year journey of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi, we have served and protected 44,064 children,” said Karla Tye, Executive Director of CACM. “By launching the ‘I Protect Children’ movement, we hope to spread awareness of the groundbreaking work child advocacy centers around the state are achieving. Some of our most important innovations include coordinating investigative training and teamwork across agencies, our nationally recognized educational collaborations with state colleges and universities, our research-based advances in investigative forensic interviewing, and our emphasis on victim advocacy and treatment. These remarkable achievements are profoundly changing the future for so many of our at-risk children.”

Since its establishment in 2001, the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi has grown to 12 local child advocacy centers across the state. These centers provide critical services to children that are victims of child abuse, neglect, and trafficking. The goal is to have every county covered by a local child advocacy center to help protect the vulnerable children of Mississippi.

CACM has also enacted the concept of Multidisciplinary Teams throughout the state, which collectively brings together all the necessary medical and prosecutorial parties to maximize convictions while minimizing the child’s trauma. The collaboration begins with the training programs that emphasize recognition, competency, and cooperation for all members, so each individual knows his/her role and understands how to manage situations throughout an investigation.

In the last 20 years, CACM also implemented Child Advocacy Studies, a nationally recognized curriculum, in 27 colleges and universities across the state. This has allowed the educational and training process to be uniformed and streamlined to maximize the effectiveness and to better prepare professionals entering the advocacy workforce. In 2019, CACM became a leader in the nation by opening the Child Advocacy Training Institute, an educational facility for simulation training. It is the only center of its kind in Mississippi dedicated to child abuse recognition training for professionals and students.

With “I Protect Children,” one of the many goals is to inform every Mississippi citizen that they are a mandated reporter by law. If someone suspects there is child abuse, neglect, or trafficking, they are required by law to report it. Anyone can call 1.800.222.8000 to file a report anonymously with MDCPS 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“Every CACM program is established to protect the children of Mississippi, and although our ‘I Protect Children’ movement is to celebrate CACM’s 20th Anniversary,” said Karla Tye, “we hope that it will continue to spread awareness and inspire individuals to get involved for years to come.”

If you’re interested in joining our “I Protect Children” movement, please contact your local child advocacy center or visit childadvocacyms.org/I-Protect-Children to learn how you can get involved.

On January 11, 2021, CACM will be kicking off the “I Protect Children” yearlong movement virtually with a Facebook Live event. Please follow their Facebook page for more information regarding the launch.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ring-in-2021-with-sober-driving 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a4c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

While the end of the year brings about the merriment of the holiday season, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) wants everyone to be safe on the roads, traveling to and from parties and vacation destinations. If your plans include alcohol, make a resolution to refrain from impaired driving.

“Driving while under the influence puts everyone on the road at risk,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “Protect yourself and your loved ones by avoiding impaired driving and having a plan for a sober ride.”

In 2019, 10,142 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year since 2014. These fatalities are preventable, and drivers must remember that driving impaired by any substance — alcohol or other drugs — is illegal and potentially deadly behavior.

Here are some tips from MDOT that can help motorists arrive at their destination safely:

• If you drink alcohol or are otherwise impaired, do not get behind the wheel for any reason. Make sure you have a designated driver or a taxi to take you home.
• Hand your keys over to a trusted friend or family member at the beginning of the night before the first drink. This removes any temptations of thinking you are okay to drive.
• Avoid all distractions. Concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
• Be aware of other drivers. Don’t assume everyone is driving as safely as you are.
• Impaired drivers are not only a danger to themselves, but also to other innocent people on the road. If you suspect someone is driving impaired, call the police when it is safe to do so.

“Hindsight is 2020. Making good decisions about driving and being responsible will help you have a safe New Year’s Eve and start 2021 with a clean slate," said McGrath.

For more tips on traveling safely this holiday season, visit ,GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/start-2021-safely-prevent-firework-injury 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a4b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

With so many people looking forward to beginning a new year, firework celebrations are sure to be plentiful. State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney urges everyone to use caution when using fireworks.

“That’s especially important if young children are around, as they are often more likely to get hurt,” said Chaney. “The risk of fireworks injury is highest for young people ages 0-4, followed by children 10-14.”

Sparklers, often a favorite with children, can reach up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause third-degree burns.

The Mississippi State Fire Marshal suggests you follow these safety tips: • Observe local laws. - Those wishing to purchase and use fireworks should first check with their fire protection officials to make sure that local laws are being followed. - Some municipalities prohibit fireworks from being used within city limits. • Use common sense: always read and follow the directions on each firework. • Never point or throw fireworks at another person. • Buy from reliable fireworks sellers. Store them in a cool, dry place. • Always have an adult present when shooting fireworks. • Put used fireworks in a bucket of water and have a hose ready. • Only use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass, and trees. • Light only one item at a time and keep a safe distance. • Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks. • Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks. • Never give fireworks to small children. • Never carry fireworks in your pocket. • Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/phs-dance-and-cheer-teams-mhsaa-state-champions 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a4a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Pearl High School Dance Team won the MHSAA State Championship in the large pom division. This makes a total of ten state championships for the PHS Dance Team. Pictured on front row from left to right are Alyssa Kate Morgigno, Ashton Spell, Emma Leighton Jones, Francesca Clark, Madi Temple, and Tori Douglas. On the middle row are Lindsay Butler, Zamiya Warner, Aleyah Mosley, Allyse Hayes, Saylor Foster, Catherine Roa, and Rebekah Rambo. On the back row are Naomi Neely, Layton Ward, Kayliegh Tarter, Alaina Green, Jayden Neal, and Kaitlyn Richardson.

The Pearl High School Cheer Team won the MHSAA State Championship in the small co-ed division. This is the second state championship for the PHS Cheer Team. Pictured kneeling from left to right are Mikayla Sills, Braylee Hunt, Summer Hughes, Bayleigh Thompson, Mary Kiley Champion, and Madelyn Riley. Standing are Southern Athletics coach Le'Mike Drake, Hannah Smith-Lyon, Justin Foate, Dani Tompkins, Steven Barrett, Hartley Poe, Tamia Miller, Maddie Gutierrez, Kendall Jones, Kayli Statum, Aliyah Chapman, Kylee McDowell, Alexander Dodson, Raelyn McHenry, and coach Kristin Saxon.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/2020-2021-pearl-public-school-district-administrator-of-the-year 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a49 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

PPSD Assistant Superintendent Mr. Cedric Graham was selected as the 2020-2021 Pearl Public School District Administrator of the Year. Mr. Graham will represent the district in the Mississippi Administrator of the Year Program. Pictured from left to right are PPSD Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Kim LaFontaine, Mr. Cedric Graham, and PPSD Superintendent Dr. Raymond Morgigno.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/2020-2021-pearl-public-school-district-teacher-of-the-year 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a48 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Pearl High School teacher Mrs. Angela Mangum was selected as the 2020-2021 Pearl Public School District Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Mangum will represent the district in the Mississippi Teacher of the Year Program. Pictured from left to right are PPSD Assistant Superintendent Mr. Cedric Graham, PHS Assistant Principal Mr. John Craven, PPSD Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Kim LaFontaine, PHS Principal Mr. Chris Chism, Mrs. Angela Mangum, PPSD Superintendent Dr. Raymond Morgigno, PHS Assistant Principal Dr. Tracy Yates, PHS Assistant Principal Dr. Michael Brewer, and PHS Assistant Principal Mr. Dale Shepherd.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ppsd-2020-2021-parents-of-the-year 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a47 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Congratulations to the Pearl Public School District 2020-2021 Parents of the Year! The Parents of the Year for each school are Kristen Windham, Pearl Lower Elementary; Amber Cutcliff, Northside Elementary; Dana Grissom, Pearl Upper Elementary; Stephanie Webb, Pearl Junior High School; and Clay Channell, Pearl High School. Thank you to these parents and to all who support our students and staff every day.

Pictured left to right and top to bottom:

Kristen Windham, Amber Cutcliff, Clay Channell, Dana Grissom, and Stephanie Webb

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/resolutions-for-a-safe-and-healthy-2021-from-amr-medics 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a46 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Heart attacks, strokes and severe injuries can derail our dreams of living long, healthy, happy, prosperous lives. Realistic New Year’s resolutions can help us ward off those threats to our dreams. To reduce our risk of health and trauma emergencies, paramedics at AMR recommend sticking with these resolutions:

• Protect yourself from heart attack and diabetes by exercising regularly and by cutting sugar, fat and salt intake and working to maintain recommended weight. Check with your physician before starting an exercise or weight-loss program.

• Wear your seatbelt on every trip, no matter how short or long. Resolve to not move the vehicle until everyone in it is buckled up and every child is properly secured in a safety seat.

• Drive safely by observing the speed limit, obeying other traffic laws and staying off the phone while behind the wheel. Make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, lights and other safety equipment stay in good condition. Never drink and drive.

• Take a CPR course or recertify, and encourage your family and friends to do so.

• Make sure your mailbox address or house number is easy to read from the road both day and night. (Even with GPS, rescuers need visual confirmation they have reached the scene where they are needed.)

• Keep your family safe from major injury by locking poisonous substances and guns in cabinets. Make your home more secure from falls (such as by installing night lights).

• Prevent and prepare for a house fire by (a) checking your smoke detectors once a month, (b)ensuring you have fire extinguishers handy and (c) developing and practicing a family fire escape plan. If your home doesn’t already have a carbon monoxide detector, install one.

• Resolve that every family member will learn to swim well.

• Teach your children how to call 911 properly.

• Work to keep a positive outlook, strengthen your relationships with others and do more to manage stress, because happier people have longer, heartier lives.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-pursuit-jackson-crash 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a45 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Lechung Santiaugo Williams, 36, from Brandon charged by Pearl PD with felony fleeing, suspended license, no insurance, 2 counts of aggravated assault (crash victims) and DUI.

Brandon Police put out a “be on the lookout” for Williams in a 2004 Maroon Ford Expedition for a simple assault attack on a McDonalds employee. A Pearl officer spotted the vehicle on I-20 westbound and attempted to make a stop. The Expedition fled onto I-55 northbound and Pearl officers pursued. The Expedition crashed into another vehicle on Meadowbrook Road and Northview in Jackson. Williams was taken into custody and transported to Pearl PD. He was checked out by medics at the police department and is not injured. Two people in the vehicle he hit were transported to UMMC. The victims were alert and talking when they left the scene, but their exact conditions are not known at this time.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/two-programs-about-former-ms-gov-william-winter-to-air-on-mpb-television-starting-dec-23 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a44 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

To commemorate the life and career of Gov. William Winter, Mississippi Public Broadcasting will re-air the following programs on MPB Television: The Toughest Job: William Winter’s Mississippi at 7 p.m. Dec. 23 and Conversations: Gov. William and Elise Winter at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 25 and 11 a.m. Dec. 27.

Winter, Mississippi’s 58th governor, died Friday, Dec.18, at the age of 97. The Toughest Job: William Winter’s Mississippi chronicles the life and career of Gov. Winter and his fight to pass the 1982 Education Reform bill. The film also emphasizes Winter’s role as a leader in economic development and racial reconciliation. The documentary features materials from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History and interviews with Gov. Winter, Elise Winter, Vernon Jordan, Dick Molpus, Myrlie Evers-Williams, Ray Mabus, Reuben V. Anderson, Charles Overby, President Bill Clinton and others.

Produced by The Southern Documentary Project, the documentary first aired in 2014 on MPB Television. “It’s been a remarkable challenge attempting to condense a whole life’s worth of passion, bitter defeats and momentous victories into an hour-long documentary, but I feel very satisfied with what we’ve created,” said filmmaker Matthew Graves in 2014. “To me, it’s a thrilling story of perseverance and leadership and is truly a testament to what is possible in this state.” “In an age of shrill, often gridlocked politics, we need more leaders with Gov. Winter’s courage, character, resolve and constructive leadership,” said David Crews, the film’s executive producer and former gubernatorial advisor. “This film portrays a rich, tumultuous period of history while documenting the accomplishments of a rare leader willing to tackle tough, vexing and important issues.”

Conversations: Gov. William and Elise Winter, also originally aired in 2014, and was produced by MPB Television. Winter is often viewed as Mississippi's greatest statesman. In this edition of Conversations, he and his wife, Elise, reminisced about their many years in the political arena, their lives together and their service to others.

For more information on MPB visit, www.mpbonline.org.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mdot-suspends-work-watches-traffic-for-holiday-travel 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a43 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pr0kc2fQDXA&feature=youtu.be

‘Tis the season for holiday travel. With more vehicles on the highways, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) wants to help keep your holidays merry and bright by limiting travel delays caused by highway construction.

MDOT will suspend all interstate and four-lane highway construction during peak Christmas and New Year’s travel times. All road construction requiring lane closures will stop December 24 and 25 and again December 31 and January 1. The closures will provide maximum travel capacity and minimal construction delays for holiday travelers.

“Even though no highway construction work will be occurring across the state, motorists should be aware that some lane closures will remain in place,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “These lane closures are there to protect motorists, and MDOT urges drivers to treat these areas as active work zones.”

Christmas and New Year’s are among the busiest travel days. MDOT actively monitors highways statewide through its Traffic Management Center (TMC). Information is gathered by roadway devices deployed throughout the state. Devices such as cameras, speed detectors and weather sensors feed data to the TMC about real-time road conditions. A network of over 1,000 cameras gives operators live views of highways.

The TMC shares information through MDOTtraffic.com and the MDOT Traffic mobile app. Users can sign up for email or text alerts and also access live highway camera feeds. The resources are available free to the public. Major alerts are also posted on the @MississippiDOT Twitter account.

“Travelers can know before they go about traffic along their routes,” McGrath said. “MDOT Traffic can help you avoid frustration by alerting you of upcoming congestion or crashes.”

In addition to the MDOT Traffic website and mobile app, real-time road conditions will also be posted on overhead digital message signs along state highways.

“Using these communication channels, MDOT is able to quickly and effectively notify travelers of concerns that may affect their plans,” McGrath said. “MDOT wants everyone to enjoy the holiday season with loved ones by making it to their destinations safely.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mdot-is-ready-for-winter 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a42 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO0vIyj91Yo

Despite the mild temperatures, winter officially arrived today. Weather conditions can change quickly, and the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is prepared to respond to any winter weather and extreme cold events.

“MDOT is committed to safety during the winter season and throughout the year,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “MDOT crews and personnel are trained and prepared to deploy a range of strategies to keep Mississippi highways open and passable during winter weather events.”

In the past three years, snow and ice operations cost more than $1 million, and MDOT workers logged over 22,000 hours annually addressing winter conditions. Different materials are used for specific winter weather events. Salt brine can be sprayed on the dry road surfaces to help prevent ice formation on travel lanes. If the roads are already wet, granular salt can be applied to help prevent the formation of ice by lowering the freezing point of water. Sand and slag can also be spread to help improve traction in slushy conditions.

“In Mississippi, winter storms are typically associated with rain,” McGrath said. “We monitor the weather to see what kind of event we are dealing with, whether it’s liquid or frozen precipitation. The timing of the precipitation will determine what strategy we use to respond.”

If liquid brine is used too soon, the rain could wash the solution away. If the roadways are wet, crews spread granular salt, sand or slag over the roads to help vehicles maintain traction.

“In north Mississippi, district maintenance crews have trucks and equipment prepared to aid affected roads in the event of a winter storm,” McGrath said. “Crews are fully prepared with all the materials needed to keep highways passable this winter.” Throughout the year, MDOT monitors road and traffic conditions constantly through its Traffic Management Center (TMC).

Using traffic cameras, radar and temperature sensors, along with local agency communication, MDOT’s TMC observes the most traveled highways in the state to ensure the safety and mobility of motorists. During winter weather storms, as well as other weather-related emergencies, TMC staff is on increased alert for potential travel hazards.

The TMC shares important traveler information through traffic alerts sent via email or text to people who sign up on MDOTTraffic.com. Users can also download the MDOT Traffic mobile app for real-time updates on their phones.

While MDOT is prepared to monitor road conditions and keep highways passable, motorists also need to be prepared for winter weather. Before loading up to travel during the winter months, make sure your vehicle is properly maintained.

• Have your vehicle battery and charging system checked for optimum performance.
• Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in your vehicle’s cooling system.
• Get your brakes checked to make sure they are functioning properly.
• Make sure the heater, defroster and windshield wipers are good to go for the winter.

Creating a winter weather kit to keep in the car in case of a winter weather emergency can be a lifesaver. Here are some important things to have just in case:

• Windshield scraper
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Jumper cables
• Bottled water and snacks
• Extra blankets

“This winter, remember the importance of being prepared for changing weather conditions,” said McGrath. “Everyone needs to know the dangers winter weather can bring and the importance of being safe all season.”

For more information on how to prepare for winter weather, visit ,GoMDOT.com/winter. For real-time road conditions on Mississippi’s highways and bridges, visit ,MDOTtraffic.com and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-police-arrest-grinch-save-christmas 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a41 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Pearl Police Officers arrested the Grinch following a crime spree across the city. The Grinch, age unknown, from Brandon, was caught red-handed leaving a home in the Country Place subdivision with a present he stole from under the Christmas tree.

The Grinch was also caught on camera nabbing gifts at the Pearl Senior Services Center and a store at the Outlets of Mississippi. You can view video of the crime spree and his arrest on the City’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/P57MA4-AjHI.

https://youtu.be/P57MA4-AjHI

“I am so grateful to Pearl Police for saving Christmas and locking up that Grinch!” said Santa Claus in a statement released by the North Pole. “I look forward to all the children in Mississippi opening their presents Christmas morning and not having them stolen. Thank you Pearl PD!”

The Grinch will be held without bond until December 26.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/sbe-approves-act-workkeys-as-measure-of-career-readiness 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a40 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi State Board of Education voted today to open public comment on the addition of the ACT WorkKeys assessment, in conjunction with a recognized career pathway or industry certification, to the accountability measure evaluating how schools and districts prepare students for college and the workforce.

ACT WorkKeys, a national assessment that measures foundational skills required for success in the workplace, will be included in the college and career readiness indicator in the state’s accountability system that assigns letter grades to schools and districts. Previously, student performance at the national benchmarks in math and reading or English on the ACT was the sole indicator of college and career readiness. The additional career preparation measure recognizes students who score at the Silver performance level on ACT WorkKeys and earn an industry certification in a technical field or complete a career pathway in high school.

“We have always said we would periodically evaluate the accountability system for improvements. We believe that by adding WorkKeys with an industry certification or pathway, we better prepare students who want to directly enter the workforce with the skills and knowledge to succeed and to earn a livable wage,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education.

The Accountability Task Force (ATF) began looking at the inclusion of ACT WorkKeys in the accountability system in March 2020. Although it considered many options, the ATF recommended adding ACT Work Keys as an alternative to ACT at the Silver level with no requirement for completion of a career pathway or industry certification.

The Commission on School Accreditation on Dec. 10 approved unanimously a proposal from the Mississippi Department of Education to require a WorkKeys Silver level student performance and completion of an industry certification or pathway to ensure comparable rigor between ACT and ACT WorkKeys in the accountability model. The proposal was based on feedback from the ATF, discussion within the MDE, and in consultation with the Center for Assessment and the MDE’s Technical Advisory Committee.

Details of the proposed change to the accountability model can be found on the SBE Agenda. The public comment period will close at 5 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 14 and will be submitted to the SBE on Thursday, Jan. 21.

Comments should be submitted to Alan Burrow at accreditation@mdek12.org.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/santa-s-secret-mission-operation-warp-speed 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a3f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT By Katherine R. Dougan

On a recent evening I’m sitting at my desk in front my computer, all snug in the house with a lovely fire crackling away. Our four adopted shelter dogs are sprawled about in various positions of repose around me. I’m enjoying a cup of hot cocoa and wearing flannel pajamas while I wait for Santa to join me for our online ZOOM call. It’s a tradition he and I have had for over a decade; I get to interview him every year for a special Christmas story.

His bearded, red-cheeked face suddenly pops up on my computer monitor, and I hear the familiar “Ho! Ho! Ho!” which, as we all know, is pretty much Santa’s standard greeting. Then I do a double-take at the screen; Santa is actually wearing a Santa face mask. What a goofball! It makes me giggle, because in honor of our special online visit, I’m also wearing a Santa face mask.

He sees my face, then scrunches up his face, tilts his head, and quips, “You look ridiculous!”

Puh-lease. Really? Geez. It seems that everybody, including Santa, thinks they are a comedian. However, I’m not going to sass him back, because I like presents. Lots of presents. The old adage of don’t bite the hand that feeds you, or, in this case, don’t sass the man that brings you presents, comes to mind. After all, I am not crazy. And since I generally tip the Good-Bad scale that Santa uses to measure gift worthiness more in the “Bad” direction, I can’t afford to annoy the giant, red-suited Christmas dude.

Real cool-like, I respond: “Yo’, wazzup, Big Red?”

He raises his bushy, white eyebrows in disdain at my lame attempt to be cool, then reveals there is indeed a lot “up” with him. In addition to his usual Christmas duties, he is neck-deep in a secret mission. Of course, I absolutely must know more about this.

“I will tell you, but you can’t tell anyone,” Santa admonishes, shaking his finger at me. Of course, I tell him I won’t (wink-wink). That’s what I meant when I said I kind of tip the Good-Bad meter more toward the Bad; of course, I’m going to tell you all about Santa’s secret mission - right here, right now.

Santa told me he was recently approached by the World Health Organization, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Government for his special mission. After chatting with them, Santa agreed to join “Operation Warp Speed Strategy for Distributing a COVID-19 Vaccine,” which is the plan the U.S. Health and Human Services presented to Congress for COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

Think about it. Tapping Santa to spearhead a mobilization mission like this is perfect, since he accomplishes worldwide distribution of gifts in one night every year. This year, once a vaccine is approved and authorized by the FDA, Santa will distribute vaccine and supplies to organizations that partner with state, local and tribal health departments, territories, Tribes and federal entities.

Additionally, Santa plays a key role in providing cold storage for large quantities of the vaccine at his South Pole storage facility. Yes, I said South Pole. We all know that Santa, Mrs. Claus and his elves live at the North Pole. However, North Pole temperatures, which range from minus 45 to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit, are almost balmy in comparison to temperatures at the South Pole, where the average winter temperature is minus 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Brrrrr. That’s way too cold for people; however, it’s perfect for storing a vaccine that needs to be kept at an extremely cold temperature.

Santa’s high-tech computer technology and detailed distribution records of everyone in the world also comes in handy for the secret mission, as he has the names and ages of everyone in the world on his list.

Not only is Santa playing a key role in storing and distributing vaccines, but, also, he’s on the front lines to deliver pediatric and adult vaccine kits, which contain needles, syringes, alcohol pads, vaccination cards, and PPE equipment for those doing the vaccinations.

So, 2020 will definitely be Santa’s busiest year ever.

Even though he is really busy, he asked me to assure everyone that nobody will be forgotten. He also said that if you don’t get everything you wished for, it is simply because Santa is so busy with COVID-19 relief that he might just have been short of space in his sleigh.

Although you can’t visit him like normal this year to sit on his lap and chat, he reminds you that Santa sees everything and knows everything. To be extra sure, as always, tell your parents what you want, just in case Santa has questions.

While I was talking with Santa, I put in a good word for everybody: I told him you all have been good this year. So, you know this means that everyone absolutely MUST be good.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and remind you again to be good, be kind to everyone, and, most importantly, stay safe.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/learning-pods-microschools-and-more-parents-seek-options-innovation-amid-pandemic 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a3e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT By Elyse Marcellino

New data shows that public school enrollment has declined by nearly 25,000, or about 5 percent, over the past year. At the same time, homeschooling has increased by 35 percent.

As we reflect on the past year, it’s clear that the coronavirus pandemic has upended norms, but it has also made way for reforms not previously thought possible. This is certainly true in education.

This year, traditional schools have been faced with the challenge of delivering an academic program online. Newer options like learning pods and microschools have surged. Virtual schools and their flexibility have become more attractive. Homeschooling has gained popularity rapidly.

What does this mean for the future of education? Whether these shifts mark fundamental changes or are only unique to this strange year, we would be wise to go “back to the basics” to find clarity in unfamiliar territory.

In a world that often pays more attention to short-term measures than long-term outcomes, times like these remind us of the main purpose of schooling: helping form knowledgeable, productive, upstanding members of society.

With parents in droves reclaiming their role as education decisionmakers, they have also provided a powerful reminder that they are their children’s best and most invested advocates and that their satisfaction matters. Even in crisis, parents’ values have not changed much: safety and academics remain top priorities.

The phenomenon of learning pods in particular shows that families are not content to be passive participants in their children’s education but will roll up their sleeves to build a school from the ground up if that is what they have to do. According to a September survey by EdChoice, a large majority of parents say they want multiple learning options this year – if they don’t get them, they may just create them.

Pods, much like the one-room schoolhouses of the 19th century, are driven by families who pool their resources and work together to educate their children. They may simply support students enrolled in traditional or virtual schools, or they may provide a full or part-time academic program arranged around a curriculum, theme, or need. Parents may divvy up teaching responsibilities by expertise or hire a teacher or two. They may meet in homes or acquire a facility.

The attraction of such small school environments likely lies in their accessibility and adaptability. Depending on the set-up, they can form quickly, can morph to confront new challenges, and have the potential to be quite affordable. Supply can meet demand without delay.

One Mississippi mother whose child with special needs is participating in a learning pod is thrilled, saying “he is getting the individual attention he never received in traditional public or private school.”

Over the years, Mississippi has moved incrementally toward true education options and an atmosphere of innovation, from charter schools and education scholarship accounts to open enrollment and Districts and Schools of Innovation.

In a shifting education landscape, responsive policies like these need to expand further to ensure great education options are available to all who want or need them, especially now. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that American entrepreneurialism is alive and well and “just wait” is an answer that parents – rightfully so – won’t accept anymore.

Elyse Marcellino is the Vice President for Education at Empower Mississippi

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-tate-reeves-declares-state-day-of-prayer 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a3d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Governor Reeves was joined by pastors from across the state to declare Sunday, December 20th, as a voluntary day of prayer, humility and fasting.

"Today, I am signing a proclamation to declare a Day of Prayer, Humility, and Fasting on Sunday, December 20th," Governor Reeves said. "As we’ve done throughout the history of this country, we will go to the Lord and ask for his protective hand over us as we enter 2021."

While there have been many challenges throughout this year, from flooding, tornados, and especially COVID-19, it is important for Mississippians to trust in God.

"As we close out this year, I felt the need to go to God in prayer for our state, together. There is power in prayer. It is what God commands us to do," Governor Reeves stated.

You can view the signing on Facebook live here.

A signed copy of the Proclamation can be found here.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mde-invites-aspiring-educators-to-apply-to-the-mississippi-teacher-residency-program 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a3c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) invites aspiring teachers to apply to the third cohort of the Mississippi Teacher Residency (MTR), which is a two-year program that combines college coursework and on-the-job training to prepare prospective educators for the teaching profession. The application will be released on December 18, 2020 and will close on February 5, 2021.

The MTR program is a collaboration among the MDE, selected university and district partnerships and the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, which funds the initiative. It is part of a statewide strategy to expand and diversify the teaching workforce so all students have teachers who are well-prepared, appropriately licensed and can serve as role models.

Each teacher resident will receive a full degree scholarship to an MTR-sponsored university, support for required licensure examinations, one-on-one teacher mentors and ongoing professional development throughout the program’s duration.

Teacher residents will complete an elementary education and special education degree program while working alongside an experienced teacher mentor in one of four participating districts. Partner districts include Gulfport School District, Jackson Public Schools, Ocean Springs School District and Sunflower County Consolidated School District.

The MTR program supports individuals who want to become teachers but are not currently enrolled in an educator preparation program. MTR applicants must have an associate degree or at least 60 college credits from a degree program with a minimum 2.75 grade point average. Men and women of color, military veterans and junior college graduates are strongly encouraged to apply.

The application can be found starting on December 18 at ,mdek12.org/OTL/MTR. The application deadline is February 5, 2021. For more information, contact Dr. Courtney Van Cleve at ,cvancleve@mdek12.org.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/national-outflow-of-offers-to-donate-support-foster-and-adopt 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a3b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Only minutes after local and national media outlets began sharing the story Monday evening of a two-year-old boy dropped off at a Goodwill donation center in Southaven, phone lines and email inboxes at the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services were overflowing with offers to help, foster or adopt the abandoned toddler.

From California to New York, Florida to British Columbia, individuals touched by the plight of the abandoned toddler turned over to local law enforcement are scrambling to find ways to provide physical and financial support. Many callers volunteer to adopt the child. Others want to send money.

"The overwhelming generosity of Americans is tangible in this scenario," said MDCPS Commissioner Andrea Sanders. "While we cannot disclose information related to any child in need of protection, we are grateful and moved by the compassion of people everywhere. I am hopeful that this story will inspire awareness of the need to support all of the children entrusted to our care."

Mississippi State Law prevents MDCPS from commenting on any specific case when a child is placed into state custody, therefore the agency is prohibited from commenting on whether a particular child is involved with the agency.

Sanders said that "while the media reports of this situation are drawing national attention, the ongoing need for individuals to serve as foster families and adoptive families is critical every day of the year for every child placed in MDCPS custody."

"We will always need loving families to care for children, as well as the backing of the greater community to stabilize families and prevent trauma to children before it happens," she said.

MDCPS currently has more than 3,800 children and youth in care.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mdot-spends-work-watches-traffic-for-holiday-travel 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a3a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT ‘Tis the season for holiday travel. With more vehicles on the highways, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) wants to help keep your holidays merry and bright by limiting travel delays caused by highway construction.

MDOT will suspend all interstate and four-lane highway construction during peak Christmas and New Year’s travel times. All road construction requiring lane closures will stop December 24 and 25 and again December 31 and January 1. The closures will provide maximum travel capacity and minimal construction delays for holiday travelers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pr0kc2fQDXA&feature=youtu.be

“Even though no highway construction work will be occurring across the state, motorists should be aware that some lane closures will remain in place,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “These lane closures are there to protect motorists, and MDOT urges drivers to treat these areas as active work zones.”

Christmas and New Year’s are among the busiest travel days. MDOT actively monitors highways statewide through its Traffic Management Center (TMC). Information is gathered by roadway devices deployed throughout the state. Devices such as cameras, speed detectors and weather sensors feed data to the TMC about real-time road conditions. A network of over 1,000 cameras gives operators live views of highways.

The TMC shares information through MDOTtraffic.com and the MDOT Traffic mobile app. Users can sign up for email or text alerts and also access live highway camera feeds. The resources are available free to the public. Major alerts are also posted on the @MississippiDOT Twitter account.

“Travelers can know before they go about traffic along their routes,” McGrath said. “MDOT Traffic can help you avoid frustration by alerting you of upcoming congestion or crashes.”

In addition to the MDOT Traffic website and mobile app, real-time road conditions will also be posted on overhead digital message signs along state highways.

“Using these communication channels, MDOT is able to quickly and effectively notify travelers of concerns that may affect their plans,” McGrath said. “MDOT wants everyone to enjoy the holiday season with loved ones by making it to their destinations safely.”

For the most current travel and traffic information, visit MDOTTraffic.com and download the free MDOT Traffic.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/holiday-safety-tips-to-help-keep-kids-safe-and-give-parents-a-little-peace-of-mind 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a39 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

After making it through all the different challenges of the year, we’re all looking forward to some well-earned peace and joy this holiday season. But we don’t want preventable injuries to get in the way.

That’s why we’re talking Holiday Safety with Dr. Katie Donnelly, an ER doctor and the Medical Director for Safe Kids D.C. and Dawne Gardner, a Safe Kids Coordinator and safety expert from Cincinnati, OH.

Join our experts for a Facebook Live Event that’s all about simple, but important reminders to keep kids safe at home, on the road and at play during the holidays. Plus, a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card.

Watch at https://www.facebook.com/SafeKidsWorldwide

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-jr-high-school-basketball-wins-district-champions 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a38 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Richland Jr. High Basketball wins District Champions. They completed the season with a 12-0 record. This is the third consecutive year that the Rangers have been District Champs. The Rangers are (front, left to right) Ben Alexander, Darius Thames, Jackie Williams, Austin Myers, Jayvyn Claxton, and Everett Arthur; (back, left to right) Coach Thad Bridges, Landon Anderson, Garrett Kennedy, Jayden Houseton, Darrin Davidson, Chayse Young, Garrett Hinton, and Jose Millings. Not pictured is Lewis Jones.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-schools-select-2020-2021-teachers-of-the-year 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a37 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT Annually, Pearl Public School District participates in the Teacher of the Year program sponsored by the Mississippi Teacher Center within the Mississippi Department of Education. This program honors the outstanding accomplishments of public school teachers across the state. The Pearl Public School District Board of Trustees recently recognized the 2020-2021 Teachers of the Year from each of the five schools in the district.

The Pearl Lower Elementary Teacher of the Year is Eva Mathis.

Mrs. Mathis, a kindergarten teacher at PLE, is in her 16th year as an educator with all but one year spent serving students in our district since she joined PPSD in 2006. She has a Bachelor’s in Elementary Education. She loves helping lay the foundation for the rest of her students’ school careers and loves that she is helping shape how her students feel about themselves and how they treat others.

Mrs. Canda Jackson, PLE Principal, had this to say about Mrs. Mathis: “Mrs. Mathis is truly a rare, one-of-a-kind treasure in education. She has a special gift for all students especially students with special needs. She is compassionate about each student’s social, emotional, and academic well-being. She intentionally meets students where they are physically, mentally and academically. I am thankful that she is on our team at Pearl Lower Elementary.“

The Northside Elementary Teacher of the Year is Grace White.

Mrs. White is a second-grade teacher at Northside Elementary. She began working in PPSD in 2013 as a beginning teacher. Mrs. White has a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Elementary Education and says that being a teacher is such a high honor. Getting to see her students achieve their goals while supporting them in their learning is what she strives to give them during the short amount of time they are with her in the classroom. Mrs. White said, “I truly hope I touch their lives as much as they touch mine!”

When asked to describe Mrs. White, Dr. Nikki Graham, PNE Principal, said, “Her attitude is always positive, her smile is contagious, her expectations leave no room for excuses, and her love for teaching is evident in all she does. Flexibility and Mrs. White go hand in hand as she continuously adjusts to meet the needs of her students. Mrs. White’s genuine love for her students reaches beyond academics. She works to ensure her students grow academically and socially. Mrs. White strives to instill qualities in her students that exemplify upstanding productive citizens. Mrs. White is changing the lives of students one day at a time.”

The Pearl Upper Elementary Teacher of the Year is Heather Haycraft.

Mrs. Haycraft, a fifth-grade teacher at PUE, began working in PPSD in 2012. She is currently in her 12th year of teaching, is a National Board Certified Teacher, and has a Bachelor's in Business Administration and a Master of Arts in Teaching. Mrs. Haycraft feels that having a classroom with consistency, high expectations, and a safe environment to make mistakes will provide students an avenue for success. Seeing students display that confidence and master skills is a joy to see.

Mr. Gavin Gill, Principal at Pearl Upper, describes Mrs. Haycraft as “having been a dedicated math and science teacher for the past eleven years . . . [whose students have] consistently earned high marks in both subject areas. There is not a job she is not willing to accept, and she always goes above and beyond for her students. She is a team player and works well with her fellow teachers. Pearl Upper Elementary is fortunate to have an outstanding teacher like Mrs. Haycraft.”

The Pearl Junior High School Teacher of the Year is Amber Kent.

Mrs. Kent joined PPSD in 2016 bringing with her 8 years of experience. A National Board Certified Teacher with a Bachelor’s in Mathematics Education and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction, Mrs. Kent is in her 13th year as an educator. Mrs. Kent loves having the opportunity to inspire students and prepare them for the paths of their areas of interest so that they can be successful in whatever endeavors they choose.

When asked about Mrs. Kent, PJHS Principal Dr. Jessica Broome said, “Mrs. Kent works collaboratively with her colleagues to collect, interpret, and utilize data in an effort to inform decisions that positively impact student performance in her classroom and throughout our school. Her classes are engaging, and her lessons often include a cross-curricular theme in order to help students better relate to the subject matter and its connection to the world around them. Mrs. Kent seeks out opportunities to grow personally and professionally, striving daily to improve herself as a teacher and to strengthen her relationships with students by taking an active role in their personal and academic endeavors. She can regularly be found in the stands for athletic and academic events and in the crowd cheering her students on for community-based and philanthropic activities.”

The Pearl High School Teacher of the Year is Angela Mangum.

Mrs. Mangum, a National Board Certified Teacher, joined PPSD eight years ago in 2013. Currently in her 22nd year of teaching, she has a Bachelor’s in Biological Sciences and a Master’s in Educational Leadership. Mrs. Mangum says what she loves so much about teaching is helping and showing students that they can learn science no matter how difficult it may seem. She enjoys interacting with and showing her students that science can be fun and exciting.

Mr. Chris Chism, PHS Principal, says “Let me begin saying Mrs. Mangum is simply amazing. She is a wonderful employee and an absolutely phenomenal chemistry teacher. I have been in many chemistry classrooms in my time as both a student and as a principal. Without a doubt, hers is the best I have ever seen. There are very few times that I can simply do a 10 or 15 minute observation. Her teaching style and positive demeanor ropes me in every time – just like it does her students. I couldn’t be happier about this selection for PHS. It is well-deserved.”

From these five teachers, the 2020-2021 Pearl Public School District Teacher of the Year will be selected. A panel consisting of educators and lay people from outside the district will evaluate application packets from these five teachers and conduct personal interviews. One teacher will be recommended to represent the district in the state-level program.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/talk-to-children-about-fire-safety 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a36 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Following a recent spike of home fires in Southwest Mississippi,

the American Red Cross Alabama Mississippi region encourages everyone to talk to their children about fire safety to help families stay safe.

In the past year, local Red Cross volunteers helped more than 1,300 people — affected by more than 315 home fires in Southwest Mississippi. For residents affected by the recent fires, the Red Cross provided emergency financial assistance, food, relief items like toiletries, health and mental health services, and one-on-one support to connect people to available recovery assistance.

“It’s heartbreaking for anyone to have to experience a home fire, especially children,” Tamica Jeuitt, executive director, Southwest Mississippi said. “We want to ensure families and children are prepared. Please talk to everyone in your household about home fire safety and practice your escape plan together until everyone can get out in two minutes or less.”

HELP KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE Below are some ways to prepare your family:

• Practice your escape plan: Take time to discuss fire safety with your family. Familiarize children with the sound of your smoke alarm and teach them what to do when they hear it when you practice your escape plan.
• Be friends with firefighters: Teach your children not to be afraid of firefighters. Take them to your local fire department to meet them, see the gear they wear and learn about fire safety and prevention.
• Avoid matches: Teach your children to tell you or a responsible adult when they find matches or lighters at home or school. Keep matches, lighters and other ignitable substances in a secured location out of reach of children.
• Test smoke alarms: Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside and outside bedrooms and sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace alarm batteries as needed.

For free home fire safety resources, including an escape plan, visit redcross.org/fire or download the free Red Cross Emergency App. In addition, the free Monster Guard app teaches children how to prepare for emergencies by playing an engaging game. Download the apps by searching “American Red Cross” in app stores or going to redcross.org/apps.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/trump-administration-establishes-medgar-and-myrlie-evers-home-national-monument 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a35 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

U.S. Secretary of the Interior David L. Bernhardt announced the establishment of the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument in Jackson, Mississippi as the 423rd unit of the National Park System. The monument was authorized by the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (P.L. 116-9), which was signed by President Trump on March 12, 2019.

Acquired by the National Park Service (NPS) by way of conveyance from Tougaloo College on June 18, 2020, the new monument commemorates the legacies of two civil rights activists who, from their modest, 3-bedroom ranch home, devoted their lives to ending racial injustice and improving the quality of life for African Americans.

“It is an honor to establish the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument,” said Secretary Bernhardt. “Medgar Evers was a true American hero who fought the Nazis at Normandy and fought racism with his wife Myrlie on the home front. It is our solemn responsibility as caretakers of America’s national treasures to tell the whole story of America’s heritage for the benefit of present and future generations. The life works of these great Americans helped shape our nation in making the United States a more perfect union, and for that, we should all be grateful.”

"We are so pleased that the National Park Service has made our family home in Jackson, MS, a National Monument. Our parents sought justice and equality for all Mississippians and knew such change locally would impact globally. Living a life of service, our parents didn't make sacrifices for accolades or awards. Our father fought for his country during World War II, and our mother equally served on the battlefields here in America. The battle continues to ensure that all Americans deserve life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” said Reena and James Van Evers, the two surviving children of Medgar and Myrlie Evers. “We are delighted that our house, always enclosed in love and respect, is nestled in a community that provides hope and opportunity. It's still serving as a reminder of our divided past and an educational tool to bring knowledge, excellence, and positive participation to all who visit to study icons in American history: our parents, Medgar and Myrlie Evers,"

“It is a privilege to join Secretary Bernhardt in announcing the addition of the Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument as the 423rd park to join the National Park System,” said Margaret Everson, Counselor to the Secretary, exercising the delegated authority of the National Park Service Director. “President Trump and Secretary Bernhardt have made enormous contributions to our efforts in the National Park Service to more fully tell the story of America's Civil Rights movement. The addition of this site is a fitting tribute to these two influential civil rights activists who devoted their lives to the cause of equality.”

“The Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home serves as a permanent reminder of the legacy of the Evers family, whose contributions advanced the cause of justice in our nation,” said U.S. Senator Roger Wicker. “I was proud to champion legislation with Representative Bennie Thompson and Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith to designate this historic site as a national monument and preserve it for future generations. I appreciate President Trump, the National Park Service, and the Department of the Interior for their work to make this designation a reality.”

“The national monument designation represents a great honor for the Evers family and their sacrifices and accomplishments for the cause of civil rights. This new national site will also stand in recognition of the overall pursuit of equality and justice in Mississippi and our nation,” said U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. “I am proud to have worked with Senator Wicker and Congressman Thompson to secure this designation.”

“I, like many others, was inspired by the magnitude of determination Mr. Evers showed by dedicating himself to others and fighting against adversity,” said U.S. Representative Bennie Thompson. “The designation of his home is an everlasting tribute to his legacy. The importance of protecting the heritage and important artifacts for the enjoyment of all, and historical understanding, cannot be overstated. As many members of communities, their existence contributes to local economies directly and indirectly. I am honored that the legacy of an icon in American history, Medgar Wiley Evers will forever be preserved. Mr. Evers was an inspiration to all Americans by dedicating his life to others and fighting against racism and discrimination.”

“The Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home designation as a national monument and its management by the National Park Service is another significant and historic milestone in Tougaloo College’s history. We are honored to partner with the National Park Service to advance the legacy of Medgar and Myrlie Evers and preserve their home, both of which are significant to the Civil Rights Movement in Mississippi. The monument will be important to the study and understanding of the civil rights struggle. We are excited about the college’s continued role in developing interpretative and educational programming for the monument to introduce students to Medgar Evers’ work and inspire them to learn more. This is indeed a great day in the history of Tougaloo College, the state of Mississippi and America,” said Tougaloo College President Carmen J. Walters.

The newly acquired property will be managed and operated by the National Park Service. While the home is not currently open to public tours, in the coming months the National Park Service will work with partners and the community to develop plans to accommodate visitors. The national monument consists of an approximately 0.15-acre parcel of land and the Evers’ home.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-tate-reeves-announces-additional-covid-19-measures-1 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a34 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Governor Tate Reeves announced additional COVID-19 measures in an effort to keep Mississippians safe. The Executive Orders that are in place are set to expire on Friday, December 11th.

In an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19 statewide, for social gatherings where social distancing is not possible, crowds will be limited to a group of no more than ten in a single space indoors. For outdoor social gatherings, no more than 50 people should be in close proximity.

Face coverings in schools are also required statewide whenever social distancing is not possible. They are also required when indoors and interacting with the public in the following counties:

Adams, Alcorn, Amite, Attala, Bolivar, Calhoun, Carroll, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Clarke, Clay, Coahoma, Copiah, Covington, De Soto, Forrest, Franklin, Grenada, Harrison, Hinds, Holmes, Itawamba, Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Kemper, Lafayette, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lee, Leflore, Lincoln, Lowndes, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Monroe, Montgomery, Neshoba, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, Panola, Pearl River, Perry, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Rankin, Scott, Simpson, Stone, Tate, Tippah, Tishomingo, Union, Washington, Webster, Winston, Yalobusha and Yazoo Counties.

Indoor sports venues for K-12 extracurricular events will be limited to the lesser of four spectators per student participant or 250 ticketed spectators. Other indoor arenas will be limited to the lesser of ten percent seating capacity or 1,000 attendees.

"All of these measures are important, and I hope that the people of Mississippi will make an honest effort to participate in slowing the spread of the virus," Governor Tate Reeves said.

A copy of the Executive Orders can be found here.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/commissioner-brent-bailey-reminds-consumers-to-avoid-scams-when-telemarketers-call 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a33 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Commissioner Brent Bailey reminds consumers to be attentive of potential telemarketer charity scams during the holidays.

Fake charities may use telemarketing methods to try and con you out of your money by pretending to represent a well-known charitable cause.

“Charities may utilize outside companies to do the telemarketing for them to reach their existing or potential donors, especially during the busy holiday season,” Commissioner Bailey said. “Our office supports charitable giving and activities, but we want to ensure that the people of the Central District are not falling prey to sophisticated scams or being misled by an organization or donating to an organization that is not playing by the rules.”

Consumers should do their research before donating, especially over the phone. Stick to charities you have donated to in the past. Be leery if someone is rushing you into paying or saying you are obligated to pledge an amount since scammers want to get your money as quick as they can. If you feel pressure to act immediately and without delay, ask the caller for time to think about it first. The harder the pressure to donate, the more suspicious you should be. Additionally, you should pay attention to how they ask you to pay. Real charities won’t ask for money transfers or gift cards.

Please check with the Secretary of State’s Office to determine if the recipient of your potential contribution is a legitimate charitable organization. The Secretary of State provides a "Charity Search" portal on their website to verify the charity is registered with the State. In addition to contacting the Public Service Commission's office, consumers can also file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office if you feel that you have been scammed by a questionable charitable organization.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ms-state-auditor-shad-white-demands-teacher-repay-wages-while-on-strike 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a32 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

On December 9, 2020, we received the following letter from Mississippi State Auditor Shad White through a newsletter mailing.

Friends,

On September 8th and 9th, Prof. James Thomas of the University of Mississippi decided to go on a "work stoppage" (his words). He told the world on social media and his students in writing what he was doing:

"I have strong feelings about this – if you have tenure, your #ScholarStrike activity needs to be a work stoppage. Tell your students you’re not working."

Over two days Prof. Thomas ignored every single email from his students. I personally read each of those emails. One student was worried because they were having trouble responding to a writing prompt. Another could not access a lesson plan online. One student could not submit an assignment on time because of a technology problem and worried about getting full credit. Still another was worried about an assignment and asked if Prof. Thomas would be responding while on Scholar Strike. There are others.

Prof. Thomas had three classes to teach on those two days, and he did not teach them. He also told his students,

"I will not be responding to emails" and "I will not be holding meetings via zoom, including office hours . . ."

In short, Prof. Thomas refused to perform his job duties, and his tuition-paying students suffered as a result. The taxpayers and donors to the university suffered, too. When Prof. Thomas realized he was going to be called on the carpet for not performing these duties, he attempted to explain by saying, "100 percent of my job requires time spent thinking . . . . If I’m thinking I’m working."

Thinking isn’t going to cut it with me. That's why, not long ago, my office issued a demand for $1,912.42 to Prof. James Thomas for his work stoppage. "Concerted work stoppages" and strikes are illegal under Mississippi’s no-strike law, and paying someone for not working violates Sections 66 and 96 of the state constitution. It’s simple—the taxpayers of Mississippi cannot pay someone when they did not provide the good or service they were hired to provide.

I knew I would take abuse from the radical Left when I did this, because they love Prof. Thomas and his views. But his viewpoints do not give him the right to not show up for work. And even though he and his friends will call me every name in the book, I knew someone had to step up and enforce the law--for you, the taxpayers.

For a longer explanation of this case, you can listen to an interview I gave here. And thank you, as always, for standing with me.

Yours in service,

Shad

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-cheerleaders-perform-in-orlando 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a31 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Alyssa Grantham, Sydney Ragsdale, and Mallory Chapman varsity cheerleaders from Richland High School, who were chosen as UCA All-American Cheerleaders, recently performed in Orlando at Universal Studios in the Varsity Spirit Spectacular.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/no-pearl-residents-or-the-city-involved-in-mbi-human-trafficking-bust 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a30 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The City of Pearl would like to clarify information released by the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation about a human trafficking operation it conducted in the city last week.

The operation had nothing to do with any residents of Pearl nor any human trafficking going on in the city of Pearl. The operation, which took place Thursday Dec. 3 and Friday Dec. 4, lured suspects from out of the area to a hotel in Pearl. None of those arrested were from Pearl or Rankin County.

The MBI held a class on human trafficking for law enforcement agencies around the state in Pearl, which apparently culminated with this operation. The city appreciates the work done by the officers involved in the operation to stop the crime of human trafficking.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ag-commissioner-andy-gipson-announces-details-for-the-56th-dixie-national-livestock-show-and-rodeo 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a2f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced the details of the 56th Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo, which takes place January 22 through February 21, 2021. This annual event features Mississippi’s youth and open livestock exhibitions, as well as the largest rodeo competition east of the Mississippi River. The Dixie National Rodeo runs Thursday, February 11, through Wednesday, February 17, 2021, at the Mississippi Coliseum on the State Fairgrounds. The public can purchase tickets for the Rodeo beginning Tuesday, February 8, at 10:00 a.m.

“During this week, as the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is ongoing in Texas, I want to invite everyone to come out to the greatest show on dirt next year in February at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds,” said Commissioner Gipson. “The annual Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo will include all the usual events, like the palomino show, Dixie Queen pageant and Junior Sale of Champions in addition to the rodeo. I’m excited to announce that this year we will host an agricultural and vendor expo in the new Mississippi Trade Mart for the very first time at the Dixie National.”

The 2021 Dixie National Rodeo, held at the Mississippi Coliseum, features different acclaimed musical artists each night following the rodeo competitions. Performers include The Oak Ridge Boys, Parker McCollum, Moe Bandy, John Conlee, Sawyer Brown, Gary Allan and Riley Green. Tickets will be limited due to public health guidance. Sanitization stations and safe practices signage will be posted throughout the facility. Applicable public health guidance will be observed regarding social distancing and masks.

Tickets to the daily Dixie National Rodeo competitions and concerts go on sale for Fan Club members at 10:00 a.m. today, December 7, through Tuesday, December 8, at 10:00 a.m. Tickets will be available to the general public online and at the Coliseum Box Office beginning Tuesday, December 8, at 10:00 a.m.

To purchase tickets to the Dixie National Rodeo, visit www.ticketmaster.com/dixie-national-rodeo-tickets/artist/848320. For more information on the Dixie National Livestock Show and Rodeo, visit www.DixieNational.org or call 601-961-4000.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ag-fitch-and-dr-dobbs-warn-mississippians-about-possible-medical-marijuana-scams 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a2e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office and the Mississippi Department of Health urge consumers to use caution to avoid falling victim to medical marijuana scams. Since passage of Initiative 65 last month, the Attorney General’s Office has received questions about advertisements claiming to offer pre-registration for medical marijuana cards in Mississippi.

“As Mississippi’s chief legal officer, I will not allow companies to engage in fraudulent and deceptive business practices in our State,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “My office will remain watchful and continue to work closely with the Mississippi Department of Health to protect the health and safety of Mississippi consumers. We urge you to be wary of any promises to jump you to the head of the line for access to medical marijuana in Mississippi. It is too early for any company to guarantee those promises will be kept.”

Companies have begun promoting to Mississippians pre-registration and telemedicine consultations for medical marijuana cards. The MSDH has not issued any regulations pursuant to Initiative 65, nor has it licensed any providers at this time.

“The Mississippi State Department of Health is in the initial stages of researching, developing and producing the essential elements needed to implement a successful medical marijuana program,” said State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs. “Any information regarding medical marijuana will be posted on a specified website page. The regulations are due this summer. It is premature for any company or entity to post information offering medical marijuana. Do not be vulnerable to these scams. The Mississippi State Department of Health is your accurate source for information regarding this matter.”

To report suspected scams or fraudulent activity, contact the Mississippi Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division by calling 1-800-281-4418 or emailing consumer@ago.ms.gov.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/keep-trees-well-watered-to-avoid-fire-this-christmas 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a2d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

As Mississippians decorate for Christmas this week, many will buy live trees that need to be watered daily to prevent them drying out and catching fire. There have been 61 fire deaths in Mississippi so far in 2020. That’s compared to 57 at this time last year. To prevent more fire deaths, the State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends the following fire safety measures.

• Use holiday decorations made with flame‐retardant or non‐combustible materials.
• Carefully inspect new and previously used light strings and replace damaged items before plugging lights in.
• Use lights approved by Underwriter’s Laboratories.
• Do not overload extension cords.
• Keep children and pets away from light strings and electrical decorations.
• Turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
• Never use lit candles to decorate a tree, and make sure any lit candles in the room are placed away from tree branches.
• Make sure the tree is not blocking an exit.
• Cut at least one inch off the bottom of the tree trunk before placing it in a stand.
• Live trees can “drink” one gallon of water of water daily.
• Check water at least twice daily.
• Make sure the tree is at least six feet away from any heat source.
• Take the tree down when it becomes dry.
• Recycle it, use it as a fish shelter in a farm pond or put it out with the trash.
• Do not burn a tree in the fireplace. Heat may explode the wood and set the room on fire.
• Check with your tree provider to see if they will apply a Fire-Retardant for you.

https://youtu.be/_TmmCGOkGwI

You may also consider making a “Fire-Retardant” solution. The United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service recommends placing your tree in a solution after it is cut. Fill the tree stand with the following mixture.

• 2 gallons hot water
• 2 cups corn syrup
• 2 ounces liquid bleach
• 2 pinches Epsom salt
• ½ cup borax
• 1 tsp chelated iron (available at garden shops)

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-state-department-of-health-advises-residents-to-avoid-social-gatherings 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a2c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Due to the rapidly rising burden of COVID-19 cases, excessive hospitalizations and the high risk of COVID-19 infection in the community, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is issuing the following Public Health Guidance.

All residents of Mississippi should avoid any social gathering that includes individuals outside of the nuclear family or household. MSDH recommends that Mississippians only participate in work, school or other absolutely essential activities.

MSDH recommends that all Mississippians protect themselves and their families by avoiding public or social gatherings such as the following:

• Social events or parties
• Family gatherings outside of the household or nuclear family
• Weddings
• Funerals (other than close family and preferably outdoors)
• Sporting events
• In-person church services

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/american-red-cross-holiday-blood-drive-can-also-test-for-covid-antibodies 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a2b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The American Red Cross Southwest Mississippi Chapter will host a Holiday Blood Drive on Thursday, December 3, 2020. The drive will take place between 10AM until 3PM in the Main Conference Room at 9 River Bend Pl. in Flowood, MS.

When you give the gift of life, your donation will be tested for the COVID-19 antibodies.

The antibody test is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed symptoms. For the next few months, Red Cross blood, platelet and plasma donations will be tested using samples obtained at the time of donation and sent to a testing laboratory, where the samples will also undergo routine screening and infectious disease testing. Should you test positive for the COVID antibodies, your plasma may be used to help a current critical COVID patient.

A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity. American Red Cross is practicing all COVID protocols, prescreening donor temperatures prior to entry to the blood drive, providing masks and hand sanitizer and extended cleaning between each donor. The safety and confidence of all donors, volunteers and our staff is very important.

For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org Use sponsor code: ARCSOUTHWESTMS (you can click on the sponsor code for a direct link to the appointment site) Or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-boychoir-announces-free-upcoming-christmas-concert-be-the-light 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a2a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi Boychoir is pleased to announce its annual Christmas Concert to be premiered virtually on Friday, December 4, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. on its website - www.msboychoir.org

In keeping with our 2020 Fall Semester theme, our Be the Light Christmas Concert is our first ever virtual-only event. The event is free to the public, although donations are

appreciated!

This event is funded in part by the Mississippi Arts Commission and the National

Endowment for the Arts.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/secure-your-christmas-tree-for-transport 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a29 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

With Christmas season here, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) wants you to make sure your perfect Christmas tree makes it home by properly securing it to your vehicle.

“Unsecured Christmas trees can easily put your safety, and the safety of other motorists, at risk,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “Trees could become airborne and strike another vehicle. They could also come to rest in the road, creating a hazard for everyone.”

Road debris from unsecured loads, such as Christmas trees, was responsible for more than 19,000 injuries and 680 deaths across the country in 2016, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In addition to being a safety hazard, debris from unsecured loads contributes to roadside litter which costs Mississippi over $3 million a year to remove. Motorists responsible for debris from unsecured loads could face fines up to $500 and up to six months in prison.

“The holiday season should be a joyous time of year,” McGrath said. “Keep the cheer alive and keep everyone safe by securely bringing your Christmas tree home.”

Whether your tree is fresh-cut from the farm or purchased from a vendor, you can safely transport it by taking the following steps:

• Use an appropriate vehicle. Christmas trees can be securely tied to roof racks. If you don’t have a roof rack, use the bed of a truck or the inside of an SUV or van.
• Tie the tree down with strong rope or nylon straps at several points along the trunk. Lightweight twine found at many tree lots may not be strong enough. The bottom of the trunk should point toward the front of the vehicle.
• Secure loose branches with netting, rope or twine.
• Always double check the load to make sure it is secure.
• Drive slowly. Higher speeds create air resistance which can cause tie-downs to fail.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRzZiPP9oeM&feature=youtu.be ]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-physicians-call-for-reinstitution-of-statewide-mask-mandate 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a28 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

With the lifting of the statewide mask mandate instituted on August 4th, the daily average of COVID-19 cases has increased at an alarming rate, overwhelming Mississippi’s hospital systems, resulting in a struggle to provide emergency care for patients, and the transferring of patients out of state. In order to protect the integrity of our healthcare system, the Mississippi State Medical Association (MSMA), supports Mississippi physicians’ call for a statewide mask mandate requiring masks in all public spaces.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted healthcare delivery at every level. Our state’s healthcare system cannot continue to bear the overwhelming strain of the outbreak at its current state. The present stress on the healthcare system affects the ability of patients to get emergency care they desperately need,” said Dr. Claude Brunson, MSMA Executive Director.

Science and evidence have proven to be our best defenses against a health crisis such as this. We must be diligent in continuing to practice the measures that have aided us before in flattening the curve and stopping the spread of this deadly virus. When the initial mask mandate was lifted on September 30th, daily COVID-19 numbers were around 500 cases per day. The daily average has since increased to a current approximation of 1,200 new cases per day. Based on this data alone, evidence shows that masks and face coverings significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Friday, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new evidence supporting this advice. Researchers analyzed coronavirus infection rates in Kansas following a statewide mask mandate. They found that counties that chose to enforce the mandate saw their cases decrease. Counties that chose to opt-out saw their cases continue to rise.

“When leaders fail to lead, then we often see a poor performance from those who are attempting to follow,” said Dr. Mark Horne, MSMA President. “The anti-mask, anti-personal distancing, anti-anything to slow the spread of the disease is an article of faith. And faith is not subject to fact,” Horne said.

Since the onset of COVID-19, physicians and healthcare workers have stood on the front lines, providing care for patients, and public trust, with expertise based on scientific knowledge. With the holiday season and winter weather approaching, we are certain that our state’s healthcare system cannot sustain the trajectory of the pandemic in its current state. To combat the devastating effects of COVID-19, we must act immediately, and in the best interest of the health of all Mississippians, by reissuing a statewide mask mandate through the remainder of the year.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/attorney-general-fitch-joins-17-5-million-settlement-over-2014-home-depot-data-breach 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a27 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced that Mississippi, along with the Attorneys General of 45 other States and the District of Columbia, have obtained a $17.5-million settlement against Georgia-based retailer, The Home Depot. This resolves a lengthy multistate investigation of a 2014 data breach, which exposed the payment card information of approximately 40 million Home Depot consumers nationwide. The State of Mississippi will collect $147,874.48 through this settlement.

“When companies fail to protect personal data, they leave millions of consumers vulnerable to identity theft and misuse of their personal information,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “This settlement highlights the importance of implementing procedures to protect consumers’ sensitive personal information and every business’ duty to do so.”

The breach occurred when hackers gained access to The Home Depot’s network and deployed malware on its self-checkout point-of-sale system. The malware allowed the hackers to obtain the payment card information of customers who used self-checkout lanes at The Home Depot stores throughout the U.S. between April 10, 2014 and Sept 13, 2014.

In addition to the $17.5-million total payment to the states, The Home Depot has agreed to implement and maintain a series of data security practices designed to strengthen its information security program and safeguard the personal information of consumers.

Specific security provisions agreed to in the settlement include:

• Employing a duly qualified Chief Information Security Officer reporting to both the Senior or C-level executives and Board of Directors regarding Home Depot’s security posture and security risks;
• Providing resources necessary to fully implement the company’s information security program;
• Providing appropriate security awareness and privacy training to all personnel who have access to the company’s network or responsibility for U.S. consumers’’ personal information;
• Employing specific security safeguards with respect to logging and monitoring, access controls, password management, two factor authentication, file integrity monitoring, firewalls, encryption, risk assessments, penetration testing, intrusion detection, and vendor account management; and
• Consistent with previous state data breach settlements, the company will undergo a post settlement information security assessment, which in part will evaluate its implementation of the agreed upon information security program.

Other states participating in this settlement include: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-tate-reeves-announces-additional-covid-19-measures 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a26 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Governor Tate Reeves announced additional counties that have qualified and met certain requirements to be placed under mask mandates with his “Safe Recovery” executive order that is in effect until December 11th. Those additional counties are: Alcorn, Attala, Bolivar, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Lafayette, Lawrence, Lincoln, Lowndes, Neshoba, Panola, Perry, Prentiss, Stone, Tippah, Tishomingo, and Union. As of now 41 of Mississippi’s 82 counties are included within this order. “As we go into Thanksgiving, please be extra cautious and look out for your loved ones. These are critical times," Governor Reeves said. “There is much more COVID-19 around us, and therefore a greater risk that you pass the virus to someone that you love dearly.” A copy of the executive order can be found here.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/november-24th-runoff-elections 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a25 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

As the Secretary of State's office continues to certify 2020 General Election results, voters across the state should prepare for several runoff elections set for today, Tuesday, November 24. The following 17 counties in Mississippi will be holding runoff elections in all or parts of the county: Benton, Bolivar, Chickasaw, Forrest, Harrison, Hinds, Jefferson, Jones, Lafayette, Lamar, Madison, Marshall, Noxubee, Smith, Tishomingo, Walthall, and Yalobusha. Click here to review what voters can expect to see on the ballot.

Problems at the polls observed by State observers or otherwise reported to the Elections Division will be referred to the authorities, including the Attorney General’s Office or appropriate District Attorney’s Office, as the Secretary of State’s Office has no statutory authority to punish violations of election law.

Runoff Election Day Reminders:

• Polling Place Hours: Polling places open at 7:00 a.m. and will remain open until 7:00 p.m. However, any person who is in line at the time polls close will be allowed to vote.
• Polling Place Location: Please contact your county Circuit Clerk’s Office for directions to your polling place. Several counties have changed polling places due to COVID-19. Click here for a list of polling place changes reported to our office.
• Voter Photo ID: Voters are required to show photo identification at the polls. A voter without an acceptable form of photo identification is entitled to cast an affidavit ballot. An affidavit ballot may be counted if the voter provides an acceptable form of photo identification to the Circuit Clerk’s Office within five business days after the election. Click here for more information.
• Campaigning: It is unlawful to campaign for any candidate within 150 feet of any entrance to a polling place, unless on private property.
• Loitering: The polling places should be clear for 30 feet from every entrance of all people except elections officials, voters waiting to vote, or authorized poll watchers.
• Camera Phones: Voters are prohibited from taking pictures of their marked ballot.
• COVID-19: Voters are encouraged to practice good hygiene and follow CDC guidelines at the polls.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mdot-suspends-work-watches-traffic-for-thanksgiving-travel 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a24 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Historically, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel holidays in America. Although COVID-19 is predicted to take a bite out of travel this year, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) will monitor road conditions and suspend highway construction which could cause traffic delays.

MDOT actively monitors highways statewide through its Traffic Management Center (TMC). Information is gathered by roadway devices deployed throughout the state. The devices such as cameras, speed detectors and weather sensors feed data to the TMC about real-time road conditions. A network of over 1,000 cameras gives operators live views of highways.

The TMC shares information through MDOTtraffic.com and the MDOT Traffic mobile app. Users can sign up for email or text alerts and also access live highway camera feeds. The resources are available free to the public. Major alerts are also posted on the @MississippiDOT Twitter account.

“Travelers can know before they go about traffic along their routes,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “MDOT Traffic can help you avoid frustration by alerting you of upcoming congestion or crashes.”

In addition to the MDOT Traffic website and mobile app, real-time road conditions will also be posted on overhead digital message signs along state highways.

“Using these communication channels, MDOT is able to quickly and effectively notify travelers of concerns that may affect their plans,” McGrath said. “MDOT wants everyone to enjoy the holiday season with loved ones by making it to their destinations safely.”

To help keep traffic moving, MDOT crews and contractors will limit road construction requiring lane closures beginning the afternoon of Wednesday, November 25, through the morning Monday, November 30. All construction will halt Thursday, November 26. This will provide maximum travel capacity and minimal construction delays to motorists traveling throughout the state during the holiday weekend.

“Even though most highway construction will halt across the state, motorists should be aware that some lane closures will remain in place,” said McGrath. “Lane closures are there to protect motorists, and MDOT urges drivers to treat these areas as active work zones.”

For the most current travel and traffic information, visit ,MDOTTraffic.com, download the free MDOT Traffic app.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/buckle-up-when-you-get-in-mask-up-when-you-get-out 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a23 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

At the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), safety is, and always will be, our top priority. As 2020 winds down, MDOT reminds the public not to get complacent regarding all safety measures—on state highways, at home and in public.

For the protection of all Mississippians, it is important to think about safety both inside and outside of your vehicle. Buckling up and avoiding distractions are equally as important as wearing a mask and social distancing. Following these simple safety steps could save the life of a loved one.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/5283db_e8f62cc8aea9472fb518cbfe25a0fa9e/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 ]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ms-museum-of-natural-science-hosts-breakfast-with-the-turkeys 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a22 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Rise and shine with an individually boxed breakfast on the museum’s patio! Then, head inside to the museum’s Rotwein Theater where you will meet live turkeys. Our ushers will safely escort you to your “bubble seating” area.

FREEDOM RANCH’s wildlife educators will introduce you to their turkeys, a turkey vulture, and a special mystery guest animal to bring holiday cheer. After the program you will have an opportunity to snap a turkey selfie.

Ticket holders will also have all-day access to the museum, including:

* “Talkin’ Turkey” activities throughout the museum

* “Story Trail Stroll” on the museum’s Green Trail

* “Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants” exhibit

BOXED BREAKFAST INCLUDES:

* Breakfast biscuits (with meat)

* Fruit

* Danimals yogurt

* Orange Juice, Coffee, and Water

TIME:

Session I: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (turkey program at 9 a.m.)

Session II: 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. (turkey program at 10 a.m.)

*SPACE IS LIMITED

*RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: DEADLINE is November 23 at Noon

COST:

*Non-MMNSF Members: Adults $25.00 / Youth (ages 3-18) $20.00 - includes museum admission

* MS Museum of Natural Science Foundation Members: Adults $20.00 / Youth (ages 3-18) $15.00

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION:

Email Nicole Smith at ,nicole.smith@mmns.ms.gov with your name, phone number, and the session you are interested in attending. You will be contacted in the order that your email is received to confirm the number of guests in your party and to make payment.

Your reservation is not confirmed until payment is received.

SPACE IS LIMITED. Due to covid-19, this event is being handled in a way sensitive to keeping people safe, while providing a quality educational experience. Social distancing and mask wearing is required except when eating.

Note: MONSTER FISH is developed and traveled by the National Geographic Society and is sponsored locally by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation, Nissan, Regions Bank, The Taylor Group, and other generous sponsors.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/atmos-energy-exposes-common-fraud-techniques-to-help-educate-and-protect-customers 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a21 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

During the COVID-19 pandemic, scammers have increased calls, texts, emails, and in-person contact with utility customers, fraudulently asking for immediate payment to avoid termination of service. Thankfully, through its own work and with the help of customer feedback, Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) has eliminated nearly 9,500 toll-free numbers that had been used by scammers to dupe utility customers.

“Atmos Energy is committed to providing exceptional customer service, and we strive to protect our customers from the harmful effects of a utility impostor scam,” said Jeff Martinez, Atmos Energy vice president of customer service. “Scams often begin with a call, text message, or email pretending to be from a trusted contact asking to send money or share personal information. We are thankful to join UUAS and utility companies across North America to reveal crooked scammer tactics so our customers can better shield their financial and personal data.”

Atmos Energy will never send a lone notification to customers within one hour of a service disconnection and will never ask customers to make payments with a pre-paid debit card, gift card, any form of cryptocurrency, or a third-party mobile payment application. Customers who receive a suspicious email, phone call, text, or knock at the door should remember the following tips:

• Slow down. Scammers typically try to rush customers and will ask for personal information and immediate payment.
• Verify. Scammers often pose as utility company employees. Always ask for an employee’s identification badge, which displays name, photograph, and Atmos Energy logo. If you suspect an impostor, call the Atmos Energy customer service number at 888.286.6700 immediately to verify the employee's identity and contact local authorities.
• Stop before you act. Think about the information the caller or potential scammer is asking of you. If it seems unsafe or incorrect, rethink the situation and ask questions.

“Customers need to be on high alert as we continue to see impostor utility scams rise across North America,” said Monica Martinez, UUAS executive director. “Scammers demand money or personal information on the spot—usually with threatening language—and indicate that service will be disconnected immediately. Anyone and everyone, from senior households to small business owners, is at risk of being targeted.”

UUAS continues to create awareness of common scams and new tactics being used during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is no surprise that scammers have been seeking to exploit the heightened anxiety of people coping with the pandemic,” said Jared Lawrence, UUAS founder and executive committee chairman. “I am proud to report that UUAS’ education efforts and utilities’ well-publicized customer testimonials have prevented a drastic increase in victims. However, the relentless attempts by these criminals make it clear that we must continue to actively work to protect our customers and to keep scammers from casting confusion on our pandemic recovery messages.”

Customers who suspect fraud or who feel threatened during contact with a scammer should contact local law enforcement authorities and the Atmos Energy customer service team at 888.286.6700, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CST.

For more information and tips to protect against impostor utility scams:

• Visit Atmos Energy’s website at https://www.atmosenergy.com/customer-service/beware-utility-scams.
• Visit the UUAS website at www.utilitiesunited.org.
• Follow UUAS on Twitter and Facebook.
• Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/senate-confirms-first-female-federal-judge-for-ms-southern-district 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a20 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Senate just confirmed Mississippi’s first Solicitor General Kristi Johnson to become a federal judge for Mississippi’s Southern District. The United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi is in the Fifth Circuit with offices in Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Natchez, and Jackson.

“This is a significant day for Mississippi as Kristi makes history for the second time this year,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “I am so proud to have appointed Kristi Johnson to serve as Mississippi’s first Solicitor General. She has made tremendous contributions to this Office and brought our appellate advocacy to new heights. I am confident she will represent Mississippi well in her new role as Mississippi’s first female federal judge for the Southern District.”

Johnson is the 221st federal judge nominated by President Trump for a lifetime appointment and confirmed by the Republican Senate majority. The Senate confirmed Kristi Johnson by a vote of 53-43.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/cooking-related-fire-deaths-up-slightly-in-2020 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a1f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Unattended cooking has caused six fire deaths so far this year statewide. That’s up slightly from four cooking fire related deaths in 2019. However, the numbers are down from 12 cooking fire related deaths in 2018.

“Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires,” said State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. “Pay attention while cooking and never leave cooking food unattended. Make your home safer by installing multiple smoke alarms and ask your local fire department for help if you need smoke alarms.”

• Use these safety tips from the State Fire Marshal’s Office when preparing your Thanksgiving meal: Be on alert. If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stovetop or oven.
• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, baking, or broiling food. Always stand by your pan.
• If you must leave the kitchen for even a short amount of time, turn off the stove.
• If you are simmering, baking, boiling or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that the stove or oven is on.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking. Loose clothing can catch fire if it gets too close to a gas flame or electric burner.

No kids allowed

• Keep kids away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid-free zone" of 3 feet around the stove.
• If you have young children, use the stove's back burners whenever possible.
• Turn pot handles inward to reduce the risk that pots will be knocked over.
• Never hold a small child while cooking.

Keep it clean

• Keep anything that can catch fire—pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels or curtains—away from your stovetop.
• Clean up food and grease from burners and the stovetop.

If you have a fire

• Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire.
• Call 911 after you leave. Be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out.
• Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires, pan and pot fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled.
• For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed.

If using a turkey fryer

• Fryers should be used outdoors, a safe distance from buildings and any other flammable materials.
• Some turkey fryers are designed for indoor use. If you use one of these, follow manufacturer directions carefully.
• Never use a fryer in a garage or on a wooden deck.
• Make sure fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping.
• Never leave the fryer unattended. If you do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire.
• Never let children or pets near the fryer even if it is not in use. The oil inside can remain dangerously hot hours after use.
• To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer.
• Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter.
• Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dried before cooking. Be careful with marinades, because oil and water do not mix, and water causes oil to spill over causing a fire or even an explosion hazard.
• The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture recommends you thaw a turkey 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds.
• Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.
• The Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends, when using a propane fryer, using a hose at least 6 feet long to distance the propane tank from the fryers flame.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/don-t-be-a-turkey-remain-alert-this-thanksgiving 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a1e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Historically, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel holidays in America. Although COVID-19 is predicted to take a bite out of travel this year, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) reminds motorists avoid distractions and buckle up.

“Thanksgiving travel may be on the lighter side this year,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “That doesn’t mean motorists should exceed speed limits or ignore safety precautions on the way to their holiday destinations.”

According to AAA estimates, 10% fewer travelers will take to the highways this year compared to last year. Health concerns and unemployment are driving AAA’s estimates.

No matter how many vehicles are on Mississippi highways, drivers should avoid driving distracted. Research shows sending or receiving text messages takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent – at 55 miles per hour – of traveling the length of a football field blind. Drivers who use a hand-held device are four times more likely to get into a serious crash.

“Drivers have one job when they are behind the wheel: just drive,” McGrath said. “Don’t let text messages and phone calls take your attention. They can wait. If it’s urgent, find a safe place to stop or have a passenger assist.”

No matter your Thanksgiving destination, safety should be your top priority. MDOT offers these tips for safe driving this Thanksgiving:

• Plan ahead. The MDOT Traffic mobile app shows real-time road conditions along your travel route.
• Get plenty of rest before driving. Remember to plan frequent stops if traveling long distances.
• Remain patient. With more vehicles on the road, delays are possible along your regular routes.
• Buckle up. Seat belt use is one of the easiest and most effective ways to save lives and reduce injuries from a possible crash.
• Always use caution in work zones. Road workers also want to make it home safely to their families for the holidays.
• Watch out for wildlife. Cooler temperatures mean deer and other wildlife are more active near highways. Use extra caution if traveling during the times of dusk and dawn.
• Do not drive impaired. If you do plan to drink, make sure you have a designated driver.

MDOT also encourages you to know before you go. Check your destination for any local regulations related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

To help keep traffic moving, MDOT crews and contractors will limit road construction requiring lane closures beginning the afternoon of Wednesday, November 25, through the morning Monday, November 30. All construction will halt Thursday, November 26. This will provide maximum travel capacity and minimal construction delays to motorists traveling throughout the state during the holiday weekend.

“Even though most highway construction will halt across the state, motorists should be aware that some lane closures will remain in place,” said McGrath. “Lane closures are there to protect motorists, and MDOT urges drivers to treat these areas as active work zones.”

Oversize and overweight hauling will also be restricted beginning at noon on Wednesday, November 25, and may resume normal travel on Friday, November 27. This does not apply to permitted loads that have 24-hour movement.

For more tips on traveling safe this holiday season, visit ,GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms.

For the most current travel and traffic information, visit ,MDOTTraffic.com and download the free MDOT Traffic app.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-celebrates-holiday-season-with-minor-adjustments 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a1d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Richland Community Center is currently accepting vendor applications for their seventh annual Totally Locally Christmas Market, scheduled for Saturday, December 12, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Christmas themed merchandise is on high demand, but arts, crafts and boutique shopping items are also welcome at the market. No direct sales or flea market items are allowed.

Applications are available on request, by calling the community center at 601-420-3400 or direct messaging them on the Totally Locally Christmas Market Facebook page. The space for the market can accommodate up to fifty-five displays, and applications will be accepted as long as space remains available.

The cost for a single display, which can include up to two booths, is $50. The space available for each vendor is approximately 10 foot by 10 foot, and the community center will provide one table and chair per booth. Free standing props are allowed, but no banners or other items may be hung, taped or pinned to the walls. Peg boards, racks and shelving units are also allowed at the market, but not provided. Electricity is available on a first come, first serve basis.

This year, sanitizing stations will be available throughout the Richland Community Center building. Wearing masks for this years' event is also encouraged. Contact Terri Wood with the City of Richland at 601-420-3401 for vendor information or direct message the City on Facebook. This year’s event is sponsored by the City of Richland and the Richland Economic Development Association [REDA], and they encourage everyone to shop local.

The Richland Community Center is also accepting applications for participants in the 2020 Christmas Parade, scheduled for Saturday, December 12, at 5 p.m.

The theme for 2020 is "Peace on Earth."

The center encourages businesses, clubs, schools, non-profit organizations as well as churches to participate. Awards will be given to parade floats with: best use of a theme, best overall float and best group presentation.

Parade applications as well as details on the parade route are available at the Richland Community Center or online at www.richlandms.org.

Applicants may mail, email or drop off completed forms to the attention of Kristina Jordan, Christmas Parade, 410 East Harper Street, Richland, MS 39218. For further information, call 601-420- 3400.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-tate-reeves-releases-executive-budget-recommendation 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a1c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Governor Tate Reeves has announced his Fiscal Year 2022 Executive Budget Recommendation. In the budget documents, Governor Reeves proposes to eliminate the income tax for Mississippians. The elimination of the income tax would save a Mississippian making $40,000 nearly $2,000. As Lt. Governor, Reeves passed the “Taxpayer Pay Raise Act,” that began the phase-out of the 3% income tax. FY 2022 is the first year for the 3% income tax to be completely eliminated and is the right time to begin a complete phase-out of the income tax. “Because this plan is a phased approach, we will be able to ensure adequate funding will be available for education, law enforcement, health care, and transportation priorities,” Governor Reeves said. “It will not be necessary for us to increase other taxes in order to make up for lost revenue from the elimination of the income tax.” The budget summary also highlights funding the police, protecting small businesses, creating a Patriotic Education Fund, supporting quality education, increasing workforce development, funding the Coronavirus response, funding the judiciary, and protecting the integrity of Medicaid. In his budget, Governor Reeves is recommending $2 million to train and prepare teachers across the state in computer science courses to provide K-12 students with coding, cyber training, robotics, and artificial intelligence skills. The Governor is also recommending $3 million to fund more coaches to target math. “We have seen the success of reading coaches as a tool to boost the early learning for our children. We need to accelerate recent successes in results for math – setting children up for success,” Governor Reeves said. Governor Reeves is also proposing $50 million in one-time funds to accelerate workforce growth. Those funds would be used to facilitate six specific goals as listed in the budget:

1. Modernize and expand community college training programs,
2. Provide scholarships or wage assistance to help low-income citizens get into training programs or apprenticeships,
3. Develop the right industry certified credentials or programs in high-school,
4. Grow Mississippi’s path of IT-based skills,
5. Expand dual credit programs in high-schools, and
6. Incentivize career technical courses in high-schools. “I have always promised to be a good steward of the taxpayers’ dollars, and this budget reflects that commitment to each of you,” Governor Tate Reeves said. The full budget and an executive summary of key priorities can be found here.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-high-school-october-leadership-and-students-of-the-month-awards 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a1b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Each month, Richland High School recognizes two students for exemplary performance in academics, leadership and service. The students are selected by teachers and announced to the student body. Sophomores Emily Bridges and Ben Bates were chosen for the October award. Crown Trophy of Flowood donates plaques for this recognition.

Richland High School recently named the October 2020 Students of the Month. These students are nominated and selected by their teachers for such qualities as dependability, attitude, leadership, attendance, and class work. Students are awarded a certificate from the Exchange Club, a book donated to the library in honor of the senior from the Exchange Club, a gift card from BancorpSouth, and Mazzio's. The students are as follows: (seated, l to r) Kaitlyn Knippers, Meet Patel, and Makayla Robinson; (standing, l to r) Jason Bridges, Ajari Fairly, and Mari Tyler.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/florence-dream-prepares-to-make-20-21-debut 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a1a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Florence Lady Dream is exactly what the title claims: a dream team. The coaches push their players to not only learn and understand the game of basketball, but how to apply that same determined attitude towards their everyday life. Because of their relentless work ethic at the end of the Florence Dream’s 2019-2020 season, people knew their name. They finished runner-up out of everyone in the City of Jackson Cartoon League. This year they plan to build a 12u and 14u team that will do nothing less. “I’m super excited to see the continuous improvement as the girls continue to play basketball and develop a love for the game,” Coach Norwood, head coach of the Florence Lady Dream, stated. The Florence Dream is getting ready to begin their new run for a championship. If you want a chance to be a part of a hard-working, whole-hearted team, contact Coach Norwood ( ,,the500@rcsd.ms ) to begin the process. If you would like to donate to the Florence Dream, they welcome any donations to help them better their program.

Contributing Writer Maelee Starbuck

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/league-of-women-voters-of-mississippi-wish-to-thank-poll-workers 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a19 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Many records were broken in the 2020 presidential election as more voters cast ballots for their preferred candidate than ever before in American history. At the heart of it all were a group of unsung heroes – the poll workers who ensured that the process went as smoothly as possible.

The League of Women Voters of Mississippi sends our sincere thanks for their hard work and dedication on Nov. 3. On behalf of all Mississippi voters, we are grateful for the monumental task they performed.

In Mississippi,, ,,nearly 10,000 poll workers manned polling places in communities throughout the state. They managed long lines on Nov. 3 as voters streamed in to cast their ballots.

In a news release issued by Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson,,,, there were 1,985,928 registered voters in Mississippi for the 2020 election, an increase of more than 110,000 voters over the total in 2016. During that race, 1.2 million votes were cast, a turnout of a little more than 64%.

According to ,preliminary results from the Washington Post, nearly 1.2 million votes have been counted so far in Mississippi in the 2020 presidential race.

Wow!

The men and women who facilitated this process attended training and tested equipment. They started early and ended late. They upheld the rules, worked with electronic equipment, tracked data, and this year they also ensured that everyone followed COVID-19 safety precautions.

Some took unpaid time off their regular jobs to work at their polling place. And they did it all with a kind heart and a smile.

We also thank the county Resolution Board members who, along with counting the absentee ballots this election, worked to resolve any issues resulting from defective ballots rejected by the electronic equipment because of damage or over-voting. This is long, tedious and necessary work. Our gratitude is unbounded.

Democracy takes work and we appreciate you for raising your hand and getting involved in this process. Elections simply could not be held without you.

We see you, and we thank you.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/florence-high-school-students-awarded-the-heisman-for-2020-21 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a18 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Two students from Florence High School were awarded the High School Heisman for the 2020-21 school year. Each year, the Heisman Foundation honors students that excel academically, in their chosen athletic fields, and establish themselves as community leaders.

Jarren Sanford, a senior punter for the Florence Eagles Football Team, is the son of Todd and Denise Sanford. Jarren has competed on a state and national level through Ray Guy Kicking Camps and is ranked a 4.5 Star Punter. He is currently ranked #19 in nationally for high school punters. Jarren was ranked as the top punter in Mississippi's 4A division for the 2019-20 season. Jarren has maintained a 4.0 Grade Point average throughout high school and has been enrolled in advanced, College-preparatory course load. He is also a member of the Florence High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Kayla Allen, a senior member of the Florence Varsity Dance Team, is the daughter of Richie and Joy Allen. Kayla has been involved in competitive dance since a young age and has spent several years as a member of the Collaborates Competition Team at Studio Sole Dance. She has been with the Varsity Squad at Florence High for 4 years. In this time, she was elected as a Co-Captain in her Sophomore year and served as Captain for her Junior and Senior years. She has been named an All-American by the Universal Dance Association for 3 consecutive years as well as received special awards for Leadership and Technique from UDA. Kayla has maintained a 4.0 Grade Point Average throughout high school and has been enrolled in both Advanced Placement and Dual-Credit coursework. Kayla is also a member of the Florence High School Medical Science Academy and the Beta Club.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-upper-elementary-quest-students-study-criminology 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a17 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Pearl Upper Elementary fifth-grade students in Mr.Richard Jones’ Quest classes recently studied criminology. Crime scenes stations were set up and the students played the role of Crime Scene Investigators to process the scene.

Image 1: PUE student Ryker Barnette using forensic chemistry to solve which mystery substances were left at a crime scene.

Image 2: PUE student Wilmer Gomez using trace evidence from a hair sample to link a suspect to a crime.

Image 3: PUE student Caden Patterson using ink chromatography to link suspects to the type of marker used to write a ransom note.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-upper-elementary-wears-pink-for-breast-cancer-awareness 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a16 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Pearl Upper Elementary staff members wore pink on Friday, October 22, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in memory of former Pearl Upper Elementary teacher Lauren McCoy. Staff members took a picture near a Japanese Magnolia planted in front of the school in memory of Mrs. McCoy who passed away in 2018 after a battle with breast cancer.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/2020-general-election-post-election-day-update 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a15 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

On Election Day, our office received more than 1,300 calls from voters with common, Election-related questions or reports of minor problems at polling places. Other than longer, unexpected wait times due to high voter turnout, no major, statewide issues were reported to our office.

"I cannot say enough about the perseverance, flexibility and commitment from our Circuit Clerks, Election Commissioners and poll managers on Election Day," said Secretary Watson. "They did something their predecessors never had to worry about: execute a General Election in the middle of a global pandemic. Let's also not forget about our election officials along the Coast who had to couple the stress of the pandemic with the aftermath of a Category 2 hurricane. While some may view the long lines on Election Day as troublesome, I view it as a win for our county election officials, an encouraging display of civic engagement and an opportunity to strengthen our state's voting process.

As all of us debrief the 2020 Election Cycle, I'm seeing and hearing countless suggestions about ways to improve our voting system. Before any changes are made, it's essential to receive input from the individuals engaged in the election process. Whether it's introducing new technology, adding additional machines within precincts and/or additional precincts, adding more poll managers, increased training, or more voter education, Clerks, Commissioners, and legislative leaders should have a seat at the table. Earlier this year, I made a commitment to meet and have in-depth discussions with Clerks and Commissioners in all 82 Counties.

As of today, we've met with 26 counties and received beneficial feedback and ideas regarding our state's overall election process. I look forward to continuing these discussions and brainstorming ways to make it as easy as possible for all legally-registered Mississippi voters to cast their ballot, while maintaining a sharp focus on upholding the integrity of the process."

Thankfully, our Cybersecurity team detected no abnormal activity on our websites or the Statewide Election Management System (SEMS) during Election Day. As of today, Friday, November 6, 2020, SEMS reported a total of 248,558 absentee ballots requested, 248,003 absentee ballots sent, and 238,427 absentee ballots received for the 2020 General Election. As a reminder, Tuesday, November 10, is the day Circuit Clerk Offices must be in receipt of all mail-in absentee ballots postmarked on or before Election Day.

Under our new administrative rules, if an absentee ballot is rejected because the signature on the absentee application does not match the signature on the absentee ballot envelope, Circuit Clerk Offices must notify that voter of the rejection and give an opportunity to cure the ballot. Voters have the option to complete a Cure Form at their local Circuit Clerk's Office, or the Circuit Clerk will mail, email, or fax a Cure Form to the voter. In order for the absentee ballot to count, all Cure Forms must be completed and filed with the county by noon on Friday, November 13, 2020.

Any voter who cast an affidavit ballot on Election Day because the voter did not have an acceptable form of photo ID must visit their local Circuit Clerk's Office by Tuesday, November 10, 2020, to show an acceptable form of photo identification. As a reminder, voters can receive a free Mississippi Voter ID card by filling out an application at their local Circuit Clerk's Office. Our office has issued more than 8,000 free Voter IDs since the Voter ID Law became effective in 2014.

Click here to learn more about how to obtain a free Voter ID.

As counties release unofficial results, we've received numerous questions about the next steps for each statewide ballot measure. Please see below for information regarding the implementation process for Initiative 65/Alternative Measure 65A, House Concurrent Resolution 47 and the State Flag Referendum.

• Initiative 65/Alternative Measure 65A
  • The Secretary of State's Office has 30 days from Election Day to certify results from the 2020 General Election. Pursuant to Section 23-17-41 Miss.Code Ann., "an initiative approved by the electors shall take effect thirty (30) days from the date of the official declaration of the vote by the Secretary of State, unless the measure provides otherwise."
• House Concurrent Resolution 47
  • The Secretary of State’s Office has 30 days from Election Day to certify results from 2020 General Election. Once all results are certified and if the amendment received a majority of the vote required by the Constitution, the amendment will be inserted in the State Constitution through a proclamation from our office.
• State Flag Referendum
  • The Secretary of State’s Office has 30 days from Election Day to certify results from 2020 General Election. Once all results are certified and if a majority of the qualified electors voted "Yes," to the proposed design, then “the Legislature shall enact into law the new design as the official Mississippi State Flag during the next regular session of the Legislature after the election.” (Pursuant to House Bill 1796)

As a reminder, our office will not announce unofficial election results. We will only announce and post certified election results submitted to our office by the counties. Counties have ten (10) calendar days from Election Day to file certified results with our office. All certified election results from the 2020 Election Cycle will be posted here on our website.

For more information about state election laws or Election Day information, visit Y'all Vote or call the Elections Division Hotline at (601)576-2550.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/commissioner-gipson-encourages-producers-to-continue-to-apply-for-masa-funds 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a14 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson encouraged producers to continue to apply for Mississippi Agriculture Stabilization Act (“MASA”) Funds, which were first made available to producers on October 15, 2020, and he announced caps for funding awards.

Commissioner Gipson encouraged farmers to use this program to recoup COVID related expenses, “Whether you operate a poultry farm experiencing the loss of a flock over time, a qualifying CFAP farm recipient with uncovered COVID expenses, or a sweet potato farmer with uncovered storage costs, I encourage you to apply.” CFAP (Coronavirus Food Assistance Program) Qualified producers could receive as much as $50,000, even if they have received USDA CFAP 1 and CFAP 2, or as much as $100,000 if they were eligible for USDA CFAP but did not apply; $25,000 for poultry; and $20,000 for sweet potatoes.

MASA went into law on October 9, 2020, through Senate Bills 3058 and 3061, and provides roughly $13 million to assist producers in Mississippi with CARES Act funds. This is a self-certified application program for assistance due to the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Mississippi agriculture producers, and has three separate funds within it: the Poultry Farmer Stabilization Grant Fund ($3 million), the Sweet Potato Farm Sustainment Grant Program Fund ($500,000), and the Mississippi Supplemental CFAP Grant Program Fund ($9.5 million).

Allowable reimbursable COVID-related farm expenses include: costs to feed/care for livestock that would not have been spent but for COVID (e.g., cattle were not sold due to lack of demand, so extra feed was purchased by the farmer); costs associated with cancellations; additional supplies; additional hardware/software; project costs; training; overtime to cover for another employee in quarantine; PPE; and other expenses as noted on the program’s web page.

Producers may apply at mscaresact.com and applications must be submitted online. If application requests exceed available funding, funds will be awarded on a first come, first serve basis. The deadline to apply is November 16, 2020, and the initial funding awards will be processed as early as next week.

Visit mdac.ms.gov/masa for more information about the Mississippi Agriculture Stabilization Act, program guidelines and applications. Questions regarding MASA can be submitted to Adam Choate at adam@mdac.ms.gov.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/webinar-to-address-opioid-crisis-in-rankin-county 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a13 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Ridgeland, MS (November 6, 2020) –Mississippi is facing a growing opioid crisis that is destroying countless lives daily. To assist local communities become more aware of the

facts surrounding this epidemic, the Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health will host a webinar regarding the opioid crisis in Rankin County (MS).

The webinar, Don’t Fall Off the Wagon: Insight into the Opioid Crisis, will be held Friday, November 13, 2020, 6 p.m.-7 p.m. Featured presenters are Jordan Hillhouse, CPS and Dr. Nusrat Kabir, MD, MPH, M.B.B.S. Hillhouse is an overdose training specialist with the Mississippi Public Health Institute. Kabir, is a resident physician in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

“It is critical for parents, businesses, and educators to understand that our teens and young adults are very susceptible to becoming addicted to opioids and opiates,” said Dr. Sandra Melvin, CEO, Institute for the Advancement of Minority Health. “The information

disseminated via this webinar will provide the tools needed to address this crisis.”

The webinar is open to public. Interested individuals are encouraged to register at:

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_prczq1RCSeaiz9akKB296Q

For questions or more information, contact Demetria Love, Institute of the Advancement of Minority Health at dlove@advancingminorityhealth.org or (769) 572-5263.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/2020-general-election-early-afternoon-update 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a12 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Election Day is in full swing! So far, calls to our Election Hotline have been steady, with most calls relating to polling place changes, voter registration, and masks at polling places. As a reminder, no voter should be denied the right to vote for not wearing a face mask.

Currently, there are 1,985,928 active registered voters in Mississippi, which is an increase from the 1,876,605 total from the 2016 General Election. In 2016, there was a total of 1,209,357 legal votes cast for the Presidential Election. Based on absentee reports and voter turnout at the polls, our office expects Mississippi to surpass that total.

"We are well aware of the lines many Mississippi voters are experiencing as they are going to cast their ballots," said Secretary Watson. "Please keep in mind our poll managers are doing a great job managing an incredibly high turnout in the midst of Covid-19 safety precautions, including social distancing and limited numbers of voters allowed in some of our precincts. Be sure to thank them for their service!

I’m so proud of our Circuit Clerks, Election Commissioners, and Poll Managers for all of their preparation and hard work. And, let’s not forget to thank our first responders around South Mississippi who did an incredible job of getting power back on in our precincts. Coast Electric, Pearl River Valley Electric, Dixie Electric, Singing River Electric, Entergy and Mississippi Power all did a fantastic job. We have a large number of heroes responsible for pulling off the election today!"

If you experience or witness a problem at the polls, please contact the appropriate District Attorney's Office or the Attorney General's Office at (601)359-3279, as the Secretary of State's Office has no enforcement authority to resolve problems. Our office will continue to field all calls and send updates on the 2020 General Election throughout the day. Election Day Reminders:

• Polls are open until 7 p.m. Any voter in line at 7 p.m. is entitled to cast a ballot.
• Mail-In Absentee Voting Deadline: All mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day (November 3) and received within five business days of Election Day in order to count.
• Polling Place Location: Please contact your county Circuit Clerk’s Office or local Election Commissioners for updates regarding your polling place. Several counties have changed polling places since the 2020 Primary Election. Click here to view a list of the polling place changes reported to our office.
• Voter Photo ID: Voters are required to show photo identification at the polls. A voter without an acceptable form of photo identification is entitled to cast an affidavit ballot. An affidavit ballot may be counted if the voter provides an acceptable form of photo identification to the Circuit Clerk’s Office within five business days after the election. Click here for more information.
• Campaigning: It is unlawful to campaign for any candidate or ballot measure within 150 feet of any entrance to a polling place, unless on private property.
• Loitering: The polling places should be clear for 30 feet from every entrance of all people except elections officials, voters waiting to vote, or authorized poll watchers.
• Camera Phones: Voters are prohibited from taking pictures of their marked ballot.
• COVID-19: Our office supplied every county with COVID-19 safety supplies and personal protective equipment for poll managers. County officials have been instructed to sanitize and disinfect high-touch areas at each precinct. Voters are encouraged to practice good hygiene and follow CDC guidelines at the polls. Click here for more information regarding COVID-19 safety at the polls.

  For more information about state election laws or Election Day information, visit Y'all Vote or call the Elections Division Hotline at (601)576-2550.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/university-system-enrollment-remains-steady-despite-pandemic 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a11 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Fall enrollment at Mississippi Public Universities remains steady when compared to Fall 2019 figures. Fall enrollment for 2020 is 77,154 for the system, compared to 77,894 students enrolled in Fall 2019, representing a 1 percent decrease. “Our universities have faced innumerable challenges due to the global pandemic,” said Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr., Commissioner of Higher Education. “The fact that enrollment remains steady despite these challenges is a testament to the perseverance of our students and the dedication and flexibility of our faculty and staff. Our universities have worked hard to protect the health and safety of students and employees, while maintaining the quality of academic programs, so that students can attain their educational goals and Mississippi businesses will have the workforce needed to grow and thrive.”

Total Student Enrollment, Fall 2019 and Fall 2020

Figures are unduplicated and count students one time regardless of on-campus and off-campus enrollment. Figures are based on enrollment as of November 1 of the fall term.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/city-of-richland-retail-restaurant-survey-naviretail 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a10 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Please help the City of Richland and NaviRetail by completing the below 5 question survey. This will let the City know what their citizens and businesses want to see in Richland. The survey will take about 2 minutes to complete. Feel free to share it with others.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckCQ74oZ4aAcAcT5Uo-kQg9PRAtPAEu35y9t7k45ZD0oPagw/viewform

If you aren’t comfortable using the above link, then go to www.richlandms.org scroll to the bottom and look for the NaviRetail logo. Click on their logo and it will take you to the same survey.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/perform-household-safety-checks-as-daylight-saving-time-ends 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a0f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

On Sunday, Nov. 1, the end of Daylight Saving Time in most states is an occasion to turn back the clocks and enjoy an extra hour of sleep. However, as the weather changes, the end of Daylight Saving Time is also a great opportunity to perform routine household checks that will keep your family safe and comfortable this winter. In most states served by Atmos Energy, customers are responsible for the maintenance and service of natural gas appliances and natural gas lines from the meter into their home. Therefore, inspecting a home’s natural gas piping and appliances along with maintaining other common alarms and detectors around the house are a few of the household tasks to complete as winter approaches. “Just as homeowners call electricians to inspect electrical wiring and plumbers to repair a leaky sink, this weekend serves as a convenient reminder to contact a licensed plumber or qualified contractor to inspect your natural gas lines and appliances,” says John McDill, Atmos Energy vice president of pipeline safety. “Our vision is to be the safest provider of natural gas services, so performing regular safety checks and operating appliances in accordance with manufacturer instructions can further promote safety.” Often called the invisible killer, carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas emitted any time fuel is burned in cars, trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces, natural gas ranges, or furnaces, and it can be poisonous to humans if it builds up indoors. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends replacing your CO detector every five years, installing a battery-operated or battery back-up CO detector in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of a home. In addition, the CDC advises buying a detector with a digital readout to best detect the highest level of carbon monoxide concentration. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends these additional safety measures related to carbon monoxide safety:

• Do not idle vehicles inside a garage or other enclosed structure.
• Be sure to properly install, adjust, operate, and vent appliances.
• Do not sleep in any room with an unvented gas or kerosene space heater.
• Do not use charcoal to start a fire indoors.
• If you or your family experience sudden headaches, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, or flu-like symptoms, leave the structure immediately and call 911 from a safe distance.
• Do not close chimney flues when fireplaces are in use.
• Fix leaks immediately.
• Check vents on water heaters, dryers, and other natural gas equipment to ensure a free flow of air without being blocked by bird nests, snow, or other objects.
• Contact a qualified professional to inspect, clean, and tune-up central heating and water heating systems annually.

For home safety tips and to learn more about customer-owned natural gas piping, please visit https://www.atmosenergy.com/safety/home-safety. For additional information about carbon monoxide safety, please visit https://www.atmosenergy.com/safety/carbon-monoxide-safety. Atmos Energy Corporation is the nation’s largest fully regulated, natural gas-only distributor of safe, clean, efficient and affordable energy. As part of our vision to be the safest provider of natural gas services, we are modernizing our business and our infrastructure while continuing to invest in safety, innovation, environmental sustainability and our communities. An S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, Atmos Energy serves more than 3 million distribution customers in over 1,400 communities across eight states and manages proprietary pipeline and storage assets, including one of the largest intrastate natural gas pipeline systems in Texas. Find them online at http://www.atmosenergy.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/alzheimer-s-association-to-host-free-educational-conference-for-alzheimer-s-and-dementia-caregivers 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a0e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Alzheimer’s Association’s Mississippi Chapter will host a virtual caregiver conference from November 9th through the 12th in order to educate, prepare and support those caring for a person living with Alzheimer’s or a related form of dementia. Leading local and national experts will cover topics including caregiving and COVID-19, brain health, self-care, Alzheimer’s research, grief, coping with dementia behaviors and more.

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month. During November, the Alzheimer’s Association recognizes the more than 16 million people in the U.S. who are currently providing unpaid care to a person living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, including 207,000 caregivers in Mississippi.

This conference is open to professional and family caregivers, as well as individuals who want to learn how to support the caregivers in their life. According to a recent Alzheimer’s Association survey, 91 percent of people believe that caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia should be a group effort among family or close friends, yet one out of three caregivers are not engaging others in caregiving tasks. The Association also found that more than four in five caregivers would have liked more support in providing care for someone with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, especially from their family.

WHAT: Alzheimer’s Association’s Caregiver Conference

WHEN: November 9 – 12, sessions each day from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. and 12 – 1 p.m. CT WHERE: Online, RSVP at alz.org/ms/events/2020-caregiver-conference to receive the link to join

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.

Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/rankin-county-schools-to-receive-computers-for-students-today 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a0d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Rankin County school districts are scheduled to receive computer devices today through the Mississippi Connects program.

The Mississippi Connects program is providing every public-school student in Mississippi with the technology to learn at school and at home. Districts are purchasing nearly 390,000 computer devices, which are being delivered September through November.

The components of Mississippi Connects include computer devices for students and teachers, software to deliver instruction, enhanced internet connectivity, professional development for digital teaching and learning, and access to telehealth/teletherapy.

The Mississippi Legislature allocated $200 million for Mississippi connects through two laws, the Equity in Distance Learning Act (SB 3044) and the Mississippi Pandemic Response Broadband Availability Act (HB 1788).

Delivery schedule is subject to change. Contact each district to confirm delivery date, time and location. District directory: https://www.mdek12.org/dd.

Future delivery dates will be posted as they become available at mdek12.org/MSConnects. Check the page periodically for additional delivery dates.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ms-department-of-health-advises-residents-to-prepare-now-for-dangerous-storm-conditions 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a0c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Ahead of Hurricane Zeta, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) advises residents to prepare now for dangerous storm conditions including heavy rain, possible flash flooding, high winds, and possible tornadoes.

Preparing a Disaster Kit

Stock your home with supplies that may be needed during an emergency. At a minimum, these supplies should include:

• Several clean containers for water, large enough for a 3-5 day supply of water (about five gallons for each person).
• A 3-5 day supply of non-perishable food.
• A first aid kit and manual.
• A battery-powered radio, flashlights and extra batteries.
• Sleeping bags or extra blankets.
• Water-purifying supplies, such as chlorine or iodine tablets or unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach.
• Prescription medicines and special medical needs.
• Baby food, prepared formula, diapers and other baby supplies.
• Disposable cleaning cloths, such as “baby wipes” for the whole family to use in case bathing facilities are not available.
• Personal hygiene items: soap, toothpaste, sanitary napkins, etc.
• An emergency kit for your car with food, flares, booster cables, maps, tools, a first aid kit, and fire extinguisher.

For more information on disaster supply kits, visit the MSDH website at HealthyMS.com/kit.

Food Safety

Due to power loss, food may not be safe to eat during and after a hurricane. Safe water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene includes bottled, boiled or treated water.

• Throw away food that may have come in contact with flood or storm water.
• Throw away food that has an unusual odor, color or texture.
• Throw away foods (including meat, poultry, fish, eggs) that have been above 40 degrees Fahrenheit (F) for two hours or more.
• Throw away canned foods that are bulging, opened or damaged. Thawed food that contains ice crystals or is 40 degrees F or below can be refrozen or cooked.
• Food containers with screw-caps, snap-lids, crimped caps (soda pop bottles), twist caps, flip tops, snap-open, and home canned foods should be discarded if they have come into contact with floodwater, because they cannot be disinfected.
• While the power is out, keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
• Never place any type of food on a plate that previously held raw meat, poultry or seafood.
• Thoroughly wash your hands before preparing or eating food, after using the bathroom or changing a diaper, after handling uncooked food, after playing with a pet, after handling garbage, after tending to someone who is sick or injured, after blowing your nose and after coughing or sneezing.

Drinking Water Safety

Safe drinking water includes bottled, boiled or treated water. Remember these general rules concerning water for drinking and cooking if you are under a boil-water alert, or if you are not sure your water is safe to drink:

• Do not use contaminated water to wash dishes, brush your teeth, wash or prepare food or make ice.
• Tap water may be used for showering, baths, shaving or washing, as long as one does not swallow the water or allow it in eyes or mouth. Parents should supervise children to make sure water is not ingested, and caregivers should supervise disabled individuals for the same reason. Those with recent surgical wounds, who have a chronic illness or are immunosuppressed should consider using bottled or boiled water for bathing until their boil water notice is lifted.
• Boiling water kills harmful bacteria and parasites. Bringing water to a rolling boil for one minute will kill most organisms.
• Water may be treated with chlorine or iodine tablets or by mixing eight drops (1/8 teaspoon) of unscented, ordinary household chlorine bleach (5.25 percent sodium hypochlorite) per gallon of water. Mix the solution thoroughly and let stand for about 30 minutes. Unlike boiling, this treatment will not kill parasitic organisms.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas, and is highly poisonous. Depending on the level of exposure, CO may cause fatigue, weakness, chest pains for those with heart disease, shortness of breath upon exertion, nausea, vomiting, headaches, confusion, impaired vision, loss of consciousness, and in severe cases, death.

The following precautions can help prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Do not burn charcoal or gas grills inside a house, garage, vehicle, tent or fireplace.
• Do not use gas-powered generators or pressure washers indoors or in the garage.
• If you suspect you are experiencing any symptoms of CO poisoning, open doors and windows, turn off gas appliances and go outside. In cases of severe CO poisoning, call 911 emergency services or the Mississippi Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

For more information on hurricane preparedness and safety, visit HealthyMS.com/storm or download the free MS Ready smartphone app to get alerts sent straight to your phone.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/gfwc-mfwc-florentine-club-meeting-at-the-florence-community-center 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a0b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Pictured standing left to right: Betty Harpe, Club President, Kathy Hilton, Jessie Buckley, Carolyn Mason, Stephanie Delaney, speaker, Dr. Leah McCullum, speaker, Jeannie Pittman and Judy Webb. Seated left to right: Hope Nicholson and Dee Payne. Not pictured Debi Gibson

Members of the GFWC-MFWC Florentine Club met at the Florence Community Center on October 16, 2020. The Club members wore pink to support Breast Cancer awareness month. The speakers for the meeting were Dr. Leah McCullum, Assistant Principal Florence Elementary School and Stephanie Delaney, teacher for the Venture classes at Florence Elementary School. The speakers shared the restrictions and how they are dealing with COVID at the school. The Club members provided the school with personal items they normally need for the students. Those items will be passed out by the counselors as they are needed. The Club also provided candy for the school’s good work treat box. Betty Harpe, Club President and Jeannie Pittman were the Hostesses for the meeting.

Pictured left to right: Dr. Leah McCullum, Assistant Principal, Florence Elementary School, Debi Gibson, Florentine member, Stephanie Delaney, Venture class teacher, Florence Elementary School, they are pictured with items the Club provided for the school.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/halloween-weekend-brings-safety-reminders 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a0a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

While Halloween is meant to be fun, you may occasionally encounter someone who likes tricks more than treats. Luckily, insurance could cover holiday hazards.

For instance, if your yard or porch decorations are damaged or stolen insurance may cover that. Likewise, if your car gets egged or damaged in any way by pranksters, comprehensive insurance should cover it.

Take care while driving and be aware of trick-or-treaters in your neighborhood. Park cars in the garage or a well-lit area. Practice fire safety by using battery operated candles in your pumpkins to prevent fire.

Additionally, find time this weekend to check your smoke alarms to make sure they work. Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday and is a reminder to check those life-saving devices. Smoke alarms should be tested once a month, batteries should be replaced once a year, and the entire alarm should be replaced every 10 years.

There have been 51 fire deaths investigated by the State Fire Marshal's Office so far in 2020. In nearly 59% of those cases there was either no smoke alarm in the home or the smoke alarm was not working.

“At least 30 lives might have been saved this year if there had been a working smoke alarm in the home,” said State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. “A working smoke alarm cuts your risk of dying in a fire in half. You should have one near each bedroom in your home. I also recommend installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/seasonal-flu-vaccinations-now-available-at-all-county-health-departments 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a09 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Seasonal influenza vaccinations are now available for children and qualifying adults at all Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) county health departments. Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older as the best protection against the flu. “We recommend that all Mississippians get their flu shots every year, but especially this year with COVID-19. We don’t want to risk overwhelming our hospitals,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. Dr. Byers said that flu season can occur as early as November and as late as March in Mississippi, but usually peaks anywhere from December through February. Individual flu cases are not reported to MSDH, but the agency monitors flu activity through the ILI System, made up of healthcare providers in Mississippi who report the percentage of patients with flu-like symptoms to a statewide database. Providers participating in the system also submit respiratory samples for flu testing to the MSDH lab. State health officials use this information to determine the presence and spread of flu throughout the state. “We recommend getting vaccinated now before we reach peak flu activity. Influenza vaccine is especially important for young children, pregnant women, those over 65, and those with underlying health problems,” he said. “Flu vaccination is the best way to protect both children and adults from serious complications such as hospitalization, and in many cases, death.” Those 18 and under who are eligible for the Vaccines for Children program can receive a flu vaccination for $10. Insurance, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is accepted for children’s flu shots. A list of all VFC providers can be found at www.HealthyMS.com/vfc. Adults who are underinsured or uninsured and who meet certain high-risk criteria qualify for an adult flu vaccination at MSDH county health department clinics. Flu shots for insured adults are now widely available through private physicians, pharmacies and retail centers. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle and body aches, and fatigue. Most people recover from the flu without complications, but nationwide there are up to 200,000 hospitalizations from flu each year. While vaccination is the best protection, basic infection control measures can also reduce the spread of flu and should be taken whether or not individuals are vaccinated. These measures include covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing, staying at home when you or your children are sick, and washing your hands frequently. Wearing a face covering in public places offers additional protection against the flu. Please call your local county health department to make an appointment for your vaccination. To locate a county health department clinic in your area or for more information on flu, visit the MSDH website at www.HealthyMS.com/flu. Follow MSDH by email and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/tickets-available-to-pearl-day-drive-in-concert-oct-30 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a08 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Pearl, Miss-An additional allotment of tickets are now available to the Pearl Day Drive-In Concert featuring Jamey Johnson and Frank Foster on Oct. 30 at Trustmark Park. The tickets are available, online only, through Ticketmaster.

“We are super excited to still be able to have this concert,” said Mayor Jake Windham. “To have this concert taking place in the fall, with much cooler weather should be awesome for our citizens. We are so appreciative of Jamey and Frank working with us to make this happen.”

Tickets are all $25 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. Each person in a vehicle must have a ticket. You will be able to view the concert from either inside or just outside your car/truck.

The concert will take place in the south lot of Trustmark Park (Sam’s side) starting with Frank Foster at 7:30 p.m. and Jamey Johnson taking the stage at 9:30 p.m. The gates open at 5 p.m. The City of Pearl will be celebrating its 47th birthday after being established back in May of 1973.

Eleven-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson is “one of the greatest country singers of our time,” according to the Washington Post. He is one of only a few people in the history of country music to win two Song of the Year Awards from both the CMA and ACMs.

His 2008 album, That Lonesome Song, was certified platinum for 1 million in sales, and his 2010 ambitious double album, The Guitar Song, received a gold certification.

In addition, he won two Song of the Year Trophies, for “Give It Away” and “In Color,” both from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. He has received tremendous praise from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal and other publications, many of which have hailed his albums as masterpieces.

In 2012, the Alabama native released his fifth studio album, a tribute project to late songwriter Hank Cochran. The Grammy-nominated Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran paired him with Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, Ray Price, Elvis Costello, George Strait, Vince Gill and Merle Haggard.

In 2013, the Nashville Scene’s 13th annual Country Music Critics’ Poll named it the year’s best album. (Two years earlier, the same poll named Johnson’s The Guitar Song as the year's best album, and Johnson himself as best male vocalist, best songwriter and artist of the year.)

Frank Foster embodies musical independence at its highest level. He not only has taken the road less traveled, but the road almost never traveled. Acting as his own record label, Management, booking agency and publishing company, he has managed to find success that some major label artists may never find. This rural Louisiana native and former oil field man has taken his songs from the campfire to the coliseum seemingly overnight, all the while gaining a following of fans whose loyalty is unmatched.

His musical journey started in 2011 with the release of his first album Rowdy Reputation. To follow that up, in the late summer of 2012, he released his second album, Red Wings and Six Strings. Each and every song from both of those albums have become nightly sing-alongs at his shows. Foster’s next 5 albums all debuted on the Billboard Country Charts.

Southern Soul was released in 2013 debuted at No. 11.Rhythm and Whiskey was released in 2014 debuted at No. 4. His early 2016 release, Boots On The Ground, debuted at No. 7. Later in 2016, he released Good Country Music, which debuted at No.13. In 2018, he released his seventh album, ’Til I’m Gone, which debuted at #2 on the Billboard Country Album Sales Charts giving Foster his highest mark yet. He’s a singer, a songwriter and his own boss. He refuses to let anyone water down his kind of country music. If he lives it, he writes it; if he writes it, he sings it; if he sings it, he believes it. Frank Foster ... a true original.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/chris-wells-named-permanent-mdeq-head 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a07 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Governor Tate Reeves announced that Chris Wells will serve as the permanent Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. Wells served as the Chief of Staff at MDEQ for six years, and the Senior Attorney for the department prior to that. He has served as Interim Executive Director since the Governor’s inauguration. Wells is a graduate of Mississippi State University and the Mississippi College School of Law.

“Chris is a dedicated public servant who has spent the bulk of his career working for the people of Mississippi. He knows what it means to put their priorities first, and he has been a steady hand in this vital role since I took office. I have the utmost confidence in him, and I know that he will continue to serve the people well,” said Governor Tate Reeves.

"I look forward to continuing our efforts to protect Mississippi's air, land, and water. Our mission is to look out for the people of this state, and ensure that we can always be proud of our incredible God-given resources. I'm grateful for the Governor's trust in me as we serve this state as a team," said Chris Wells.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-sues-google-for-violating-antitrust-laws 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a06 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced today that Mississippi, along with the Department of Justice and ten other state Attorneys General, filed a civil antitrust lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to prevent Google from unlawfully maintaining monopolies through anticompetitive and exclusionary practices in the search and search advertising markets. "When companies engage in fierce marketplace innovation, consumers benefit,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “But, Google crossed the line and engaged in the kind of monopolistic behaviors that do harm not only to individual consumers, but also to the market itself. We bring this suit to promote competition by making room for others to grow." Google is the monopoly gatekeeper to the internet for billions of users and countless advertisers worldwide. For years, Google has accounted for almost 90 percent of all search queries in the United States and has used anticompetitive tactics to maintain and extend its monopolies in search and search advertising. As alleged in ,the complaint, Google has entered into a series of exclusionary agreements to lock up the primary avenues through which users access search engines, and thus the internet, by requiring that Google be set as the default or exclusive search engine on billions of mobile devices and computers worldwide. In particular, the complaint alleges that Google has unlawfully maintained monopolies in search and search advertising by:

• Entering into exclusivity agreements that forbid pre-installation of any competing search service.
• Entering into tying and other arrangements that force pre-installation of its search applications in prime locations on mobile devices and make them undeletable, regardless of consumer preference.
• Entering into long-term agreements with Apple that require Google to be the default – and de facto exclusive – general search engine on Apple’s popular Safari browser and other Apple search tools.
• Generally using monopoly profits to buy preferential treatment for its search engine on devices, web browsers, and other search access points, creating a continuous and self-reinforcing cycle of monopolization.

These and other anticompetitive practices harm competition and consumers, reducing the ability of innovative new companies to develop, compete, and discipline Google’s behavior. The antitrust laws protect our free market economy and forbid monopolists from engaging in anticompetitive practices. They also empower the Mississippi Attorney General as parens patriae on behalf of Mississippi citizens to bring cases like this one to remedy violations and restore competition. Decades ago, cases brought against Microsoft by the DOJ and a state AG coalition recognized that the antitrust laws forbid anticompetitive agreements by high-technology monopolists to require preinstalled default status, to shut off distribution channels to rivals, and to make software undeletable. The complaint alleges that Google is using similar agreements itself to maintain and extend its own dominance. The complaint alleges that Google’s anticompetitive practices have had harmful effects on competition and consumers. Google has foreclosed any meaningful search competitor from gaining vital distribution and scale, eliminating competition for a majority of search queries in the United States. By restricting competition in search, Google’s conduct has harmed consumers by reducing the quality of search (including on dimensions such as privacy, data protection, and use of consumer data), lessening choice in search, and impeding innovation. By suppressing competition in advertising, Google has the power to charge advertisers more than it could in a competitive market and to reduce the quality of the services it provides them. Through filing the lawsuit, Mississippi seeks to stop Google’s anticompetitive conduct and restore competition for American consumers, advertisers, and all companies now reliant on the internet economy. In addition to Mississippi, the Attorneys General of Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Indiana, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, South Carolina, and Texas joined the Department of Justice in the lawsuit.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mdot-reminds-residents-of-free-resources-during-fall-severe-weather-preparedness-week 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a05 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Gov. Tate Reeves declared October 19-23, 2020, as Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Mississippi. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) reminds residents of the free resources offered to ensure everyone stays safe during severe weather.

“Severe weather is nothing new for Mississippians. This year alone residents throughout the state have battled tornadoes, tropical systems, flash flooding and more,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “MDOT offers free travel resources so that everyone can keep themselves and their families safe.”

When hazardous weather conditions arise drivers can use the free MDOT Traffic mobile app to get real-time access to tools that show road conditions and traffic alerts. The alert pins are interactive, providing users with more information at the touch of a finger. The public can also access this same travel information by visiting ,MDOTtraffic.com.

Drivers can find tips on safe driving during severe weather by visiting GoMDOT.com/drivesmart. There you will also find information on how to prepare for hurricanes, tropical systems and winter weather.

Follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter; you can also follow the hashtag #HurricaneStrong this hurricane season.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/miskelly-furniture-announces-donation-of-carousel-as-new-exhibit-to-ag-museum 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a04 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

,Miskelly Furniture in Pearl announced the donation of an antique carousel to the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum as a new exhibit. ,Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson and Executive Director of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum Hayes Patrick joined Oscar Miskelly of Miskelly Furniture at the Miskelly Furniture store in Pearl, Mississippi. “We are very excited to accept this unique donation on behalf of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum,” said Commissioner Gipson. “This attraction will make a great addition to the multiple exhibits we currently offer across the grounds of the Museum complex. I want to thank Oscar Miskelly and the entire Miskelly Furniture family for their generosity, and I look forward to seeing the joy their donation brings to all the families that visit the Museum.” The large, antique carousel has been owned by Miskelly Furniture since 2004, when it was purchased from Felimana Luna Amusement Park in Argentina. For years, customers would ride for a $1.00 donation at the furniture store in Pearl. All proceeds were then donated to a different charity every year. “We chose organizations that were dedicated to helping the children of Mississippi,” Miskelly said. “The carousel has generated more than $200,000 in donations. Recipients included The Little Lighthouse, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Mississippi Children’s Home Services.”

Miskelly admitted the fixture of 16 years is hard to part with, but says the move ensures that more visitors will enjoy the ride as the museum hosts thousands of children, much more than the retailer. “We want to see more Mississippi children have the opportunity to ride on a real antique carousel,” said Miskelly. “We know the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum will care for it as we have, so it will circle around for many more years.” The carousel will be disassembled at the furniture store in Pearl and taken in pieces to the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, where it will be reassembled on the grounds near the Children’s Barnyard and Multipurpose Building. “Over the next couple of months, we will be building a new structure to house the carousel and get it ready for operation. The proximity to the barnyard, pavilions and multipurpose building will create an exciting new dynamic for birthday parties hosted at the Museum, as well as fun for our daily visitors. As a result of the generosity of Mississippians just like the Miskellys, the Ag Museum has excelled for four decades in providing a memorable experience for its guests. I would like to thank the Miskelly family for contributing to the joy and excitement our visitors will experience for decades to come,” said Patrick. The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum, a division of the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, is located at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson, and is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, call 601-432-4500 or 1-800- 844-8687, visit www.msagmuseum.org or visit the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum’s page on ,Facebook.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-tate-reeves-names-andrea-sanders-new-head-of-child-protection-services 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a03 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Governor Tate Reeves announced that Andrea Sanders will serve as the new Commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services. A former social worker for children and current General Counsel and Principal Deputy Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, Sanders has been on the frontlines of the effort to protect Mississippi’s most vulnerable. She has been a key leader in the efforts to reform the Department of Human Services. “I am proud to make this appointment today. Not only has Andrea served with integrity and devotion in this field for many decades, she brings powerful personal experience to the job. Andrea was adopted into a loving Mississippi family as an infant. She is not only a leader in the effort to look after Mississippi’s children, she is a testament to the unlimited potential of every child in the system,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “From her work to provide therapy and care for struggling children as a social worker, to her esteemed legal background, to her efforts to clean up the Mississippi Department of Human Services--there is no one who could be better equipped for the job.”

“I am honored and excited to take on this task,” said Andrea Sanders. “I know that we have more work to do in order to provide a secure environment and loving home to Mississippi’s children. I’m grateful to Governor Reeves for putting me in this position of trust, and I know that we have many kids out there who are relying on us to get it right. I believe that we can make a difference if we always remember the God-given potential of every child in our state. All must be protected and uplifted.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/the-mississippi-state-fair-extended-october-22-25 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a02 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson is extremely excited to announce that the Mississippi State Fair has been extended.

The State Fair will re-open Thursday, October 22, and run through Sunday, October 25. A ride special will be offered each day. Fairgoers can take advantage of unlimited rides for a special price of only $27 on Friday starting at 9:00 p.m. and all day on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. “I am pleased to announce that we are extending the Mississippi State Fair. The bad weather due to Hurricane Delta impacted our attendance the first weekend of the fair. Extending Thursday through Sunday will give those in the community another opportunity to bring their families out to experience the State Fair and enjoy some great fair food,” said Commissioner Gipson. “The extension provides the Mississippi State Fair the opportunity to continue its time-tested, fall tradition that has been a staple of the Jackson area for 161 years.” During the extended Mississippi State Fair, fairgoers can continue to enjoy 58 fair rides, games, fair food and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s Biscuit Booth. As a special addition to the fair, The Gaither Vocal Band will perform an outdoor concert on Saturday, October 24, at 6:00 p.m. The concert is free with fair admission. The Gaither Vocal Band will share timeless gospel classics, as well as refreshing, inspiring new favorites embraced by audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Certain attractions like the petting zoo, pig races, Great American Thrill Show, pony and camel rides, Fetch-N-Fish, the Timberworks Lumberjack Show, and exhibits in the Mississippi Trade Mart will not be present during the extension. The schedule for the extended Mississippi State Fair is as follows: Thursday, October 22 Gates Open: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Free Admission & Parking: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Rides Open: 2:00 p.m. Ride Special: Unlimited rides for $27 All Day Friday, October 23 Gates Open: 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. Free Admission & Parking: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Rides Open: 2:00 p.m. Ride Special: Midnight Madness: Unlimited rides for $27 starting at 9:00 p.m. Saturday, October 24 Gates Open: 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Rides Open: 12 Noon Ride Special: Unlimited rides for $27 All Day Special Outdoor Concert: The Gaither Vocal Band at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, October 25 Gates Open: 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Rides Open: 12 Noon Ride Special: Unlimited rides for $27 All Day Gate admission is $5, and children under the age of 6 are free. Parking is $5, with exception of weekdays from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Due to additional events taking place on the fairgrounds, those coming to the Mississippi State Fair will need to enter the fairgrounds through Gates 1 (walking access only), 3, 5 and 7 (walking access only). On campus parking will only be accessible through Gate 3 and Gate 5.

For more information and promotions, visit msstatefair.com and follow the Mississippi State Fairgrounds on Facebook.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-reeves-declares-october-19-23-fall-severe-weather-preparedness-week 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a01 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Governor Tate Reeves declares October 19-23, 2020 as Fall Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Mississippi.

A record-breaking 115 tornadoes were confirmed last year in Mississippi. While April was the most active month for tornadoes in 2019, December was not far behind in regard to activity with a record number of 24 tornadoes confirmed during the month. However, severe weather extends far beyond the impacts of solely tornadoes. Damaging wind, hail, flooding and lightning are also dangerous hazards associated with severe weather.

“Although the spring is often coined the most active time of the year for severe weather in Mississippi, the late Fall months have proven to be just as active. Not every disaster will guarantee federal assistance. We urge residents to purchase homeowner’s insurance and review severe weather preparedness and safety tips,” says MEMA Executive Director Greg Michel.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is partnering with the National Weather Service to highlight different types of severe weather throughout the week in preparation for Mississippi’s upcoming Fall severe weather season. Here is this year’s list of featured topics:

Monday, October 19 - Warning Reception Methods

Tuesday, October 20 - Severe Thunderstorms

Wednesday, October 21 - Tornado Safety – A statewide tornado drill will be conducted at 9:15 AM.

Thursday, October 22 - Flash Flooding

Friday, October 23 - Winter Weather: Snow and Ice Every day throughout the week, MEMA will post short videos expanding on each of these topics. These videos will be posted on MEMA’s Facebook and ,Twitter pages. Your local National Weather Service offices will also share additional severe weather information. Four National Weather Service offices cover Mississippi: ,Jackson, ,Memphis, ,New Orleans and ,Mobile.

More severe weather preparedness tips can be found on our website: ,www.msema.org,.

https://youtu.be/69EVaSqtdGA

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/paper-drive-through-benefits-center-for-violence-prevention 61ae6d0d13b6110016070a00 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi Center For Violence Prevention and the Pearl Police Department are holding a Paper Drive-Through for the month of October, which is also Domestic Violence Awareness month.

The event will take place Thursday, October 29, 2020 from 5pm until 7pm at the Pearl City Hall.

It will be easily available for people to drive through the parking lot in their cars and hand paper supplies like toilet tissue, paper towels, napkins, paper plates, and cups to volunteers or to open their trunks to have volunteers retrieve these items from their trunk or hatch.

Costumes are welcome and candy will be given out to those that participate.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-offers-autumn-fun-for-all 61ae6d0d13b61100160709ff Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

For an evening out, The City of Pearl will be celebrating its forty-seventh birthday on Friday, October 30, with the “Pearl Day Concert” at Trustmark Park.

Country star Jamey Johnson will headline the 2020 concert which will also feature opening performances country favorite Frank Foster and Pearl’s own singing sensation Zach Bridges. Due to the ongoing pandemic, the city has made plans for it to be a drive-in concert on the south side parking lot of Trustmark Park (the Sam's side).

Existing ticketholders had until Monday, October 5, to notify Ticketmaster whether they still plan on attending. Once the final number of existing ticketholders established, the city will decide if any additional tickets will be available for purchase. More details will be announced as the date approaches. The concert is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m.

For Pearl Families the 2020 “Trick or Treat Street and Boo-cycle Ride,” will be held October 31, from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Muse Center-Hinds Community College. The Boo-cycle Ride begins at 4:30 p.m. and Treat Street begins at 5 p.m.

For Pearl residents over age fifty-five there are several upcoming events scheduled in October. Join Mayor Windham at the Mississippi Braves Stadium Friday, October 9, for the Annual Mayor's Wellness Walk. This is a free event for Pearl residents, over the age of fifty-five, promotes a high quality of life through healthy lifestyle choices. Check-in begins at 9 a.m. and the “Walk” will begin at 10 a.m.

Those that missed the September 17 deadline may still participate, but are not guaranteed a t-shirt or lunch. Participants will be presented with a medal by Mayor Windham at they cross the finishline.

Tuesday, October 13 beginning at 9 a.m. Pearl Senior Services is holding a “Drive-Thru Donut Day” in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Drive through the Pearl Senior Center, located at 110 Valentour Road in Pearl, and grab a donut. PSS will also be handing out pink ribbons in support of the fighters and survivors of breast cancer.

Wednesday, October 14 from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., HealthPlus Pharmacy and Wellness will be offering free flu shots at the Pearl Senior Service building.

Participants who provide a Medicare or other health insurance card will receive a shot for free, those who do not have insurance may receive a shot for a fee.

Monday, October 26 at 1 p.m., Pearl Senior Center will screen L. Frank Baum's classic, The Wizard of Oz. Starring Judy Garland as Dorothy, it follows an innocent farm girl whisked out of her mundane earthbound existence into a land of pure imagination.

For further information about October events in Pearl, visit ,www.cityofpearl.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/a-light-hearted-joke-leads-to-lengthy-career 61ae6d0d13b61100160709fe Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT By Alexa Haik

The City of Pearl recently celebrated the retirement of Thomas Mayo, with a special drive-by parade. He has been employed with the City of Pearl Solid Waste Division since 1998. According to his daughter Jennifer Kelly, “it meant so much to him that Mayor Jake Windham, the fire and police departments and also the city employees threw him a surprise retirement parade with firetrucks, police cars and many other vehicles. With the sirens blaring and before the neighbors knew it was a parade, many had called to check on them to see if they were okay. A lot of excitement on their street that day.”

A resident of Pearl for sixty-five years, Mayo has been married to his wife, Rachel, for sixty-four years. They have three daughters, seven grandchildren (all Pearl graduates) and nine great grandchildren.

In Thomas Mayo began his employment journey after graduating from Sebastopol High in 1954. His first job was as a Bellhop at the Heidelberg Hotel in Jackson. He then went on to become a Warehouse Manager at Capitol Tobacco for forty-four years.

Then the unexpected happened when he went to pay a water bill. While in the City's Public Works office, he ran into the Mayor at the time, Jimmy Foster and Public Works Director, Bud Overby. They asked him what brought him to town. In response to this friendly exchange, he jokingly replied that he was looking for a job. Unbeknownst to him, Foster and Overby completed a city employment application on his behalf and called him back down there to complete the rest. He told them at the time that he would commit to work for them for one year. That one year turned into over twenty. His official title: Manager of the Compactor Station. He will retire from the City with a sterling record, for never once receiving a reprimand from a higher up.

In the twenty plus years Mayo remained with the City, a lot has changed, especially in regards to the “Compactor Station” Mayo occupied. What was once referred to as the “small shack” and held only one trash dumpster has evolved quite a bit, with the addition of air and heat and three extra trash dumpsters to boot.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and being “eighty-four years young,” Mayo made the difficult decision to retire and return home to cut grass and work in his garden. The family says that “We think our dad has the best tomatoes and butterbeans in Pearl.:” When asked what he will miss the most about is job, he says “He will miss his good friend and co-worker Mack Costello and the many friendships he has made over the years.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/medicare-open-enrollment-runs-through-december-7-2020 61ae6d0d13b61100160709fd Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The open enrollment period for Medicare runs from October 15, 2020 through December 7, 2020. Seniors have the chance to update Medicare health or ]]>

While the Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) does not regulate Advantage Plans, MID is available to answer questions if you have concerns or are confused by the open enrollment process. Consumers with questions should call 1-800-562-2957.

Medicare is a federal insurance program comprised of four parts that is administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare is for people age 65 or older or for people who are under 65 with certain disabilities or End Stage Renal Disease.

There are several things you should consider during each open enrollment period:

• If you are just aging into Medicare, make sure you have a part B.
• Read all notices you get from Medicare about upcoming changes, many of which can be found in the annual Medicare Supplement Shoppers Guide issued by MID. Yearly Medicare revisions can include such changes as out of pocket limits and prescription costs.
• Know that there are programs out there to assist you in paying for Medicare. You can find out about these programs at medicare.gov or the Division of Aging and Adult Services of the Mississippi Department of Human Services.

Individuals who contact you about any type of private Medicare coverage:

• Must be licensed by the state. Check with the Mississippi Insurance Department to make sure the salesperson is a licensed agent.
• May not make unsolicited contact, such as door-to-door sales, cold calls or approaching you in a parking lot.
• Must make an appointment before coming to your home.
• Must arrange in advance the type of products that will be discussed during a scheduled sales appointment. At the appointment, the salesperson may not try to sell you other types of insurance coverage other than the type(s) agreed upon in advance.
• May not try to sell you non-health care related products (like a life insurance policy or an annuity) during a sales or marketing presentation of a Medicare prescription drug or Medicare Advantage plan.
• May not attempt to sell you a plan in certain health care settings, such as a doctor’s office or a pharmacy.
• May not attempt to sell you a plan at an educational event.
• May not offer you free meals at promotional or sales events.
• Do not give out personal information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers or credit card numbers to anyone you have not verified as a licensed agent. People are not allowed to request such personal information in their marketing activities and cannot ask for payment over the Internet. They must send you a bill. Once you decide to purchase a plan and have verified that the agent is licensed, you may give the agent personal information to assist in enrollment and billing.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/the-great-shake-out-earthquake-drill-set-for-thursday-october-15 61ae6d0d13b61100160709fc Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency is encouraging Mississippians to take part in the ‘Great Shake Out’ earthquake drill Thursday, October 15, 2020 at 10:15 AM.

During the self-led drill, participants will practice the three essential actions to take during an earthquake, which are to:

1. DROP to the ground.
2. Take COVER under a sturdy table or desk if possible, protecting your head and neck.
3. HOLD ON until the shaking stops.

To take part in the ‘Great Shake Out’, individuals and organizations are asked to register at ,,www.shakeout.org.

Once registered, participants will receive more information on how to plan their drill and additional earthquake preparedness tips.

According to the Great Shake Out website, over 11 million people have registered to participate in the United States, which includes over 200,000 Mississippians.

Additionally, over 150 Mississippi schools have registered to take part in the drill. MEMA has partnered with several of these schools, such as Nailor Elementary, D.M. Smith Elementary, Pearman Elementary and the Coahoma County School District to encourage earthquake preparedness among younger individuals.

Although only a small number of earthquakes have been centered in Mississippi, the state has been affected by numerous shocks located in neighboring states particularly along the ‘New Madrid Seismic Zone’, which is why earthquake preparedness is especially important for Mississippians.

For more earthquake preparedness information ,visit the MEMA and watch MEMA’s earthquake preparedness video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymS5rSfZOVw&t=51s

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ag-commissioner-andy-gipson-announces-organic-certification-cost-share-program 61ae6d0d13b61100160709fb Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Commissioner Andy Gipson announced that the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) is currently offering a cost-share program for Mississippi organic producers and handlers receiving certification or continuation of certification by a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) accredited certifying agent.

“This is a great opportunity for farmers that have received the USDA Organic Certification in the past year to help offset some of the costs associated with this certification,” said Commissioner Gipson, “I am glad that we are able to offer this program again for 2020, and I encourage our farmers to take advantage of this opportunity during these unprecedented times.”

Funding is available for those that received the certification between October 1, 2019 and September 30, 2020. Individual organic operators are eligible for reimbursement of 50 percent of their fiscal year 2020 certification costs up to a maximum of $500 per category of certification. The National Organic Certification Cost-Share Program currently recognizes the following categories of certification eligible

for reimbursement: crops, wild crops, livestock and handler.

To be eligible for reimbursement, the following must be provided to MDAC by applicants: proof of certification issued by a USDA accredited certifying agent, a reimbursement form, an itemized invoice for certification-related expenses, an IRS W-9 form and documentation of the payment in the form of a cancelled check. Applicants must be Mississippi organic producers and handlers located within the State of Mississippi. Funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis until the funds are depleted.

Operations may receive one reimbursement per year. The deadline to submit applications is December 15, 2020.

For more information about this program or to obtain an application, visit www.mdac.ms.gov/market-development/national-organic-cost-share-program or contact Susan Lawrence at susan@mdac.ms.gov or (601) 213-7542.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/longtime-pearl-resident-and-employee-honored 61ae6d0d13b61100160709fa Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The City of Pearl recently celebrated the retirement of Thomas Mayo, with a special drive-by parade. He has been employed with the City of Pearl Solid Waste Division since 1998. A resident of Pearl for sixty- five years, Mayo has been married to his wife, Rachel, for sixty-four years. They have three daughters, seven grandchildren (all Pearl graduates) and nine great grandchildren.

• Photo Cutline1: Schoolbook photo of Thomas Mayo, who graduating from Sebastopol High in 1954.
• Photo Cutline2: Mayo was selected by Sebastopol High to visit East Central Community Junior College in Decatur, Mississippi. He owned everything but the sports coat that he wore, which was on loan from a friend.
• Photo Cutline3: Mayo, age 20, on vacation in Bellingrath Gardens on Mississippi Gulf Coast.
• Photo Cutline4: Mayo pictured in backyard garden.
• Photo Cutline5: Upon retirement, Mayo returns home to cut grass and work in the backyard garden - his “love and hobby.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/7th-annual-kickin-cancer-coed-kickball-tournament-in-memory-of-paige-mclendon 61ae6d0d13b61100160709f9 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT The 7th Annual Kickin’ Cancer Coed Kickball Tournament in Memory of Paige McLendon was held October 4th at Richland Eastside Park. While this benefit started as a fundraiser to help Paige as she fought her own battle against cancer, it has continued to grow even years later. Thanks to the participation and contribution of so many, Paige’s family is able to use all proceeds to “pay it forward” and help another family fighting their own fight. Having raised more than ever, this year’s recipient is Florence’s very own June Goodson, who is a seven-year-old sweetheart battling cancer for the second time. Prayers and thoughts are with her and her family! Thank you again to all participants, contributors, volunteers, and sponsors, especially the City of Richland, Cole Smith, Guy Smith, Tammy and Norman Morgan, Kristina Jordan, Michael Jordan and Sonic of Richland, Joey Sebren and Mazzio’s of Richland, Kristi Robinson, David McGowan, Ernest Gibson, Obie and Lisa Hosey, Lynn Pearson, Tom and April Cosgrave, Hinds Community College Eagles Soccer, Enforcers, Rubber Busters, 49ers, Patriots, RFC, GI Joes, Scott and Austin Brown, and Travis Berry, For more information regarding this fundraiser and upcoming tournaments, please email m1llerfundraising@yahoo.com.

June Goodson

Hinds Community College Team Natty

Richland Futbol Club - Honorable Mention for Costumes for a Cause

49ers - Winners for Costumes for a Cause (Awarded Sonic slushes, corn dogs, and gift certificates)

GI Joes - Honorable Mention for Costumes for a Cause

Hinds Community College Team Dynamite

Hinds Community College Team Big D

Enforcers - 4th Place

49ers - 2nd Place (Awarded trophy)

Rubber Busters - Champions (AGAIN-Awarded Sonic gift certificates and trophy)

Patriots - 3rd Place

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/free-meals-for-school-kids-extended-for-entire-school-year 61ae6d0d13b61100160709f8 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending flexibilities to allow free meals to continue to be available to all children throughout the entire 2020-2021 school year. This unprecedented move is part of USDA’s unwavering commitment to ensuring all children across America have access to nutritious food as the nation recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As our nation recovers and reopens, we want to ensure that children continue to receive the nutritious breakfasts and lunches they count on during the school year wherever they are, and however they are learning,” said Secretary Perdue. “We are grateful for the heroic efforts by our school food service professionals who are consistently serving healthy meals to kids during these trying times, and we know they need maximum flexibility right now. I appreciate President Trump for his unwavering commitment to ensuring kids receive the food they need during this pandemic and for supporting USDA in continuing to provide these unprecedented flexibilities.”

“Northeastern School District has implemented the USDA waiver to offer all students free meals utilizing the SSO program. We have been able to offer free meals to all students in attendance and through curbside pick-up for virtual students. I am extremely proud of my staff and their flexibility to do their best to keep school meals as normal as possible during a pandemic. The Child Nutrition Staff have wanted to continue hot meals for students and wanted to offer their favorite meal choices,” said Kimberly Alessandroni, Director of Child Nutrition Services, Northeastern School District.

“These waiver extensions are great news for America’s students and the school nutrition professionals working so hard to support them throughout this pandemic," said School Nutrition Association President Reggie Ross, SNS. “Families struggling to make ends meet can be assured that their students will have access to healthy school meals, whether they are learning at home or in school. School meal programs can remain focused on safely meeting nutritional needs of children in their communities without having to worry about burdensome regulations. The School Nutrition Association appreciates USDA’s ongoing efforts to address the many challenges our members have faced while working on the frontlines to feed hungry children.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/hinds-cc-honors-graduating-career-tech-students 61ae6d0d13b61100160709f7 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

Roby Vasquez of Pearl graduated form Hinds Community College on Friday, July 31, at one of four drive-through graduation ceremonies. He received a degree in animation and simulation design and plans to pursue a bachelor's degree at Mississippi State University.

Because of social distancing restrictions with the COVID-19 pandemic, Hinds was unable to have traditional ceremonies inside.

Instead, the spring and summer ceremonies were combined and turned into a drive-through event, over three days at Eagle Ridge Conference Center in Raymond and a fourth day at the Utica Campus.

Each graduate was greeted by the new college president, Dr. Stephen Vacik, who took office on July 1, and cheered on by members of the Executive Leadership Team, all of whom wore masks.

Jamila Wynn of Pearl graduated from Hinds Community College on Friday, July 31, at one of four drive-through graduation ceremonies. She is planning to transfer to the University of Alabama for a marketing degree.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/natural-gas-customers-urged-to-act-safely-in-preparation-for-hurricane-delta 61ae6d0d13b61100160709f6 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Atmos Energy continues to monitor and prepare for Hurricane Delta, urging residents in the path of severe weather to take steps that help ensure personal safety. “Atmos Energy wants you and your family to be safe in any situation,” said John McDill, Atmos Energy vice president of pipeline safety. “If your home or business is affected by flooding, tropical storms, hurricanes or a similar event, we want to remind customers to not use natural gas equipment if it is flooded or damaged without first contacting a qualified service person to have it inspected.” If you suspect a natural gas leak or think you smell natural gas inside the home or neighborhood, act fast! Leave the area immediately and from a safe distance call 911 and the Atmos Energy Emergency Number at 1-866-322-8667. Atmos Energy service technicians are emergency responders and necessary for the safe operation of our system, performing essential services in compliance with social distancing guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19 and ensure the safety of everyone. Whether it is a storm, flooding, or other severe weather event, please observe these tips to stay safe:

• During a natural disaster or severe weather event DO NOT turn off natural gas at the meter, even if evacuations are issued.
• If you smell gas, immediately leave the affected area and from a safe distance call 911 or Atmos Energy’s 24-hour emergency response line at 1-866-322-8667.
• NEVER try to find the source of a gas leak.
• DO NOT use a mobile phone or anything that might cause a spark, such as a generator.
• If flooding occurs at a residence or business and the gas appliances are under water, do not try to operate the appliances. Instead, contact Atmos Energy or a qualified service professional to conduct a safety inspection.
• If a natural gas meter is damaged or a gas line is exposed, immediately leave the area and call the Atmos Energy 24-hour emergency response line at 1-866-322-8667.
• Know where your natural gas meter is located. Make sure it’s visible and free of trash and debris. Mechanical equipment used to clean up after a storm may damage the meter if it is hidden.
• Natural gas distribution pipelines are mostly underground but can be damaged by uprooted trees and shifted foundations. After a storm, call 811 to have the location of underground utility lines marked, as gas service lines could become tangled.
• Atmos Energy customers experiencing a natural gas outage or service interruption should contact the company's customer service number at 1-888-286-6700. Customers will be restored as quickly as possible once the area is deemed safe.

For natural gas safety tips during severe weather, please visit https://www.atmosenergy.com/safety/weather-safety to learn what to do with your natural gas systems and equipment.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-tate-reeves-announces-state-of-emergency-in-preparation-for-hurricane-delta 61ae6d0d13b61100160709f5 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Governor Tate Reeves has declared a State of Emergency in anticipation of damage from Hurricane Delta. Landfall is expected along the Louisiana coast on Friday afternoon as a Major Hurricane. "I have declared a State of Emergency for Hurricane Delta," said Governor Tate Reeves. "Watch the weather reports and get prepared. We are tracking this closely and operators are getting ready for action. Prep for the worst. Pray for the best. God bless and stay safe." At this time, the heaviest rain and strongest wind is projected to be felt Friday afternoon through midday Saturday across Southwest Mississippi and further north along the Mississippi River. A link to the State of Emergency declaration can be found here.

There will be an announcement regarding the upcoming storm at the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency on today.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/public-service-commissioner-brent-bailey-recognizes-energy-efficiency-day 61ae6d0d13b61100160709f4 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

In recognition of the 5th annual national Energy Efficiency Day on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, Mississippi’s Central District Public Service Commissioner Brent Bailey is joining regional and national organizations, businesses, utilities, universities and individuals in promoting energy efficiency – the cheapest, quickest way to meet our energy needs, cut utility bills and reduce pollution.

“On September 22, I signed a proclamation proclaiming today as Mississippi’s 1st annual Energy Efficiency Day,” Commissioner Bailey said. “I encourage citizens to join us in supporting our clean energy goals and moving toward more energy efficiency now and in the future in Mississippi.”

Smarter energy use means we don’t have to generate or consume as much energy to meet our needs. Many people don’t realize that Mississippi has already made significant, forward-thinking investments in energy savings measures. We would like to highlight some of those who continue to be proficient in practicing energy efficiency in our state:

• Mississippi State University is one of many entities who has made incredible efforts to be more energy efficient in Mississippi. The university replaced fluorescent lighting with more efficient LED technology in 22 central-campus buildings. The project improved lighting quality, reduced overall energy consumption and is expected to last more than 15 years.

• Nissan’s Canton plant has overhauled their paint process to minimize their drying time, cutting energy usage by more than 30%. They also switched to all LED lighting. Just those two changes together save enough energy each year to power 511 homes.

• Mississippi poultry producers, typically contract producers who can only control the costs of their energy, have used grant money in the past to improve energy efficiency and lower the cost to heat and cool their broiler houses by upgrading to more efficient controls and building components.

“There are many ways you can practice energy efficiency in your own home and business,” Commissioner Bailey said. “Reducing the energy used by manufacturers, homes and businesses benefits everyone– especially energy bill-payers. The average household saves almost $500 yearly thanks to efficiency standards that apply to new appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators and water heaters, alone.”

Learn more about the vital benefits of energy efficiency at www.energyefficiencyday.org.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mec-s-19th-annual-hobnob-mississippi-set-for-october-29-virtual-event-at-a-new-location 61ae6d0d13b61100160709f3 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Mississippi Economic Council's 19th Annual Hobnob Mississippi will have a different look and feel this year. Hobnob Mississippi will be held virtually beginning at 10:30 a.m. live from Trustmark Park in Pearl.

As we “Banter at the Ballpark”, attendees will hear from statewide officials, the two candidates for the U.S. Senate race, a panel with leading ladies from around the state, enjoy some baseball pun and much more.

To register, sponsor, or for more information visit www.mec.ms.

Agenda:

• Pre-game: Enjoy Live Music as We Prepare to Banter at the Ballpark
• First Pitch: Let’s Play Ball
• 1st Inning: Opening Ceremony and Welcome
• 2nd Inning: Statewide Elected Officials Panel
• 3rd Inning: Leading Ladies from Around the State Panel
• 4th Inning: United States Senate Candidate Mike Espy
• 5th Inning: Discussion with LT. Governor and Speaker of the House
• 6th Inning: United States Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith
• 7th Inning: Seventh Inning Stretch
• 8th Inning: Governor Tate Reeves
• 9th Inning: Reviewing of the Scorecards and Looking Forward

*Times Subject to Change

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/bingham-named-employee-of-the-month-at-mississippi-state-hospital 61ae6d0d13b61100160709f2 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Carolyn Bingham has been named Mississippi State Hospital September Employee

of the Month for Direct Care.

Bingham, who resides in Pearl, is a Mental Health Technician working in Female Receiving. A Jackson State University graduate, she has worked at MSH since 2016.

The MSH Employee of the Month award recognizes employees who have made outstanding contributions to the hospital through their work. The program is sponsored by Friends of Mississippi State Hospital, Inc.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/special-guest-in-pearl-upper-elementary-fourth-grade-classroom 61ae6d0d13b61100160709f1 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Pearl Upper Elementary Principal Mr. Gavin Gill visited Ms. Ashley Thompson’s classroom to work through math problems with fourth-grade students. Pictured watching Mr. Gavin Gill on the front row from left to right are Liam Mason and Kiley Brooks. On the back row is Donovan Miller.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/aha-urges-mississippians-to-seek-hospital-help-for-emergencies-even-amidst-pandemic 61ae6d0d13b61100160709f0 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

The Metro Jackson American Heart Association is urging metro residents to still seek help through 911 and hospital emergency rooms when experiencing heart attack, stroke symptoms, or other medical emergencies.

“Without question people should go to the ER when experiencing symptoms of a heart attack or stroke,” said Arturo Blanco, MD, of St. Dominic’s Family Medicine in Clinton.

“A visit to the ER could be the difference between a successful outcome or dying from a heart attack or stroke. Please be assured our healthcare facilities are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Delaying a 911 call can be dangerous — even deadly. Here’s why the coronavirus shouldn’t cause hesitation or doubt during a time emergency help might be needed:

• Hospitals are following infection control protocols to sanitize, socially distance and keep infected people away from others. In fact, many hospitals have separate emergency rooms, operating rooms, cardiac catherization rooms and ICUs for people with COVID-19 and for those people suspected to have the disease. Patients are often being met by workers in full protective gear as a precaution, and family member access is restricted.
• Calling 911 immediately is still the best chance of surviving an emergency.
• Emergency room workers know what to do, even when things seem chaotic. Emergency rooms have made plans to ensure adequate staffing and keep patients and workers safe. This is their specialty and their strong suit; hospital workers are trained in disaster readiness and to get the job done in any situation.
• Year in and year out, heart disease and stroke are the top two killers worldwide. Someone in the U.S. will have a heart attack and someone else will have a stroke every forty seconds. More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the U.S. annually. Hospitals know exactly what to do in these instances to save lives.
• Fast care is the key to survival. Minutes matter. People with blocked arteries or clots causing heart attacks or strokes need care quickly. The difference between life and death can be measured in minutes. With so little time to work with, and the extra time needed to ensure coronavirus safety measures, calling 911 quickly is more important than ever.

“Those experiencing left side chest pain, shortness of breath, sudden syncope, abnormal heart beat, clammy skin, cold sweat, chest pain that radiates to the arm, sudden paralysis, blurred vision, loss of vision or slurred speech must seek immediate attention,” said Blanco. “All of these are common symptoms of heart attack and stroke.”

The acronym FAST can help with remembering stroke symptoms:

• Face drooping
• Arm weakness
• Speech slurring or other difficulty
• Time to call 911.

“It is also important to keep and maintain regular checkups,” said Blanco. “Regular checkups will help your physician detect changes in your blood work and perform preventive medicine when needed to keep you healthy.”

For more information, visit heart.org.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mpb-classroom-tv-launches-today 61ae6d0d13b61100160709ef Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT https://youtu.be/izaNihrvc0Y

Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB), in partnership with the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), has created a new television channel – MPB Classroom TV. This channel will start airing today and every weekday from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. to provide instructional content on television to Pre K-12th grade students. MPB Classroom TV was developed to support and address needs of Mississippi students, teachers and parents as they navigate educational challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. For some students, those needs include lack of internet and technology in virtual learning environments causing them to miss instruction. MPB Classroom TV content was developed in collaboration with MDE and includes pre-recorded 25-minute lessons taught by certified teachers that are aligned to the Mississippi College and Career Readiness Standards. The content will be beneficial to students and adults who are supporting students learning at home. New content will be added as the school year continues. "MDE staff members have been working with MPB over the last few months to develop educational content for this channel, which will reach homes across the state. Resources such as these are critical to ensuring that all students and families have access to high-quality learning, even if they currently don't have access to the internet," said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. To watch MPB Classroom TV, viewers do not need internet at home. The channel is not available on cable and satellite services. To receive and watch this channel, viewers must use an antenna on their TVs. Cable and satellite subscribers will need to purchase a low-cost antenna and change the TV’s input setting. Individuals who already only use antennas will need to rescan their TVs to pick up the new channel. By providing broadcast instruction on the same subjects taught in schools, students can continue to receive direct instruction even while at home. The content will be available beginning Oct. 5 for on-demand viewing on the MPB Classroom TV web page as well as MPB’s YouTube channel under the MPB Classroom TV playlist. “We have created a statewide classroom for Mississippi. It has been a rewarding experience to be in the trenches with MDE teachers and coaches to develop such a great resource for our children,” said MPB Director of Education Tara Wren. “I am hopeful that MPB Classroom TV is a resource parents and teachers depend on to make their lives a little easier during this pandemic when education instruction is so volatile.” The channels for MPB Classroom TV statewide are:

• WMAH/Biloxi 19.5
• WMAE/Booneville 12.5
• WMAU/Bude 17.5
• WMAO/Greenwood 23.5
• WMPN/Jackson 29.5
• WMAW/Meridian 14.5
• WMAB/Mississippi State 2.5
• WMAV/Oxford/Univ. 18.5

For more information, visit education.mpbonline.org.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/petco-foundation-invests-in-msspan 61ae6d0d13b61100160709ee Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Special to SW Rankin News

Mississippi Spay and Neuter (MSSPAN) announced it has been awarded a $7,500 grant investment from the Petco Foundation to help low-income families get their cats spayed or neutered.

The Petco Foundation investment will help around 250 cats in need receive spay/neuter services and will help create a lifesaving community for animals.

“Cats are capable of having up to four litters of kittens every year, which can lead to an overpopulation of cats in a very short amount of time. For low-income families, the cost of getting their pets spayed/neutered can be a barrier. By removing these financial barriers, we can save countless lives and keep families together,” explains Sharon Garner, Executive Director of Mississippi Spay and Neuter. “Thank you to the Petco Foundation for helping us save more animal lives.”

Services are available by appointment and will be performed at the Big Fix Clinic in Richland. Funding allows families with a household income under $28,000 per year to pay $25 to spay or neuter their cat. Rabies vaccines are required if pets are not current and are $10 each. To request an appointment, cat guardians can call 601-420-2438, ext. 21, and leave a message or visit msspan.org/bigfixappointment.

MSSPAN is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending animal homelessness and euthanasia through spay and neuter. The organization has aided more than 90,000 animals by providing affordable spay and neuter services through their Big Fix Clinic and voucher programs.For more information on MSSPAN and its programs, call 601-420-2438 or visit www.msspan.org.

Since 1999, the Petco Foundation has invested more than $280 million in lifesaving animal welfare. With more than 4,000 animal welfare partners, they empower communities to make a difference by investing in adoption and medical care programs, spay and neuter services, pet cancer research, service and therapy animals, and numerous other lifesaving initiatives. Through their Think Adoption First program, they partner with Petco stores and animal welfare organizations across the country to increase pet adoptions. So far, they have helped more than 6.5 million pets find new families. Visit petcofoundation.org for more information.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/harrell-named-msh-employee-of-the-month 61ae6d0d13b61100160709ed Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Special to SW Rankin News

Jessica Harrell has been named Mississippi State Hospital July Employee of the Month for Clinical Service.

Harrell is a Registered Nurse working in Female Receiving. A Florence resident and Hinds Community College graduate, Harrell has worked at MSH since 2012.

The MSH Employee of the Month award recognizes employees who have made outstanding contributions to the hospital through their work. The program is sponsored by Friends of Mississippi State Hospital, Inc.

MSH, a program of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, was founded in 1855 and helps the individuals it serves achieve mental wellness by encouraging hope, promoting safety, and supporting recovery. The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/dedication-and-ribbon-cutting-marks-grand-opening-of-the-new-mississippi-trade-mart 61ae6d0d13b61100160709ec Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson officially opened the new Mississippi Trade Mart to the public, with a building dedication and ceremonial ribbon cutting. “This is an historic day for the state of Mississippi,” said Commissioner Gipson. “I am proud to unveil the new Mississippi Trade Mart and excited for the endless opportunities its expansive and state-of-the-art facilities will provide. I want to thank the entire Mississippi legislature for authorizing the $30 million funding to build the new Trade Mart and make improvements to the Mississippi Fairgrounds. I would also like to thank U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, former Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant and Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves for their support in this endeavor.” Miss Mississippi Mary Margaret Hyer acted as mistress of ceremonies and opened the dedication program with a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Musical performances were provided by Music Director Slater Murphy of the Mississippi Baptist Convention and praise team leaders with New Horizon Baptist Church. Commissioner Gipson was joined by Dr. Kenny Digby, Director of the Christian Action Commission; Reverend David Tipton, Mississippi District Superintendent of United Pentecostal Church International; Bishop Ronnie Crudup, Senior Pastor of New Horizon Church International and Diocese Bishop for the Fellowship of International Churches; Bishop James Swanson of the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church; and Bishop Joseph Kopacz of the Catholic Diocese of Jackson, who offered remarks and blessings. Following the building dedication program, Commissioner Gipson and Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves provided remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony. On behalf of her mother, U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, Anna-Michael Smith also provided comments about the new Trade Mart. “Today is the culmination of a lot of hard work by a number of dedicated Mississippians, and we would not be here today without U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, former Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce. I want to give a huge thanks to U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith for being such a passionate advocate and supporter of this project. I also want to thank her successor, Andy Gipson. Thank you, Commissioner Gipson, for seeing this incredible project through to completion and for your continued leadership in serving the agriculture community in the state of Mississippi,” said Governor Reeves. The new Trade Mart on the Mississippi State Fairgrounds will serve as an economic boost for the state. Every year, the Trade Mart hosts more than 200,000 people at the nearly 80 events held. Attached to the Mississippi Coliseum, the new structure expands the functionality and flexibility of both facilities, making it more marketable for hosting a wide array of events. The new Mississippi Trade Mart is 110,000 square feet, and includes a lobby, a 2,500 square foot commercial kitchen, two cafes, a reception area, a “front porch” area and three massive trade halls. The trade halls can be configured to provide a seamless connection to the Coliseum’s arena floor, allowing for larger trade shows and events than ever before. The “front porch” area provides a large, covered space for exterior events and opens onto a new plaza that is shared with the Coliseum, which recently underwent a $2.2 million renovation. “The features of the new Mississippi Trade Mart will expand business opportunities for the Fairgrounds and attract new, prospective events and activities for the public to enjoy,” said Michael Lasseter, Acting Director of the Mississippi State Fairgrounds Complex. The new Mississippi Trade Mart was designed by Wier Boerner Allin Architecture, and Fountain Construction was the general contractor.

Visit www.mdac.ms.gov/state-fairgrounds online for more information.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-s-uda-solo-showdown-winners 61ae6d0d13b61100160709eb Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:33 GMT

Congratulations to Ashlyn Moorhead and Chloe' Knippers for placing in the nation in the first virtual UDA Solo Showdown. Ashyn competed in the Teen/Senior Hip Hop Showdown. Chloe' competed in the Teen Contemporary/Lyrical South/ Northeast.

These ladies were judged on Execution of Movement, Execution of Skill, Choreography, Projection, and Overall Impression. They had to pick their own music, create their own choreography, and execute their routine. Way to go Ladies!

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ag-fitch-joins-39-5-million-multistate-settlement-over-2014-anthem-data-breach 61ae6d0d13b61100160709ea Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced that Mississippi has joined a $39.5 million settlement with Anthem stemming from the massive 2014 data breach involving the personal information of 78.8 million Americans. Through the settlement, Anthem has reached a resolution with the 43-state coalition and California. Mississippi will receive nearly $197,000 from the settlement. In addition to the payment, Anthem has also agreed to a series of data security and good governance provisions designed to strengthen its practices going forward.

“As we all become more dependent on the vast and ever-expanding digital infrastructure, we must also be vigilant in keeping Americans safe by combatting cybercrime and cyber-enabled threats,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “The Anthem cyberattack impacted tens of millions of Americans, releasing their sensitive and personal information to malicious actors on the dark web. This settlement reaffirms my commitment to hold companies accountable in their implementation and execution of strong security practices and their duty to protect users’ personal information.”

In February 2015, Anthem disclosed that cyber attackers had infiltrated its systems beginning in February 2014, using malware installed through a phishing email. The attackers were ultimately able to gain access to Anthem’s data warehouse, where they harvested names, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, healthcare identification numbers, home addresses, email addresses, phone numbers, and employment information for 78.8 million Americans. In Mississippi, 164,216 residents were affected by the breach.

Under the settlement, Anthem has agreed to a series of provisions designed to strengthen its security practices going forward. Those include:

• A prohibition against misrepresentations regarding the extent to which Anthem protects the privacy and security of personal information.
• Implementation of a comprehensive information security program, incorporating principles of zero trust architecture, and including regular security reporting to the Board of Directors and prompt notice of significant security events to the CEO.
• Specific security requirements with respect to segmentation, logging and monitoring, anti-virus maintenance, access controls and two factor authentication, encryption, risk assessments, penetration testing, and employee training, among other requirements.
• Third-party security assessments and audits for three (3) years, as well as a requirement that Anthem make its risk assessments available to a third-party assessor during that term.

In the immediate wake of the breach, Anthem offered an initial two years of credit monitoring to all affected U.S. individuals. In addition to this settlement, Anthem previously entered into a class action settlement that established a $115 million settlement fund to pay for additional credit monitoring, cash payments of up to $50, and reimbursement for out-of-pocket losses for affected consumers. The deadlines for consumers to submit claims under that settlement have since passed.

The Connecticut Office of the Attorney General led the multistate investigation, assisted by the Attorneys General of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Missouri, and New York, and joined by the Attorneys General of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-reeves-issues-new-comprehensive-safe-recovery-order-in-ongoing-effort-to-flatten-the-curve 61ae6d0d13b61100160709e9 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Governor Tate Reeves announced his new comprehensive Safe Recovery order as a one-stop resource for Mississippians as we continue to flatten the curve on new COVID-19 cases.

Throughout this pandemic, one of the top priorities for the Governor has been transparency and keeping Mississippians up-to-date on the state's response. Replacing the Safe Return order and its amendments, Governor Reeves has combined all social distancing measures into one executive order to ensure understanding and keep people better informed.

"I have always tried to stress the important balance of this time: we cannot allow our system to collapse, and we should not use the heavy-hand of government more than it is justified," said Governor Tate Reeves. "We have to tailor our actions to the current threat, and make sure that they do not go beyond what is reasonable."

The Governor made the announcement at the press briefing, which can be viewed on the ,,Tate Reeves Facebook Page.

Under the new executive order, some social distancing restrictions have been eased as Mississippi's new COVD-19 case numbers continue to improve. A few of the relaxed restrictions include increasing attendance at outdoor K-12 extracurricular events such as football games to 50% of seating capacity, limiting group gatherings when you are unable to social distance to no more than 20 indoors and 100 outdoors, and requiring masks for schools and close contact businesses like salons and barbershops. The order is in effect until Wednesday, November 11 at 5:00 PM.

You can view the text version of Executive Order No. 1525 ,here. Signed versions of all executive orders related to COVID-19 can be found on Governor Reeve's website at ,governorreeves.ms.gov/covid-19.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/be-alert-for-deer-along-highways 61ae6d0d13b61100160709e8 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

As the seasons slowly change into autumn, the days get shorter, and deer become more active and visible on Mississippi roadways. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) wishes to remind motorists to take precautions to avoid collisions with deer.

“Mississippi averages over 3,700 reported deer-related crashes per year,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “Hitting a deer can be a very costly expense and sometimes it can cause a life-threatening accident.”

In 2019, there were 4,058 reported deer-related crashes in Mississippi. However, the number of incidents could be as high as 22,000 according to one insurance industry analysis.

“Deer are unpredictable, especially when frightened,” McGrath said. “Drivers should remain vigilant, avoid distractions and wear their seat belt.”

Deer season is from October through January, but deer can run on or near roadways at any time of the year. Practicing safe driving and keeping these precautions in mind can help you get through this time of year accident-free.

• Don’t veer for deer. If a deer runs in front of a moving car, remain calm and brake firmly. Swerving can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, causing an even more serious accident.
• Deer are herd animals. Take extra caution for deer lingering around the same area.
• Remain vigilant when driving at dawn and dusk. About 20 percent of crashes occur in early morning, while more than half occur between 5 p.m. and midnight.
• Always buckle up for safety and drive at a safe speed.
• At night use high beams, when no traffic is approaching, to illuminate the eyes of deer near the road. Make sure both headlights and high beams are cleaned and aimed correctly.

“No matter if a driver is traveling rural roads or busy highways, the threat of hitting a deer while driving is very real,” McGrath said. “All motorists should take extra precautions during deer season to ensure their safety while traveling.”

For additional travel safety tips, visit ,GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms or follow @MississippiDOT on Twitter.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-high-school-announces-2020-homecoming-maids 61ae6d0d13b61100160709e7 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Freshman Maids

The Pearl High School 2020 Freshman Homecoming Maids pictured from left to right are Jayden Neal, Dulce Tapia, and Layton Ward.

Sophomore Maids

The Pearl High School 2020 Sophomore Homecoming Maids pictured on the back row from left to right are Kate Roa and Saylor Foster. On the front row are Anneliese Renfroe and Kimora Bailey.

Junior Maids

The Pearl High School 2020 Junior Homecoming Maids pictured on the back row from left to right are Anzlee Channell, Aleyah Mosley, Alexandria Villanueva, and Zamiya Warner. On the front row are Mikayla Sills and Lindsay Butler.

Senior Maids

The Pearl High School 2020 Senior Homecoming Maids pictured on the back row from left to right are Tori Douglas, Olivia Wilson, Voddia Travis, Jennifer Cedeno, and Amrit Kaur. On the front row are Ashton Spell, Chassidy Roger (Football Maid), and Izzy Garcia. Not pictured is Skye Ranson.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/clean-up-richland-scheduled-for-october 61ae6d0d13b61100160709e6 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The 2020 Clean Up Richland event is scheduled to be held Monday, October 12 through Saturday, October 17. There is a limited supply, so visit Richland City Hall or the Richland Senior Center to pick up trash bags for this annual event.

In addition to the “Keep Richland Beautiful” initiative, therwe will be a “Trash bag attire Facebook contest.” The contest will be held on the same days as Clean up Richland. Interested parties may visit Richland City Hall or Senior Center to pick up bags for the contest. Contestants are instructed to post an image of their “trash bag outfit” on the City of Richland's Facebook page, for the public to vote for the Best of Top Five. The top five will receive a special prize.

Dumpsters will be at the City Barn located on Harper Street. The City Barn will be open Monday through Saturday 8 am until 3 pm. Items accepted are paper, plastic, limbs tires and white goods (refrigerators, freezers and appliances). Items that cannot be accepted are paint, flammable products, acid, etc.

Contact Special Events Coordinator for the City of Richland, Barbara Adams, at 601-420-3402 for more information.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/florence-high-school-announces-2020-homecoming-maids 61ae6d0d13b61100160709e5 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/dedication-and-ribbon-cutting-to-mark-grand-opening-of-the-new-mississippi-trade-mart 61ae6d0d13b61100160709e4 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Thursday, October 1st, Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner, Andy Gipson will officially cut the ribbon at the new Mississippi Trade Mart.

Beginning this event at 8:30 am, Miss Mississippi, Mary Margaret Hyer, will open the building dedication program with "The Star-Spangled Banner". Following there will be music and remarks from local faith leaders. Following the dedication, there will be a ceremonial ribbon cutting at 10:00 am in the foyer of the new Trade Mart with Commissioner Gibson and Governor Reeves. The public is invited to attend.

The new Trade Mart is attached to the Mississippi Coliseum, expanding the functionality and flexibility of both facilities. Approaching 110,000 square feet, the new facility includes a lobby, commercial-sized kitchen, two cafes, a reception area and three massive trade halls. The trade halls provide a large, covered space for exterior events such as the Mississippi State Fair. For large events, the Coliseum, which recently underwent a $2.2 million arena renovation, may be used as a connected fourth bay for the Trade Mart.

The Mississippi Legislature authorized $30 million to build the new Trade Mart and make improvements to the Mississippi Fairgrounds. The new Mississippi Trade Mart was designed by Wier Boerner Allin Architecture, and Fountain Construction was the general contractor.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/big-thrift-charity-shop-reopens-in-richland-1 61ae6d0d13b61100160709e3 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Big Thrift, a charity thrift shop previously in Florence, has moved to Richland next to the Big Fix Clinic. The shop has been in operation since 2014 and all proceeds support Mississippi Animal Rescue League and Mississippi Spay and Neuter. The shop sells household items, clothing and more. It is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Donations of household items are accepted during business hours- clothing is not accepted at this time. Supporters can also shop online at ,bigthrift.org Mississippi Spay and Neuter is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending animal homelessness and euthanasia through spay and neuter. The organization has aided more than 90,000 animals by providing affordable spay and neuter services through their Big Fix Clinic and voucher programs.For more information on Mississippi Spay and Neuter and its programs, call 601-420-2438 or visit ,www.msspan.org. Founded in 1969, The Mississippi Animal Rescue League is committed to the humane treatment of animals. They accept every animal who comes through their doors. MARL has placed over 48,000 animals in loving homes, and returns about 250 lost pets to their families each year. MARL also offers low-cost spay/neuter to low-income families on public assistance. For more information, call (601) 969-1631 or visit ,msarl.org

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-mayor-visits-pjhs-to-present-ppsd-students-with-a-proclamation 61ae6d0d13b61100160709e2 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Pearl Mayor Jake Windham visited Pearl Junior High School to present the students of Pearl Public School District with a proclamation recognizing the importance of Start with Hello Week. Start With Hello Week brings attention to the growing epidemic of social isolation in our schools and communities, and empowers young people to take action. Pictured on the back row from left to right are Tim Jackson, PJHS assistant principal; Brigit Nelson, PJHS counselor; Pearl Mayor Jake Windham; Jack Durr, PJHS Shipmates Club founder; Lauren King, PJHS counselor; and Coach John McHenry, PJHS faculty member and Alderman-at-Large. On the front row are Jenyfer Roblero and Bailey Chism.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/rhs-recognizes-two-students-for-exemplary-performance-in-academics-leadership-service 61ae6d0d13b61100160709e1 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Each month, Richland High School recognizes two students for exemplary performance in academics, leadership and service. The students are selected by teachers and announced to the student body. Seniors Jasmine Nguyen and Matt Taylor were chosen for the August award. Pictured with them is Principal Marcus Stewart. Crown Trophy of Flowood donates plaques for this recognition.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/covid-19-tips-resources-and-relief-efforts 61ae6d0d13b61100160709e0 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

COVID-19 Cases in Mississippi

As of Friday, September 18, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reported 497 new COVID-19 cases and 12 new COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in our state to 92,432 and the total number of deaths to 2,792. Earlier this week, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs and State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers hosted a Facebook Live forum to answer various questions from the general public. The virtual event covered questions regarding COVID-19 testing, treatments, mask-mandates, contact tracing, and more. While state case numbers are on a consistent decline, it is still vital for every Mississippian to stay informed about the virus and make wise decisions that will assist in the effort of "flattening the curve."

Click here to watch a recap of the MSDH COVID-19 Facebook Live event.

Click here to view a map of COVID-19 cases.

Relaxed COVID-19 Restrictions

Governor Reeves recently issued Executive Order 1522, which extends the social distancing measures under the Safe Return order with a few amendments relaxing COVID-19 restrictions. Under the amended Safe Return order:

• Group gathering limitations are now at no more than 10 indoors or 50 outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
• If people are able to social distance, group gatherings are set at no more than 20 indoors or 100 outdoors.
• Maximum capacity has also been increased to 75% for retail businesses, restaurants, gyms, and seated dinners at reception halls and conference centers.
• Party sizes in restaurants are now limited to 10 people per table, and gyms can be open 24 hours a day.

Click here to read Executive Order 1522.

First Round of Funds Released for Lost Wages Assistance Program

The Mississippi Department of Employment Security processed the first round of payments for the federal Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program. Some claimants may begin seeing their first payments by Saturday, September 19, 2020. MDES officials say benefits will be paid retroactively to eligible individuals based on available funding.

Mississippians who are unemployed or partially unemployed due to COVID-19 and are currently receiving a weekly unemployment benefit amount of $100 or more from one of the following programs will be eligible to receive an additional $300 a week in the LWA FEMA program:

• Unemployment Insurance (UI)
• Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees (UCFE)
• Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers (UCX)
• Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)
• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)
• Extended Benefits (EB)
• Trade Readjustment Allowances (TRA)
• Self-Employment Assistance (SEA)

Claimants do not need to file a separate application to receive LWA. The Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) will make the LWA payments in the same manner as any payment from one of the above-listed programs payable for the week involved for all participating claimants. The $300 LWA payment is subject to both federal and state income taxes.

Click here to learn more about the LWA program.

Executive Orders

Executive Order 1524Executive Order 1524 extends the September 15th budget deadline for 24 Gulf Coast and inland counties.

Executive Order 1523Executive Order 1523 declares a State of Emergency for the State of Mississippi as a result of the impending impact of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Sally.

Executive Order 1522Executive Order 1522 extends the Safe Return order with a few amendments aimed to relax restrictions.

Click here to view all Executive Orders.

Emergency Contact Information

Office of the Governor of Mississippi

Tate Reeves

(601) 359-3150

governor@govreeves.ms.gov

Mississippi State Department of Health

(877) 978-6453

Mississippi Emergency

Management Agency

(601) 933-6362

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(800) 232-4636

Mississippi Department of Employment Security

(601) 855-3133

1-888-844-3577 (toll-free)

1-888-772-0061 (toll-free)

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/hyde-smith-announces-22-7-million-to-repair-storm-damaged-federal-roadways 61ae6d0d13b61100160709df Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Funding Includes $8.0 Million Dedicated to Vicksburg National Military Park & Natchez Trace

Mississippi to receive $22.7 million in emergency relief funding to offset the costs for repairing and reconstructing federal roadways damaged by flooding and storms earlier this year.

Among the five Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awards is $8.0 million to the National Park Service for the repair of road damages at Vicksburg National Military Park and Natchez Trace National Parkway. Hyde-Smith, who serves on the appropriations committee overseeing the park service, visited the Military Park following mudslides and erosions in February that closed parts of the park.

“The severe storms and flooding Mississippi experienced earlier this year claimed lives and caused significant damage to federal properties throughout the state. Damage to the Vicksburg National Military Park, a historic and economic asset to Warren County, was particularly startling,” Hyde-Smith said. “I’m pleased the U.S. Transportation Department has approved this emergency relief funding to address the costs of making necessary repairs to ensure public safety and commerce.”

The five awards are linked to federal and state emergency disaster declarations issued for Mississippi following heavy rains and flooding in 2019 and 2020, including the February 2020 storms that caused the Pearl River to reach its third-highest crest on record. One award is linked to severe weather and flooding in April 2020.

The FHWA awards include:

• $12,952,530 – Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) for February 2020 heavy rain and severe flooding damage repairs
• $8,000,000 – National Park Service for January 11 and February 14, 2020, heavy rain and flood damage repairs
• $1,044,692 – MDOT for February 2019 flood damage repairs
• $749,010 – MDOT for April 12, 2020, storms and flooding repairs
• $41,963 – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for February 2019 flood damage repairs

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/michael-watson-joins-cftc-to-charge-precious-metals-dealers-in-185-million-scheme-targeting-elderly 61ae6d0d13b61100160709de Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Michael Watson of the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office, represented by the Mississippi Attorney General's Office, joined the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and 29 other states in filing a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas alleging Metals.com and Barrick Capital Inc. defendants solicited $185 million from 1,600 seniors and other vulnerable investors nationwide, including over $350,000 in Mississippi, by touting precious metals at grossly inflated prices that were not disclosed.

"They capitalized on investors' fear of market instability and took advantage of hard-working Mississippians," said Secretary of State Michael Watson. "Our investors suffered consequential losses from retirement savings, and it's only right that we take action. We're working closely with the Attorney General's Office to ensure the victims of this case receive justice, and we encourage all investors to thoroughly scrutinize and research any investment opportunity or offer."

The complaint names Los Angeles, California-based companies TMTE Inc., also known as Metals.com, Chase Metals Inc., Chase Metals LLC, Barrick Capital Inc., along with Simon Batashvili, Lucas Asher, and Tower Equity LLC as defendants.

The defendants are accused of using cold calling, television, radio, and social media advertisements designed to “instill fear in elderly and retirement-aged investors and build trust with investors based on representations of political or religious affinity.” Investors were advised to liquidate their holdings at registered investment firms to fund investments in precious metals bullion through self-directed individual retirement accounts and bullion coins, the complaint said.

“This historic joint effort between the CFTC and 30 state regulators is an important step toward rooting out fraud across the country,” said CFTC Chairman Heath P. Tarbert. “This case highlights just how geographically broad commodities fraud can be in our rapidly-evolving financial markets and how important it is for regulators at all levels of government to work together to pursue bad actors and protect market participants.”

The defendants also are accused of failing to disclose the markup Metals.com and Barrick charged investors for their precious metals bullion products, and that investors could lose the majority of their funds immediately upon completing a transaction. The defendants charged investors prices for gold or silver bullion averaging from 100% to more than 300% the melt value or spot price of that gold or silver bullion. In many cases, the market value of the precious metals sold to investors was substantially lower than the value of the securities and other retirement savings investors had liquidated to fund their purchase.

“The defendants were preying on seniors and other vulnerable persons, grossly misrepresenting the value and likelihood of financial profit of the investments they were selling and scamming consumers out of their retirement savings,” said Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “I appreciate the work of the Secretary of State in this matter, and we will continue to work together to protect the rights of Mississippi consumers.”

The complaint requests that the Court order the defendants to cease sales activity, return money to investors, stop defrauding investors, and violating federal and state laws going forward. The complaint also requests that a receiver be appointed to take over the companies to marshal funds for the benefit of investors across the country.

Metals.com and its agents have attempted to evade previous regulatory actions from 12 states by, among other tactics, changing its business name. Today’s coordinated state and federal action to put a stop to the company’s efforts to continue to prey on elderly investors is the result of a multi-state collaboration by members of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), of which the Secretary of State’s Office is a member, and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission’s Office of Cooperative Enforcement.

If you suspect you have been targeted by similar precious metals investment schemes, please contact the Securities Division at (601) 359-1334.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-lottery-corporation-announces-end-date-for-eight-scratch-off-games 61ae6d0d13b61100160709dd Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Lottery Corporation announced the official end-date for eight (8) scratch-off games.

Friday, October 30, 2020, will be the last day to purchase or sell the following games:

• Game #1 – 3 X Lucky
• Game #3 – Triple 777
• Game #4 – $100,000 Jackpot
• Game #7 – Jewel 7’s Doubler
• Game #10 – Easy Money
• Game #13 – Double Doubler
• Game #21 – Crawfish Cash
• Game #23 - Crossword

Players have until Thursday, January 28, 2021, 90 days, to redeem valid prizes for these games.

The following games that were recently launched remain available for purchase. :

- 3 X Lucky (Game #34)

- Triple 777 (Game #36)

- Double Doubler (Game #35)

New games are introduced the first Tuesday of every month. For a complete listing of the Mississippi Lottery Corporation games, visit www.mslotteryhome.com. Prizes remaining for scratch-off games are updated each week!

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mpb-classroom-tv-launches-oct-5th-to-provide-students-broadcast-instruction 61ae6d0d13b61100160709dc Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Mississippi Public Broadcasting, in partnership with the Mississippi Department of Education, has created a new television channel – MPB Classroom TV. This channel will start airing Monday, Oct. 5 weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. to provide instructional content on television to PreK-12th grade students.

MPB Classroom TV was developed to support and address needs of Mississippi students, teachers and parents as they navigate educational challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. For some students, those needs include lack of internet and technology in virtual learning environments causing them to miss instruction.

MPB Classroom TV content was developed in collaboration with the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) and will include pre-recorded 25-minute lessons taught by certified teachers that will be aligned to the Mississippi College and Career Readiness Standards. The content will be beneficial to students and adults who are supporting students learning at home. New content will be added as the school year continues.

"MDE staff members have been working with MPB over the last few months to develop educational content for this channel, which will reach homes across the state. Resources such as these are critical to ensuring that all students and families have access to high-quality learning, even if they currently don't have access to the internet," said Dr. Carey Wright, State Superintendent of Education.

To watch MPB Classroom TV, viewers do not need internet at home. The channel is not available on cable and satellite services. To receive and watch this channel, viewers must use an antenna on their TVs. Cable and satellite subscribers will need to purchase a low-cost antenna and change the TV’s input setting. Individuals who already only use antennas will need to rescan their TVs to pick up the new channel.

By providing broadcast instruction on the same subjects taught in schools, students can continue to receive direct instruction even while at home. Furthermore, the content will be available beginning Oct. 5 for on-demand viewing on the MPB Classroom TV web page as well as MPB’s YouTube channel under the MPB Classroom TV playlist.

“We have created a statewide classroom for Mississippi. It has been a rewarding experience to be in the trenches with MDE teachers and coaches to develop such a great resource for our children,” said MPB Director of Education Tara Wren. “I am hopeful that MPB Classroom TV is a resource parents and teachers depend on to make their lives a little easier during this pandemic when education instruction is so volatile.”

The channels for MPB Classroom TV statewide are:

WMAH/Biloxi 19.5

WMAE/Booneville 12.5

WMAU/Bude 17.5

WMAO/Greenwood 23.5

WMPN/Jackson 29.5

WMAW/Meridian 14.5

WMAB/Mississippi State 2.5

WMAV/Oxford/Univ. 18.5

For more information, visit education.mpbonline.org.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/merit-health-rankin-welcomes-director-of-emergency-services 61ae6d0d13b61100160709db Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

September 24, 2020 – Christy Anderson, MSNEd, RN, NPD-BC, has been named director of emergency services at Merit Health Rankin.

Anderson joins Merit Health Rankin from HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe in Conroe, Texas where she served as Director of Clinical Operations as well as Director of Education. She has previously served as a nurse in the areas of Geri-Psych, Telemetry, ICU, ED, and Cardiac Cath Lab. She earned her B.S. in Nursing and M.S. in Education from Grand Canyon University.

With over 17 years of healthcare experience, Anderson provides oversight to the emergency department at Merit Health Rankin. In her role, she manages the day to day activities of the ER with an enhanced focus on the patients’ experience.

“At the Merit Health Rankin ER, we work hard to make sure every patient receives quality care in a timely, comfortable and efficient manner. We believe our patients’ loved ones deserve the same attention to quality care, so we do our best to keep them informed and comfortable as well,” Anderson says.

The emergency room at Merit Health Rankin is located in Brandon with access from Crossgates Boulevard and Highway 80. The ER is open 365 days a year and provides emergency services for GI issues, orthopedics, respiratory distress and other sudden or severe health issues.

“We are proud to have Christy on our team. Her experience in clinical operations and patient care is an asset to our community,” said Heather Sistrunk, CEO, Merit Health Rankin.

Christy and her husband Jordan have 1 child, Jackson, who is 13. She is a “loud and proud” baseball mom and has 2 mini aussies, Cooper and Fancy, who run her house.

For more information on the emergency room at Merit Health Rankin please call 601-824-8355 or visit ,MeritHealthRankin.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mema-purchases-building-for-new-state-emergency-logistical-operations-center 61ae6d0d13b61100160709da Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency has purchased a facility that will act as the new State Emergency Logistical Operations Center (SELOC). The new warehouse space will serve as the primary location for MEMA’s personal protective equipment stockpile.

The building is located at 1055 Mendell Davis Drive, Jackson. It sits on 16 acres and consists of 103,000 square feet of climate-controlled warehouse space as well as 8,800 square feet of administrative office space. The warehouse was purchased with federal CARES Act funds allocated to MEMA at a total of $2,360,000.

“Because of federal CARES Act funds Mississippi can continue to build our state stockpile of PPE. Not only are we truly prepared for the worst if another outbreak occurs, this new logistical operations center is one more asset MEMA has to serve Mississippians in times of disasters,” says Governor Tate Reeves.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been a challenge to accommodate the sheer volume of PPE supplies necessary to support the statewide response. Currently, MEMA has COVID-19 supplies located in six different facilities throughout the Jackson Metro. The new SELOC will help improve the efficiency of MEMA’s operations by providing a central location for all COVID-19 logistical, procurement and allocation efforts. Additionally, the warehouse space will be used to store MEMA’s 60-day stockpile of essential PPE supplies.

“While this facility will be an immense asset to the state’s COVID-19 response, MEMA’s vision for the logistical operations center extends past the pandemic. In the future, the facility will serve as a permanent space to hold disaster response and relief supplies in addition to emergency management equipment. It will also be the permanent location for MEMA’s procurement and allocation branches. Overall, this new facility will help support MEMA’s future growth in all aspects of the agency’s operations,” says MEMA Executive Director Greg Michel.

In the event that the State Emergency Operations Center in Pearl is not accessible during an emergency, the new SELOC will serve as the agency’s primary work site to ensure the continuity of essential operations during a disaster.

View drone video footage of the State Emergency Logistical Operations Center here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1J4U_h7sKk&feature=youtu.be

The official opening of MEMA’s State Emergency Logistical Operations Center will be some time in November.

https://youtu.be/d1J4U_h7sKk

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/national-hunting-and-fishing-day-celebrating-mississippi-s-sportsmen-and-women 61ae6d0d13b61100160709d9 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Saturday, September 26 marks our nation’s 48th Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHFD). Formalized by Congress in 1971 and signed as an official Presidential Proclamation by President Richard Nixon in 1972, NHFD is a great opportunity to come together and recognize the historical and ongoing contributions of the original conservationists – hunters and anglers. We were honored by Governor Tate Reeves in signing a proclamation designating Saturday, September 26 as National Hunting and Fishing day in Mississippi.

The Mississippi Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, as a member of the 49-state National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses, are proud to take time to celebrate the time-honored traditions of hunting and angling. On this day, we ask our fellow Mississippians to join us in recognizing the tremendous dedication that our state’s sportsmen and women bring to the conservation of our natural resources.

Mississippi’s hunters and anglers are the primary source of conservation funding for the Magnolia State. Through the purchase of licenses, tags and stamps, and by paying self-imposed excise taxes on firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, fishing tackle, motorboat fuel, and other equipment, hunters and anglers drive conservation funding in Mississippi and the United States, through the American System of Conservation Funding (ASCF), a unique “user-pays, public-benefits” program.

Hunting and fishing licenses brought $18.24 million to fund state conservation efforts through the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. NO general fund tax dollars are utilized to fund hunting, fishing & trapping activities in Mississippi. All Mississippians benefit from these funds through improved access to public lands, public shooting ranges, improved soil and water quality, habitat restoration, fish and wildlife research, habitat management on public and private lands, hunter education, boat access area construction and many other Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks projects funded through this program.

Hunting and angling are also a significant economic driver for our state. Sportsmen and women spend over $2.2 billion per year on their outdoor pursuits in Mississippi, supporting 33,580 jobs in the state and contributing $187 million in state and local taxes.

There is no doubt hunting and fishing produce countless benefits for our state’s conservation funding and economy, as well as physical and mental health benefits for those who participate in them - which is why it is important we invest time and effort to introduce new participants, both young and old, to these time-honored traditions. In fact, with the renewed conversations regarding the importance of outdoor recreational opportunities for an individual’s physical and mental health brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is perhaps no better time to introduce interested adults or kids to the outdoors for the first time.

More information on National Hunting and Fishing Day is available at www.NHFDay.org or on the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation website at www.congressionalsportsmen.org/policies/state/national-hunting-and-fishing-day

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ag-comm-gipson-encourages-farmers-to-sign-up-for-the-usda-s-2nd-round-of-coronavirus-food-assistance 61ae6d0d13b61100160709d8 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson applauds the Trump administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture on the second round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2), which will provide an additional $14 billion dollars for agricultural producers who continue to face market disruptions and associated costs because of COVID-19. Signup for CFAP 2 began September 21 and will run through December 11, 2020.

“I encourage all of our farmers across the state to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on their operations and consider whether this program could help in their recovery,” said Commissioner Gipson. “Additional commodities have been added to CFAP 2, and I thank the Trump administration for making these commodities eligible for the program.”

CFAP 2 payments will be made for three categories of commodities – Price Trigger Commodities, Flat-rate Crops and Sales Commodities. Price trigger commodities are major commodities that meet a minimum five-percent price decline over a specified period of time. Flat-rate crops either do not meet the five-percent price decline trigger or do not have data available to calculate a price change. Sales commodities eligible for CFAP 2 include specialty crops, aquaculture, nursery crops and floriculture, and other commodities not included in the price trigger and flat-rate payment categories. The full list of eligible commodities outlined by payment category can be viewed at www.farmers.gov/cfap/commodities.

Under CFAP 2, there is a payment limitation of $250,000 per person or entity for all commodities combined. Applicants who are corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships may qualify for additional payment limits when members actively provide personal labor or personal management for the farming operation. In addition, this special payment limitation provision has been expanded to include trusts and estates for both CFAP 1 and 2.

Producers will also have to certify that they meet the Adjusted Gross Income limitation of $900,000 unless at least 75 percent or more of their income is derived from farming, ranching or forestry-related activities. Producers must also be in compliance with Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation provisions.

The application process for payments began on September 21. For a complete list of eligible commodities, payment rates and application submissions, producers should contact their local Farm Service Agency office or visit www.farmers.gov/cfap.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-high-school-names-august-students-of-the-month 61ae6d0d13b61100160709d7 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Richland High School recently named the August 2020 Students of the Month. These students are nominated and selected by their teachers for such qualities as dependability, attitude, leadership, attendance, and class work. Students are awarded a certificate from the Exchange Club, a book donated to the library in honor of the senior from the Exchange Club, a gift card from BancorpSouth, and Mazzio's. The students are as follows: (seated, l to r) Shelby Duran, Jaylen Bridges, and Bree Mitchell; (standing, l to r) Principal Marcus Stewart, Jacob Bridges, Noah Moudy, and Lisbeth Campusano.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/september-2020-pearl-public-school-district-employees-of-the-month 61ae6d0d13b61100160709d6 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Congratulations to the September 2020 Pearl Public School District Employees of the Month! The employees of the month are selected from the nominations submitted each month by employees, parents, and community members.

Classified Staff of the Month: Grace Weathersby, Pearl Lower Elementary

Certified Staff of the Month: Dr. Matt Rowan, Pearl High School

Administrator of the Month: Dennis Philebar, Pearl Junior High School

The PPSD Employees of the Month Program is sponsored by Merit Health.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-resident-alexis-armstrong-joins-court-of-appeals-staff 61ae6d0d13b61100160709d5 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Alexis Armstrong of Pearl joined the staff of Court of Appeals Judge Latrice A. Westbrooks in August. Armstrong works as a judicial law clerk.

Armstrong earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, cum laude, from Jackson State University, where she served as Chief Justice of the Student Government Association. She earned her law degree from Mississippi College School of Law in May 2020. She was a Dean’s List scholar and earned certificates for her pro bono service and her work in family and juvenile law. She was event planning co-chair for the Black Law Student Association. She was a member of the Moot Court Board and earned Best Oral Advocate in Mississippi Moot Court competition.

Armstrong worked as an intern in the offices of the U.S. Attorney, the State Public Defender, the Mississippi Attorney General, the Mississippi Center for Justice and the Mobile County District Attorney. She was admitted to the limited practice of law as a student through the Mississippi College Guardian Ad Litem Clinic and during an internship with the Rankin County Youth Court. She also previously served internships in the law offices of Frascogna Courtney, PLLC and Margarette Meeks.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/brown-graduates-ummc-with-doctorate 61ae6d0d13b61100160709d4 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Dr. Natasha Dianne Brown, daugh- ter of Kenneth and Dianne Brown of Terry, graduated from the University of Mississippi Medical Center with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree on May 22, 2020. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Jackson State University on December 11, 2015. Brown says she is excited to begin a rewarding career rehabilitating and improving patients' quality of life.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/how-to-convince-a-loved-one-to-get-help-for-their-anxieties-and-fears 61ae6d0d13b61100160709d3 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT By: Stan Popovich Do you know a friend or loved one who suffers from fear, anxiety, and depression and do not know what to do? It can be difficult to watch someone you know struggle with their mental health and not be able to do anything about it. As a result, here are six important tips on how to help the person you care about in these kinds of situations. 1. Learn as much as you can in managing anxiety and depression: There are many books and information that will educate you on how to deal with fear and anxiety. Share this information with the person who is struggling with their mental health. 2. Be understanding and patient with the person struggling: Dealing with depression and anxiety can be difficult for the person so do not add more problems than what is already there. Do not get into arguments with the person who is having a difficult time with their mental health. 3. Talk to the person instead of talking at them: It is important not to lecture the person who is struggling with anxiety and depression. Talk to the person about their issues without getting upset. Most people will listen if you approach them in the right manner. 4. Remind the person the importance of getting help: One way to convince the person who is struggling with fear and depression is to tell them what may happen if they don’t get some assistance. Anxiety and depression can be difficult to manage and usually these mental health issues won’t go away by themselves. 5. Find out why the person won’t seek assistance: Address the issues on why the person will not get the necessary help. Many people who are struggling are fearful and frustrated. Try to find out the reasons why he or she won’t get the help they need and then try to find ways that will overcome their resistance of seeking treatment. 6. Talk to a counselor: Talk to a professional counselor on how you can help your friend or relative with their mental health struggles. A counselor can give you advice and ideas on how to help out your friend. Your main goal is to get the person who is struggling to seek help from a mental health specialist. BIOGRAPHY Stan Popovich is the author of the popular managing fear book, “A Layman’s Guide To Managing Fear”. For more information about Stan’s book and to get some free mental health advice, please visit Stan’s website at https://managingfear.com/blog

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/jingle-bell-market-canceled-for-2020 61ae6d0d13b61100160709d2 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Special to SW Rankin News

For those southwest Rankin residents who, each year, have looked forward to early December to attend one of the most popular holiday events of the season, the annual “Jingle Bell Market,” the Pearl Chamber of Commerce (PCC) has made the sad but necessary decision to cancel plans for this annual event. The special holiday event was going to be celebrating a ten year anniversary, but instead, due to the ongoing pandemic; amidst the frequently changing circumstances as well as the current state and federal regulations in regards to large gatherings in indoor areas, it simply wouldn't come together.

According to Carrie Frierdich, the Member Services Director of PPC, it might be possible to hold this huge event at a venue such as Trustmark Park in Pearl. However, the reality is that these types of events must be scheduled, space reserved and the details tweaked well in advance to make it a success and there simply wasn't time or resources...not to mention a plan of action in case of inclement weather in an outdoor arena.

It is the hope of the Pearl Chamber of Commerce that the 2021 Jingle Bell Market will be on scheduled as planned, to be held, where it always has been in the past, at the Clyde Muse Center in Pearl, Mississippi. The PCC would like to express their feelings thus, “We look forward to 2021 and pray that the COVID virus is no longer the serious issue that it is today and that our lives are much more normal by then.”

Stay tuned.

Pearl Chamber of Commerce is located at 110 Lonnie Jenkins Drive in Pearl. Kathy Deer is the Executive Director, Katie Watson is the Administrative Assistant and Carrie Frierdich is the Member Services Director. For further information contact the Pearl Chamber of Commerce at 601-939-3338 or email at pearlchamberofcommerce@pearlms.org.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-high-school-homecoming-2020 61ae6d0d13b61100160709d1 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Richland High School will be celebrating their 2020 Homecoming, Thursday, September 24 at 7:00 pm. This year because of Covid, we will be having all homecoming festivities on Thursday night.

RHS SENIOR HOMECOMING MAIDS - The 2020 senior maids are (front, l to r) Brianna Alford and Karla Burgos; (back, l to r) Tamora Haymon and Callie Tisdale. Not pictured Rylea Barrier and Katie Beth Holmes.

JUNIOR HOMECOMING MAIDS - The 2020 junior maids are (front, l to r) Lona Quichocho and Sydney Ragsdale; (back, l to r) Ema Roland and Laila Anderson.

RHS SOPHOMORE HOMECOMING MAIDS - The 2020 sophomore maids are (front, l to r) Alainah Alexander and Emily Bridges; (back, l to r) Chloe Owens and Ciera Johnson.

RHS FRESHMEN HOMECOMING MAIDS - The 2020 freshmen maids are (front, l to r) Jordan Whittington and Isa Alvarado; (back, l to r) Megan James and Cierra Sheppard. RHS 8th GRADE HOMECOMING MAIDS - The 2020 eight grade maids are (l to r) Jaylen Bridges and Skylar Reel. RHS 7th GRADE HOMECOMING MAIDS - The 2020 seventh grade maids are (l to r) Sarah Bates and Peyton Perkins.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-upper-elementary-students-prepare-for-the-2020-2021-school-year 61ae6d0d13b61100160709d0 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Pearl Upper Elementary fourth-grade students arrived prepared for a great start to the 2020-2021 school year. Pictured from left to right are Lily Chandler and Aedan Campbell.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-ecec-student-explores-the-block-center 61ae6d0d13b61100160709cf Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Andrik Tapia in Mrs. Leigh Pope’s class at Pearl Public School District Early Childhood Education Center built a tower while exploring the block center.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-upper-elementary-welcomes-new-faculty-and-staff 61ae6d0d13b61100160709ce Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Pearl Upper Elementary is proud to present their new faculty and staff members for the 2020-2021 school year. Pictured on the top row from left to right are music teacher Mrs. Karen Berger and physical education teacher Mrs. Tiffany Edmondson. On the bottom row are fifth-grade teacher Ms. Kaetlyn Nolan and fourth-grade teacher Mrs. Emily Williams.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-upper-elementary-recognized-annabella-pennington-for-ar-points-during-first-month-of-school 61ae6d0d13b61100160709cd Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Pearl Upper Elementary is proud to recognize fifth-grade student Annabella Pennington, who earned over 100 Accelerated Reader points during the first month of school.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-early-childhood-education-center-students-make-bear-caves 61ae6d0d13b61100160709cc Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Students at the Early Childhood Education Center in Pearl wrapped up their teddy bear unit by making bear caves with different food items. Pictured are Lillian Childress and Jayden Norwood.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-high-school-s-august-character-trait-student-of-the-month-awarded 61ae6d0d13b61100160709cb Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Tiara Jackson was named Richland High School's August Character Trait Student of the Month. The character trait for the month was Random Acts of Kindness. Tiara is a senior and she is always kind to others. Congratulations, Tiara!

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/puckett-of-florence-awarded-35-000-fellowship 61ae6d0d13b61100160709ca Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

University of Southern Mississippi Honors College graduate Jonathan Puckett of Florence, Miss., has been selected as a recipient of the Sherrill Carlson Fellowship by The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi — the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.

Puckett is one of only two students nationwide to receive the prestigious, top prized $35,000 fellowship. Created in 2018, the Sherrill Carlson fellowship is awarded to the top-ranking nominee in the humanities and the arts. Carlson was a former Phi Kappa Phi chapter president and lifelong supporter of the society.

“This fellowship is something I never expected to obtain, and I am beyond thankful for all of those who have contributed to my growth as mentors and friends,” Puckett said. “As a librarian and archivist, I hope to use my occupation to emphasize the dignity and importance of every human being I encounter.”

Puckett adds this impressive designation to an already extensive list of academic achievements: Honors College Schillig-Baird Presidential Scholar; Four genealogical publications; King Alfred Prize in Medieval English from Keele University; Seton Shields Genealogical Research Grant recipient; and Wall Street Journal profile for genealogical research.

Puckett earned his bachelor's degrees in English and history from USM in May 2020. As a Carlson Fellow, he will attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and study for an M.S. in library and information science through the archives and special collections pathway.

“I am absolutely delighted to see Jonathan win this prestigious award,” said Ellen Weinauer, Dean of the Honors College and president of the Phi Kappa Phi chapter at USM. “He is a truly extraordinary young scholar who has long used his interests in archival discovery, history, and literature to build bridges between people. I have no doubt that he will continue this bridge-building work at the University of Illinois. Jonathan truly embodies the Phi Kappa Phi motto: “Let the Love of Learning Rule Humanity.” I am so proud to know him!”

Since its creation in 1932, the Fellowship Program has become one of the Society's most visible and financially well-supported endeavors, allocating $615,000 annually to outstanding students for first-year graduate or professional study. Currently, fifty Fellowships of $8,500 and six of $20,000 are awarded each year. Puckett is the 10th Honors College student to garner a Phi Kappa Phi fellowship since 2009.

Each year, active Phi Kappa Phi chapters select one candidate each among its local applicants to compete for its Society-wide awards. The selection process for a Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship is based on the applicant's evidence of graduate potential, undergraduate academic achievement, service and leadership experience, letters of recommendation, personal statement of educational perspective and career goals, and acceptance in an approved graduate or professional program.

In addition to the Fellowship Program, the Society awards $1.4 million each biennium to qualifying students and members through study abroad grants, dissertation fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, member and chapter awards, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.

To learn more about awards offered by Phi Kappa Phi, visit www.PhiKappaPhi.org/awards or contact USM Project Director for Nationally Competitive Programs Carlee Causey at Carlee.Causey@usm.edu.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/attorney-general-lynn-fitch-secures-over-1-7-m-for-mississippi-students-in-itt-debt-relief 61ae6d0d13b61100160709c9 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Attorney General Lynn Fitch has secured an agreement to obtain $1,763,071.28 in debt relief for former ITT Tech students in Mississippi as part of a settlement with 48 attorneys general and the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

“Today’s settlement will deliver more than $1.7 million directly into the pockets of students targeted by PEAKS Trust’s predatory actions, many of whom continue to suffer the economic impacts of astronomical interest rates,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “This settlement should serve as a warning to other bad actors who take advantage of financially vulnerable Mississippians. My office will continue to seek justice, ensuring there are severe consequences for illegal actions against consumers in our state.”

Nationally, the settlement will result in debt relief of approximately $330 million for 35,000 borrowers who have outstanding principal balances.

The settlement is with PEAKS Trust, a private loan program run by the for-profit college, ITT, and affiliated with Deutsche Bank entities. PEAKS was formed after the 2008 financial crisis when private sources of lending available to for-profit colleges dried up.

ITT had operated campuses in Madison, Mississippi. ITT developed a plan with PEAKS to offer students temporary credit to cover the gap in tuition between federal student aid and the full cost of the education. ITT filed bankruptcy in 2016 amid investigations by state attorneys general and following action by the U.S. Department of Education to restrict ITT’s access to federal student aid.

Students will need to do nothing to receive the debt relief. The notices, which will be sent directly to those affected, will explain their rights under the settlement. Students may direct questions to PEAKS at customerservice@peaksloans.com or 866-747-0273, or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at (855) 411-2372.

In June 2019, Mississippi was also part of a $168 million settlement that resulted in debt relief for 18,664 former ITT students. That agreement was with Student CU Connect CUSO, LLC, which also offered loans to finance students’ tuition at ITT Tech.

According to the Assurance of Voluntary Compliance filed Tuesday:

ITT and PEAKS knew or should have known that the students would not be able to repay the temporary credit when it became due nine months later. Many students complained that they thought the temporary credit was like a federal loan and would not be due until six months after they graduated.

When the temporary credit became due, ITT pressured and coerced students into

accepting loans from PEAKS, which for many students carried high interest rates, far

above rates for federal loans. Pressure tactics used by ITT included pulling students out of class and threatening to expel them if they did not accept the loan terms. Many of the ITT students were from low-income backgrounds and were left with the choice of enrolling in the PEAKS loans or dropping out and losing any benefit of the credits they had earned, because ITT’s credits would not transfer to most schools.

The default rate on the PEAKS loans is projected to exceed 80%, due to both the high

cost of the loans as well as the lack of success ITT graduates had getting jobs that earned enough to make repayment feasible. The defaulted loans continue to affect students’ credit ratings and are usually not dischargeable in bankruptcy.

Under the settlement, PEAKS has agreed that it will forgo collection of the outstanding loans and cease doing business. PEAKS will send notices to borrowers about the cancelled debt and ensure that automatic payments are cancelled. The settlement also requires the PEAKS to supply credit reporting agencies with information to update credit information for affected borrowers.

In addition to Mississippi, the settlement was signed by the attorneys general of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-coalition-forms-to-fight-flu 61ae6d0d13b61100160709c8 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Join in the effort and Fight Flu, Mississippi!

Flu Fighters, a coalition of Mississippi associations and agencies, has united to encourage all Mississippians to get their flu shot this year. The Institutions of Higher Learning, the Mississippi Association of Family Physicians, the Mississippi Chapter-American Academy of Pediatrics, the Mississippi Hospital Association, the Mississippi Nurses Association, the Mississippi State Department of Health, and the Mississippi State Medical Association invite the public to join us in the effort and Fight Flu, Mississippi!

A flu shot is the best way to prevent the flu and its potentially serious complications. This year, getting your flu shot can save others too. Even though the flu shot does not protect against COVID-19, it can help keep Mississippians healthy and prevent hospitalizations during the pandemic.

The 2018-2019 flu season alone saw over half a million hospitalizations. During this pandemic, hospitals are already overstretched. One way you can do your part is by taking the proper precautions to lower your risk of getting the flu and COVID — including getting your flu shot.

A flu shot is recommended for everyone six months and older, including pregnant women. Individuals that are at most risk for getting severely ill from the flu are young children, pregnant women, people with certain chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease or lung disease, and people aged 65 years and older. It takes approximately two weeks after flu shot for your body to develop protection against the flu, which lasts about six months.

“Because the viruses that cause flu and COVID-19 might spread at the same time this fall and winter, getting a flu vaccine is particularly important as a way to reduce the amount of flu disease and symptoms that may be confused with COVID-19, and to reduce stress on the U.S. healthcare system,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in their recent ,flu vaccination recommendations.

,According to the CDC, getting a flu shot reduces the risk of being admitted to the ICU with flu by 82%. Flu shots are offered at hospitals, health care providers’ offices, clinics, pharmacies, schools, college health centers and from many employers. Find a flu shot in your area at VaccineFinder.org.

For more information, follow the Flu Fighters on social media with the #FightFluMS hashtag.

###

The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning governs the public universities in Mississippi, including Alcorn State University; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.

The Mississippi Association of Family Physicians has over 1,100 members consisting of physicians, residents, and medical students. Its mission is to support Family Medicine physicians as they improve the health of all Mississippians.

The Mississippi Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is a professional membership organization of more than 325 Mississippi pediatricians, both primary care providers and subspecialists. The mission of the Chapter is to promote the health and well-being of all children in Mississippi. The chapter is one of the 66 autonomous yet affiliated chapters of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The Mississippi Hospital Association is the statewide trade organization dedicated to effectively serving the health care needs of Mississippi through serving those who serve us all - our state's hospitals and their employees.

The Mississippi Nurses Association is the professional association for all registered nurses and advanced practice registered nurses in Mississippi. MNA successfully represents, advocates, and lobbies for nurses across all specialties and roles through a number of activities, events, programs, forums, workshops, and collaborations.

The Mississippi State Department of Health mission is to promote and protect the health of the citizens of Mississippi.

The Mississippi State Medical Association is the largest physician advocacy organization in Mississippi, representing nearly 5,000 physicians and medical student

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-science-fest-presented-by-c-spire-to-celebrate-stem-virtually 61ae6d0d13b61100160709c7 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Jackson, Miss. (August 31, 2020) – The Mississippi Science Fest (MSF), presented by C Spire, is the LeFleur Museum District’s (LMD) signature event which will take place virtually for 2020 on September 18 and 19. After drawing over 6,500 visitors in 2019, MSF remains committed to the goal of introducing new educational opportunities in STEM industries to Mississippi children in hopes of bringing about a brighter future for the residents and upcoming workforce of our state.

“The importance of computer science education and the need for computer science professionals has been on center stage since our global public health emergency began in March,” said Carla Lewis, Chief Technology Officer for C Spire and a principal partner with the LeFleur Museum District for the fifth annual Mississippi Science Fest. “While much of this year’s program will be virtual, the central role of the internet and the professionals who write the code that powers much of the software that is the engine for this amazing technology has never been more critical to everyone’s quality of life.”

This year’s event will include a two-day schedule filled with video content available through the LMD Facebook page showcasing science exploration and activities with exhibitors in a variety of STEM fields including NASA, the Mississippi Polymer Institute, NOAA-National Weather Service, and many others.

For the first time in conjunction with the virtual event, Mississippi Science Fest Activity Kits are available for families to experience STEM activities together at home. Each kit contains instructions, video demonstrations, and supplies for eight curated activities and experiments for families to complete together. MSF Activity Kits are $15 and available for purchase by visiting mssciencefest.org. “The LMD team is excited to share these fun STEM activities during this year’s virtual Mississippi Science Fest!” said LMD President and Director of MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. “We believe that experiences like this help to create the next generation of problem solvers who lead the way to a brighter future.”

The Virtual Mississippi Science Fest will take place on September 18 and 19, 2020 on the LeFleur Museum District Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LeFleurMuseumDistrict). For a full schedule of the virtual content and to purchase Mississippi Science Fest Activity Kits, visit ,www.mssciencefest.org.

About the LeFleur Museum District The LeFleur Museum District (LMD) promotes four uniquely different museums and is located at a one-quarter mile stretch, just off I-55 and Lakeland Drive in Jackson, MS. Featuring the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum, the Mississippi Children’s Museum, and the MDWFP’s Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, the LMD’s mission is to inspire visitors from around the region and nation with a sense of wonder. LMD creates opportunities for growth for all museums involved through joint events and cross-promotion of individual activities. Associations like the LeFleur Museum District are important developments to this region’s creative economy. The district partners with nearby restaurants and hotels to build the area as a premier destination for visitors. For more information, visit LeFleurMuseumDistrict.com.

About C Spire and the C Spire Foundation C Spire is a diversified telecommunications and technology services company that provides world-class customer- inspired service and a superior comprehensive suite of wireless communications, high-speed Internet access and a range of other telecommunications products and services to consumers and businesses. The C Spire Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and its mission is to support STEM education that strengthens digital literacy, technology and professional skills development for students in grades K-12 and at institutions of higher learning in Mississippi. For more information about C Spire or the C Spire Foundation, visit www.cspire.com or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cspire or Twitter at www.twitter.com/cspire.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/just-say-no-to-initiative-65 61ae6d0d13b61100160709c6 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

When it comes to legislation, and in ballot initiatives, “the devil is in the details.” We’ve heard much in recent months about the Medical Marijuana Initiative 65 and its legislative alternative, Initiative 65A. Many news articles have been written, many personal testimonials given about why many people want medical marijuana as an option, and many opposing viewpoints exist as well.

But how many people have actually read the six pages of proposed constitutional amendment known as Initiative 65? The other day I sat down and read it, word for word. It’s too bad the six-page change to our State Constitution won’t be printed on the ballot. If it were, I have no doubt it would not pass. And it won’t pass with my vote. Whether you are for or against the general concept of “medical marijuana,” I urge you to seriously consider what I am about to say and do not vote for this misguided Initiative 65.

The proposed Initiative 65 is being well funded by out-of-state interests and supported by some well-meaning Mississippians. But what you probably have not heard is, if enacted, this proposed amendment would give complete constitutional control over “medical marijuana” to an unelected, unaccountable Mississippi State Department of Health.

You heard me correctly. By voting for Initiative 65, you will be giving complete and total authority over marijuana in Mississippi to an unelected state agency that will then have the unquestioned power to issue rules with the force of law over the “tracking and labelling” of medical marijuana; qualifications for processing medical marijuana; medical marijuana identification cards; standards for testing facilities; use of marijuana in nursing homes; reciprocal agreements with other states; qualifications for caregivers and treatment centers; implementation and operation of a “statewide data base system” and penalties for violations.

The Mississippi State Department of Health already has a huge scope of authority in our lives as we are witnessing every day during the COVID-19 pandemic. Why in the name of anything decent would Mississippians vote to give complete and total control over medical marijuana to the Mississippi Department of Health? Why would we vote to give complete and total control over anything to ANY unelected state agency?

This Initiative 65 is the exact opposite of what it means to be conservative. If you vote in support of Initiative 65 you are voting to support a state-run and state-controlled marijuana industry. Can you imagine the level of corruption that would result from such an industry in our State?

Can you imagine marijuana dispensaries in every commercial location in Mississippi, offering marijuana for anyone walking in with some form of pain? I’ve seen examples in other states of marijuana dispensaries set up in old abandoned motels, complete with billboard advertisements, and we don’t need that in Mississippi. It’s wrong for our families.

Did you know this Constitutional amendment would require a statewide tracking database of users? Will the federal ATF be able to monitor it and revoke your freedom to buy a firearm, to hunt, or even revoke your concealed carry license because now you are violating federal laws against possession or use of marijuana?

Initiative 65 is wrong for so many reasons - I’ve outlined just a few. Initiative 65 is wrong for Mississippi. As a proven conservative in our State, I am urging you to not support Initiative 65. If you want to support the concept, vote against Initiative 65 and vote for the alternative 65A. At least with the alternative 65A you retain a voice through the legislative process and the ballot box. But whatever you do, don’t vote for Initiative 65. Don’t give the Mississippi Department of Health yet another stranglehold over your personal healthcare and freedom. We have enough of that already.

Andy Gipson-Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-reeves-announces-2-000-mississippians-enrollment-milestone-in-workforce-training-initiative 61ae6d0d13b61100160709c5 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

JACKSON— Governor Tate Reeves announced that a milestone of over 2,000 Mississippians have enrolled in the ReSkill Mississippi initiative (ReSkillMS) within the first 30 days of the program.

ReSkillMS is designed to help ease the economic burden and uncertainty the COVID-19 pandemic has created for our state's workers by providing training at community colleges or on-the-job training. As of Friday, September 5th, a total of 2,071 Mississippians were enrolled and participating in short-term training or on-the-job training made possible through ReSkillMS, and 71 employers were expanding as a result of the program.

“ReSkill Mississippi is already helping thousands of Mississippians. We have expanded training capacity in our community college system, and I encourage any Mississippian wanting a better career to enroll,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “I also encourage more companies to sign up and receive cost assistance for new employees receiving on-the-job training. We must continue to fight this pandemic on the economic front just as aggressively as we are fighting it on the healthcare front.”

ReSkillMS, which was announced on August 5, was created as a direct result of the Governor’s Commission on Economic Recovery's recommendation that significant dollars from the CARES Act recovery funds be used for workforce training to help lift the economic burden on our workforce from the pandemic. The State Workforce Investment Board (SWIB), the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES), and Mississippi’s four local workforce areas collaborated to develop the program. ReSkillMS allows Mississippians out-of-work or those working reduced hours to “re-skill” in order to help prepare them for and fill high-demand, higher paying jobs across our state.

“We have long had more skilled jobs available than people trained to fill them, but this program can help thousands of Mississippians retrain for the skills needed for higher paying jobs," said SWIB Chairman Patrick Sullivan. "I believe this program will play an important role in sustaining a vibrant and growing Mississippi economy, and it is the type of effort that Mississippi should look to continue long after the CARES Act and the COVID-19 pandemic are gone."

The Mississippi Legislature appropriated $55 million of the $1.25 billion in federal relief funds sent to Mississippi under the CARES Act to support our state's workers and employers. Working to maximize those funds, the Governor and a coalition of the state's workforce leaders created ReSkillMS, an innovative new program to train individuals for good-paying jobs most needed right now and into our state's future.

The direct beneficiaries of ReSkillMS are Mississippians furloughed, laid off, or otherwise having economic damages and who received unemployment benefits from MDES, as well as Mississippi employers seeking to hire Mississippians immediately and train them on the job. Employers willing to hire and train individuals in the workplace are eligible to be reimbursed for up to 75% of the individual’s wages during the training period for jobs paying over $15 per hour and for up to 50% for wages under $15 per hour.

Individuals and employers interested in the program should go online to ReSkillMS.com to complete the appropriate survey. An official from Mississippi’s workforce offices nearby will reach out to the individual to guide them through the application process. If individuals have not heard from anyone within seven days of submitting an application, they can email ReSkillMS@mdes.ms.gov to follow up.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/quality-counts-mississippi-2nd-most-improved-state-in-education 61ae6d0d13b61100160709c4 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT JACKSON, Miss. – For the third consecutive year, Mississippi earned national recognition for its progress in education, climbing to be among the top five states or jurisdictions with the greatest improvement, according to the latest Quality Counts report published in Education Week. Mississippi ranked second among states with the most improved states, excluding the jurisdiction of Washington, D.C. The report examines achievement in school systems from prekindergarten through grade 12 and socioeconomic factors leading to success in adulthood.

Mississippi earned an overall grade of C-minus (70.5 out of 100 points), inching closer to the national average. The nation’s overall grade was a C (72.8 out of 100 points).

Mississippi, District of Columbia, South Dakota and Louisiana all saw their overall scores improve. The Quality Counts report is released in three phases based on indicators for opportunities for success, school funding and achievement. In February, Mississippi was recognized for gaining 6.2 points in the Chance-for-Success Index, improving its grade from a D+ in 2008 to a C in 2020. The report stated key advances in family income, parental education levels, parental employment, 4th grade reading, and 8th grade math contributed to the state’s success.

Mississippi also made the most progress in the nation on the K-12 Achievement Index from 2019 to 2020. Its score jumped by 5.2 points during that time fueled by increases in the percentage of 4th grade students proficient in math and reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

“This is outstanding national recognition for our teachers and leaders in the state. We have challenged students to meet higher standards of learning, and they are succeeding,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. “This is validation that over time, we can change the trajectory of public education in Mississippi and raise expectations for what our students can do.”

In 2019, Mississippi achieved the No. 1 spot in the nation for gains on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), known as the Nation’s Report Card. NAEP measures student proficiency in 4th and 8th grade reading and mathematics, and Mississippi was the only state in the nation to show significant increases in three of the four NAEP subjects. Washington, D.C., was the only jurisdiction to show gains in three of four subjects.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mso-presents-special-digital-broadcast-free-program-celebrating-the-virtual-gala 61ae6d0d13b61100160709c3 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Jackson, Mississippi, September 10, 2020 - On Saturday, September 12th, 2020 at 7:30pm, the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra is presenting a free digital broadcast in celebration of its highly successful eventless gala, “SUSTAIN THE NOTES”. The program cast will feature moving remarks by Music Director Crafton Beck from his living room, accompanied by entertaining and uplifting music from our musicians, safe at home. Music includes three digital presentations by MSO musicians from their homes, including Ravel’s Bolero, a portion of Dvorak’s Eighth Symphony, and a fun PDQ Bach spoof for “two unfriendly groups of instruments.”

The public is invited to attend the free broadcast at rebrand.ly/MSOshow. Gala Digital Program available beginning Saturday, September 12th @ 7:30pm, or any time/day thereafter. For more information, please contact: bwyatt@msorchestra.com

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/two-decades-of-service 61ae6d0d13b61100160709c2 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

This week Mayor Jake Windham honored Pearl Police Lieutenant Brian Ellis for 20 years of service!

Lt. Ellis is what Pearl is all about. He has worked hard since starting as a rookie officer to now setting the example for the entire department as a supervisor.

Ellis also plays a critical role with our Community Development Department, working to enforce city codes to keep things looking great.

Brian is not only a great professional, but also a great family man.

Thank you to Lt. Brian Ellis for your 20 years of service to the city.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-youth-soccer-angels 61ae6d0d13b61100160709c1 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to the Pearl News

The Pearl Youth Soccer League (Pearl Futbol Club) donated a check of more than $9,000 to the Pitman family of Pearl from its recent Jason Davis Kick Cancer Classic.

Four-month-old Maddy Pitman was diagnosed with leukemia in July and is undergoing treatment at St. Jude Children's Hospital in Memphis. This will help offset the massive medical costs Nick and Amanda Pitman are enduring through this very difficult time.

The PYSL thanks the generous donations of our citizens and the soccer community around the state and the hard work of so many of our volunteers.

The tournament started 25 years ago to honor Jason Davis, a former Pearl and Ole Miss Soccer Player who developed cancer his freshman year in college and passed away the next. Since then the tournament is held here in Pearl and all proceeds raised go to a deserving family in the city with a child battling cancer.

If you would like to help the Pitman family, you can text Nick Pitman at 601-260-8175.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-public-universities-release-video-to-help-fight-covid-19 61ae6d0d13b61100160709c0 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbrEhM0DyEU&feature=youtu.be

Students attending Mississippi Public Universities join all Mississippians in the race against the coronavirus pandemic. In fact, recent information from the Mississippi State Department of Health shows that the 18-29 age group has had more diagnosed COVID-19 cases that any other age group in the state.

The offices of university communications from all eight public universities in Mississippi pulled together to create a system video to encourage all students to realize they are in the driver’s seat when it comes to preventing the virus and to follow the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control.

“Our students, like all of us, want their lives to return to normal as soon as possible,” said Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr., Commissioner of Higher Education. “The video highlights the smart choices we can make to help stop the spread of the virus and make progress toward returning to a more traditional campus living and learning environment. It is important to remember that if we all take these simple steps together, it can have a powerful, positive impact.”

The Centers for Disease Control recommends following these six simple steps to help stop the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands often
• Avoid close contact
• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Clean and disinfect
• Monitor your health daily

Students who experience any symptoms of COVID-19 should follow campus guidelines for reporting their symptoms, seeking care and staying apart from others.

The Centers for Disease Control has identified several symptoms, which may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Executive produced by David Garraway, Director of the University Television Center at Mississippi State University, the video encourages students to make smart choices now to help reach the finish line on the changes brought about by the pandemic and return to normal.

The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning governs the public universities in Mississippi, including Alcorn State University; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/free-covid-19-testing-now-available-for-child-care-facility-workers 61ae6d0d13b61100160709bf Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

JACKSON, Miss. – Child care facility workers in Mississippi can now receive free drive-through COVID-19 testing at selected Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) community testing locations conducted at many county health departments, and at the West Street Farmers Market in Jackson.

K-12 teachers, staff, school administrators and child care workers of Mississippi licensed child care facilities can be tested regardless of whether they show symptoms or have had close contact with someone positive for the virus. They must receive an appointment by completing an online questionnaire found at https://covidschedule.umc.edu/.

For a list of scheduled testing sites, visit http://HealthyMS.com/page/14,22406,420,874.html.

Keep up with the latest COVID-19 information by downloading the free MS Ready mobile app or follow MSDH by email and social media at www.HealthyMS.com/connect.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/jury-trials-resume-in-madison-rankin-and-hinds-counties 61ae6d0d13b61100160709be Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Canton Multipurpose Center lived up to its name on Tuesday, Sept. 8, as it became the venue for the selection of a Madison County Circuit ]]>

Jury trials began this week in Circuit Courts in Madison and Hinds counties after six months of delays due to COVID-19. Hinds County jurors were summoned last week to the Westin hotel for jury qualification. A jury selected from that pool on Tuesday began hearing a civil case at the Hinds County Courthouse in Jackson.

Rankin County Circuit Court also has not been able to have a jury trial since mid-March. Jury qualifying was conducted on Tuesday at the Brandon Municipal Complex. Criminal trials scheduled to begin next week have a pool of 74 potential jurors waiting. Several defendants set for trial on Tuesday pleaded guilty in Rankin County Circuit Court. Two people on the docket failed to appear, said Circuit Judge Dewey Arthur. Three others scheduled for trial on later dates pleaded guilty on Tuesday. Having a jury ready moves cases to resolution, often by way of a guilty pleas.

Because large numbers of people are summoned for jury service, jury qualification and selection was moved to larger facilities to provide social distancing. “This was the largest place that I could find,” Circuit Judge John Emfinger said during a break in jury selection at the Canton Multipurpose Center. The large activity room would seat 91 people. Judge Emfinger split the prospective jurors into two groups, conducting jury qualifying with one group in the morning and with a second group in the afternoon. By mid-afternoon, 88 people were ready to serve as jurors.

When trials moved back to courthouses, courtrooms were rearranged to continue social distancing and provide extra safety measures. In Madison County Circuit Court, three-sided plexiglass enclosures were installed around each juror’s chair. In Hinds County Circuit Court, jurors sat spaced out in what would ordinarily be spectator seats. Circuit Judge Winston Kidd moved the trial from his regular courtroom to the largest courtroom in the building.

Judge Emfinger said, “It’s just a matter of making sure we are as safe as possible.” In an effort to deter sick people from coming to court, letters were sent to all prospective jurors telling them not to come to court if they were ill, were caring for someone who was ill, or if they had other risk factors. Everyone wore masks. The courtroom will be cleaned multiple times each day. Blue tape “x” marks on a counsel table and on courtroom seats remind everyone to keep their distance. Jurors will deliberate in an adjacent courtroom rather than the jury room.

Judge Emfinger told potential jurors, “You are here today to try to relieve that (backlog) that has built up over the past six months.” He said, “I’ve often heard that jury service is the most important peace time service that you can do. That is especially true during these times.”

Circuit Judge Steve Ratcliff, who has cases set for trial next week in Rankin County Circuit Court, said, “COVID has required us to make certain adjustments to our dockets. We want to make sure the system moves as fairly and expeditiously as possible with as many safeguards as we can manage.”

The Madison County Circuit Court case is the trial of Darius D. Johnson, 32, of Canton who is charged with aggravated assault in the April 23, 2019, shooting of his cousin.

The Hinds County Circuit Court case on trial is Ashley Nicole Newton-Taylor v. David L. Kirk and I.B. Logistics Inc.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/jenkins-of-florence-receives-multiple-awards-at-regional-competition 61ae6d0d13b61100160709bd Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

Mississippi State University (MSU) interior design students recently received thirty-one of fifty-four possible awards in the 2020 American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) South Central Chapter Student Work Competition. Originally scheduled to be held in New Orleans this past spring, the society’s annual summit was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the student awards were announced via email and video.

MSU Interior Design Program Director and Professor Beth Miller, Ph.D., credits her students’ success to the exposure of a wide range of project types and to the faculty’s guidance and design experience in their respective fields. MSU’s interior design program also offers furniture design, numerous computer technology courses, hand rendering and lighting courses that many other universities do not include in their curricula.

“I am so proud that interior design students took the initiative, even in the throes of the pandemic, to enter their student projects into the competition. Most of the student winners were underclassmen—juniors and sophomores—so our program’s future is bright,” Miller said. “MSU’s interior design program continues to dominate the competition, and we are thankful that the tradition continues even during these difficult times. We maintain the reputation that student work from MSU is high quality and competitive.”

The ASID student competition drew representatives from higher education institutions throughout Mississippi, Louisiana and Arkansas.

Among the 2020 MSU winners was senior, and Florence resident, Katelyn M. Jenkins, who received a gold in hospitality, original product design and hand rendering; and silver in hospitality.

MSU winning entries can be viewed at https://www.caad.msstate.edu/our-difference/student-work/2020-asid-south-central-student-design-competition.

Accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation and National Association of Schools of Art and Design, MSU’s interior design program is part of the College of Architecture, Art and Design. Its curriculum provides a broad background in interior elements, materials, sources and practical experiences. For more, visit www.caad.msstate.edu/id and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @CAADatMSU.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-resident-runs-roofing-business-while-attending-ummc 61ae6d0d13b61100160709bc Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT By: Gary Pettus, University of Mississippi Medical Center Office of Communications and Marketing

Once Casey Spell finishes his medical degree, he’ll earn his living mending people’s health; in the meantime, he’s earning a living mending their roofs.

Enrolled as a third-year student in the School of Medicine at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Spell is simultaneously managing H&S Roofing and Home Repair, based in his hometown of Pearl, a venture he co-owns with his high school buddy, Chris Hare.

“It has taken up a good bit of time, but it’s manageable and I enjoy it,” said Spell, 28. “And it’s a break from my studies.”

That he would consider running a business a breather does not exactly astonish Dr. Robert Brodell.

“Casey is an amazing medical student and master juggler,” said Brodell, chair of dermatology at UMMC.

“During the 2019 -2020 school year, he performed library research and wrote a book chapter with me, “Acne and Rosacea in Pregnancy,” which had been accepted for publication in the textbook, Cutaneous Disorders of Pregnancy.

“He found time to study and maintain a straight-A average, prepare for {his medical licensing exam], manage his roofing company, and prepare for the arrival of his first child. Whew! I’m tired thinking about it.”

For Spell, steering a company is not only a way to nourish his bank account, it’s also a way to nurture his brain, especially the part medical school doesn’t often tap into. “I believe what [online investor] Tai Lopez said, that you should be constantly feeding it. “You need a six-pack for your mind,” he said, referencing abs, not beer.

Entrepreneurially speaking, this is not Spell’s first rodeo, although he has been fairly set on becoming a physician, rather than a businessman, since he was an eighth-grader at Pearl Junior High. For a classroom assignment requiring him to research careers, Spell’s online browsing led him to anesthesiology’s doorstep, he said.

“I thought, ‘hey, this sounds pretty cool.’” When he realized it combined a good living with the “pursuit of an admirable career,” he was sold on medical school. It didn’t hurt that he is good at math and science, and “always enjoyed a challenge.”

And it was a challenge. After the Pearl High School graduate finished at Millsaps College in Jackson, he applied to medical school for the 2015-2016 academic year.

“And I didn’t get in,” he said. “I thought, ‘What am I going to do?” Starting a business seemed to be called for, he said.

By this time, Spell knew the drill. About 10 years ago, a couple of his friends with Ivy League credentials returned home to Pearl to create a company that tutored kids in standardized test-taking. They even made house calls. And they called on Spell to join them.

For four years, the trio set up workshops and contracted with highs schools around Mississippi, helping students get a leg up on the ACT, the PSAT and many other T’s. This led to an offer from Spell’s alma mater: Pearl High asked him and one of his co-tutors to teach there.

If Spell really enjoys a challenge, he must have been in heaven by then. After earning his teaching license at Hinds Community College, he taught for two years, either Algebra or ACT Prep, but not always to a rapt audience.

“I loved my students, but for some, school wasn’t their thing,” he said. “It was difficult for me to find out that the majority of high school students have made up their minds that they’re either going to care about school or they’re not.

“I wanted to surround myself with people who do care and who want to better themselves every day.”

Which is a pretty good description of medical students. On Spell’s second try, he was admitted, to the Class of 2022. But his adventures in business did not stop there.

Every day, on his drive from home to school and back, he listens to audiobooks, often at double speed – Harry Potter and “Game of Thrones,” sometimes, but more often books about personal development and business. Since last year, at least, commerce has been on his mind as much as clerkships: It was 2019 when his friend Chris Hare asked him to help him set up a company.

“Between Millsaps and medical school, I had put in a lot of time learning about finance, and Chris knew I had the business knowledge,” Spell said.

“He had been in home repair for about seven years, but wanted to start his own business. While he focused on labor, he wanted someone else to handle logistics and finances. He would be kind of like the machine and I would be like the computer.”

This suited the computer fine, since he doesn’t have time to scale sketchy roofs – “I have to study too much, so it’s not possible,” he said.

“Throughout the day, I can study for an hour or so, then switch to the business for a while. And Chris can focus on actually going out and doing the job.” This switch, from thinking like a clinician to thinking like a comptroller, not only feeds his mind, it gives it peace as well.

But, at times, he must also think like an officer: On top of his lives as entrepreneur, student and family man, Spell is a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Before enrolling as a medical student, he was accepted for the military’s Health Professions Scholarship Program, which covers his medical school tuition and fees while also providing him with a monthly stipend.

He will eventually undergo his medical residency at a U.S. Army installation and, to complete his duty requirements, serve as an Army physician for another four years.

Having a source of income during medical school is no longer a major concern. “I still have debt from undergraduate school; this helps me avoid digging myself into more debt,” he said. “And, with my scholarship and business, I’ve been able to start a life and a family.”

That family – he and his wife Anna, a third-grade teacher in Pearl Public Schools – will be joined in July by Holden Andrew Spell, their first child.

“But, even if the business crashes, I’m still fine, because of the scholarship,” Spell said.

A crash seems unlikely: The business has at least doubled since last year, he said. But it’s still just a two-person enterprise: H & S, with H managing the subcontractor crews who supply the labor.

“Once I finish medical school,” Spell said, “Chris and I hope to have put systems in place so we can be more hands-off, and the business can run itself.”

Even if he has to move, say, for his residency in a couple of years, “we can expand to that location,” Spell said.

“Like McDonald’s.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/the-mississippi-department-of-public-safety-s-driver-service-bureau-announce-skip-the-line-program 61ae6d0d13b61100160709bb Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Governor Tate Reeves said, “It just didn’t work right for the people of Mississippi. It was frustrating, confusing, and slow. Today, we’re announcing some new efforts to change that. It will help Mississippians to skip the line and get in-and-out quickly. That helps with COVID-19 safety. It’s also just better. It treats the people of Mississippi the way they deserve to be treated--with respect for your time and wise use of your tax dollars. I’m grateful to Commissioner Tindell and everyone who has worked diligently on this effort.”

Newly appointed Public Safety Commissioner Sean Tindell said, “We are committed to reducing the lines at our Driver Service Bureaus. Shortly after taking office, we identified several redundancies in our processes related to renewals of driver’s licenses and firearm permits. We have worked diligently to remove these redundancies, resulting in reduced processing times for customers.”

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety is excited to offer the “Skip the Line” program to our customers. The program includes several new components to reduce customer wait times.

• Online Appointment System: Effective September 14, 2020, customers can schedule an appointment at the location of their choice in the Troop K (Gulf Coast) and Troop C (Jackson Metro) Regions. This feature will be available statewide on October 1, 2020. All appointments will be given priority service over walk-in customers.

• Skip the Line Cam: Customers can view the lines at all major Driver License stations prior to arriving by visiting https://www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/live-feeds. This feature will be available at all troop locations on October 1, 2020.

• Online/Mail-In Firearm Renewal: Effective immediately, all firearm permit renewal applications will be mail-in only. Firearm permit renewal applications are available online at https://www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/Firearms/Home. This program will eliminate the need to renew in person and the requirement that customers be fingerprinted for a firearm permit renewal.

• Removal of Alphabet Schedule: Effective October 1, 2020, all services (including processing of new firearm permits) will be available every day of the week.

For additional information about the “Skip the Line” program, please visit our website at https://www.dps.ms.gov/ or https://www.driverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov/.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/new-website-provides-mississippi-teachers-with-access-to-high-quality-instructional-materials 61ae6d0d13b61100160709ba Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), in partnership with Mississippi First, has launched a new website for Mississippi teachers to increase teacher access to high-quality instructional materials.

The site, Mississippi Instructional Materials Matter, offers a centralized location for Mississippi math and social studies teachers to review high-quality, standards-aligned materials that have been evaluated and adopted by other Mississippi teachers and school districts. When teachers have access to high-quality instructional materials or curriculum, students succeed at a higher rate.

“We know the instructional materials teachers use are essential to ensuring student success in the classroom and beyond," said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. “The Mississippi Department of Education is dedicated to providing teachers and school districts with the tools and resources they need to evaluate and provide high-quality materials to our students.”

The new website provides resources about the materials selection process at the state and district levels. It also identifies the materials the MDE has reviewed and adopted as high-quality. Mississippi teachers can use this site to evaluate their current materials and find tools to encourage their district leaders to provide access to and training for standards-aligned materials. This will help teachers find instructional materials that meet student needs.

The MDE will finalize its high-quality instructional materials list and rubric for English Language Arts (ELA) by the end of 2020. Once formally adopted, the ELA materials will be uploaded to the site.

Visit Mississippi Instructional Materials Matter at msinstructionalmaterials.org.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-public-school-district-child-find-publicity-campaign 61ae6d0d13b61100160709b9 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Pearl Public School District is participating in the statewide effort to identify, locate,

and evaluate children birth through the age of twenty-one who have a disability. The Child Find Coordinator of Pearl Public School District implements this process. Family members, physicians, educators, or other individuals with knowledge of the child may make referrals of in-school or out-of-school children. Representatives of various agencies such as the Health Department, Mental Health, Head Start and day care centers may also refer children. Early identification of children in need of special educational services is most important.

Disability categories include the following: autism, developmental delay, emotional disability, and deaf/blind disability, hearing impairment, language speech impairment,

intellectual disability, orthopedic impairment, multiple disability, traumatic brain injury and visual impairment. Each school district has special education programs that provide services to students who have been determined to have one or more of these disabilities. Information gathered from contacts with parents and agencies helps school districts determine present and future program needs so that a free appropriate public education can be provided to all children with disabilities.

If anyone needs to refer a child or just wants information, the Child Find Coordinator for

Pearl Public School District is Ashley Chism. She may be reached by calling 601-932-7965 or by writing to her at P.O. Box 5750, Pearl, Mississippi 39288.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/phil-bryant-on-initiative-65-medical-marijuana 61ae6d0d13b61100160709b8 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

There’s a $14 billion dollar industry that wants to sell their product in Mississippi.

It’s backed by powerful and wealthy investment firms.

Studies show their product is harmful to our health and will put our kids and vulnerable populations at risk.

Yet, this out-of-state industry has devised a scheme to give themselves special protections in our state constitution and they won’t pay any sales taxes – so no money for our schools, roads or cities.

They want a free ride, but there’s good news. We can stop them.

All we have to do is vote NO to Initiative 65 and tell the marijuana industry they are not going to get a free ride in Mississippi.

Tobacco, gaming and alcohol companies share something in common with main street businesses. They all pay sales tax to help fund our local and state needs. Big Marijuana not only doesn’t want to pay their fair share, but they want this evasion of taxation enshrined in our state constitution.

This is outrageously bad public policy!

We don’t need to give welfare to an industry larger than the NFL.

Big Marijuana wants to take your money and leave Mississippi families, teachers, healthcare workers, and law enforcement with the mess they help create.

Make no mistake – it’s all about MONEY.

They will tell you they just want to help sick people, but they are a predatory industry. They have already fed on the compassion of many other states and now they are selling the same scheme here.

There are lot of investment firms and wealthy people making many millions by investing in companies selling marijuana across our country. The former CEO of Big Pharma Oxycontin is now in the marijuana industry and the tobacco companies have invested billions in the last few years.

If you liked BIG TOBACCO, you are going to love BIG MARIJUANA. It’s the same scheme – just decades later. Sell a product that causes permanent damage to people while claiming it has no ill effects and make as much money as you can for as long as you can. They say it’s about compassion, but follow the money. They’ve already spent over $3 million to insert their business plan into our State Constitution and will spend much more this fall to position themselves to make a lot of money selling marijuana.

We need to stop Initiative 65. It’s a bad mistake.

They call it “medical marijuana” and appeal to people’s natural concern for the sick.

Who could be against helping the sick? Well, no one, of course. That’s why it is all BIG MARIJUANA ever talks about, but the U.S. Surgeon General has stated there is no such thing as “medical marijuana” and emphasizes that it’s a “dangerous drug.”

And here is more you need to know…

Initiative 65 inserts marijuana permanently in our State Constitution. The Constitution rarely changes and is beyond the reach of the governor and legislature to regulate. In other words, it will take another statewide referendum to fix any oversights in Initiative 65. And there are plenty of problems.

Initiative 65 would empower an un-elected group of 11 Mississippians to run this new industry with unprecedented taxing, spending and regulatory authority inconsistent with our system of government and not answerable to the State Legislature or any elected official.

Doctors would be able to give Mississippians the legal right to smoke five ounces of marijuana per month. That translates to about 10 joints per day or 300 per month.

Whoa!

Think of the impact on our workforce, driving safety and young people.

Physicians could certify patients with a broad array of medical conditions to use marijuana, including “pain”. It’s a mighty slippery slope other states have already slid down. Anyone, including teenagers, with a headache could be legally allowed to smoke marijuana.

Mississippi needs to take a cautious and wise approach to marijuana. Adding it to our State Constitution is neither.

Studies have shown that marijuana use negatively affects individuals’ processing speed, reasoning, executive function and memory. Furthermore, studies confirm young people who regularly use marijuana under the age of 25 lose measurable cognitive abilities permanently.

They claim this is safe and healthy. It’s a lie from BIG MARIJUANA just like the lies BIG TOBACCO used to tell us.

Initiative 65 is the wrong approach. If you think it’s time for “medical marijuana”, push to pass it through the legislature in 2021, but please don’t vote to add it to our State Constitution where not even an Act of Congress can change it.

It’s going to take a grassroots effort to beat back BIG MARIJUANA’s millions of dollars to pass Initiative 65. We will have to win this campaign the old-fashioned way. We can do it! Visit ,www.MississippiHorizon.org to join the effort in preventing BIG MARIJUANA from permanently damaging Mississippi.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mdac-to-distribute-third-round-of-farmers-to-families-food-boxes-at-the-mississippi-state-fairground 61ae6d0d13b61100160709b7 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) will distribute 1,400 food boxes to the public at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson, on Friday, September 11, at 9:00 a.m. as part of the USDA sponsored Farmers to Families Food Box Program.

“I’m glad the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce can assist with the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. It benefits not only our farmers and distributors, but also our citizens who may be struggling as a result of COVID-19’s impact on society. Our Department has distributed over 2,800 produce boxes, 3,600 dozen eggs and 3,600 gallons of milk to the public in the past two months. We are continuing our efforts to assist the public by hosting another food box distribution Friday on the Mississippi Fairgrounds,” said Mississippi Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson.

Merchants Foodservice of Hattiesburg, Miss., will provide the 1,400 food boxes, Borden Dairy is donating an additional 2,200 gallons of milk and Cal-Maine Foods, Inc. of Jackson is donating 16,800 eggs. Those receiving a food box will also receive two gallons of milk and a dozen eggs.

The public can start arriving at 9:00 a.m. and must remain in their vehicles with the windows up. MDAC volunteers will wear masks and gloves at all times and when instructed, the public will be allowed to open their car trunks for placement of their dairy box.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) created the Farmers to Families Food Box Program under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Through this, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service partners with national, regional and local suppliers, whose workforce has been significantly impacted by the closure of restaurants, hotels and other food service businesses, to purchase up to $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat products. Suppliers then package these products into family-sized boxes and transport them to food banks, community and faith-based organizations and other non-profits serving Americans in need.

The Mississippi State Fairgrounds is located at 1207 Mississippi Street, Jackson, MS 39202. The public must enter through Gate 1 on Jefferson Street and exit through Gate 6 on Greymont Street. Visit www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food-to-usda/farmers-to-families-food-box to learn more about the Farmers to Families Food Box Program.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-seniors-get-their-own-facility-and-plans-to-expand 61ae6d0d13b61100160709b6 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT By Terri Wood, Senior Services Director for the City of Richland

The Richland Senior Center is located at 371 Scarbrough Street, across from City Hall and the Library. This facility has been a Daycare, City Hall, Richland Police Department, and the Parks & Recreation Department and now is the home to our Senior Adults. Previously the senior programs were held at the Richland Community Center. The community center was a great place to have our programs, but neither could grow. Parks and Recreation would be getting their Multi-purpose building soon (which will be located next to the community center) so we decided to swap buildings during the quarantine. Of course, the corona virus put our programs on hold, but gave us the opportunity to transform this building into the Senior Center. This building is great for most of our daily activities, but not for our big events that we have often. So, in the next few months, we will expand this building to accommodate all our senior needs and expand our programs as well.

The good news is we are now open and our seniors are coming back to their activities. We are still under restrictions on how many people can attend, but we hope that will change soon as well.

At this time, we offer exercise classes, crochet class, Bible study, art class, tap dancing, exercise with art and line dancing classes. We have several volunteers that help teach and we love our volunteers because they help our programs grow. Once limitations are lifted, we hope to start back with game days, luncheons, and more.

We love our new location and we are ready to serve our community. We are committed to offer programs and activities that will help our senior adults maintain a healthy lifestyle and enhance their quality of life. Please give us a call at 601-420-3401/3402 and see how you can become an active member.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pcc-golf-tourney-open-for-registration-seeking-sponsors 61ae6d0d13b61100160709b5 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Pearl Chamber of Commerce will be holding their annual two-flight golf tournament on Friday, October 2, 2020. The tournament will be held at the Pearl Municipal Golf Course which “features 18-holes and 6,161 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 71. The course rating is 69.4, a slope of 123 on Bermuda grass,” according to the Chamber's 2020 guide.

This year check-in will begin at 7 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. for first flight and 1 p.m. start for a second flight. First place winners will receive $400 per team, second place winners will receive $300 per team and third place winners will receive $200 per team. There will be additional prizes for “closest to the hole,” “longest drive” as well as door prizes.

Registration will include three options for particpants. The first option is the “4-Man Team Sponsorship” which includes four green fees, eight mulligans, two carts and lunch for all team members at a cost of $385. The second option is a “Hope Sponsorship” which includes a sign placed on the tee box at a cost of $100. The third option is “Tee Box Sponsorship” which allows the sponsor to put up a tent and/or table representing their business and offer refreshments, literature or items to golfers.

The Chamber is seeking tournament sponsors, including: Title Sponsors, Drink-Snack Sponsors, Tee Box Sponsors, Food Sponsors, Raffle Sponsors and Hole Sponsors.

To register visit to download a form. Make checks payable to Pearl Chamber of Commerce. Registration forms may submitted by mail to P. O. Box 54125, Pearl, Mississippi, 39288. ,http:

,//www.pearlms.org/

For further information contact Executive Director of PCC, Kathy Deer, at 601-939-3338 or email ,kathy@pearlms.org.

Special to SW Rankin News

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/court-rules-in-favor-of-greater-accessibility-to-absentee-voting-for-mississippians-during-covid-19 61ae6d0d13b61100160709b4 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT JACKSON, Miss. — In an early evening ruling yesterday, the Hinds County Chancery Court held that voters with pre-existing medical conditions that make them more likely to suffer severe consequences from COVID-19 may vote absentee in the November 3 election. The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by the Mississippi Center for Justice, the ACLU of Mississippi, and the national ACLU Foundation regarding Mississippi’s absentee ballot law.

The decision by Chancery Court Denise Owens involves a provision of Mississippi’s absentee ballot law providing the option of absentee voting to “[a]ny person who has a temporary or permanent physical disability . . . whose attendance at the voting place could reasonably cause danger to himself or herself or others.” That provision has existed in Mississippi’s election law since 1986. Four of the plaintiffs who brought this case have such conditions and Judge Owens held that they, and others like them, may vote absentee.

Judge Owens took note of public health guidance from the Mississippi Department of Health (MDH) stating that people “with a chronic illness such as heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease” and people who otherwise are “in poor health” are at a higher risk for severe consequences from COVID-19 and should “stay home as much as possible.”

At the same time, the Judge rejected the contention of the Plaintiffs that public health guidance to avoid community events by itself entitles people to vote absentee under an additional provision passed this summer by the legislature extending absentee voting to those under a “physician imposed quarantine.” Judge Owens said this provision is limited to orders from the Mississippi Department of Health requiring people to isolate at home or recommendations from a voter’s own physician.

The six voters who brought the case are Harriett Oppenheim, who has Lupus, has had a kidney transplant, and has chronic kidney disease; Mary Harwell, who has diabetes and lives in a household with her autistic child who has cerebral palsy and multiple auto-immune disorders and with her mother who is 77; Dave Miller, who previously had stage 3 malignant melanoma and had radiation treatment and surgery to remove the tumor and 80 nodes and more recently had spots identified on his lungs, but they were biopsied and were not found to be cancerous; Joy Parikh, who has severe asthma; Martin Clapton, who has no underlying conditions but who has been caring during the COVID-19 pandemic for his wife, who has serious medical conditions; and Michelle Colon, who has no specific underlying conditions but is trying to follow public health guidance just like the other Plaintiffs.

Judge Owens held that the four Plaintiffs with pre-existing conditions could vote absentee. She held that Martin Clapton could invoke a provision allowing absentee voting for those who are caring for others who are under a physician-impose quarantine if his wife’s doctor advises her to stay in place.

Vangela M. Wade, President and CEO, Mississippi Center for Justice: “Voters should not have to choose between their health and their vote. We are doing everything we can to insure they are not forced to make that decision.”

Rob McDuff, Director of the George Riley Impact Litigation Initiative, Mississippi Center for Justice: “The Court correctly concluded that Mississippi voters may vote absentee if they have medical conditions that will lead to particularly severe consequences if they contract COVID-19. But we believe the right to vote extends even further and requires that absentee voting be available to all Mississippi voters who are following public health guidance and avoiding community events during this pandemic.”

Theresa Lee, staff attorney, ACLU’s Voting Rights Project: “This ruling means more Mississippians will not have to risk exposure to a deadly virus in order to vote. The court should have extended this is all voters, and we are examining next steps to ensure everyone can protect their health and their vote.”

Joshua Tom, legal director, ACLU of Mississippi: “We are pleased that more voters can cast a ballot safely, but more needs to be done."

The case is Oppenheim v. Watson, ,No. 25CH1:20-cv-00961, and was filed in Chancery Court of Hinds County, First Judicial District.

Opinion: Order of the Court

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/hope-nicholson-of-florence-celebrates-99th-birthday 61ae6d0d13b61100160709b3 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

On August 31, 2020 Hope Nicholson of Florence celebrated her 99th birthday. She is being wished a Happy Birthday by members of the GFWC-MFWC Florentine Club. Mrs. Nicholson has been a resident of Florence and Rankin County since 1968. She is a member of Marvin United Methodist Church, the Florentine Club, worked at Samaritan Heart, member of Friends of Florence Public Library, member of Friends of MS State Hospital and participates in many community events. Everyone that has had the privilege of knowing Hope knows she has a true heart of volunteerism and doing for others. Pictured: Betty Harpe, C.J. Applewhite, Judy Webb, Hope Nicholson, Dee Payne, Kathy Hilton, Jessie Buckley, Debi Gibson, Carolyn Mason, Jeannie Pittman and Dianne Roberts.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mde-releases-compulsory-school-attendance-law-reminder 61ae6d0d13b61100160709b2 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

As the new school year begins, the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) Office of Compulsory School Attendance Enforcement would like to remind parents about the law governing school attendance and about the deadline for notifying school districts of home school decisions.

The compulsory school attendance law requires a parent, legal guardian or custodian who has legal control or charge of a child age 6 to 17 to enroll him or her in an education program (public, private or home school). Based on the compulsory school attendance law, a compulsory-school-age child means a child who has reached the age of 6 years on or before September 1 of the calendar year and who has not reached the age of 17 years on or before September 1 of the calendar year. The law also includes any child who will be age 5 on or before September 1 and has enrolled in a full-day public school kindergarten program.

Parents interested in providing educational services to their child/children at home are required to complete a certificate of enrollment, which includes a simple description of the educational services. The certificate of enrollment must be submitted to the school attendance officer by September 15 of each year the child home schools. This is in accordance with the compulsory school attendance law. Parents should keep a copy of the enrollment form for their records.

For additional information, please contact the local school district or the school attendance officer in your county. Families may also visit https://mdek12.org/OCSA .

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/public-hearings-scheduled-for-medical-marijuana-initiative 61ae6d0d13b61100160709b1 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT JACKSON – The Secretary of State's Office will host a series of public hearings regarding Initiative Measure No. 65 (medical marijuana) in each of the old five Congressional districts, as required by State law. Initiative Measure No. 65 and the legislative alternative, Alternative Measure No. 65A, will be on the 2020 General Election ballot.

The public hearings allow voters to express their opinions and learn more about how to properly cast their ballot prior to Election Day. Voters will have the opportunity to hear from speakers both for and against Initiative Measure No. 65 and Alternative Measure No. 65A. The doors will open at 5 p.m., and all hearings will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m. The hearing dates and locations are as follows:

DateLocationAddress

September 30 The Ford Center

at Ole Miss351 University Ave, Oxford, MS 38655

October 1 Leflore County

Civic Center200 MS-7, Greenwood, MS 38930

October 7 Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center220 W Front St, Hattiesburg, MS 39401

October 8 Meridian City Hall Auditorium601 23rd Avenue, Meridian, Meridian, MS 39302

October 13 MS Civil Rights Museum 222 North St, Jackson, MS 39201

All public hearings will be conducted in accordance with all state guidelines regarding COVID-19.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/miranda-bell-balances-life-as-a-mom-and-mc-law-student 61ae6d0d13b61100160709b0 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Miranda Bell brings time management skills as a busy Mom with her studies as a first-year Mississippi College Law student.

“Honestly, I wing it most days. Being a full-time parent means you have to adjust to the demands of your kids as they come,” the Pearl resident says. “We created a good morning and night routine that allows me to set boundaries to be able to tend to my studies, keep up with housework, and still satisfy their needs.”

The 27-year-old Mississippian with three young kids lives on little sleep. She’s pulled a few “all-nighters” as week two begins at MC Law.

Her husband, Christopher Bell, who serves with the Mississippi Army National Guard’s Engineer Brigade in Vicksburg, supplies valuable help to his wife at home.

A 2017 Alcorn State University English literature graduate, Miranda Bell is committed to law school. Earning a law degree in three years provides new avenues to do what she loves: serving her community. A mentor to young girls as a tutor, she envisions a plethora of pro-bono legal work ahead.

After helping students as an educator in Adams County schools in Natchez, Miranda felt she could make a bigger difference as an attorney. “I knew changes had to be made at a higher level rather than inside a classroom,” the Illinois native said.

Part of a university committed to academic excellence and a commitment to the cause of Christ, MC Law is the perfect fit.

“As a Christian, it was easy for me to choose a school that mirrors the same doctrine, educationally, as I do a home – a no-brainer, really.”

The first-year student discovered MC Law is a close-knit family of classmates, professors and staff. “MC Law cares about you as a person and that is something that is particularly special to me. To be able to learn the law in a community of people who actually care means everything!”

Raised in Champaign-Urbana, Miranda Bell is the daughter of healthcare professionals in Illinois. Her father, Mark Mammen, works as a director in industrial rehabilitation. Her mother, Nikki Cam, is a former registered nurse. Badly injured in a car accident, she gave up her nursing career.

Healthcare is something people think of daily in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are more than 5.72 million COVID-19 cases in the USA. Schools are adjusting as a result.

“I think the biggest struggle is making sure our daughter is adapting well to virtual learning. All parents with school-age children are experiencing this right now.”

Wearing masks, social distancing and frequent temperature checks are part of the landscape on the downtown Jackson campus. From professors to staff, there is, she said, “strength in community here because we are all working together to get through these unprecedented times.”

The Pearl couple’s kids make their lives more interesting. Ace, nine months, is learning to walk and loves to dance. Jaxon, 3, is fascinated by construction vehicles. Their 13-year-old stepdaughter, Jade, is focused on the fashion world and enjoys shopping trips.

Miranda Bell is part of an exceptional class of first-year law students.

Dean Patricia Bennett salutes all 152 outstanding members of the Class of 2023. The group is the largest class of new MC Law students in six years.

There are 74 Mississippi students and 78 classmates from outside the state. There is one international student from Ghana. The newcomers are residents of 16 states, primarily the Southeast as well as four from California. Forty-seven percent of the new students are women. Minority enrollment stands at 20 percent.

Jay Armstrong, director of admissions, is always thrilled to welcome new MC Law students. “The best part of my job is helping people to achieve their dreams, so seeing a new class each year is a lot of fun.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/jessica-harrell-of-florence-has-been-named-msh-july-employee-of-the-month-for-clinical-services 61ae6d0d13b61100160709af Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

WHITFIELD — Jessica Harrell has been named Mississippi State Hospital July Employee of the Month for Clinical Service.

Harrell is a Registered Nurse working in Female Receiving. A Florence resident and Hinds

Community College graduate, Harrell has worked at MSH since 2012.

The MSH Employee of the Month award recognizes employees who have made outstanding contributions to the hospital through their work. The program is sponsored by Friends of Mississippi State Hospital, Inc.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/volunteer-arthur-whigham-cleans-ditches-and-beautifies-richland 61ae6d0d13b61100160709ae Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Arthur Whigham stays on fire about cleaning ditches, cutting limbs, removing trash and tackling other odd jobs to improve the look of his Rankin County hometown.

People often notice the 64-year-old Army veteran working hard as a volunteer in the downtown Richland vicinity off busy U.S. 49.

It’s all volunteer work, and Whigham goes it alone up to twelve hours a day. He’s out there even as July’s summer temperatures climb beyond the mid-90s; hot weather doesn’t bother him. Whigham tries to stay cool with a hat, a white T-shirt to go along with his Army fatigues, and a handy cloth to wipe off the sweat. A cross dangles from his neck as he works.

“It’s my passion,’’ Whigham says. “It’s who I am.’’ Whether he’s got a weedeater in hand or wearing a mask, the former Mississippi Gulf Coast resident finishes jobs with his own equipment.

People will never see Whigham working with another clean-up partner.

“If you want to do it right, do it yourself,” he said.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Whigham focuses on his clean-up mission to upgrade the appearance of portions of Richland. He moved to the Central Mississippi community several weeks ago from Biloxi and likes the quality of life.

“In Richland, Mississippi, the people are extremely nice and courteous,” Whigham says. “They are so appreciative and grateful for what you do.’’

His schedule from one day to the next varies: it could be working highway ditches one day and cutting tall grass in a neighbor’s yard on day two to keep snakes away.

“I play it by ear,” Whigham says. The scorching summer days roll by, and “I see something that needs to be done.”

It could mean seven-day work weeks, but it’s really a labor of love for the retired Mississippian.

Whigham says he enjoys working outdoors. He did it as an MDOT employee and as a laborer beautifying community college campuses. He can bush hog and take on projects most people would shy away from.

It’s just part of his DNA, he says.

“I’ve worked for charitable organizations all of my life,” including the Salvation Army.

Besides being passionate about upgrading the appearance of neighborhoods, Whigham stays in shape by pumping iron and working out. He’s been spotted at places like Planet Fitness in Pearl and at Fitness 1440 in Richland. The gym off U.S. 49 isn’t far from the ditches and roads where he volunteers. The outdoor work is a dependable way for the former body builder to keep in tip-top shape.

The Mississippian isn’t rich, and he didn’t turn down an offer recently to help him financially. Richland neighbors collected $180 as a way to say thanks for his hard work. Whigham notes he buys his own equipment, and that doesn’t come cheap.

Honorably discharged from the Army, Whigham comes from a military family. His dad served in the Coast Guard, and he has an uncle who was a Navy man. His deep sense of community service was passed off to his son, Arthur Harris, Jr., who works in law enforcement in the Dallas area.

Asked if he’s noticed any problems with the work he performs, Whigham noted motorists along U.S. 49 need to slow down.

“Cars go fast down through here.”

But that won’t stop him. One of his first jobs happened when he gazed at a neighbor’s yard and noticed the grass was getting out of hand. “It has issues,” he said.

People wanting to thank super volunteer Arthur Whigham can drive by to honk or wish him well. Typically, he’s laboring in the city near the Richland Public Library and local Kroger. Chances are, the Army veteran won’t pause very long to chat. There’s always more work to be done to benefit his new hometown of Richland.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-lottery-corporation-introduces-cash-3 61ae6d0d13b61100160709ad Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Lottery Corporation (MLC) will introduce its third draw-style game, Cash 3, on Tuesday, September 1.

Tickets for the highly ]]>

“Many players have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of this game,” said MLC President Tom Shaheen. “While a large number of Mississippi players are already familiar with this daily draw game popular in surrounding states, it will be new to others.”

Players may choose a favorite three-digit number (from 000-999), such as 123, or choose the quick-pick option, which permits the terminal to randomly select their numbers. Players also have the choice of eight different play types including a unique “1-OFF” option where players can win a prize if any one digit in their number is off by one number up or one number down. For example, if 476 is drawn and the player has selected the “1-OFF” option, they can win a prize if their number is 376, 576, 466, 486, 475 or 477. A step-by-step video of how-to-play can be found on the MLC website at https://www.mslotteryhome.com/games/cash-3/.

“Players enjoy this game because of so many ways to play and win,” said Shaheen. “Regardless of how many people play or how many people win, the set prize amounts are the same.”

Ticket prices are $.50 to $1. Players also have the multi-draw option, similar to Powerball® and Mega Millions®. Depending on play-type, prizes range from $36 to $500. The highest prize for a $1 play is $500.

Winning numbers are posted at mslotteryhome.com at approximately 9:50 p.m. Central Standard Time. Additionally, television stations WCBI-Columbus, WXXV-Gulfport, WJTV-Jackson, WMDN-Meridian and WGBC-Meridian will also post results from the drawings (times may vary based on station schedules).

Players may redeem winning tickets at approved retailers or the MLC headquarters.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/glyn-trigg-phs-cross-country-track-assistant-coach-earns-the-aic-cic-certifications 61ae6d0d13b61100160709ac Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Glyn Trigg, Pearl High School cross country and track assistant coach, earned the Accredited Interscholastic Coach (AIC) and Certified Interscholastic Coach (CIC) certifications through the National Federation of State High School Associations. The combined eleven courses, to complete the AIC and CIC certifications, are designed to enable coaches to better serve students, the school, the community, and the profession of coaching. Coach Trigg is the first Pearl coach to achieve these certifications.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-police-encourage-drivers-drive-sober-or-get-pulled-over 61ae6d0d13b61100160709ab Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Pearl, Miss.— As residents of Pearl prepare to celebrate the upcoming Labor Day holiday weekend, the Pearl Police Department wants to remind everyone about the dangers of drinking and driving. Pearl is partnering with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to spread the word about impaired driving dangers and to work together to get drunk drivers off the roads and help save lives.

The high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, runs from August 21 through September 7. The Pearl Police Department has zero tolerance for drunk driving.

“We want to see Labor Day celebrated, but celebrated safely,” said Pearl Captain Amanda Thomasson. “We need commitment from our community members that they’ll keep the streets free of drunk drivers so that everyone can have a safe holiday. This is a campaign to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and it takes lives. Help us protect the community and put an end to this senseless behavior.”

Pearl Police recommend these safe alternatives to drinking and driving:

• Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact the Pearl PD at 601-939-7000.
• Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.

The statistics prove that we have a lot of work to do to put an end to drunk driving. According to the NHTSA, 10,511 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes in 2018. On average, 10,000 people were killed each year from 2014 to 2018 — one person was killed in drunk-driving crashes every 50 minutes in 2018

For more information about the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, visit https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/drunk-driving/national-mobilization/peak-enforcement-kit.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-state-fairgrounds-hosts-the-annual-mega-barrel-race 61ae6d0d13b61100160709aa Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi State Fairgrounds is hosting the annual MEGA Barrel Race Thursday, August 20, through Saturday, August 22. The MEGA Barrel Race is a free event held in the Kirk Fordice Equine Center, and features competitors of all ages from across the nation.

“Events like this and other horse shows demonstrate that we can safely and successfully hold large events on the fairgrounds during this pandemic when incorporating precautionary measures,” said Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson. “We are observing state face mask requirements and encouraging visitors to maintain six feet of social distance between groups. Hand sanitizing stations are also provided throughout the grounds.”

The competition runs from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, and Friday, August 21. The winners will then compete in the finals held from 12 noon to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22. First, second and third place champions of each division win cash prizes, belt buckles and more. During this event, Penn’s Restaurant and City Limit Concessions vendors will be open to the public each day of the competition.

Ralph and Lynn Feathers of Byhalia, Miss., coordinate this annual, family-fun event. Visit ‘The MEGA Barrel Race’ page on Facebook for more information.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/spring-lake-garden-club-of-pearl-annual-kickoff-meeting 61ae6d0d13b61100160709a9 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Spring Lake Garden Club of Pearl annual Kickoff meeting was held on August 20, 2020, with President, Linda Brown residing over the meeting. Members received their new yearbook and discussed plans for the upcoming garden club year. Member, Angelia Wade, announced to the members the awards the garden club should have been presented at the state convention, which was cancelled due to Covid. From the Garden Clubs of MS, the garden club won 8 first place, 3 second place and 2 third place. Deep South Region awards were 2 first place and 1 second place. National Garden Club, Inc. awards were 2 first place, 2 certificates of achievement and total of $300 in award money.

Spring Lake Garden Club of Pearl is a member Natchez Trace District, The Garden Clubs of MS and federated with National Garden Club, Inc.

Masked on Members (left to right); Floor: Cathy Craven and Betty Newman. Second row: Angelia Wade, Martha Fincher, Linda Brown, Sissie Haynie and Pamela Williams.

Third Row: Susan Newton, Brenda Vernamonti, Marie Jackson, Patsy Warrington, Diane Chapel, Judy Logue, Mary Johnson, Ruby Whitehead, Bonnie George, Jan Wilkinson and Sue Dramer.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mdot-urges-preparedness-as-hurricane-katrina-s-15th-anniversary-approaches 61ae6d0d13b61100160709a8 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

HATTIESBURG, MISS. – As the 15th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast prepares for two tropical systems heading toward the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) urges residents to get a plan in place before a hurricane threatens.

“Katrina is a hurricane Mississippi will never forget. It serves as a reminder of why it’s so important to have your evacuation plan in place before a tropical storm threatens,” said Commissioner Tom King, Southern Transportation District. “As we keep a close eye on the developing tropics, we urge residents to act quickly and get their plans in place now.”

Katrina made landfall as a category three hurricane on August 29, 2005, along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, leaving behind enormous destruction and significant loss of life. According to the National Weather Service, Katrina is one of the five deadliest hurricanes to ever hit the United States. The hurricane was responsible for 1,833 fatalities and approximately $108 billion in damage.

Within six hours of landfall, MDOT first responders opened all structurally safe roadways to emergency response teams. Within 16 hours all state-maintained highway lanes had been cleared and opened for the public to access. However, major reconstruction was necessary, including two bridges on U.S. Highway 90.

“MDOT stays prepared for any tropical system that threatens Mississippi,” King said. “Our first responders are stationed and ready to get highways back open as soon as possible for emergency responders.”

To help residents prepare their evacuation plans, MDOT provides free resources including the MDOT Traffic mobile app, a hurricane evacuation kit checklist and the 2020 MDOT Hurricane Evacuation Guide in English, Spanish or Vietnamese.

The Hurricane Evacuation Guide features information to assist in developing a preparedness plan such as evacuation routes, contraflow information, radio coverage areas through Mississippi Public Broadcasting and important contact information from the Mississippi Highway Patrol, American Red Cross, Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and bordering state DOTs and highway patrols. Individuals and families will find vital information about shelters, pet care, lodging and travel resources.

To download the Hurricane Evacuation Guide and the full hurricane evacuation kit checklist, and for more hurricane safety tips, visit ,,GoMDOT.com/hurricanes.

As MDOT monitors the tropics you can follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter along with the hashtag #HurricaneStrong to stay up to date.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/drive-through-testing-sites-now-available-for-teachers 61ae6d0d13b61100160709a7 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) will be hosting drive-through COVID-19 testing sites for Mississippi teachers and staff at various county health departments over the next few weeks.

Any K-12 teacher, staff or administrator can be tested for free at the county health department locations below. Testing hours are noon to 7 p.m., and no appointment is necessary.

Visit the MSDH website at www.HealthyMS.com/locations for addresses of the county health departments.

MONDAY, AUGUST 24

Tallahatchie – Charleston

Alcorn

Attala

Chickasaw – Houston

Copiah

Newton

Adams

George

TUESDAY, AUGUST 25

Tunica

Holmes

Choctaw

Yazoo

Clarke

Lauderdale

Amite

Pontotoc

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26

Grenada

Lafayette

Sunflower – Indianola

Noxubee

Rankin

Wilkinson

Greene

Hancock

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27

Yalobusha

Marshall

Leflore

Oktibbeha

Warren

Scott

Franklin

Lamar

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28

Tate

Union

Montgomery

Lowndes

Claiborne

Smith

Franklin

Lamar

Additionally, daily testing is offered for teachers, staff, and school administrators at the West Street Farmer’s Market in Jackson or any pop-up testing site sponsored by MSDH, the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and the Mississippi National Guard. Appointments are required for the pop-up sites and the Farmer’s Market, and testing hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

To make an appointment, visit

https://umc.edu/CoronaVirus/COVID-19-Testing/Home.html.

Follow MSDH by email and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-reeves-issues-limits-on-college-stadiums-game-day-events-to-protect-players-and-spectators 61ae6d0d13b61100160709a6 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

JACKSON — Governor Tate Reeves issued social distancing measures for college and university outdoor stadiums and game day events to ensure the safety of participants and limit transmission in the continued fight against COVID-19.

Working closely with college and university leadership and consulting with state health experts, Governor Reeves signed a new executive order to establish social distancing measures for campus outdoor stadiums that are in effect until Monday, August 31 at 8:00 AM.

"I know it’s a topic that we constantly get questions about. It’s something that’s been polarizing around the country—some conferences have opted not to make any effort to play. Some states have not yet put out their plans," said Governor Tate Reeves. "This is an effort, which we worked closely with the universities on, to set a floor. We took their joint recommendations, and with a little work we put this plan together. This is the minimum that each school is required to do this fall, to keep players and spectators safe while allowing college football to occur."

The Governor made the announcement at today's press briefing, which you can view on our Facebook page ,here.

Under ,Executive Order No. 1519, bowl seating is limited to no more than 25% of seating capacity while maintaining six feet distance between households, with limits on club areas and suites as well. Additional social distancing measures include:

• Everyone over the age of 6 must wear masks as they enter/exit and throughout the stadium, unless they are seated. Masks are strongly encouraged while seated.
• Game day events such as tailgating and rallies outside the stadiums are prohibited.
• Individuals allowed on the sidelines are limited to those essential for the game.
• Concession stands are open, though grab-n-go food and drink options are strongly encouraged.
• All transactions should be contactless and touchless, such as mobile ticketing and cashless concessions.

You can view the full list of measures in the text version of Executive Order No. 1519 ,here. Signed versions of all executive orders related to COVID-19 can be found on our website at ,governorreeves.ms.gov/covid-19.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/jackson-zoo-to-reopen-for-first-time-since-outbreak 61ae6d0d13b61100160709a5 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Beginning Saturday, August 22nd , the Jackson Zoo will be opening its doors since closing down on September 30, 2019. The sudden outbreak of Covid-19 hindered the facility’s original plan to re-open in the Spring of 2020.

There will be new guidelines in place to protect the public and prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Jackson Zoo’s reopening plan also includes a limitation on no more than 500 guests allowed inside daily and limit of no more than 10 guests per group. There will also be a mandatory mask requirement in place.

Their initial re-opening hours will be Saturdays from 10am to 4pm, and Sundays from 1pm to 4pm. Dippin’ Dots, Brick Street Pops, and other delicious treats will be available near the café seating area, and Pepsi machines are on grounds.

Follow the Jackson Zoo on social media for more updates:

- Facebook

- Instagram (@JacksonZoo)

- Youtube

- Twitter

You can find more information including COVID-19 guidelines on their website here: https://jacksonzoo.org

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mdwfp-provides-insight-about-mississippi-s-alligator-population 61ae6d0d13b61100160709a4 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Alligators may be found all across Mississippi. They are most prevalent in the southern two-thirds of the state (south of Hwy 82). While alligators typically avoid humans and human activity, occa- sionally they do cause conflicts with humans. Juvenile alligators often disperse into new territories in the late spring and early summer months. During this dipersal, they occasionally find themselves in unusual locations near human development, such as; farm ponds, road ditches, highways, parking lots, yards, swimming pools, neighborhood water landscape pools, and even buildings. It is illegal and very dangerous for the public to capture and remove or kill an alligator without a special permit from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP). As human developments (residential and commercial) continue to encroach into more rural areas of the state, increased interaction and conflicts with wildlife are subject to occur.

According to Ricky Flynt, Alligator Program Coordinator, MDWFP Alligator Program, the central Mississippi area receivesbetween 100 to 200 calls a year regarding alligators. Of those, approximately 100 require agency response. MDWFP will typically respond when the alligator is deemed a "nuisance." Of these 100 calls, ones that require immediate attention are those where the alligator is in an out-of-place location, such as a private home, a highway, a parking lot or business and/or considered to be an eminent threat to the public.

Flynt says that the most common situation where alligators and humans come into contact on a more frequent basis are local "high recreation areas" such as the Ross Barnett Reservoir and Pearl River. As a result, the alligators are less spooked by human activity, but will typically continue to avoid contact. Flynt recommends recreation seekers avoid contact with alligators when one is spot- ted in these circumstances. Mississippi residents can only legally seek the indigenous reptiles out when issued a permit from MDWFP during hunting season.

Flynt says that "alligators have a bad wrap, that has been given them by Hollywood, TV shows, cable TV shows." But he wants to reassure SW Rankin residents that ultimately alligators "are generally not dangerous and avoid people in normal circumstances. The problems that do arise between human and reptile exist because someone has fed them and or provided access to a food supply" and Flynt wants to emphasizes that the intentional "feeding alligators is illegal."

For more information about MDWFP Alligator Program, visit www.mdwfp. com/wildlife-hunting/alligator-program/ or call 601.432.2400. To report alligators, or any wildlife, violations, call 1-800-BE SMART(237-6278).

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/coming-to-richland-the-vietnam-traveling-memorial-wall 61ae6d0d13b61100160709a3 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT The Richland Economic Development Association (REDA), a non-profit organization that works with the City of Richland, will be hosting in partnership with the City of Richland, The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall. The exhibit will be available for viewing Saturday, September 16 through Wednesday, September 20, 2021 at the Richland Town Square. It is a free event.

Over three million visitors each year visit the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington D.C., but not everyone is able to travel there for various reasons. Therefore, this scaled down replica was created for the purpose of healing and to allow an opportunity to rekindle friendships. According to the www.travelingwall.us website, it also provides viewers the opportunity to visit loved ones in their home town who would otherwise not be able to make the trip to Washington D.C.

REDA and the city are currently working on the agenda, which will be made public in the near future. The agenda will include an official escort of the wall to the city, an Opening Ceremony, a Wreath Ceremony, and more.

Once the wall has been setup, it will be available for viewing by the public twenty-four hours a day until the wall leaves on September 20, 2021. The Richland Economic Development Association helps produce community activities, to assist Richland businesses with their needs and wants from the local government, and to encourage businesses to locate in the Richland area. It meets the second Tuesday of every month at 5:30 pm at Richland Community Center.

To find out how to become a member of REDA, contact Terri Wood at 601-420-3401 or email at twood@richlandms.com.

For more information about The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall, visit www.travelingwall.us/, email info@travelingwall.us or visit their Facebook page.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/little-feet-for-safe-sleep-virtual-5k-10k-run-walk-2020 61ae6d0d13b61100160709a2 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Mississippi SIDS & Infant Safety Alliance and our title sponsor, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi, will host the Little Feet for Safe Sleep Virtual 5K/10K Run/Walk the entire month of August 2020.

This virtual walk/run will take place wherever and whenever the participant decides. It can be at home, on a trail, any road, or treadmill, even in another state! You can run your own race, at your own pace, and time yourself. You can run or walk with friends or by yourself. When you finish your race, come back to our website and submit your time, who you are honoring with your race, and your chosen distance.

We encourage you to walk or run in memory or honor of a loved one. We also want you to send us pictures of you walking or running, your time, and who you are honoring, and we will share it on our social media sites.

Registration is $35.00 and includes a medal. There is no registration deadline. The race runs from August 1, 2020 – August 31, 2020. Medals will be mailed out after August 31st.

This event will benefit the Mississippi SIDS & Infant Safety Alliance to help continue our educational programs and outreach. Our mission, even during this Covid-19 pandemic, is to make sure that our babies are sleeping safely, that our families and infant caregivers are receiving the much needed education on SIDS/SUID Risk Reduction, and how to provide a Safe Sleep environment. We also continue to provide bereavement support for families and caregivers that have experienced the loss of an infant.

To register and for more information on the Little Feet for Safe Sleep Virtual 5K/10K Run/Walk 2020, please visit our virtual race webpage, Little Feet For Safe Sleep.

For more information, news, and tips on how you can help reduce the risk of SIDS & SUID related deaths, please visit our website at www.ms-sids.org. Keep in touch with us on social media through our Facebook page and on Instagram.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/how-to-start-a-rose-garden-the-fundamentals 61ae6d0d13b61100160709a1 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Recently SW Rankin News spoke with the President of Mississippi Old Garden Rose Society's (MSOGR), and Pearl resident, Betty Miles Newman. Newman discussed the fundamentals of rose gardening to provide the valuable knowledge and skills needed to make a successful attempt.

Newman explains that “[for] someone who is interested in roses the first decision they need to make is how much time [they] will be able to devote to this. That will help determine what kind of rose they are looking for. For someone who doesn’t have a lot of time to attend to a garden, they will either want some type of old garden rose or knock out rose...the mature size is a significant consideration, as well as how much sun it requires.”

Unfortunately no retail gardening supply stores in the Southwest Rankin area carry old garden roses at this time. A new plant must be ordered online. An alternate route of obtaining the rose of choice is to procure a root clipping from a local garden. Either way, there are multiple online retail establishments who sell old garden roses. A couple of Newman's favorites are Antique Rose Emporium www.weareroses.com in Brenham Texas or Chamblee's RoseNursery www.chambleeroses.com in Tyler Texas.

Newman further offers that “there is information on the Rose Society’s website that actually shows how to make a cut for transplanting.”

The second decision is location. The prime areas to plant roses take into consideration sun/shade, space, soil and water accessibility. For an initial soil assessment, Newman recommends using what is called the “Mason Fruit Jar Test.” A sample of the dirt is obtained, put in a fruit jar, water is added and allowed to sit for twenty-four hours. The results tell you how much clay, how much silt, etc. A soil sample (about a pint in size) can be tested at the Rankin County Extension office.

As far the requisite sun and shade, Newman explains that “roses need six hours of direct sunlight. Some roses will take less sun, so look at your site, figure out how much sun it gets.” This will help narrow down the type of rose to plant.

Additionally, site drainage is an important consideration and can be determined by performing this simple test: dig a four inch hole in the ground, fill it with water, and time how long it takes to drain.

The third, and final, consideration is when to plant. Newman explains that “September is actually when the rose year begins because that is when gardeners prepare their planting site for future roses and begin shopping for roses.” February through October are the best months to plant container roses and January, February, November and December are the months to plant bare-root roses. Fertilizing roses are best any months of the year with the exception of October through December.

It is Newman's hope that this information is enough to encourage any potential rose aficionado to begin the journey of successfully cultivating their beloved flower.

For further information on how to successfully start a rose garden, visit www.msogr.com or the Rose Society Facebook page.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-reeves-launches-expanded-covid-19-testing-for-teachers-and-telehealth-in-schools 61ae6d0d13b61100160709a0 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

JACKSON — Today, Governor Tate Reeves launched new COVID-19 initiatives to ensure the health and well-being of students and teachers as they return to school. Understanding the concern of many as schools reopen across our state, Governor Reeves is expanding COVID-19 testing for all Mississippi teachers, even for those without symptoms, and emergency telehealth coverage through the Mississippi Division of Medicaid (DOM) to include schools. "Today, as we work to ensure that children can achieve some quality learning in the state of Mississippi, we are announcing two measures to increase access to health care and COVID-19 prevention in schools. First, we are expanding school-based emergency telehealth coverage throughout the state of Mississippi," said Governor Tate Reeves at today's press briefing. "This will allow schools, even those without school nurses or school-based clinics, to access telehealth services. We also know that testing can allow us to prevent the spread of the virus by immediately identifying and isolating known cases. As teachers return to the classroom, we want to make it simple for them to get access to testing." The Governor made the announcements at today's press briefing, which you can view on our Facebook page here. Working closely with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) to protect our hardworking teachers, the Governor is providing more flexibility for teachers to get tested. This expanded testing for teachers will enable them to get tested at any point, even if they have not exhibited symptoms of COVID-19 or come in close contact with a known case. Teachers will have three options for testing across Mississippi: at MSDH's Jackson site at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, community sites across the state, as well as by rotating testing teams at their home county health department. Testing teams will rotate every two weeks at county health departments, where teachers can drive up and get tested. As school districts and their communities tailored their plans to reopen schools safely, Governor Reeves worked with Executive Director Drew Snyder to help boost efforts to protect students, enabling schools without school nurses or school-based clinics to access telehealth services. “Extending telehealth coverage has been a key part of ensuring access to care during this public health emergency,” said Executive Director Drew Snyder. “As children return to the classroom, increasing access in school settings is more important now than ever.” Under this expansion of school-based emergency telehealth coverage, schools are approved as temporary telehealth originating site providers on the condition that services are facilitated by a telepresenter acting within their scope of practice and license and/or certification. Telehealth services are traditionally delivered by an enrolled Mississippi Medicaid provider located at a distant site to a beneficiary located at an originating site, such as a clinic. DOM’s telehealth policy already allowed school-based clinics – staffed by a physician, nurse practitioner, or a physician assistant providing well and sick care – to serve as an originating site for a beneficiary in need of services beyond the clinic’s abilities. The amended Emergency Telehealth Policy allows any school to serve as the originating site as long as the distant site provider uses a telepresenter who meets the definition of Miss. Admin. Code Part 225, Rule 1.1.D. Telepresenters can include registered nurses employed by a school/school district or staff employed by a Rural Health Clinic, a Federally Qualified Health Clinic, or private provider.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-reeves-extends-safe-return-order-issues-limitations-to-fight-against-covid 61ae6d0d13b611001607099f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

JACKSON — Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced that he is extending the social distancing measures under the Safe Return order, including the statewide mask mandate, and issuing crowd-size limitations on K-12 extracurricular activities in the state's ongoing fight to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Continuing to work closely with Dr. Thomas Dobbs and other state health experts on data-driven, measured strategies to limit transmission, the Governor has extend the social distancing measures an additional two weeks until Monday, August 31 at 8:00 AM. Governor Reeves is also amending the Safe Return order, placing an attendance cap on all K-12 extracurricular activities, such as football and band concerts, to no more than two spectators per participant. Each extracurricular event must have a dedicated Safety Officer to ensure all social distancing measures are followed as well.

"Sports and these other activities are instrumental in the lives of our young Mississippians. They teach discipline and responsibility in a way that can’t be replicated," said Governor Tate Reeves at his press briefing today. "That said, we are living through a pandemic. One of my greatest concerns heading into this school season has been sports and those other events which cause the community to come out in crowds. Twenty-two players on a field is not going to overwhelm a local hospital. Two thousand people in a small school’s bleachers might."

Governor Reeves made the announcements at today's press briefing, which you can view on our Facebook page ,here.

You can view the text version of Executive Order No. 1518 ,here. Signed versions of all executive orders related to COVID-19 can be found on our website at ,governorreeves.ms.gov/covid-19.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/rcsd-announces-smart-restart-plan 61ae6d0d13b611001607099e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

Rankin County School District (RCSD) recently announced their inaugural “Smart Restart” program for the 2020-2021 school year. The strategic plan focus is three-fold: great to best as they continue a tradition to excellence; do what is right for the students and do what is right for the educators. In that regard they released the following statement:

“RCSD, in partnership with the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE), school administrators and staff, local stakeholders from the fields of education, healthcare, business experts, and city/county/state leaders – has developed this plan for our schools and community to reopen and educate our students safely in the school year 2020-2021.”

The mission for the plan is to bring everyone's strengths together. RCSD ensures families, staff and faculty that the focus will be on empowering the students “to reach their maximum potential by embracing opportunities and challenges while cultivating tradition of distinction in education.The vision is to continue a tradition of excellence by providing a world-class education that empowers all to grow through curiosity, discovery and learning. RCSD's number one goal is to experience a “safe, healthy and inclusive environment.”

The Superintendent of Education, Sue Townsend, Ph.D., stated in a letter to parents that “[w]e are committed to doing what is right for our students and educators. Know that all RCSD employees and the Board of Trustees are passionate about their professional purpose, which is to protect and educate our most valuable assets – your children...as you know, people move to Rankin County because of its amazing communities and excellent schools. While we may have different opinions and you also have some difficult decisions to make, we can all agree our children are watching and learning from us in this incredibly challenging, historical time. It is imperative that we all join together during these difficult times to support our children. We may be social distancing, but we can do this while modeling patience, flexibility, grace and love as we move forward together.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/alligators-and-the-pearl-river-a-symbiotic-relationship 61ae6d0d13b611001607099d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

Randy Newell joined the Pearl Police Department in 2016. Prior to that time, he was employed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Parks, for approximately twenty-five years. So it stands to reason, that in addition to his regular duties as PPD patrolman, occasionally he will be asked to assist Pearl Animal Control with wild animal captures, especially those of the reptilian kind.

In fact, since his tenure with PPD he has assisted with the capture and release of some where between 20 to 25 alligators. Newell explains that “when you are this close to the pearl river and all of your creeks and tributaries you're libel to get a call that there is a motorist on I-20, and there is an alligator crossing in the middle of the HWY [or] you get a call 'hey theres an alligator laying in the middle of HWY 80 you've got to get out there pretty quick...you don't want anybody to get hurt in a situation like that.” From his experience alligators can and will pop up anywhere, “I promise you, anywhere. It does not have to be on water.”

The cause, Newell speculates, is at least partially, to mating. “Larger adult alligators, males, they may be 8 to 12 feet long, will actually run all of these smaller males out of the area...these younger alligators get out on land, or some of the tributaries and go to the nearest water hole they can find, and a lot of times [it] is usually a neighborhood pond,” says Newell.

The last alligator that Newell assisted with was captured about three weeks prior to the interview. It was a little over eight feet long and located in a subdivision. The first thing that PPD does is contact MDWFP. Based upon the urgency of the situation, and the availability of MDWFP, a patrol officer on duty may end up responding. In this case, Newell was able to successfully catch, relocate and release as the eight foot one inch alligator was successfully released into the upper Pearl River.

Newell wants to reassure Pearl residents that primarily, alligators want to be left alone. Unfortunately with a population increase on both sides (alligators and humans) these types of calls have increased.

He also cautions that the worst thing someone can do, whether intentionally or not, is to feed an alligator. “[Alligators] never forget anything and a free meal...and you are not going to get rid of him unless a professional comes out there and takes him out of that area.” He also cautions the public that it is highly illegal to feed alligators.

Newell recommends that if a Pearl resident spots an alligator that is either acting way too friendly or hanging around any public area, to first contact the MDWFP. “They are the experts, they...oversee these animals and have some very very good people that are very experienced in this matter.” He says that the occasions where he is called to assist with a capture of an alligator, have proven to be an opportunity for him educate the public, with a primary goal to make residents feel at ease, as well as safely catch and release the nuisance alligator.

Newell wants to be clear, “I am not talking as an expert from the MDWFP, I am a Pearl Police Officer now...so whatever I can do to help Pearl and make them feel better it is what I am concerned with now.” And if that involves wrangling an alligator, he will respond as a patrolman for the City of Pearl.

See page # for companion article “Mississippi alligator population, MDWFP provides valuable insight.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/florence-resident-graduates-hinds-in-drive-through-ceremony 61ae6d0d13b611001607099c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

Reagan Miley of Florence graduated from Hinds Community College (Hinds CC) on July 29, driving in a car under a partly cloudy summer sky instead of walking across an auditorium stage.

She was among more than 600 students who participated in a drive-through graduation ceremony over a four-day period. But it was worth it to him to officially receive his Associate Degree in Nursing.

Because of social distancing restrictions with the COVID-19 pandemic, Hinds was unable to have traditional ceremonies inside. The spring and summer ceremonies were combined and turned into a drive-through event, over three days at Eagle Ridge Conference Center in Raymond July 29-31 and a fourth day at the Utica Campus on Aug. 1.

Each graduate was greeted by the new college president, Dr. Stephen Vacik, who took office on July 1, and cheered on by members of the Executive Leadership Team, all of whom wore masks.

Reagan Miley of Florence received her degree in surgical technology, a field she chose because “I like helping whoever I can, however I can.”

She already has a job lined up – the robotics team at Baptist Medical Center.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mdot-and-mema-team-up-to-promote-hurricane-preparedness 61ae6d0d13b611001607099b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQFM8MkCDXM&feature=youtu.be

JACKSON, Miss. - The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) team up to promote hurricane preparedness by urging residents to get a plan in place before a hurricane threatens.

The peak of hurricane season begins mid-August and ends late October. Ten named storms have already formed since the beginning of the 2020 season, including Hurricane Cristobal which impacted south Mississippi. Hurricanes can be unpredictable, and that’s why preparing for a tropical storm before it forms is vital.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic there are extra steps people should take to keep themselves safe. Residents should plan to pack the necessary items needed for their protection. Face masks, hand sanitizer, gloves and disinfecting wipes should be added to survival kits. Residents should also check their evacuation destinations for any regulations related to the pandemic.

For more hurricane safety tips, visit ,GoMDOT.com/hurricanes and ,msema.org. Stay updated on road conditions at ,,MDOTtraffic.com, download the MDOT Traffic mobile app and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter along with the hashtag #HurricaneStrong this hurricane season.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/several-positive-substantial-goals-met-during-2020-legislative-session 61ae6d0d13b611001607099a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

by Delbert Hosemann

At the end of every session, our office takes an inventory of the legislative changes for which we successfully advocated and the items we need to put back on the to-do list.

COVID disrupted some of our plans this year and provided the Legislature with additional appropriation and other responsibilities. Even amidst the pandemic, a number of positive pieces of legislation were passed.

In education, we eliminated a major barrier to teacher licensure which will clear the way for hundreds of students to enter teacher education programs in colleges and universities. Now, a student’s GPA in their first two years of courses determines whether they are permitted to begin the process of becoming a teacher, which experts say is the best predictor of success.

We addressed problems in our mental health system, providing a coordinator with the authority to review the availability of current services and establish procedures to increase access and raise standards. We also provided additional funding aimed at decreasing hospitalization and focusing on quality community care.

In the interest of reorganizing and maximizing efficiency, we abolished two government entities, the Fair Commission and Commission on Marine Resources. We retooled driver’s services to speed up the licensing process by instituting a fee reduction for long wait times.

The State Workforce Investment Board was reconstituted, reducing the number of board members, requiring small business representation, and beefing up responsibility and accountability. The state’s new workforce “czar” will be responsible for maximizing the impact of every dollar we spend on training citizens for higher wage jobs. An additional $55 million was dedicated to workforce development.

Additionally, we championed various bills addressing COVID including limiting liability for businesses and healthcare entities facing frivolous lawsuits. A small business grant program received $300 million from the federal Coronavirus Relief Fund. $200 million was appropriated to distance learning and connectivity for K-12 students; $130 million for hospitals, nonprofits, and various other healthcare entities; $100 million to universities and community colleges; $75 million to expand rural broadband; and $70 million to cities and counties.

Although we have more we want to accomplish in the coming years, we built a solid foundation for positive change in the last seven months. All of this is part of the path to our ultimate objective going forward: making Mississippi an even better place for our children and grandchildren.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mansell-media-named-a-constant-contact-certified-partner 61ae6d0d13b6110016070999 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/transition-to-ewic-card-continues-making-wic-more-convenient-for-participants 61ae6d0d13b6110016070998 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

JACKSON, Miss. — Due to the transition to a retail food system via an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is preparing to close 13 food centers. These food centers have low participant usage, or the landlord has chosen not to continue the lease.

Twelve food centers, including those located in Rosedale, Ruleville, Okolona, Ackerman, Hollandale, Leland, Raymond, Dekalb, Raleigh, Eupora, Columbus and Southaven are scheduled to close September 30. One food center located in New Albany is scheduled to close December 31.

Food centers located in Rosedale, Ruleville, Okolona, Ackerman, Hollandale, Leland, Raymond, Dekalb and Raleigh are being closed due to low participant usage. Food centers located in New Albany, Eupora, Columbus, and Southaven are being closed per landlord request, as these leases are scheduled to expire September 30.

“We are continuing to seek alternate locations in Columbus and Southaven,” said Diane Hargrove, Director of the MSDH WIC program. “We are also surveying WIC participants in New Albany and Eupora to determine unique ways to deliver food benefits and ensure access.”

The last date for WIC participants to pick up foods at the sites closing September 30 is August 28, and the last date for participants to pick up at the food center closing December 31 is November 25. However, participants are still eligible to pick up at any other food center they have access to in the state.

As the WIC program prepares to begin the transition from the use of paper food vouchers at food centers to the use of eWIC cards at retail grocery stores and pharmacies, it’s also working hard to ensure participants still have access to the supplemental foods they qualify for. The eWIC card will be piloted as early as January 2021.

“We know this will be a challenge for some of our participants and we are doing everything that we can to supply them nutritious foods the best way that we can during this transition,” said Jameshyia Ballard, WIC Vendor Director.

The goal of the WIC program is to provide nutrition education, breastfeeding support and supplemental food for eligible pregnant, post-partum and breastfeeding women, infants and children up to the age of 5. The MSDH WIC program is working to ensure participants have an available food center within 30 miles of each WIC clinic.

Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect

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]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/burglary-suspect-caught-by-richland-and-pearl-police-departments 61ae6d0d13b6110016070997 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Big thank you to Richland PD for pursuing and helping apprehend a burglary suspect Wednesday morning.

Ashton Keyonne White, 28 of Clinton, is suspected of stealing several items around Pearl, including a backpack containing a gun. A homeowner says he saw White stealing from his property and watched him flee in an older maroon Chevy Malibu. A Richland officer spotted the car on I-20 westbound and pursued to Gallatin St. where White ran off the exit into a ditch. Pearl officers arrived and found several stolen items in the car along with a bag of drugs.

White is being charged by Pearl with several counts of theft, while Richland is charging him with fleeing, drug possession and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

This is another great example of Rankin County law enforcement working together to keep us safe. Thank you again to Richland and our Pearl officers.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-parents-now-able-to-print-completed-immunization-records-at-home 61ae6d0d13b6110016070996 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

JACKSON, Miss. – In an effort to ease the stress on parents during back-to-school preparation, the Mississippi State Department ]]>

MyIR Mobile is an internet-based portal that gives consumers access to their official state immunization records based on information housed in the Mississippi Immunization Information eXchange (MIIX).

MyIR Mobile allows users to not only see their own immunization records, but to also add family members to their profiles in order to see if their child is up-to-date or needs their next vaccination. If none are needed, a certified Form 121 can be downloaded and printed.

“Prior to this service, parents had to get the Form 121 from their pediatrician or healthcare provider. This always caused a huge rush in the weeks leading up to the beginning of a new school year,” said MSDH Director of Immunization Jennifer Fulcher. “This program will save time and save a trip to the doctor’s office or county health department.”

MyIR Mobile requires identity verification through a phone number or email address to keep records safe and secure. Only immunization records of Mississippi residents are accessible through this program. Mississippi is the first state nationwide that currently uses MyIR Mobile.

Mississippi state law requires children to be immunized against childhood diseases to enter public or private school, Head Start or daycare. There is also a vaccination requirement for 7th grade entry.

MyIR Mobile is available at www.MyIRMobile.com

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Immunizations are available at county health departments by appointment.

Follow MSDH by email and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect

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]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/rocking-richland-event-a-huge-success 61ae6d0d13b6110016070995 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

While the official “Stay at Home” order was in place earlier this spring, Tammy Morgan, administrative assistant of Parks and Recreation for the City of Richland began searching the internet for an activity that residents of all ages could participate in once the City's walking trails re-opened. She stumbled upon an idea of events that used painted rocks. It was ideal because it allowed residents to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors while still being able to social distance. Morgan decided to tweak the activity slightly by turning the activity into a contest, and thus “Rocking Richland” was born.

While they expected there to be an interest in this event, the Parks and Rec department for the City of Richland had no idea Morgan's brain child would be. Barbara Adams, Special Events Coordinator for the City, explains that “We were very pleased that the citizens had a great time and are looking forward to other such events.” In all, more than 100 citizens of all ages participated.

The inaugural event began on Friday, May fifteenth and ran through Friday June 5. The Parks & Rec department placed painted rock around all of the Walking Trails at Eastside, Westside Park and the Community Center. Participants were instructed to take a selfie with each of the rocks you find and email to ,tmorgan@richlandms.com. Participants were further instructed to include their contact info in the subject line. The final instruction was for those who located a painted rock to return it to its' original location to allow the next person to find.

Tammy Morgan, her grandson, Cooper Hammons, as well as other City Employees assisted in painting the lions-share of the decorated finds. However, An additional treat for the local treasure hunters was the placement of special rocks painted by Famous Mississippi Artist, Cliff Speaks. If found, contestants were instructed to keep as a special gift and keepsake with the caveat that a selfie be emailed to the Parks and Rec department to notify them of the find. Each week, the individual who located the most rocks was awarded $50 gift card and a mention on the City of Richland's Facebook page.

The first week winners were Christopher Reel and Grayson Cobb; second week winner was Oli Barefoot; third week winner was the Fortado Family. Winners of the Cliff Speaks Rocks challenge were: John Parker Chance, Grayson Cobb, Shirley Botkin and Shannon Williams and Austin.

Adams sums up the experience this way “the beauty of this event was its simplicity and thinking out of the box to engage our citizens with an outdoor event that was in a safe environment. [It] also brought families together having fun!

As a direct result of the event's popularity, plans are already being made for other “Rocking Events” that will include local Businesses of Richland.

For further information about this, or other upcoming events scheduled in the City of Richland, contact Barbara Adams at 601-420-3402.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/hinds-cc-takes-six-first-places-grand-award-in-annual-cpram-contest 61ae6d0d13b6110016070994 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

RAYMOND – Hinds Community College’s Public Relations and Community Relations departments took six first place awards in the annual College Public Relations Association of Mississippi contest, with multimedia specialist April Garon winning the grand award in print media for her photo “Can I Have This Dance.”

Garon’s photo was taken in spring 2019 at the Spring Fling prom Hinds hosted for residents of Riggs Manor in Raymond. In the photo, Hinds Connection student Davis Barnes is shown dancing with a Riggs Manor resident.

Hinds Public Relations and Community Relations employees compete against the other 14 community colleges in Mississippi.

Below is a complete listing of the awards Hinds employees won.

GRAND AWARD

Print Media: “Can I Have This Dance” photograph - April Garon

PRINT MEDIA

FIRST PLACE

Newsletter: “On Campus” – Cathy Hayden, Danny Barrett Jr., Mary Rousselle and April Garon

Advertisements: “This is Hinds CC” – Mary Rousselle, Tammi Bowles and April Garon

Single Piece of Artwork – Sports: “Hinds Baseball Signees to D1” - Tracy Duncan and Nick Ammirati

Photograph: “Can I Have This Dance” – April Garon

Sports Photograph: “Eagle Flying Over A Lion” – Tracy Duncan

SECOND PLACE

Sports News Story (or series): “Hinds Dethrones No. 1 East Miss. 24-16” – Nick Ammirati

Institutional Magazine: “Hindsight” – Cathy Hayden, Jackie Granberry, Danny Barrett Jr., Tammi Bowles, Libby Posey, April Garon, Tre` Thornhill and Renee Cotton

Admission and Recruitment Piece: “CTE Program Cards” – Mary Rousselle, April Garon, Lexi Gay

Digital Art/Photo Illustration: “Flying North For The Winter” – Matthew Alford

THIRD PLACE

News Story (or series): “Hinds CC President Dr. Clyde Muse announces retirement plans”– Cathy Hayden

ELECTRONIC MEDIA

FIRST PLACE

Web Page – Sports only: “HindsCCSports.com Web site” – Tracy Duncan, Nick Ammirati and Keller Bradford

SECOND PLACE

Multi-Media Presentation: “Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows” –Tre` Thornhill, Renee Cotton, Bethani England and Matthew Alford

SPECIAL CATEGORIES

SECOND PLACE

Exhibits: “Joe Renfroe Stadium Banner” - Tracy Duncan, Kathy Farris, Gene Murphy, Larry Williams and Renee Cotton

As Mississippi’s largest community college, Hinds Community College is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities with academic programs of study leading to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills. With six locations in central Mississippi, Hinds enrolls about 12,000 students each fall semester. To learn more, visit www.hindscc.edu or call 1.800.HindsCC.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-florence-garden-club-thanks-police-departments 61ae6d0d13b6110016070993 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

Recently the Richland-Florence Garden Club (R-FGC) separated into two teams to provide lunch for the Florence and the Richland Police departments. It was the clubs way of thanking and showing appreciation to the police officers for all they do. R-FGC credits Probity Contracting Group for donating the pork loins—prepared by the Country Meat Packers; McAlister’s Deli for donating the tea; and the Garden Club ladies for preparing the vegetables, the casseroles, the bread, and the desserts.

Garden Club members who contributed food items not pictured are: R-FGC Vice President Gaynell Ainsworth, Carol Azzone, Sandra Hales-Boyd, Elizabeth Hawthorne, Shannon Laseter, Marie Phillips, Beth Sanford and Linda Stringer.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-resident-honored-by-msh 61ae6d0d13b6110016070992 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

Mississippi State Hospital held a special ceremony recently to honor three Employees of the Year (EOY) for 2019. Shelli Pitts, a Pearl resident, was the Clinical Service honoree. Pitts is a Licensed Practical Nurse in Inpatient Services. A Hinds Community College graduate, she has worked at MSH since 1997.

With the traditional banquet ruled out because of COVID-19 safety measures, MSH took its ceremony outside, where all the 2019 Employees of the Month strolled down a decorated runway one at a time cheered on by a small group of executive leadership. After that ceremony, a parade of vehicles visited the building of each of the EOY winners and delivered cake, ice cream and a large facsimile check.

Each EOY winner received a personalized plaque and an actual $250 check from Friends of Mississippi State Hospital, Inc., the volunteer organization that sponsors the hospital’s employee recognition program. All of the 2019 Employees of the Month were invited to the ceremony, and each one received a personalized yard sign, a poster featuring all the honorees, a commemorative pin, a gift card from Mangia Bene Restaurant Group, pictures from the event and other assorted goodies.

The Employees of the Month, chosen by a special committee, are nominated by coworkers and approved by supervisors for their outstanding contributions on the job and their embodiment of the hospital’s core values of respect, relationships, accountability, teamwork and diversity. The employee recognition program is sponsored by Friends of Mississippi State Hospital, Inc., a volunteer organization.

MSH, a program of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, was founded in 1855 and helps the individuals it serves achieve mental wellness by encouraging hope, promoting safety, and supporting recovery. The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/griefshare-program-to-be-offered-by-zoom 61ae6d0d13b6110016070991 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

It eventually happens to everyone.

It may be sudden or due to long-term illness; but, inevitably, everyone will have to deal with the feelings of sadness, loneliness and isolation following the death of a loved one.

Community members who have experienced the death of a family member or friend are invited to register for the GriefShare program at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. During this time of isolation, grief can be compounded in many ways. The program is designed to help provide support, information and guidance in participants’ journey from mourning to joy.

The 13-week non-denominational seminar series features Christ-centered, biblical teachings which focus on grief topics such as Living with Grief, The Journey of Grief, The Effects of Grief, Why?, The uniqueness of Grief, and God’s Prescription for Grief. The seminar features nationally-respected grief experts and real-life stories of people, followed by a small group discussion and personal reflection.

Many grieving people find they are only starting the work of healing when friends or family have returned to their daily life routines. Past participants have related how helpful the information and follow-up discussions were to them.

Whether the bereavement experience is recent or long-past, participants will find encouragement, comfort and help in grieving the death of a spouse, child, parent, sibling, other family member or friend. No matter what the cause of the loved one's death, the series will provide an opportunity to be around people who understand feelings of loss. Participants will learn valuable information about facing a “new normal” in life and renewing their hope for the future. Grief-related books/materials are made available for participants.

GriefShare will be held on Tuesdays, beginning August 11 through November 3, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. using the Zoom application. It is hosted by Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. To register or for questions, call Cindy at 601-924-9999.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/big-thrift-charity-shop-reopens-in-richland 61ae6d0d13b6110016070990 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Big Thrift, a charity thrift shop previously in Florence, has moved to Richland next to the Big Fix Clinic. The shop has been in operation since 2014 and all proceeds support Mississippi Animal Rescue League and Mississippi Spay & Neuter.

The shop sells household items, clothing and more. It is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 9:30-4:00. Donations of household items are accepted during business hours- clothing is not accepted at this time.

Supporters can also shop online at bigthrift.org

About Mississippi Spay and Neuter Mississippi Spay and Neuter is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending animal homelessness and euthanasia through spay and neuter. The organization has aided more than 90,000 animals by providing affordable spay and neuter services through their Big Fix Clinic and voucher programs.For more information on Mississippi Spay and Neuter and its programs, call 601-420-2438 or visit www.,msspan.org. About Mississippi Animal Rescue League Founded in 1969, The Mississippi Animal Rescue League is committed to the humane treatment of animals. They accept every animal who comes through their doors. MARL has placed over 48,000 animals in loving homes, and returns about 250 lost pets to their families each year. MARL also offers low-cost spay/neuter to low-income families on public assistance. For more information, call (601) 969-1631 or visit msarl.org

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mde-publishes-school-district-schedules-submitted-by-july-31 61ae6d0d13b611001607098f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

School district reopening plans for the 2020-21 school year are now available on the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) ,school reopening guidance webpage. Most school districts submitted plans to the MDE by a July 31 deadline, prior to Gov. Tate Reeves’ Executive Order on Tuesday delaying the start of school in several counties. Under ,Executive Order No. 1517, school districts in the following counties must delay their reopening for grades 7-12 until Monday, August 17: Bolivar, Coahoma, Forrest, George, Hinds, Panola, Sunflower, and Washington Counties. The governor has the power to declare school start dates by executive order. The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has developed guidance, considerations and best practices for Mississippi districts for operating school in the 2020-21 school year. It has been developed with input from school and district leaders, mental health and health professionals, teachers, parents, and students. The information continues to be updated as further research, data and resources become available. Most school district plans include an option for parents to opt-in to distance learning. Questions about specific scheduling plans and policies should be directed to local school districts. MDE Guidance for the 2020-21 School Year: www.mdek12.org/guidance2020-21

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/board-of-trustees-passes-resolution-to-reopen-campuses-in-fall-1 61ae6d0d13b611001607098e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning passed a resolution at its meeting today stating the Board’s intention that the campuses of all eight public universities make plans to resume traditional operations on their campuses in the Fall of 2020.

“Providing a safe environment for all students and employees is paramount,” said Dr. Ford Dye, President of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. “We urge the universities to take prudent precautions in planning for resuming traditional operations and make adjustments as needed, based on recommendations from health experts.”

The resolution includes direction to the universities to plan to offer as many in-person classes as possible, while taking into consideration guidance from the Federal Government and the Mississippi Department of Health and complying with any Executive Order from the Governor then in effect.

The Safe Start Task Force, established last month by Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr., Commissioner of Higher Education, is developing a system-level plan for starting and completing the fall 2020 semester in the safest and most effective way.

“The Safe Start Task Force is working diligently to develop guidelines to help the campuses resume traditional operations in a safe manner,” said Dr. Rankins. “While this is a fluid situation and there are many unknowns at this point, our goal is to provide the best academic experience in the safest manner possible.”

The resolution recognizes that plans being made may need to be modified to align with changes in recommendations from health experts.

The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning governs the public universities in Mississippi, including Alcorn State University; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/wearing-a-face-mask-dos-and-don-ts-1 61ae6d0d13b611001607098d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

While many businesses, public facilities as well as some cities are requiring the use of a face mask, guidelines on the proper function and use of any type of face covering is essential. The Mississippi State Department of Health recommends following suggestions put in place by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The following is a summary of those recommendations.

To wear a face covering correctly, take the following steps: wash your hands before putting on your face covering; put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin; try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face and make sure you can breathe easily. Don’t put the covering around your neck or up on your forehead and Don’t touch the face covering, and, if you do, wash your hands. To remove a face mask properly, it should be done carefully, when at home: untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops; handle only by the ear loops or ties; fold outside corners together; place covering in the washing machine (to learn more about how to wash cloth face coverings visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus) and be careful not to touch eyes, nose, and mouth when removing. Wash hands immediately after removing.

It is important to note that children under age two, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance should not wear a face covering of any kind.

Use of a face mask not only protects the wearer but also protects others in the community, especially the most vulnerable. It helps protect others in case the wearer is infected but doesn't have symptoms and wearing one in public provides protection when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

Cloth face coverings, essentially, are an additional step to help slow the spread of COVID-19 when combined with every day preventive actions and social distancing in public settings. For more information visit https://msdh.ms.gov and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-public-school-district-sets-new-back-to-school-date 61ae6d0d13b611001607098c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

In response to the Governor’s recommendation during yesterday’s briefing, Pearl Public School District will delay the start of the 2020-2021 school year until Monday, August 17, 2020.

- On August 17, students Pre-K through 5th grade will begin on a traditional schedule with a staggered start.

- On August 17, students in grades 6-12 will begin a hybrid schedule for two weeks.

- Beginning August 31, the district will implement a traditional schedule for all students.

This is an ever-changing situation, and we appreciate everyone’s flexibility and patience. Visit our website www.pearlk12.com for more details regarding back-to-school plans.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/rmyc-adopts-a-floor-for-a-good-cause 61ae6d0d13b611001607098b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

Richland Mayor's Youth Council (RMYC) is primarily a community service organization. They assist the community in city events and earn volunteer hours that are credited towards their high school graduation. Every year members of RMYC select an organization to donate items and/or service. In the past RMYC selected a local animal shelter, Blair E Batson Hospital for Children as well as a local womens shelter as a service project.

This past October, youth council selected Blair E Batson once more. The first step was sending out messages, encouraged people to donate items. Then COVID-19 entered the picture. Before RMYC could respond, Blair E. Batson contacted them directly, requesting snack-food donations. They were experiencing a shortage because the usual volume of donations had stopped. Stephanie Ward, TITLE, without hesitation, said yes. Ward explains that “this particular snack drive happened very last minute.”

Ward says that she and RMYC maintain a very good relationship with BEB, especially in regard to the “Adopt-a-Floor” program. In the past, Ward has made it a habit to reach out to BEB to say “hey my kids want to adopt a floor again...I already know all of the information and we setup a time to where I go and drop the snacks off.” Donations not only come from the youth council members, but also from parents, as well as local residents, including Mayor Sullivan, City aldermen, City employees donated as well as generous citizens.

Ward explains that this donation to the “Adopt-a-Floor” program is one of four the RMYC has made since she has been a part of the program.

The “Adopt-a-Floor” program assists parents of children who are receiving treatments at BEB, who are taking temporary residency at the hospital. Ward says that they are in need of a little extra nutrition “because if you have a sick child you do not want to leave the room to get something to eat.” So for each patient on the adopted floor – one family member gets two snacks, to tie them over and help supplement their meals.

Ward delivers the donated snack to the hospital herself. She says the process includes making an appointment with the hospital program coordinator to schedule a specific drop-off time. The drop-off location is typically a cetain door located in front of the BEB complex. She explains that it is easier to come to the car, and load up onto carts, and transport the donations to the families. This time protocols were a little different...maintaining social distancing, wearing masks/gloves and following hospital regulation that have been put in place since the COVID-19 outbreak.

Ward has since challenged other mayors youth councils in Rankin County to also participate in this particular service project as a way to encourage more involvement. She says so far she has heard back from one youth council who accepted her challenge.

Ward says that, in general, “I would love to challenge anybody in our county to look into doing service projects, not just Blair E Batson, but also the womens shelter, animal shelter, anything for the greater good of the community. To help others.I want people to start looking into what people need, sometimes a person in the community may just need a hello, just how are you doing, there may be an organization the community that needs help, especially so now, since the virus is going on. Their funding has probably been cut, or something like that. I just want people to reach out and help others.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/florence-native-honored-with-hudspeth-regional-center-s-dcw-employee-of-the-year-award 61ae6d0d13b611001607098a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Florence native, Dorothy Harper, was honored with Hudspeth Regional Center’s DCW Employee of the Year Award. As a direct care worker, Ms. Harper serves Mississippians

with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The people she serves have severe impairments and she serves them a caring heart. She is one of those employees who do not mind working on her days off, she just wants to assure her people are taken care of with love and grace. Ms. Harper is truly an asset to Hudspeth Regional Center.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-and-mema-launch-covid-19-emergency-relief-program 61ae6d0d13b6110016070989 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

Governor Tate Reeves and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency are launching the MEMA COVID-19 Emergency Relief Program. Through Mississippi Legislature’s House Bill 1799 and Senate Bill 3047, MEMA was allocated $70,000,000 of CARES Act money to assist counties and municipalities with their COVID-19 expenses.

Through FEMA’s COVID-19 Economic Disaster Declaration, counties and municipalities and specific nonprofits are eligible for public assistance. While FEMA reimburses seventy-five percent of those approved expenses, some entities struggle to meet the twenty-five percent match. Through the MEMA COVID-19 Emergency Relief Program, the burden is now lifted from the counties and municipalities to provide that match.

Not all COVID-19 expenses are eligible for federal reimbursement through FEMA; therefore SB 3047 details what other expenses can be covered by the CARES Act funds. The allocation of funds from the Relief Program is based on the county or municipality’s population as listed in the 2010 U.S. Census. If a government entity’s costs are not entirely covered by FEMA’s reimbursement, MEMA will work with remaining CARES Act funds to help ensure a one-hundred percent reimbursement.

The CARES Act funding application process will be open from August 3 through October 15. Information on how to apply for CARES Act funding will be available by July 31 on MEMA’s website: www.msema.org. According to SB 3047, reimbursements must begin August 15. Monies must be obligated by November 30 or will be returned to the governor.

Counties and municipalities can apply for public assistance through FEMA’s Grants Portal now by visiting https://grantee.fema.gov.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/telecommunicator-cpr-turns-bystanders-into-heroes 61ae6d0d13b6110016070988 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to the SW Rankin News

CPR Awareness Week began June 1, and while this lifesaving skill continues to be a first line of help for victims experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, something called “T-CPR,” short for Telecommunicator CPR, can help save lives by turning bystanders into heroes.

“T-CPR is different from CPR training,” said Jennifer Hopping, executive director for the Metro Jackson American Heart Association. “It’s a literal lifeline when someone needs help. If adopted as a policy in Mississippi, it would require all 9-1-1 telecommunicators to be trained on how to provide high-quality T-CPR instructions.”

Every year, more than 350,000 Americans fall victim to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, the unexpected loss of heart function. Only about one in ten victims survive. Successful resuscitation of victims requires an immediate response to improve their chance of survival. Telecommunicators can be lifesaving coaches when seconds matter.

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, hopes T-CPR training will be given to all emergency dispatchers and 9-1-1 operators to save lives.

“A telecommunicator who effectively engages the caller, identifies the cardiac arrest, and coaches effective CPR could double or triple the chances of survival from sudden cardiac arrest,” said statement author Michael Kurz, M.D., immediate past-chair of the Emergency Cardiac Care subcommittee on systems of care for the American Heart Association. “Through these actions, the telecommunicator can make the difference between life and death.”

Right now, more than half of the nation’s emergency medical telecommunicators do not provide any T-CPR instructions for responding to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Standardizing and improving the delivery of high-quality T-CPR instructions will save as many as 13,000 lives annually in the United States.

“A program of T-CPR offers the safest, most cost-efficient and most effective approach to substantially increase community lay rescuer CPR,” added Kurz. "Thousands of additional lives can be saved each year if we can achieve this goal.”

Earlier this year, a new Policy Statement released by the American Heart Association provided guidance and resources to construct and maintain a science-based T-CPR program. Learn more about the program, and the importance of T-CPR, at heart.org.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/msh-thanks-local-pizza-chain 61ae6d0d13b6110016070987 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

,Little Caesars Pizza provided 480 free pizzas over a twenty-four-day period to Mississippi State Hospital as a show of support for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Little Ceasars, we can’t thank you enough,” said MSH Director James Chastain. “Your generosity and kindness has meant so much to our hard-working frontline staff. Pizza, pizza.”

MSH showed its appreciation through a video production and with pictures of staff displaying a variety of colorful signs.

Little Caesars, via the DoorDash delivery service, began delivering twenty pizzas per day to MSH on May 11. The May 11 deliveries, one at midday and the other in the evening, made for great start to National Hospital Week and National Skilled Nursing Care Week.

Little Caesars, home office in Michigan, is the third-largest pizza chain in the country and has numerous locations in central Mississippi, including two in Brandon, one in Pearl and another in Florence.

MSH, a program of the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, was founded in 1855 and helps the individuals it serves achieve mental wellness by encouraging hope, promoting safety, and supporting recovery. The hospital is accredited by the Joint Commission.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/comfortable-passengers-make-road-trips-easy 61ae6d0d13b6110016070986 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

Road trips can create memories to last a lifetime. No matter how many songs may be downloaded on your phone or how interesting your passengers are, boredom can strike after a few hours in the car. With that in mind, the ,Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) offers tips to make your next road trip as comfortable as possible.

“Road trips can be fun for the whole family, but long hours on road can be draining for all,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “Packing a few items to keep drivers and passengers comfortable is always a great idea.”

When packing for your next trip, consider items to entertain each passenger depending on age and interests. Books and magazines can serve as great ways to make the time pass. Crossword puzzles or word searches can keep minds active as well. Drive boredom away by turning on a podcast. To accommodate children, include a coloring book or a small hand-held gaming device to keep them content for miles at a time.

Classic travel games such as “20 Questions” or “I-Spy” are other options that will keep passengers entertained.

In addition to entertainment on your next road trip, consider packing: water and snacks, maybe even a little caffeine for those long stretches on the highway; blankets and pillows so passengers can nap comfortably; Tissues, disinfectant wipes and paper towels; A cell phone charger; and for safety, include face masks, gloves and hand sanitizer.

“Having comfortable passengers, especially when traveling with children, makes for relaxed and focused drivers,” McGrath said. “Always make sure to drive smart and pay attention to arrive safely at your destination.”

For longer road trips, remember to take breaks and stretch your legs every couple of hours.

In addition to these road trip tips, MDOT encourages you to know before you go. Check with you destination for any local regulations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can also access real-time road conditions by visiting MDOTtraffic.com or downloading the MDOT Traffic mobile app. These two resources keep travelers updated and help you navigate to the nearest rest stops, all of which remain open and on enhanced cleaning protocols.

Use MDOTtraffic.com to avoid construction zones and traffic delays too. Download the MDOT Traffic App to access real-time traffic information on the go.

For additional summer travel tips or other travel related information, like and follow @MississippiDOT on ,Facebook and ,Twitter.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/msh-s-online-serendipity-art-show-now-under-way 61ae6d0d13b6110016070985 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The 2020 edition of Mississippi State Hospital’s Serendipity art show and silent auction is being conducted as an online-only event concluding on Thursday, Sept. 3.

The unique show, now available for viewing and placing bids, features the work of MSH patients and Jaquith Nursing Home residents who are taking part in the hospital’s Art Services program.

Patrons can visit a virtual gallery to preview the work at bit.ly/2ZUL50m and post bids on items at myminiauction.com/serendipity until 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 3. Winning bidders will be contacted on Sept. 4 to arrange for payment and pickup of artwork. Shipping will be available for an additional fee.

For more information about the show, call the Public Relations Department at (601) 351-8018.

One hundred works will be on display this year from about 40 different artists. All proceeds go to the artists. The pieces up for auction include watercolor and acrylic paintings, pencil and color pencil drawings, oil pastels "scratch art" pieces, a paper-mache mask and one mixed-media sculpture.

The work displayed in the show is produced by individuals from across the hospital’s services, including adults and children. For many, it is an important part of the therapeutic process as it gives them a chance to express themselves through their artwork.

MSH’s art instructors are Ceci Whitehurst and Ricky Shelby.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/wearing-a-face-mask-dos-and-don-ts 61ae6d0d13b6110016070984 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT While many businesses, public facilities as well as some cities are requiring the use of a face mask, guidelines on the proper function and use of any type of face covering is essential. The Mississippi State Department of Health recommends following suggestions put in place by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The following is a summary of those recommendations.

To wear a face covering correctly, take the following steps: wash your hands before putting on your face covering; put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin; try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face and make sure you can breathe easily. Don’t put the covering around your neck or up on your forehead and Don’t touch the face covering, and, if you do, wash your hands. To remove a face mask properly, it should be done carefully, when at home: untie the strings behind your head or stretch the ear loops; handle only by the ear loops or ties; fold outside corners together; place covering in the washing machine (to learn more about how to wash cloth face coverings visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus) and be careful not to touch eyes, nose, and mouth when removing. Wash hands immediately after removing.

It is important to note that children under age two, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance should not wear a face covering of any kind.

Use of a face mask not only protects the wearer but also protects others in the community, especially the most vulnerable. It helps protect others in case the wearer is infected but doesn't have symptoms and wearing one in public provides protection when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

Cloth face coverings, essentially, are an additional step to help slow the spread of COVID-19 when combined with every day preventive actions and social distancing in public settings. For more information visit https://msdh.ms.gov and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/local-libraries-re-open-in-july-with-modifications 61ae6d0d13b6110016070983 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT CMRLS recently announced the reopening of the libraries included in its' jurisdiction, including the Pearl, Richland and Florence libraries. In that regard they have also announced special modifications to their standard operating procedures in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

There will be new limited hours. Hours may vary between branches, so CMRLS recommends contacting libraries directly by phone or email to discuss the specifics.

Patrons of library facilities, by order of the State of Mississippi and the CMRLS Board of Trustees, must: answer a series of health-related questions; wear a mask; wash and sanitize hands prior to or immediately upon entry to a library; stay a minimum of six feet away from other patrons and employees and move any items touched to the “designated area.”

Regarding returning library items, the book drop is now open. All due dates were extended to September 30, and therefore no overdue fines will accrue. Returned items will remain on a patrons account in quarantine for a one week period (without counting toward overdue penalties) before being made available to library members to check out.

There will be a limit to the number of patrons who can occupy the library at one time to maintain social distancing guidelines. It is critical that, upon entry to any CMRLS facility, all signs and designated floor markings be adhered to. Curbside services will continue to be an option.

Computer use will be available in a limited capacity, to maintain a space of six feet between each and will be sanitized between users. Patrons are asked to reserve thirty minute sessions, one person per computer.

CMRLS will continue virtual programming via CMRLS.Libraries on Facebook. For a schedule of programs and events, visit ,www.cmrls.lib.ms.us . To contact a local branch call 601-932-2562 for the Pearl Library, 601-932-1846 for the Richland Library and 601-845-6032 for the Florence Library. To contact via email, the CMRLS customer service email is ,custsvc@cmrls.lib.ms.us.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ag-commissioner-gipson-provides-guidance-to-recipients-of-unsolicited-seeds 61ae6d0d13b6110016070982 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson instructs anyone receiving packages of unsolicited seeds from China, or any foreign country, in recent days to immediately contact the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s Bureau of Plant Industry by phoning (662) 325-3390. Those receiving the seeds are instructed to hold onto the seeds and packaging, including the mailing label, until someone from MDAC’s Bureau of Plant Industry contacts you with further instructions. Do not plant seeds from unknown origins.

“We are aware that citizens in Mississippi, as well as other states, have received unsolicited packages of seed appearing to be from China over the last few days. We are working closely with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service on this issue.

If you have received these seeds, please call the Bureau of Plant Industry, and we will send an inspector to your location to pick up the seeds from you. Please don’t plant the seeds. I don’t want to scare people because there is no indication these seeds pose a danger to human health. But any foreign seeds can have a negative impact on our environment as a threat to plant and animal health, and to agriculture. Also, foreign seeds could carry fungi or pests which could cause great destruction to our native ecosystem. So, I can’t stress enough the importance of contacting our office regarding this matter. Your assistance will help us to prevent the unlawful entry of prohibited seeds into the country and protect against invasive pests and noxious weeds,” said Commissioner Gipson.

At this time, the USDA does not have any evidence indicating this is something other than a “brushing scam” where people receive unsolicited items from a seller who then posts false customer reviews to boost sales. That scam can involve many different random products, but foreign seeds could be an environmental threat. USDA is currently collecting seed packages from recipients and will test their contents and determine if they contain anything that could be of concern to U.S. agriculture or the environment.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/new-website-helps-mississippians-pursue-dream-careers 61ae6d0d13b6110016070981 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Many middle and high school students dream of pursuing careers that requires credentials of value beyond high school, but determining the pathway to a dream career can be a daunting task, especially to first-generation college students. Determining what degree is needed to enter the chosen career field, finding out which community colleges and universities offer the degree, understanding how to apply and, once accepted, how to pay for college can be overwhelming for students. A new, streamlined website aims to provide this information in a user-friendly format that is easy to navigate and easy to understand. The website, www.MyWayMS.org serves as a guide for students to find this information and much more. “The website helps prepare the workforce for Mississippi’s future,” said Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr., Commissioner of Higher Education. “The website connects students and adults with their chosen careers by providing the information needed to obtain the skills, credentials and degrees needed to enter the field and Mississippi’s workforce.” Developed through a partnership between the Institutions of Higher Learning, the Mississippi Department of Education, Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid and Woodward Hines Education Foundation, the website is hosted by Mississippi State University. Representatives from each entity collaborated with Creative Distillery on the look and content of the site. “This new website contains tools to help students explore career options and take the necessary steps to prepare for college and the workforce,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. The website contains a wealth of information for middle and high school students, covering the gamut from the high school classes needed to be prepared for college, how to apply to the postsecondary school of their choice and how to apply for financial aid. For those already in college, the portal connects them to financial aid resources and information on jobs and internships. The website contains links to information about state Student Financial Aid, including the awards process and timeline, MAAPP—the online application, news and updates and frequently asked questions. Public, private, two-year, and four-year college students in Mississippi may be eligible for state aid. Adults considering pursuing a degree or credential of value to enhance or change course on their career path can also use the website as a resource. Under the tab, MyWay Works, the website includes information on Adult Education Services, Apprenticeships, Get on the Grid, Getting to Work through MPB, MIBEST, and MS Works. “MyWayMS is a great one-stop tool for information on all things related to postsecondary access in Mississippi,” said Dr. Andrea Mayfield, Executive Director of the Mississippi Community College Board. “The website will help reduce barriers that some may face when it comes to navigating the process of applying for college, filling out financial aid information, and other steps related to enrolling in college. I am grateful to everyone involved who helped create the new site.” The www.MyWayMS.org website takes the place of the former college access website, www.riseupms.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/white-house-docs-shows-mississippi-and-17-other-states-in-coronavirus-red-zone 61ae6d0d13b6110016070980 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

An unpublished document prepared for the White House Coronavirus Task Force and obtained by the Center for Public Integrity suggests more than a dozen states should revert to more stringent protective measures, limiting social gatherings to 10 people or fewer, closing bars and gyms and asking residents to wear masks at all times.

-The document, dated July 14, says 18 states are in the “red zone” for COVID-19 cases, meaning they had more than 100 new cases per 100,000 population last week. Eleven states are in the “red zone” for test positivity, meaning more than 10 percent of diagnostic test results came back positive.

-It includes county-level data and reflects the insistence of the Trump administration that states and counties should take the lead in responding to the coronavirus. The document has been shared within the federal government but does not appear to be posted publicly.

-“Why are we hiding this information from the American people? This should be published and updated every day,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, director of the Harvard Global Health Institute

-Dr. Deborah Birx, a leader of the task force, referenced an earlier version of what appears to be the same report. She said Arizona, California, Florida and Texas were among the states the task force was monitoring carefully and that “a series of other states” were also in the red zone and should consider limiting gatherings.

-It’s clear some states are not following the task force’s advice. The document recommends that Georgia, in the red zone for both cases and test positivity, “mandate statewide wearing of cloth face coverings outside the home.” But Gov. Brian Kemp signed an order Wednesday banning localities from requiring masks.

For full data on your state, click here: https://publicintegrity.org/health/coronavirus-and-inequality/exclusive-white-house-document-shows-18-states-in-coronavirus-red-zone-covid-19/

This article was originally published by the Center for Public Integrity, a nonprofit newsroom based in Washington, D.C.

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]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-reeves-issues-additional-social-distancing-measures-for-13-counties-to-protect-public 61ae6d0d13b611001607097f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Governor Tate Reeves has announced additional social distancing measures for thirteen counties identified as hotspots within our state to limit transmission around the communities and protect the health of all Mississippians.

Consulting with our state health experts, thirteen counties were identified as localized regions with spikes in cases and at a higher risk for transmission: Claiborne, Desoto, Grenada, Harrison, Hinds, Jackson, Jefferson, Madison, Quitman, Rankin, Sunflower, Washington, and Wayne Counties.

Governor Reeves signed a new executive order establishing additional restrictions for those thirteen counties to slow the spread of COVID-19, including requiring people to wear masks when at public gatherings or in a shopping environment and limiting social gatherings to no more than 10 indoors and 20 outdoors.

"Mississippi is in a fight for our lives. COVID-19 is an ever-present threat, and we are in the middle of a spike. It is putting a strain on our hospital system," said Governor Tate Reeves at a press briefing. "Today, I am announcing a new order which places tighter restrictions on thirteen counties that are seeing greater risk than others. Make no mistake. The risk is present everywhere. It is most visible in these counties."

The Governor made the announcement during yesterday's press briefing, which you can view on our Facebook page,here.

You can view the signed version of Executive Order No. 1507 ,here. It will also be available later on our website at,governorreeves.ms.gov/covid-19.

Similar to the guidelines set out for other counties previously in,Executive Order No. 1483, the Governor lays out targeted guidelines for social distancing and sanitation protocols to slow the spread of COVID-19 within the thirteen counties, including:

For all businesses:

• All businesses are expected to take every step necessary to implement the regulations, orders, and guidance from the Mississippi State Department of Health and CDC to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including social distancing and encouraging sick employees to stay home.
• All employees will be screened daily at the beginning of their shifts, including asking whether they have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days and have they had a fever in the last 48 hours.
• Based on their duties and responsibilities, employees who are unable to maintain at least 6 feet distance from others must wear a face covering throughout their shift, such as a face mask. Their face coverings must be cleaned or replaced daily.
• Hand sanitizer must be provided to all employees, which can include a hand rub or soap.

For retail businesses (in addition to measures above):

• Face coverings must be provided to all employees who come in direct contact with customers. Employees are required to wear that face covering throughout their shift and clean or replace daily.
• All customers must wear a face covering while inside the retail business.
• Hand sanitizer must be placed at all entrances, in or near bathrooms, and at cashier stations.
• Retail businesses are expected to make all efforts to maintain a 6-foot distance between customers at all times.
• Carts, baskets, and other similar surfaces touched by customers must be sanitized after each use. Other high-touch areas must be sanitized at least once every two hours.

For people out in public:

• Everyone must wear face coverings when at public gatherings or in a shopping environment.
• People must maintain a 6-foot distance between themselves and others.
• Further limits on social gatherings: down to no more than 10 indoors and 20 outdoors.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/scholarship-opportunities-for-2020-2021-academic-year 61ae6d0d13b611001607097e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT $1,500 and $2,500 Awards Available

**Application Deadline: Monday, July 27, 2020**

The Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association (MAMA) has scholarships available for the 2020-2021 academic year for both community college and university students.

Growing a strong workforce is essential to the health of all industries in our state. Providing support and opportunity is one way the Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association (MAMA) and its members can secure the future workforce of the automotive industry. Since 2006, MAMA has supported this through awarding more than $250,000 in scholarships to students studying automotive-related fields at Mississippi’s community colleges and universities.

The scholarship is available to technical and engineering-related majors as well as nontraditional majors that could be applied in the automotive industry. Our organization supports automotive manufacturing in the state and would like to increase awareness of the Mississippi Automotive Manufacturers Association – who we are and what we do. We will provide scholarship recipients with additional benefits beyond scholarship money, including opportunities to network with potential future employers, attend industry events, and more.

The MAMA Scholarship Program Guidelines and the Scholarship Application Form on the MAMA website at mamaonline.net/scholarships provide a comprehensive overview of the process.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mdac-to-distribute-farmers-to-families-food-boxes-at-the-mississippi-state-fairgrounds 61ae6d0d13b611001607097d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce (MDAC) will distribute 1,400 whole produce boxes and 1,400 gallons of milk to the public at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson, on Friday, July 10, as part of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program.

“The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce is honored to be a part of the Farmers to Families Food Box Program. The past several months have been challenging for many families, and distributing these boxes is one way that we can assist during this time of need. This program has delivered 27.5 million food boxes across the nation to families impacted by COVID-19 and is beneficial to farmers, distributors and everyday citizens,” said Agriculture and Commerce Commissioner Andy Gipson.

Merchants FoodService of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, will supply the produce boxes and milk Friday morning at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds. The public can begin arriving at 9:00 a.m. and must remain in their vehicles with the windows up. MDAC volunteers will wear masks and gloves at all times and when instructed, the public will be allowed to open their car trunks for placement of their food box.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) created the Farmers to Families Food Box Program under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Through this, the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service partners with national, regional and local suppliers, whose workforce has been significantly impacted by the closure of restaurants, hotels and other food service businesses, to purchase up to $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat products. Suppliers then package these products into family-sized boxes and transport them to food banks, community and faith-based organizations, and other non-profits serving Americans in need.

The Mississippi State Fairgrounds is located at 1207 Mississippi Street, Jackson, MS 39202. The public must enter through Gate 1 on Jefferson Street and exit through Gate 3 on Greymont Street. Visit https://www.ams.usda.gov/ to learn more about the Farmers to Families Food Box Program.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/divorce-in-the-age-of-covid-19 61ae6d0d13b611001607097c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Coronavirus has impacted us in a myriad of ways, both from the restrictions imposed by the government and the precautions that we choose to take as individuals. Getting divorced is a daunting process even in the best of times, but right now, not knowing how the courts are responding to COVID-19 might be causing you additional anxiety. Luckily for Clinton residents, Hinds County has set forth a clear set of procedures, and getting familiar with them might ease some of your fears.

Divorce in Mississippi

First let’s talk a little bit about divorce in Mississippi more generally. The Magnolia State actually has ,,one of the lowest divorce rates in the country. Mississippi divides its overall caseload into a few different court systems depending on the nature of the case. Divorces (and other domestic issues) are heard in the Chancery Courts. Chancery Court judges are used to working with people who haven’t interacted much with the legal system, so this environment is hopefully relatively unintimidating.

Every county has slightly different court procedures, but we’ll be focusing on Hinds County, where most of you live. If you call a different county home, feel free to check out your local Chancery Court’s website for the most specific information, but what you read here will still give you a pretty good idea of what to expect.

COVID-19 Precautions

After President Trump declared a national emergency on March 13th, the Hinds County Chancery Court began developing a plan of action, which went into effect on May 18th until further notice. Some of the guidelines primarily affect lawyers and court staff, but here are the ones that you might want to be aware of:

• Before entering the building, you’ll need to submit to a temperature check, and you will not be admitted if your temperature is above 100.1 degrees.
• You’ll also be required to use hand sanitizer immediately before entering the courtroom.
• Everyone in the building must wear a mask at all times.
• Only people involved in the case (parties, witnesses, etc.) will be allowed in the courtroom without prior authorization.
• There will never be more than 10 people allowed in the courtroom total, including staff. This is so that social distancing can be properly practiced, with everyone remaining at least 6 feet apart at all times.
• The judge will not look at any hard copies of documents that you bring in on the day of your appearance. Instead, you’ll have to scan and email them at least 48 hours ahead of time.

It’s important to note that these precautions are the floor, not the ceiling. Ultimately, the courtroom is the judge’s domain, and he or she might make minor additional requests of you, which you will also be obliged to follow. The above procedures are the only ones that you can reasonably be expected to be aware of on your own, though, of course.

What You Can Do to Make Things Easier on Yourself

Hopefully this proactive approach will benefit the health of Hinds County residents, but one unintended consequence of the new protocol is that the Chancery Courts are likely to be running slower than they usually do. Court personnel are still getting used to this new way of operating, so everything might be just a little less efficient. Additionally, court surfaces will need to be sanitized between cases, so it’s possible that fewer cases will be scheduled per day.

The best thing that you can do to avoid hassle and unexpected delay is to look into an ,,internet divorce platform. This is generally only an option for those undergoing uncontested divorces (meaning both parties agree how to resolve issues like spousal support, division of debts and assets, child support, and child custody), but for folks who fall into that category, it is almost always the best way to go. It’s much less costly than hiring an attorney, plus you’ll be able to avoid appearing in court altogether. Now how’s that for social distancing?

Divorce can be scary, but the more knowledgeable and prepared you are, the easier it will be.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/city-of-pearl-annual-financial-audit-report 61ae6d0d13b611001607097b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Current Financial Fund Balance: FY 2020: $947,000 vs. FY 2016: -$924,000

A $1.87 million turnaround in three years. “This turnaround is due directly to our city department heads and our employees for their creativity and cost saving endeavors . We have worked both smarter and harder over the last three years and are continuing our dedication to conservative fiscal responsibility. We look forward to an even better report in 2021.” –Mayor Jake Windham The annual audit report is for the previous fiscal year which ends June 30, and is provided to the State Auditor.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-tate-reeves-signing-ceremony-for-mississippi-flag-bill 61ae6d0d13b611001607097a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

This evening, Governor Tate Reeves will hold a ceremony to sign,House Bill 1796, which removes the current Mississippi state flag and creates a commission to design a new one that will be voted on in November.

Delivering brief remarks, Governor Reeves will address all of Mississippi on this momentous occasion about the importance of unity and moving forward together as a state.

Governor Reeves will be joined by legislative officials key to the passage of the bill and leaders within the African American community to celebrate and mark this historic occasion.

WHO: Governor Tate Reeves

WHAT: Signing Ceremony for Mississippi Flag Bill

WHEN: Tuesday, June 30 at 5:00 PM

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/avoid-firework-injury-this-independence-day 61ae6d0d13b6110016070979 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The State Fire Marshal’s Office encourages firework safety this Independence Day.

“There may be more personal use of fireworks at homes and in neighborhoods than usual, as many public fireworks displays are cancelled because of the coronavirus,” said State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. “I hope that Mississippians will use caution if they handle fireworks and follow the safety tips laid out below.”

On average, 180 people go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the July 4th holiday, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The risk of fireworks injury is highest for young people ages 0-4, followed by children 10-14. Sparklers, often a favorite with children, can reach up to 1200 º Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to cause third-degree burns.

For those choosing to use fireworks, the Mississippi State Fire Marshal suggests you follow these safety tips:

• Observe local laws.

o Those wishing to purchase and use fireworks should first check with their fire protection officials to make sure that local laws are being followed.

o Some municipalities prohibit fireworks from being used within city limits.

• Use common sense: always read and follow the directions on each firework.

• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

• Buy from reliable fireworks sellers. Store them in a cool, dry place.

• Always have an adult present when shooting fireworks.

• Put used fireworks in a bucket of water and have a hose ready.

• Only use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass, and trees.

• Light only one item at a time and keep a safe distance.

• Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks.

• Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.

• Never give fireworks to small children.

• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/aba-recognizes-mississippi-s-efforts-to-provide-civil-legal-assistance-to-the-poor 61ae6d0d13b6110016070978 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Access to Justice Commission and the Mississippi Bar have been honored by the American Bar Association for their efforts to provide free civil legal assistance to poor people.

The Access to Justice Commission and the Mississippi Bar received the E. Smythe Gambrell Professionalism Award for their efforts to provide free family law clinics statewide. The award includes a $3,500 prize which will be used to improve access to the courts by the poor.

Presentation of the Gambrell Professionalism Award is the second time that the ABA has recognized the efforts in Mississippi to expand civil legal services to people living in poverty. The ABA presented the Mississippi Bar with the 2019 Harrison Tweed Award for its role in expanding the free legal clinics statewide.

The award recognizes efforts to improve civil legal services to people living in poverty. At the urging of former Chief Justice Bill Waller Jr., free family law clinics were held in every Chancery Court district in the state in 2018 and again in 2019. The Mississippi Legislature in 2018 declared June Access to Justice Month, with many of the free clinics held in June. Other free clinics were spread out across the year.

The free legal clinics were offered for poor people who could not afford to hire a lawyer. Local lawyers volunteered their time to help with issues including uncontested divorce, child custody, guardianships, adoptions, legal name change and emancipation. Some also assisted with expungements, opening the way for people to seek better employment opportunities.

In 2018, more than 450 Mississippi lawyers provided more than 1,300 hours of free legal services to 850 people in need. In 2019, more than 1,075 people received assistance, according to Nicole McLaughlin, executive director of the Access to Justice Commission and director of the Mississippi Bar’s Access to Justice Initiative. Legal clinic events were organized and supported by the Access to Justice Commission, chancellors and their staffs, the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project, Legal Services offices, local bar associations and volunteer lawyers.

Mike Randolph, Chief Justice of the Mississippi Supreme Court, said, “It is my sincere hope that we can continue to expand voluntary, free legal assistance to our citizens. I’ve attended multiple clinics and have spoken to and encouraged the recipients, as well as the courts, clerks, staffs, and attorneys who sacrifice their time and skills to benefit others. There is nothing like witnessing the joy of families when adoption orders are signed.”

Amanda Tollison, President of the Mississippi Bar, said, “The free legal clinics helped show lawyers and law students across the state the importance of providing pro bono legal services. While giving lawyers the chance to serve as mentors to law students, these clinics also provided an opportunity for the local bar to volunteer together, rather than as adversaries, to reach a common goal: serving the public. In turn, the clinics helped build a positive perception of the legal profession to the local communities and enhanced and improved the professionalism of existing and aspiring lawyers.”

Chancellor Jacqueline Mask of Tupelo, co-chair of the Access to Justice Commission, said, “I’m thankful for the award because it recognizes the hard work of the lawyers in the entire state. The attorneys who are volunteering should be acknowledged and commended for their sacrifice and their giving hearts. This prestigious honor encourages all of us to continue giving to people in need.”

McLaughlin said, “We are proud that Mississippi has been recognized again for the statewide legal clinic project. In Mississippi, approximately 20 percent of our residents live below the poverty level. This project helps prevent people from having to sacrifice necessities for legal services and expands access to the courts. We are fortunate to have the support of the legal community and hope the project continues to grow and help people across the State.

Former Arkansas Bar Association President Brian Rosenthal nominated the Access to Justice Commission and the Mississippi Bar for the Gambrell Professionalism Award. Rosenthal said in the nomination, “The Mississippi model of leadership from the top judicial officer and the bar at all levels can serve as a model for all states.”

“Sometimes you see where dentists gather to assist those who cannot afford services and serve hundreds of people in a day or two. Even though the Mississippi program cannot address all issues like a single dentist visit might be able to do, it can relieve the pain of uncertainty on how and whether to proceed and marshal resources available for assistance,” Rosenthal wrote in the nomination.

The Gambrell Professionalism Awards, administered by the ABA Standing Committee on Professionalism and supported by the E. Smythe Gambrell Fund for Professionalism, recognize the nation’s exemplary, innovative, and ongoing professionalism programs in law schools, bar associations, courts and other legal organizations that help ensure the maintenance of the highest principles of integrity and dedication to the legal profession and the public. The Gambrell Awards were established in 1991 and are named for E. Smythe Gambrell, who founded the Legal Aid Society in Atlanta, where he practiced law from 1922 until his death in 1986. Gambrell served as American Bar Association and American Bar Foundation president from 1955 to 1956.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-furls-state-flag-with-confederate-emblem-after-126-years 61ae6d0d13b6110016070977 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT This story was originally published by Mississippi Today on MississippiToday.org

Lawmakers voted on Sunday to remove the Mississippi state flag, the last in the nation featuring the Confederate battle emblem, more than 126 years after it was adopted.

The House and Senate passed a bill on Sunday that will immediately remove the state flag, and Gov. Tate Reeves said he would sign the bill into law. A nine-person commission will be appointed to develop a single new design by September, and Mississippi voters will approve or reject that design on the November 2020 ballot. In the meantime, Mississippi will have no official state flag.

The historic vote brought tears to the eyes of many lawmakers. Cheers echoed in the halls of the Mississippi State Capitol shortly after the final votes were cast, and many Mississippians who visited the building to witness the moment openly wept.

“We are better today than we were yesterday,” said Speaker of the House Philip Gunn, who authored the bill that passed on Sunday. “Today, the future has taken root in the present. Today, we and the rest of the nation can look on our state with new eyes, with pride and hope.

“We are not betraying our heritage,” Gunn continued. “We are fulfilling it.”

The flag, long a point of political contention in Mississippi, was seen by many as a symbol of hate. In 2001, Mississippi voters decided nearly 2-to-1 to keep the divisive emblem on the state flag, solidifying its place on the official state banner for nearly two decades. For years, supporters of changing the flag have not been able to garner the simple majority needed to change the controversial banner through the normal legislative process.

But the violent death of George Floyd, a Black man, in Minneapolis sparked nationwide protests that reached Mississippi and shined new light on the state flag. And in recent weeks, immense pressure mounted from religious, business, civic, university, sports and other leaders to remove the Confederate emblem from the flag.

A growing list of businesses, cities, counties and other groups either stopped flying the flag or asked leaders to change it. Religious leaders spoken out, saying changing the flag was a “moral issue.” The NCAA, SEC, and Conference USA this month took action to ban postseason play in Mississippi until the flag was changed.

“As an African American man born in 1958, I grew up as a child of the Civil Rights Movement,” said Rep. Robert Johnson, D-Natchez and House Democratic leader. “All the things I heard from those men at the podium – that none of us went up to speak about because we’ve been saying it for years – but all those things they talked about, we’ve been feeling for years.”

Johnson began crying and paused for a moment before continuing: “What it means to me is it isn’t just words. They began to understand and feel the same thing I’ve been feeling for 61 years of my life.”

Johnson said Mississippi needs help with many problems, such as poverty and poor health care, but the nation and world “have been reluctant” to work with Mississippi and that removing the flag with a Confederate emblem will help.

“Now that this is gone, they will begin to look and see who the real Mississippi is, and see that we are more than what that flag represents,” Johnson said.

The Senate debate on Sunday lasted about two hours, with several senators arguing that the issue should go to voters instead of being made by lawmakers. Several senators rebutted that argument before passing the bill.

“I think the Mississippi Senate and me personally, we want Mississippi to have a heart and a soul,” said Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann after the vote. “Today she had one.”

The House approved the bill by a vote of 92-23 on Sunday, with eight more House members voting to approve the final bill than they did on a procedural vote on Saturday. The Senate approved the bill by a vote of 37-14, with one more Senate member voting to approve than on Saturday.

“For 100 plus years, we have been living under this flag,” said Sen. David Jordan, D-Greenwood. “We watered this land with our tears and made it rich with our bones, so it’s only fair that we have a symbol that represents us and (does) not remind us of what has happened to us.”

The debate over the state flag captured the close attention of Mississippians for weeks. By the final vote in the Senate on Sunday, the news reverberated across the state. Many prominent Mississippians expressed their appreciation.

“Removal of the Confederate battle flag from our state flag is long overdue,” former Gov. William Winter said in a statement. “I congratulate the Mississippi Legislature on their decisive action today removing this divisive symbol. Along with many committed Mississippians, I have fought for decades to change the flag, most notably during the flag referendum 20 years ago.

“I’m delighted by this positive move,” Winter continued. “I’m especially grateful at age 97 to witness this step forward by the state I love.”

Now attention will turn to the next steps in the process of developing a new state flag. The new design “will not include the Confederate battle flag but shall include the words ‘In God We Trust’,” the bill passed on Sunday reads. Should voters reject that design in November, the commission would present a new option during the 2021 legislative session, according to the resolution.

Gov. Tate Reeves, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann and Speaker Philip Gunn will appoint three people each to the commission. The governor’s three appointees must be representatives from the Mississippi Economic Council, the Mississippi Arts Commission, and the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Hosemann and Gunn face no specific commission appointment requirements.

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History will have up to 15 days after Reeves signs the bill into law to officially retire the current state flag.

“All eyes are on Mississippi, and today, we have made an historic decision,” said Sen. Angela Turner Ford, chairwoman of the Legislative Black Caucus. “… Today we mark a transition for Mississippi, a day where we can be proud to move forward to adopt a symbol that is inclusive, a symbol that all of us can rally behind … We’ve made a decision to move forward, and I hope Mississippians are proud of that decision.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/virtual-farm-bureau-watermelon-classic-5k-registration-open-through-july-4th 61ae6d0d13b6110016070976 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

JACKSON, Miss. – (June 26, 2020) Registration for the 2020 Farm Bureau Classic remains open through July 4th for participants to support the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum and the annual fundraiser taking place virtually this year. Participants are able to choose a 5k Run or a 5k Walk and complete the race in their own time at any location they choose. Results may be submitted through RunSignUp.com beginning Sunday, June 28, 2020.

“We are incredibly proud of and grateful for the support we have received so far for this event through the changes we’ve had to make for 2020. With the continued support of Farm Bureau, Raymond James, Fleet Feet, C Spire and over 400 participants already committed to running with us virtually, we know the spirit of the Watermelon Classic will be strong across our city and state this next week even as we can’t spend the holiday together this year.” said Andrea Patterson, Race Director and Director of Community Relations and Marketing for the Museum.

Registration is open on www.msfame.com/2020watermelon and the RunSignUp platform. Registration is $25 and includes an official 2020 t-shirt, a finisher’s award and a virtual event bag with coupons and promotions from supporting businesses. After registering, participants will receive more detailed information regarding the event. They will have the opportunity to complete the 5k Run or 5k Walk at any time in any place and submit their results by July 5th. Registration closes on July 4th, 2020 at 11:59 p.m.

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame has partnered with the Parks and Recreations Departments of the City of Madison, City of Ridgeland and City of Flowood as well as the District at Eastover to provide participants with route options to run or walk their 5k during the next week. Runners and walkers can find signage and routes available at Strawberry Patch Park in Madison, the Ridgeland Multi-Use Trail at Rice Road, the Flowood Trail in front of the YMCA, and the loop around the District at Eastover. We are asking participants to please consider using these options or running in your own parks or neighborhoods and not using the traditional race course around the Museum.

Participants are also encouraged to join other runners and walkers on social media using the hashtag #2020WatermelonClassic to post pictures and videos of their trainings, runs, walks, and watermelon celebrations. There is an option to print your own race bib to wear, use a virtual finish line graphic, submit pictures for a costume contest, and many more ways to stay connected to other participants.

For more questions about the event or to support the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, please visit msfame.com or call our offices at 601-982-8264.

About The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame

The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame exists to promote, preserve and protect Mississippi’s rich sports heritage for this and generations to come. The Museum serves as a destination for sports legends to live forever through interactive displays and exhibits where visitors can play, live and dream. The 501(c)(3) organization recognizes excellence in athletics and contributions to sports. For more information about the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, visit msfame.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mssportshofandmuseum or Twitter at www.twitter.com/mssportshof.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/florence-student-selected-for-ummc-scholarship 61ae6d0d13b6110016070975 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Bailey Steen of Florence is among eight MC students selected to obtain scholarships for medical or dental school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, UMMC officials say. The Legislature funded the program to increase the pool of rural physicians and dentists.

Mississippi College student Hannah “Bailey’’ Steen of Florence will enroll in 2022 at the University of Misissippi School of Dentistry.

“This has been a dream I’ve been working towards for ten years,’’ she said. “I’ve been blessed with the opportunity.’’ Steen thanks dentists and professors as well as the scholarship program for making her dream become a reality.

Being chosen among nearly two dozen Mississippi Rural Physicians Scholars in June makes it possible for Steen to achieve her goals.

MC students chosen for medical school scholarships include Rebecca Grewe of Flora, Kenley Cochran of Beaumont, Neha Dhaliwa of Canton, Hannah Mixon of Vancleave, Macia Outlaw of Brandon, T.J. McIntosh of Wren and Max Pappas of Laurel.

Dr. Wahnee Sherman, director of the rural physicians program based at UMMC, welcomes the new students enrolling in 2021 and 2022.

“We are looking forward to working with them and helping them become physicians, dentists and leaders in rural Mississippi.’’

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/msh-honors-2019-employees-of-year 61ae6d0d13b6110016070974 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Mississippi State Hospital held a special ceremony on June 3 to honor its three Employees of the Year for 2019. Clarence Williams was the Direct Care winner, Shelli Pitts the Clinical Service honoree and Ben Bradley the Support Services winner.

With the traditional banquet ruled out because of COVID-19 safety measures, MSH took its ceremony outside, where all the 2019 Employees of the Month strolled down a decorated runway one at a time cheered on by a small group of executive leadership. After that ceremony, a parade of vehicles visited the building of each of the EOY winners and delivered cake, ice cream and a large facsimile check.

Williams, a Brandon native, was a Vocational Training Instructor in Inpatient Services in 2019 and is now a supervisor. The Hinds Community College alumnus has worked at MSH for over 23 years.

Pitts, a Brandon native who now resides in Pearl, is a Licensed Practical Nurse in Inpatient Services. A Hinds Community College graduate, she has worked at MSH since 1997.

Bradley, a Jackson resident, is a Programmer Analyst II in Information Management. A Callaway High School and Jackson State University alumnus, he has been employed at MSH for 30 years.

Each of the EOY winners received a personalized plaque and an actual $250 check from Friends of Mississippi State Hospital, Inc., the volunteer organization that sponsors the hospital’s employee recognition program. All of the 2019 Employees of the Month were invited to the ceremony, and each one received a personalized yard sign, a poster featuring all the honorees, a commemorative pin, a gift card from Mangia Bene Restaurant Group, pictures from the event and other assorted goodies.

The Employees of the Month, chosen by a special committee, are nominated by coworkers and approved by supervisors for their outstanding contributions on the job and their embodiment of the hospital’s core values of respect, relationships, accountability, teamwork and diversity. The employee recognition program is sponsored by Friends of Mississippi State Hospital, Inc., a volunteer organization.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/statement-from-the-lt-governor-on-the-mississippi-flag 61ae6d0d13b6110016070973 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The below is attributable to Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann:

“I rise before you today to discuss the flag of our State.< ]]>

This discussion is not prompted by fear of loss of economic development, although virtually every economic developer in our State has indicated opportunities and employment of our citizens will be adversely affected. Further, it is not prompted by the impending loss of student athletes’ ability to compete for championships, although that has occurred. Further, I recognize many of our citizens are proud of their individual ancestors, some of whom fought in battle 150 years ago. I am one of those citizens.

While important, these issues are not controlling.

What is compelling to me is the future of our children and grandchildren. They will learn together, they will work together, and they will worship together. Those who wish to fly our flag should not be typecast in any fashion. Similarly, those who are offended by our flag are sincere in their beliefs. The physical acknowledgements of our history are our guideposts and buoys which helps us to avoid reefs in the future. Destruction of history fails to change it and, over time, opens us to repeat it.

However, now we must look to a flag for our collective future to be flown over our collective assets. I, like the majority of Mississippians, am open to changing our current flag.

In my mind, our flag should bear the Seal of the Great State of Mississippi and state “In God We Trust.” I am open to bringing all citizens together to determine a banner for our future.

Some distrust the will of the citizens and fear the public dialogue which comes with a ballot. I am not one of those people. Changes in our hearts and minds arise from conversation, and in our Republic by the finality of the ballot box.

However, the Legislature in 1894 selected the current flag and the Legislature should address it today. Failing to do so only harms us and postpones the inevitable.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/malco-theatres-sets-phase-2-re-openings 61ae6d0d13b6110016070972 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Memphis-based Malco Theatres has set Friday, June 26, 2020 as the Phase 2 re-opening date for locations in Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana.

The Grandview Cinema & IMAX (Madison, MS), Gonzales Cinema (Gonzales, LA), Jonesboro Towne Cinema (Jonesboro, AR), Rogers Towne Cinema Grill (Rogers, AR) and Razorback Cinema Grill & IMAX (Fayetteville, AR) theatres will take the total number of reopened Malco locations to eleven. Additional locations will open as part of Phase 3 in early July and the goal is for the full circuit to be operational by July 24. All locations have been closed since mid-March due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Malco’s reopening protocols can be viewed at here.

Locations now open:

Renaissance Cinema Grill (Ridgeland, MS)

Olive Branch Cinema Grill (Olive Branch, MS)

Desoto Cinema Grill (Southaven, MS)

Tupelo Commons Cinema Grill (Tupelo, MS)

Smyrna Cinema (Smyrna, TN)

Owensboro Cinema Grill (Owensboro, KY)

Opening June 26:

Grandview Cinema & IMAX (Madison, MS)

Gonzales Cinema (Gonzales, LA)

Jonesboro Towne Cinema Grill (Jonesboro, AR)

Rogers Towne Cinema Grill (Rogers, AR)

Razorback Cinema Grill & IMAX (Fayetteville, AR)

Current plans are to offer a lineup of perennial fan favorite classics like The Goonies, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Grease, Jaws, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Madagascar and Back to the Future,along with a mix of pre-Covid releases such as Trolls: World Tour, I Still Believe and The Invisible Man. Starting June 26, Steve Carrell’s new film

Irresistible opens in select locations, followed by Russell Crowe’s new film Unhinged on July 10, Disney’s Mulan on July 24 and Christopher Nolen’s Tenet on July 31.

Online advance tickets for June 26 through July 4 will be available starting June 24, 2020 via Malco.com, the Malco app, Fandango and Atom Tickets.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-education-continues-climb-in-kids-count-national-data 61ae6d0d13b6110016070971 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Mississippi experienced the greatest improvement in education, ranking 39th in the country, a substantial upturn from the previous ranking of 44 in 2019, according to new data released in the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s annual KIDS COUNT® 2020 Data Book.

Gains in high school graduation and 4th grade literacy contributed to the rise in achievement. High school students are also more likely to graduate on time. Fourth graders not proficient in reading improved from the previous year, dropping from 73 percent to 68 percent.

“This exciting news is the direct results of leaders, teachers, parents and students working collaboratively to lift academic performance in the state and open the doors of opportunity for students. It also reinforces the success of our national performance in 4th grade math and reading,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education.

Linda Southward, director of the Children’s Foundation of Mississippi, notes that “for Mississippi to continue to make improvements, we must first assure that children and families have the services needed now and after the COVID-19 pandemic.”

She further notes that it is “more critical than ever for each child to have computers and access to broadband internet connectivity — this is one example of how Mississippi can build upon the successes in education, along with quality early care and education and more Pre-K classrooms.” Southward stated that “Mississippians are overwhelmingly supportive of giving our children a strong start, but we know it will take everyone working together, across systems and agencies along with public-private partnerships to make positive differences for Mississippi’s children and their families.”

Mississippi ranked 49th nationally for overall child well-being, according to the new report that uses data from health, education, economic well-being and family and community. This is Mississippi’s first decrease in the overall ranking over the past three years. The report is based on the latest data available for the indicators used, all prior to 2020. This data does not reflect current conditions amidst the COVID-19 crisis. The Casey Foundation has plans to issue a special report in December focused on data from the pandemic.

The 2020 KIDS COUNT® Data Book is available at www.aecf.org. Additional information is available at www.aecf.org/databook, which also contains the most recent national, state and local data on hundreds of indicators of child well-being. Journalists interested in creating maps, graphs and rankings in stories about the Data Book can use the KIDS COUNT Data Center at datacenter.kidscount.org.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mde-cites-record-low-dropout-rate-in-response-to-state-auditor-s-performance-audit 61ae6d0d13b6110016070970 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) held up its sustained record of improved student achievement over the past six years – particularly the state’s record-low dropout rate – in response to the Office of the State Auditor’s (OSA) performance audit for the MDE Office of Dropout Prevention. State law established the office in 2006, though no specific state funds are targeted for the office.

The OSA report made no mention of the MDE’s broader, updated strategy to improve student achievement and how it successfully raised student outcomes.

“This audit completely ignores the progress made in performance by schools, districts, and students across Mississippi,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. “This project was described as a performance audit, but there are no performance metrics included in the report.”

The OSA audit cited the MDE for not adhering to the 2006 law because it no longer operates a stand-alone dropout prevention office, disregarding the fact that the MDE’s Office of Secondary Education leads agency-wide dropout prevention efforts. Those efforts are embedded throughout the Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) Strategic Plan.

Since the Strategic Plan was adopted in 2014, the MDE has spearheaded initiatives that pushed the state’s graduation rate to an all-time high of 85%, up from 74.5% in 2014; reduced the state’s dropout rate to an historic low of 9.7%, a decrease from 13.9% in 2014; and significantly improved student achievement from pre-K through grade 12.

The audit also erroneously cites the MDE for using inapplicable graduation rate data when reporting to SBE and the public. The MDE calculates the four-year graduation rate in accordance with the definition established in Section 8101(25) of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

“Given the tremendous progress Mississippi students, teachers and schools have made over the past six years, it is disheartening to read a report that focuses on outdated procedures that have not been effective,” Wright said. “The State Board of Education Strategic Plan has modernized the state’s approach to education, which has resulted in historic and sustained student achievement across Mississippi. The nation now considers Mississippi a leader in education because our students are making faster progress than nearly every other state.”

Read the MDE’s complete response to the OSA audit.

Read the 2018-19 Superintendent’s Annual Report for details about student achievement reaching an all-time high.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/clinical-trial-tests-plasma-as-possible-covid-19-treatment 61ae6d0d13b611001607096f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

One of the keys to treating COVID-19 could be in the blood on those who have already recovered from the potentially deadly viral infection.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is leading a clinical trial where hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 will receive plasma from people that have recovered.

Dr. Gailen Marshall, R. Faser Triplett Sr. M.D. Chair of Allergy and Immunology at UMMC, is leading the study.

During an infection, the human body makes antibodies that work to neutralize the effect of the invading bacteria or virus, he said. These antibodies stay in the person’s blood plasma after they have beat the infection.

“The majority of people infected with this novel coronavirus recover fully, and these individuals will almost always possess a robust antibody response,” he said. “Our trial seeks to learn if people with severe COVID-19 could benefit from an infusion of these antibodies.”

UMMC needs two kinds of research volunteers for this study: current hospitalized COVID-19 patients and people who have recovered. For the latter group, Marshall and his colleagues will screen volunteers with a documented COVID-19 diagnosis – “people who received a nasal swab test and tested positive for the virus,” he said.

To screen potential plasma donors, a research nurse will draw a small blood sample in order to measure COVID-19 specific antibodies and determine if they are present at a high enough concentration. If a volunteer meets all of the study participation requirements, they will be asked to donate plasma at Mississippi Blood Services for the study. Plasma can be banked for one year, Marshall said, which is good news because there will likely be new COVID-19 infections in Mississippi for several months.

UMMC’s trial is one of dozens worldwide testing the safety and efficacy of plasma in treating COVID-19. Physicians have used convalescent plasma and its antibodies for more than a century to prevent and treat infectious diseases including influenza, diphtheria and measles before vaccines were available. This technique, which passes passive immunity to the patient, can cause a positive immune response relatively quickly, Marshall said.

Marshall notes that the current COVID-19 patients who receive the plasma will also continue to receive the standard of care for the disease. This includes hospitalization and, if needed, supplemental oxygen or ventilation to manage severe disease. However, there are no Food and Drug and Administration-approved treatments or vaccines for COVID-19. Clinical research is necessary to remedy this, Marshall said.

“We know that COVID-19 is likely to return in some form or another,” he said. “The purpose of clinical trials like this one is to help us prepare so that we can have more knowledge, treat people more quickly, prevent severe disease and decrease the number of deaths during a future outbreak.”

For more information about this clinical trial, contact Lynn Oakes at (601) 496-7837 or loakes1@umc.edu. To learn more about other COVID-19-related clinical trials at UMMC, visit https://umc.edu/clinicaltrials/.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/winners-from-the-troop-85-6-week-corona-lockdown-hiking-contest 61ae6d0d13b611001607096e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

From L to R: Jesse Rico (90 Miles), Luke Germany (52 miles), Eric Reyna (102 miles), Coleman Sones (62 miles), Ethan Case (64 miles), Trinity Hasson (63 miles) and not pictured Ivan Reyna (104 miles)

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/cmrls-library-services-update 61ae6d0d13b611001607096d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

PRESS RELEASE June 15, 2020 Dear Valued Library Patron: On behalf of our entire family of libraries, we want to thank you for your support during the past couple of months. While our doors were physically closed to you, our Central Mississippi Regional Library System Board of Trustees and Library Team was committed to providing digital services which included access to eBooks, Databases, eContent, free Wi-Fi at all branches. We are grateful that you have continued to support us from a distance. Because of your support, we have been able to promote safety for our communities and our library team. We sincerely appreciate your vast loyalty and look forward to having you visit our libraries again soon. What has been happening behind the scene at CMRLS Libraries? While not only getting your libraries ready to open and keeping everyone safe by quarantining and cleaning books, managing computer updates and cabling, moving the Mize Library, a new AC system at the Flowood Library, creation of policies and procedures for prolonged closing and reopening during a pandemic, and much, much more; the CMRLS staff have attended more than 2,530 webinars and self-paced classes ranging from the available CMRLS online resources to Top Ten Skills for Teaching Tech to Patrons. We kindly ask that you refrain from visiting our libraries if you have any symptoms (coughing, shortness of breath, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea), if you have had a fever of 100.4 in the past 48 hrs, or if you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID19. Additionally, we request your participation in our social distancing practices to safeguard our CMRLS team and patrons. Thank you for your assistance in this matter! Libraries will follow all local guidelines to open at specified capacity rates. Below is a list of policies and operations that our libraries will be following, along with estimated dates of when each location plans to reopen.

• Programming
  • In-person library programming, such as but not limited to story times and book clubs, will not be offered until further notice. We are offering virtual programs! Visit us on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CMRLS.Libraries/.
• Library Staff
  • The Library Team Member is required to undergo a series of health screening questions before entering the building. Those showing any signs of symptoms or fever are prohibited from entering the library.
  • Library Team Members are required to wear protective masks and gloves with frequent glove changes and hand washing.
  • Library Team Members are provided proper training and guidance on safety protocols and steps to minimize the spread of COVID19.
• Library Services
  • Curbside Services include material pick up and return.
  • All book drops are open.
  • All returned materials are quarantined for 14 days. All fines and fees will be waived. Materials should not appear on patron’s account after 14 days of quarantine. This will not prevent further check outs.
  • Appointments can be made at libraries to use study tables and computers. Study tables and computer stations are seated at least 6ft apart from one another.
  • Availability of computers will be limited. We will adhere to thirty-minute sessions to allow for others to use computers. Free Wi-Fi can be accessed on the outside of the library building.
  • All libraries are offering Curbside Document Delivery Services such as printing, copying, and faxing for a fee. Wireless printing is available at select branches: Flowood, Pearl, Magee, Mendenhall, Forest.
  • Notary services are available for a nominal fee at the following branches: Flowood, Harrisville, Magee, and Mendenhall libraries.
  • Meeting room use and study room use are discontinued until further notice

• Library Cleaning
  • Tables, chairs, and other library surfaces are sanitized after every use.
  • High-touch areas such as doorknobs, screens, restrooms, etc. are sanitized frequently throughout each shift.
  • Antibacterial soap and hand sanitizer are readily available for Library Team Members and patrons in the libraries.

We will continue to closely monitor the recommendations of local health departments and authorities to ensure we are serving you in the safest way possible. From the beginning of the pandemic, we have continued to prioritize the health and well-being of our library team members and library patrons. Thank you for being a CMRLS patron! Be safe and be well. Warm regards, Mara V. Polk Executive Director

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-partnership-brings-4th-of-july-fireworks-to-trustmark-park 61ae6d0d13b611001607096c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The City of Pearl is excited to announce a 4th of July fireworks show at Trustmark Park. The event is presented by Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi in partnership with the city and the Mississippi Braves.

“We are so thankful to Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi for their support in helping us continue the tradition of fireworks and fun on the 4th of July at Trustmark Park,” said Mayor Jake Windham. “Having the stadium and a large surrounding area will allow us to provide a safe, socially distanced event for families to enjoy. This is a great example of the strong partnership we enjoy between our city and the Braves.”

There are two ways to view the fireworks, either in the stadium or drive-in style in the parking lot. The stadium gates will open at 6:30 p.m. to the first 2,000 people. You can bring a lawn chair or blanket and sit in the outfield grass or in the stadium chair-back seats. There will be games and concessions available, as well as entertainment on the big screen. Social distancing will be regulated.

For those that wish to watch drive-in style from their vehicles, we invite you to tailgate in the parking lots to get a spot early. Social distancing will be regulated. The city’s radio station, 104.5 FM “The Pirate” will simulcast the music set to the fireworks so the drive-in viewers can have a great experience.

The Fireworks Show will begin at 9:30 p.m.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/msdh-news-mississippi-covid-19-success-story-nursing-home-testing 61ae6d0d13b611001607096b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

As of today, the 90th day of COVID-19 cases in Mississippi, approximately seven percent of Mississippi residents have now been tested for the disease, including 100 percent of all residents and staff of the 211 nursing homes in Mississippi.

Nursing homes are considered high-risk locations because their residents are older or in poor health. Even one case of COVID-19 in these facilities among residents or employees is considered an outbreak.

This aggressive effort came at the urging of President Trump last month as he encouraged states to test all nursing homes as part of the country’s reopening strategy.

A total of 13,911 residents and 17,324 staff members were tested for COVID-19 during a 14-week period in the last two weeks of May. The Mississippi Public Health Lab and the University of Mississippi Medical Center tested a total of 26,549 individuals. Of those, 676 were positive for COVID-19.

“We have been tracking outbreaks in nursing homes since we saw our first COVID case in Mississippi on March 11,” said Mississippi State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs. “That has been a very vulnerable population that has shown to be more susceptible to severe illness and death from COVID.”

Dobbs said an interesting finding from the nursing home testing was that many of the positive cases in residents presented with mild symptoms, not the severe symptoms of fever or shortness of breath as originally identified as the most common symptom of COVID-19.

Dobbs said completing the testing strategy was a herculean effort conducted by the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) and the Mississippi National Guard.

“We’ve been very fortunate to work with some incredible partners through the overall COVID response, and this is an example of how much we can accomplish when we work together,” he said.

For more information on the latest COVID-19 guidance and case updates visit the MSDH website at HealthyMS.com/covid-19.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-chamber-of-commerce-city-employee-of-the-month 61ae6d0d13b611001607096a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Congratulations to Robert Killingsworth for being selected as the City of Pearl "Employee of the Month" in May. Robert has been working for the city for 7 years and is the Foreman in charge of the inmate crews; however since the Covid-19 Pandemic he has assumed the workload and makes sure that the work is completed.

Robert gets work orders on a daily basis such as cutting ditches and cleaning out debris in the ditches and inlets. He is the one to call on in emergencies when the city has heavy downpours to get barricades out and deliver and put out sandbags. He has delivered thousands of sandbags and worked long hours no matter what the weather conditions are. He is a valuable employee that is always on time and never misses a day of work.

He is #PEARLSTRONG! The Pearl Chamber of Commerce presented Robert with a $100 Walmart Gift Card and KJ FOOD Mart donated a basket full of goodies and snacks!

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-mayor-s-youth-council-salute-to-service 61ae6d0d13b6110016070969 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Congratulations to Brennan Houston, a member of the Mayor's Youth Council, who was recognized at the City Board Meeting Tuesday Night for his dedicated community service. Brennan was honored for outstanding achievement for a record 375 Community Service Hours! Among his projects was a daycare at the Pearl Police Department where he cared for children of city employees who worked throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Thank you to Brennan and the entire Mayor's Youth Council for your outstanding work.

Applications are now being accepted for the 2020-21 Mayor's Youth Council. Upcoming Pearl High School juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply. Applications are due by June 26 and can be picked up at City Hall.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/terrell-awarded-girl-scout-s-highest-honor 61ae6d0d13b6110016070968 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

Since 1912, Girl Scouts have been making meaningful, sustainable change in their communities and around the world. The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn, acknowledges the power behind each recipient’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself, but also to making the world a better place for others. These young women are courageous leaders and visionary change makers.

Madison Terrell of Troop 5149 in Pearl, was one of nine young Mississippi women who received “Gold Award Girl Scouts” designation.

Terrell's winning entry, Comfort through Colors, focuses on explaining the disease through art. As she describes it, “[c]ancer, at any age is devastating. But for children, a cancer diagnosis can be particularly scary and confusing. Through my own personal experience, I know that understanding can make the treatment process less intimidating. My project used art to explain cancer and its impact on children through the development and distribution of a coloring book with colors. The book, which is now copyrighted, was also upload online and is available at www.storyjumper.com/book/index/76998145. Distribution sites included local oncology and cancer centers, UMMC, Ronald McDonald House, St. Dominic and Baptist cancer center as well as many others. I also created a social media blog entitled Comfort through Colors on YouTube so that others could view my story and the coloring book. My takeaway from this project is that time is a precious jewel.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ppsd-selects-parents-of-the-year 61ae6d0d13b6110016070967 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

The Parents of the Year for 2019-2020 were recently recognized by Pearl Public School District (PPSD). Pictured (l to r) are: Katie Puckett of Pearl Lower Elementary; Beth Hayes of Pearl Junior High School; Tina Morgigno of Northside Elementary; Alison Dennis of Pearl High School and Megan Bell of Pearl Upper Elementary.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/lunch2go-program-continues-through-summer-months 61ae6d0d13b6110016070966 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

Rankin County School District recently announced that the Grab and Go meal program recently reopened. Meals will be served on Mondays (two meals) and Wednesdays (three meals) from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 pm. Pick up is available at three locations (McLaurin Elementary, Pelahatchie Elementary, and Richland Upper Elementary) Due to increased participation and inability to accurately predict numbers, lunches will be first come/first served.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-tate-reeves-releases-safe-return-guidelines-for-dmv-reopenings 61ae6d0d13b6110016070965 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced his Safe Return guidelines for permanent drivers license stations across the state to reopen on Monday, June 8.

Working with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) and state health officials to ensure the safety and well-being of Mississippians at these stations, Governor Reeves is implementing social distancing procedures to help them operate safely and efficiently during the pandemic.

"Let’s be honest, they were a mess before. The pent-up demand created by the pandemic is only going to make existing problems worse. We think we’ve got a plan in place to make it run as safely and smoothly as possible, but there is a lot of structural work we’ve got to do for a real fix," said Governor Tate Reeves.

Governor Reeves announced the guidelines with Commissioner Sean Tindell at his press briefing today, which you can view on our Facebook pagehere.

“Mississippians have been greatly inconvenienced throughout the time our driver license stations have been closed and we appreciate their patience through this transition moving forward. We are working diligently to safely reopen while protecting our employees and the customers we serve,” said Commissioner Sean Tindell.

To ensure social distancing protocols, people will be allowed to visit the stations on the day of the week that corresponds with the first letter of their last name. Walk-ins are welcome to visit on "Walk-In Wednesdays." Here is the daily schedule for visits per last names:

• Monday: A-E
• Tuesday: F-L
• Wednesday: "Walk-in Wednesday"
• Thursday: M-S
• Friday: T-Z

Governor Reeves strongly encourages that people wear face coverings, such as cloth masks, when they are inside the stations.

Services available are also limited to reduce the number of people visiting the stations to help limit transmission. The following services will be available at permanent driver license stations:

• CDL Transactions
• Out of State Transfers
• New Credentials
• New Identification Card Credentials
• Security Guard Permits (Wednesdays only)
• Sex Offender Registration
• Permit tests for students
• Reinstatements
• Non-U.S. Citizens
• Ignition-Interlock Restricted Licenses

Providing a technology alternative to minimize person-to-person contact, Mississippians can access services such as renewal and duplicate driver licenses, ID cards, and address changes on the DPS website atdriverservicebureau.dps.ms.gov.

All road tests for non-commercial drivers are waived until further notice to help reduce the risk of transmission. Minors must submit an affidavit completed by parent or guardian certifying 50 hours of supervised driving time, which are available on the DPS website.

You can view the complete listing of all permanent drivers license stations and additional information regarding the reopenings atdps.ms.gov.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/health-officials-to-release-names-of-long-term-care-facilitieswith-covid-19-outbreaks 61ae6d0d13b6110016070964 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

After reviewing the recent Hinds County Chancery Court ruling regarding the release of possible protected patient information, the Mississippi Attorney General’s office has recommended that the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) release the names of current long-term care facilities that have COVID-19 outbreaks.

Beginning tomorrow, the names of these facilities will be posted on the MSDH website and updated daily. Please keep in mind the list will include the name and county of the facility only, not a breakdown of the number of cases associated with each facility.

The Mississippi Public Records Act provides for the release of public documents already in existence, such as the list of LTCFs with COVID-19 outbreaks. Information requests for facility-specific data will have to be addressed at a later time. The MSDH is not currently able to pull frontline epidemiological staff to perform such queries as they are focusing on contact tracing and case investigations.

Keep up with the latest COVID-19 information by downloading the free MS Ready mobile app or follow MSDH by email and social media at www.HealthyMS.com/connect.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/florentine-club-donates-masks-to-local-salon 61ae6d0d13b6110016070963 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

Florentine Club of Florence, Mississippi, donated twenty masks, made by club member Debi Gibson, to The Glossary Salon in Florence. This project was to assist small business owners during the coronavirus pandemic. Pictured are Co-owners Kerri Welch and Tracy Branch with other stylists of The Glossary.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-business-receives-funding-from-transportation-commission 61ae6d0d13b6110016070962 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

The Mississippi Transportation Commission at its May meeting awarded contracts for maintenance projects throughout Mississippi.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) will oversee the fourteen projects, which will maintain and enhance transportation infrastructure of the state.

“These projects will make our highways safer and make Mississippi a better place to live and work,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E. “All of our projects, whether pavement overlays or bridge replacements, help ensure the businesses and people of Mississippi have efficient and reliable infrastructure for travel and transport of goods and services.”

Commissioner Tom King, Chair, Mississippi Transportation Commission, said, “These projects will help MDOT continue to provide safe and reliable transportation to Mississippi’s traveling public. A robust transportation network is vital for economic development.”

Among the fourteen awarded contracts, one for the Central Transportation District included a $1.6 million contract to APAC-Mississippi, Inc., of Richland, for a two-mile mill and overlay project on U.S. Highway 51 from Dinkins Street to State Route 16 in Madison County.

“Safety is always MDOT’s top priority,” said Commissioner John Caldwell, Northern Transportation District. “These projects will significantly increase the safety and mobility throughout north Mississippi.”

MDOT will release additional information regarding timelines and impacts to traffic prior to the start of construction and will alert the traveling public prior to any changes in traffic.

Highway work zones present new traffic patterns and configurations that may be unfamiliar to some motorists. For information about how to navigate highway work zones safely, visit GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms.

For more information about these or other MDOT maintenance and construction projects, visit MDOTtraffic.com, download the free MDOT Traffic mobile app or like and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-s-students-of-the-year-announced 61ae6d0d13b6110016070961 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

Each year, Pearl Public School District (PPSD) selects one student from each grade as the students of the year. The 2019-2020 PPSD students of the year have been selected by the administration at each school for their outstanding achievement and for their demonstration of Pirate Pride: being prepared, respectful, involved, dependable, and excellent. Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, each student was presented with a Sonic gift card and recognition certificate.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/board-of-trustees-passes-resolution-to-reopen-campuses-in-fall 61ae6d0d13b6110016070960 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning passed a resolution at its meeting today stating the Board’s intention that the campuses of all eight public universities make plans to resume traditional operations on their campuses in the Fall of 2020.

“Providing a safe environment for all students and employees is paramount,” said Dr. Ford Dye, President of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. “We urge the universities to take prudent precautions in planning for resuming traditional operations and make adjustments as needed, based on recommendations from health experts.”

The resolution includes direction to the universities to plan to offer as many in-person classes as possible, while taking into consideration guidance from the Federal Government and the Mississippi Department of Health and complying with any Executive Order from the Governor then in effect.

The Safe Start Task Force, established last month by Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr., Commissioner of Higher Education, is developing a system-level plan for starting and completing the fall 2020 semester in the safest and most effective way.

“The Safe Start Task Force is working diligently to develop guidelines to help the campuses resume traditional operations in a safe manner,” said Dr. Rankins. “While this is a fluid situation and there are many unknowns at this point, our goal is to provide the best academic experience in the safest manner possible.”

The resolution recognizes that plans being made may need to be modified to align with changes in recommendations from health experts.

The Mississippi Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning governs the public universities in Mississippi, including Alcorn State University; Delta State University; Jackson State University; Mississippi State University including the Mississippi State University Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine; Mississippi University for Women; Mississippi Valley State University; the University of Mississippi including the University of Mississippi Medical Center; and the University of Southern Mississippi.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/entergy-mississippi-rates-to-drop-beginning-in-june 61ae6d0d13b611001607095f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Entergy Mississippi rates will drop from June through September, some of the hottest months of the year when energy use is often high. The typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month will pay $9.71 less, or less than $98. That is approximately 25 percent below the national average, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.

“With the economic hit Mississippians have taken from the COVID-19 fall-out, this is welcome news for our customers,” said Haley Fisackerly, Entergy Mississippi president and CEO. “We know residential energy use is up due to many people being home when they ordinarily wouldn’t be, so this reduction should help offset that.”

Electric rates rise and fall year-to-year based on many factors. In this case, it is due to an over-recovery of fuel costs. Like all utilities, Entergy estimates its fuel costs each year. If the company collects more than it spends for fuel costs, it refunds the money back to customers through lower rates. If the company under-collects fuel costs, rates go up to cover the difference. Entergy passes fuel costs on to the customer with no profit to the company.

“Low rates help our state attract large employers to Mississippi,” Fisackerly added. “We’ll need that as we work to rebuild our state’s economy.”

Other reasons for Entergy Mississippi’s current low rates include:

• low natural gas prices;
• the company’s purchase of more efficient, low-cost natural gas power plants;
• upgrading Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in recent years to get 13 percent more low-cost nuclear power from the same plant;
• joining MISO, which gives the company access to power from many sources around the country and creates a more competitive market, and
• streamlining the company to make our operations more cost efficient.

Bills are a combination of rates and usage. To further lower bills, customers can use less electricity by being more energy-efficient. For tips on how to lower usage, visit Entergy’s Save Me Money Web page. For help with bill payment or other needs related to COVID-19, visit Entergy’s customer resource page .

To help small businesses, Entergy Mississippi has created a hub of resources to connect owners to information, tools and opportunities that could help them during the COVID-19 pandemic. These resources are at entergy.com/covid-19/mssmbiz/.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/safety-is-top-priority-as-schools-plan-for-return-to-play-this-summer 61ae6d0d13b611001607095e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

MASS webinar focuses on restart of sports activities in Mississippi schools

As school districts prepare to restart sports activities, the safety and well-being of students, athletes, fans and communities remains the top priority in all decisions involving athletics in Mississippi.

That message was clearly articulated by Mississippi High School Athletic Association Executive Director Don Hinton during the latest webinar hosted by the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents.

Addressing a total of 367 participants — a webinar record for MASS, Hinton shared highlights about return-to-play measures for summer athletics and activities recently approved by the MHSAA Executive Committee. The policy states that school athletics and related programs can begin summer practices, workouts and related activities on June 1, pending Gov. Tate Reeves’ upcoming announcement about the reopening of all Mississippi school facilities.

The webinar is part of MASS’ ongoing commitment to assist members as school districts begin the reopening process in the wake of closures tied to coronavirus concerns.

“Providing accurate information to school leaders is a critical priority, especially as they continue dealing with challenges posed by COVID-19,” said Dr. Phillip Burchfield, executive director of MASS. “Our weekly webinar series, ‘The Pandemic Puzzle: Solving It One Piece at a Time,’ has been an effective strategy to help schools prioritize health precautions while managing a safe transition to traditional schedules and activities.”

Additional guidelines discussed by Hinton include:

- Athletic coaches and activity directors must confirm with their school and/or district administrators that a specific school facility is open and available for use.

- Athletic and associated competitions among MHSAA member or non-member teams are cancelled until school resumes in the fall.

- All practices, workouts, skill development, weightlifting, conditioning and rehearsals are considered voluntary for student athletes and activities participants.

- Participation in and travel to summer programs and team camps are not allowed. On-campus summer programs and camps should adhere to national, state and local COVID-19 health recommendations.

The ,COVID-19 Return to Activity Guidelines document is available at ,https://www.misshsaa.com/.

The Mississippi Association of School Superintendents and the Alliance of Educational Leaders of Mississippi is a non-profit association whose membership is made up of 139 public school superintendents and more than 2,000 public school administrators. Its mission is to provide resources, advocacy, leadership, policy information, training, support, renewal, and public relations services that improve the quality of public education.

Learn more at ,www.superintendents.ms.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/covid-19-cluster-related-to-northeast-mississippi-funeral 61ae6d0d13b611001607095d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Today the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) is reporting a cluster of COVID-19 infections related to a recent funeral in Northeast Mississippi.

The funeral and after-service gathering were held on May 17, 2020, in the city of Baldwyn (located in Lee and Prentiss counties) and were attended by approximately 100 people.

To date, at least 7 COVID-19 cases in Mississippi and at least two cases in out-of-state residents have been identified in individuals who attended the event. Several other potential cases are under investigation.

Individuals who attended the graveside service on May 17 at 1 p.m. and the after-service gathering from 2-6:30 p.m. are advised to monitor for symptoms consistent with COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath.)

If symptoms develop, they should immediately isolate themselves and contact their healthcare provider.

Gatherings of individuals, including funerals, weddings or other events, pose a risk of spreading the virus if appropriate precautions are not in place. Cloth masks and social distancing of 6 feet or greater are recommended in public settings, especially in group settings, and gatherings should be limited to groups of 20 outdoors and groups of 10 indoors.

For more information on the latest COVID-19 guidance and case updates visit the MSDH website at HealthyMS.com/covid-19.

Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/contingency-plan-for-november-s-general-election 61ae6d0d13b611001607095c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

During these unprecedented times, I am grateful for all of the essential workers and volunteers who are providing access to food, healthcare, and supplies. The COVID-19 global pandemic has forced us to provide vital services and take care of those in need using very limited resources. As expected, Mississippians have risen to the challenge.

While we hope to have this in our rearview mirror before the upcoming elections, I realize we must act now. Your right to vote should not be among the pandemic’s victims. Here at the Secretary of State’s Office, we do not believe voters should have to choose between casting a ballot and risking their own health. Therefore, we have put together a plan to safeguard the integrity and legitimacy of our elections while protecting our citizens. Crises often provoke extreme reactions, and as your Chief Elections Officer, I assure you that while facing these issues with an open mind, we will not let this pandemic be used as an open door for expanded government control or fraud.

Our team is consulting with Election Commissioners and Circuit Clerks across the state as we continue to develop a plan that maintains the integrity of our elections, focuses on the well-being of our citizens, and upholds Mississippi’s steadfast conservative values.

Prior to Election Day, we will implement additional poll worker training regarding proper sanitation and social distancing, and we will work to offer the full training course online. Due to the expected need for more poll workers, we are asking Election Commissioners to fully utilize the current student internship program, and we are looking into potential partnerships with colleges and universities to incentivize students to work on Election Day.

A key component of our plan is urging the legislature to adopt an additional absentee excuse to allow Mississippians to absentee vote in person when they are subject to a state of emergency declared by the Governor or President. Authorizing voters to vote in-person absentee when under a state of emergency will lead to our office partnering even closer with Circuit Clerks to possibly expand curbside absentee voting to help limit the spread of COVID-19 on Election Day. Additionally, counties will be able to hire temporary staff to meet the increased demand by using funds from the CARES Act. The supplemental federal funding supports state and local election officials by offsetting some of the increased costs of administering elections during the pandemic.

I want Mississippians to understand this is not a ploy to implement early voting, but a temporary way to permit those who are most at risk of contracting COVID-19 a safe opportunity to exercise their right to vote.

Election Day itself will look a little different than usual, but I assure you the security of your vote and your wellness are our top priorities. We may consider temporary outdoor facilities if traditional polling locations are not available. By voting in an open-air environment, vulnerable populations would be safer, and it would ensure compliance with proper social distancing measures. Some of these measures include safe capacity limits, “one-in, one-out” lines, cleaning machines between each use, disposable marking devices for touch screens, and providing readily available sanitizing stations. We also plan to make sure all poll workers have the necessary personal protective equipment and are in communication with our universities and private businesses about partnering to provide these resources.

While the state may be tightening its belt on many non-essential operations, enforcement of election law is not one of them. We realize the greatest vulnerability to our electoral system would be adopting policies such as universal vote by mail (VBM) and no-excuse early voting, which could leave us vulnerable to instances of voter fraud such as forgery and ballot harvesting. With the plan we have put forth, the safeguards in place to protect against fraud will remain intact. The Attorney General has confirmed any instance of voter fraud, no matter how big or how small, will be prosecuted to the maximum extent allowed by law.

As Mississippians, we hold ourselves to the solemn truth that life is precious and worth protecting. This virus threatens us all, but our office is going the extra mile to ensure you can cast your vote without harm. Due to the vast amount of misinformation, we will be sending out detailed postcards highlighting changes made due to COVID-19, such as how and where to vote. As we approach the November election, I encourage all Mississippians to study the candidates, stay in tune with information from our office, and, most importantly, stay healthy.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-day-concert-moved-to-october-2020 61ae6d0d13b611001607095b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

Mayor Jake Windham is excited to announce that the Pearl Day Concert will still take place in 2020 and has been rescheduled for Friday, October 30. The original date was May 1, but due to the COVID-19 precautions, the city chose to move the date rather than cancel the event.

“It was very important to us to have this event take place this year,” said Mayor Windham. “We worked closely with Jamey Johnson, Frank Foster and Zach Bridges to find a date that would fit into all of their schedules. This really gives our folks something to look forward to as we work through this COVID-19 pandemic.”

Tickets are all $25 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

The concert will take place in the north lot of Trustmark Park starting at 5:30 p.m. The 2019 Pearl Day Concert featuring Lauren Daigle drew more than 10,000 people.

The City of Pearl will be celebrating its forty-seventh birthday after being established in 1973.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/fhs-s-jrotc-battalion-visits-camp-shelby 61ae6d0d13b611001607095a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

On March 6, Florence High School’s JROTC battalion took a field trip to the Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Site. Cadets were given a tank demonstration, courtesy of the Camp Shelby soldiers, and had the opportunity to get inside some of the latest armored vehicles in the Army inventory. The cadets also visited the Mississippi Armed Forces museum where they were able to see older generation tanks and aircraft that were on display. They also viewed items from previous historic battles dating from the Revolutionary War up to the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The battalion field trip was an excellent opportunity for cadets to understand and appreciate the history of the United States soldiers.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/callian-discusses-gardening-with-rfgc 61ae6d0d13b6110016070959 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Special to SW Rankin News

The Richland-Florence Garden Club recenlty held their monthly meeting at the Richland Community Center. Hostesses were Susie Gulledge, Joan Benton, Glenda Scoggins and Carol Goldman. Roger Callian from Lakeland Yard and Garden spoke on the topic of growing a vegetable garden. Callian has twenty-three years experience in the yard and garden industry.

In attendance were: Carol Goldman, Shannon Laseter, Susie Gulledge, Shirley Wilson, Linda Stringer, Scottie Boyanton, Susan Harrison, Carol Azzone President, Glenda Scoggins, Beverly Hemphill, Marie Phillips, Gaynell Ainsworth, Joan Benton, Teenie Boone, Debbie Knight and Rowan Craft.

The Richland-Florence Garden Club is federated with the Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc, a member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc, and the Natchez Trace District.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/need-help-paying-your-natural-gas-bill 61ae6d0d13b6110016070958 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Widespread recommendations to stay home amid the public health emergency have many Americans anxious about balancing unforeseen energy expenses with the desire for a comfortable home. As the country continues to navigate these uncertain times, Atmos Energy reminds customers struggling to pay their monthly natural gas bill that payment options and financial assistance are available. “To help those experiencing financial hardship, we have temporarily suspended natural gas disconnections for non-payment and offer payment installment plans. In addition, financial help is available through local assistance agencies,” said Jeff Martinez, Atmos Energy vice president of customer service. “We encourage customers who are struggling to contact us. Making a partial payment will help you avoid building up a large balance that will be harder to pay off later.” Additional federal assistance funds have been released due to COVID-19 through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), in addition to Atmos Energy’s Sharing the Warmth funds. Sharing the Warmth is a program that leverages the generosity of customer donations with additional contributions by Atmos Energy to amplify the amount of assistance offered. Atmos Energy then partners with local agencies to offer program funds to eligible customers. Atmos Energy also offers installment plans that spread out payments of the total balance over time. During this time, there are no added charges or fees. To set up an installment plan, visit www.atmosenergy.com, log into the Atmos Energy Account Center and select the Payment Assistance tab, or call the Atmos Energy customer service team at 888.286.6700 Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. central daylight time. Financial assistance is available on a first come, first served basis to eligible residential customers through a local energy assistance agency. To locate an agency, visit atmosenergy.com/assistance or call 211. Customers needing solutions to keep up with their monthly natural gas expenses are encouraged to contact Atmos Energy’s customer service team at 888.286.6700 or visit the account center at www.atmosenergy.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mde-seeks-public-input-on-prioritizing-federal-funds-for-school-restart-and-recovery 61ae6d0d13b6110016070957 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) is seeking public input to help the state prioritize the use of funds from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act provides one-time relief funds to respond to the impact of school closures due to COVID-19 and to assist schools with their restart and recovery plans.

There are many layers of considerations that go into how and when school buildings will reopen. The MDE is working to create guidance for local districts on the following topics:

• Summer transition
• Instructional materials
• Diagnostic assessments
• Support to at-risk students and other vulnerable populations
• Building cleaning and infrastructure
• School meals, wraparound supports, conditions for learning
• Communication and family engagement

The MDE is collecting public input through the MDE CARES Act Public Survey through June 1, 2020.

The survey questions will help the state prioritize the use of federal CARES Act funds. The MDE will prioritize local needs as well as potential investments and supports that could be offered to local school districts. That includes gaining insight and input from all stakeholders to draft a strong plan for restart and recovery initiatives. The MDE’s goal is to help schools and districts continue instruction and critical services that all students deserve.

“I ask everyone invested in our schools to participate in the feedback process and let us know what your priorities are and what challenges you foresee,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. “Given the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we can’t predict what the next few months will bring, but we are committed to doing what's best for our students, teachers and school staff. Above all, student and staff health and safety will continue to be our number one priority, and our agency will rely on health experts to inform any decision that is made.”

MDE CARES Act Public Survey: https://cspr.mde.k12.ms.us/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=92K0l632

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/board-of-trustees-passes-resolution-declaring-intent-to-reopen-campuses-in-fall-of-2020 61ae6d0d13b6110016070956 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning passed a resolution at its meeting today stating the Board’s intention that the campuses of all eight public universities make plans to resume traditional operations on their campuses in the Fall of 2020.

“Providing a safe environment for all students and employees is paramount,” said Dr. Ford Dye, President of the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning. “We urge the universities to take prudent precautions in planning for resuming traditional operations and make adjustments as needed, based on recommendations from health experts.”

The resolution includes direction to the universities to plan to offer as many in-person classes as possible, while taking into consideration guidance from the Federal Government and the Mississippi Department of Health and complying with any Executive Order from the Governor then in effect.

The Safe Start Task Force, established last month by Dr. Alfred Rankins Jr., Commissioner of Higher Education, is developing a system-level plan for starting and completing the fall 2020 semester in the safest and most effective way.

“The Safe Start Task Force is working diligently to develop guidelines to help the campuses resume traditional operations in a safe manner,” said Dr. Rankins. “While this is a fluid situation and there are many unknowns at this point, our goal is to provide the best academic experience in the safest manner possible.”

The resolution recognizes that plans being made may need to be modified to align with changes in recommendations from health experts.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-tate-reeves-releases-guidelines-for-safe-in-person-worship-services 61ae6d0d13b6110016070955 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

On Tuesday, Governor Tate Reeves released social distancing and sanitation guidelines for in-person worship services to safely resume across Mississippi.

Consulting with Dr. Thomas Dobbs and our state health officials, Governor Reeves developed guidelines for worship leaders and their congregations to join together to practice their faiths while continuing to help protect public health and flatten the curve.

"I’ll just say this as a personal point. My family is likely going to continue worshiping from home for a while. The church is not a building. We can honor our Lord and keep our neighbors safe. You don’t need to rush back. We do want to provide a playbook for how to do it safely, when pastors determine the time is right," said Governor Tate Reeves.

The guidelines include steps to prepare houses of worship, plan for logistics and worship programming, and direct staff and worship leadership on social distancing protocols. You can view the full guidelines for in-person worship services,here.

Governor Reeves made the announcement at today's press briefing, which you can view on our Facebook page,here.

Churches and places of worship were deemed an,essential business or operationand were never instructed to close, though they were encouraged to offer services online and remotely to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/msa-dance-theatre-vocal-and-filmmaking-auditions 61ae6d0d13b6110016070954 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi School of the Arts (MSA) will be holding auditions for the Dance, Theatre, Vocal and Media Arts/Filmmaking Departments on June 10, 2020. Tenth graders apply online by June 3, 2020. The process for admission includes on-line application, and virtual or on-site audition and interview. Accepted students attend their Junior and Senior years of high school at MSA. If you know of students currently in the 10th grade who might be interested in dance, theatre, vocal music or filmmaking, please let them know about this opportunity. Applications are available on our website, www.msabrookhaven.org. MSA is a public statewide eleventh and twelfth grade residential high school located in Brookhaven, MS on the Historic Whitworth College campus. Annually, MSA enrolls approximately 140 students who meet and exceed the traditional Mississippi high school curriculum by receiving intensive instruction in dance, literary arts, theatre, visual arts, vocal music and media arts/filmmaking. MSA is a great school for those students who want to explore the arts in an extraordinary way. We also fill a special need for students with demonstrated talent that need a collegiate level learning experience in the arts that is not widely available across our state. In addition to MSA students consistently winning awards for their work on the state, regional and national levels, the school holds the #3 highest ACT average in the state and the college scholarship opportunities for graduating Seniors are amazing! For additional information and the application, visit our website at www.msabrookhaven.org or email, admissions@msabrookhaven.org.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mde-congratulates-seniors-in-national-graduation-special-saturday 61ae6d0d13b6110016070953 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Department of Education is pleased to partner with the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and XQ Institute in support of Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020, a one-hour, commercial-free primetime graduation special to be broadcast Saturday. During the broadcast, viewers will be directed to XQ’s new Rethink Together online forum, which will feature specific content for each state, including a congratulatory message from Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education, and stories highlighting the resiliency and strength of students, teachers and schools amid the pandemic.

”I am honored to have this chance to congratulate Mississippi’s Class of 2020 and to say how incredibly proud I am of each and every student. They have worked hard for this moment and should be celebrated for this important milestone in their lives,” Wright said.

The national telecast will air on Saturday, May 16 at 7 p.m. Central on more than 30 broadcast and cable networks and streaming services, as well as various social media platforms. Rodney Robinson, the 2019 National Teacher of the Year, joins a list of prominent leaders and entertainers in celebrating the Class of 2020. Led by XQ Institute, The LeBron James Family Foundation, and The Entertainment Industry Foundation, the special is being produced in partnership with a broad coalition of education, philanthropic, and corporate partners. In addition, corporate and philanthropic giving associated with #GraduateTogether will benefit DonorsChoose and America’s Food Fund to help meet student needs in some of our nation’s most underserved and under-resourced communities.

States’ involvement was coordinated through CCSSO.

Mississippi is pleased to highlight Shelby Dean, the 2019-20 senior member of the Mississippi State Board of Education and several members of the State Superintendent of Education’s Student Advisory Council.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mdot-encourages-motorcycle-safety 61ae6d0d13b6110016070952 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQNrmADdTcM&feature=youtu.be

The arrival of spring brings with it an increase in motorcycle traffic. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) wants all road users to safely share the road.

MDOT is releasing this video that outlines safety tips for drivers and motorcyclists to encourage everyone to be safe on Mississippi highways.

CAPTION: Hey everyone, I’m Jace Ponder with MDOT.

As April showers give way to temperate spring days, more motorcyclists will be out enjoying the weather. At MDOT, we want all road users to coexist and cooperate to reduce injuries and fatalities.

Driving a car and riding a motorcycle require different skills and knowledge. All motorcycle operators are required to have an endorsement in addition to an automobile driver’s license. It is also important for drivers to understand the challenges motorcyclists face.

Drivers, adjust your mirrors and know your blind spots. Motorcyclists don’t appear out of nowhere. With their smaller size and profile, motorcycles can blend in with traffic. Be sure to check twice for bikes.

It can also be harder to tell how far away a bike is or how fast it is going. When in doubt, let the motorcycle pass before turning at intersections or entering a travel lane.

Don’t follow motorcycles too closely. Motorcycles can slow quickly and operators don’t always use brakes. Leave extra space between yourself and bikes so you can react accordingly.

Motorcycle riders, you should also take precautions to remain safe on the road. Before every ride, check your motorcycle’s tire pressure and tread depth, hand and foot brakes, headlights and signal indicators.

And before riding in traffic, be sure you are comfortable with how your bike handles. Wear protection. Helmets are required on Mississippi roads. Arms and legs should also be covered to provide protection in a crash. Gloves and boots will help protect your hands and feet.

Be visible. Reflective tape and bright gear can help other motorists see you in traffic. Ride defensively. While you can’t control how other road users drive, you can anticipate changes in traffics. Pay attention and be prepared to respond to changing conditions. By being mindful of other road users, we can all help reduce injuries and fatalities. All motorists, whether in automobiles or on motorcycles, should obey speed limits, avoid distractions and never drive impaired.

Thanks for watching. For more bike safety tips, follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQNrmADdTcM&feature=youtu.be

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-public-service-commission-holds-may-docket-meeting 61ae6d0d13b6110016070951 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Public Service Commission conducted the monthly docket meeting Tuesday to discuss pending matters on the docket. The meeting was held telephonically to comply with Executive Order 1466 and state and federal social distancing guidelines. One of the agenda items taken up by the Commission was a review of the Order passed by the Commission on March 15 that temporarily suspended disconnections of certain utility services for 60 days, including water, sewer, electricity and natural gas services. The original action was taken in response to Governor Tate Reeves’s Declaration of a State of Emergency on March 14, 2020, and requests by the Mississippi State Department of Health and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency regarding the pubic health emergency driven by the spread of COVID-19. “As a result of work place closures and the need to maintain healthy home environments, the Commission recognized that any loss of essential utility services would challenge the abilty of families to safely shelter at home,” Commissioner Brent Bailey said. “However, as Mississippi’s economy begins to reopen, we must also allow utilities to take steps towards normal operations.” “Today, the Commission voted to extend the suspension order until 5 pm on May 26, 2020, to allow customers this time to call their utility companies and work out any payment plans going forward,” Commissioner Bailey said. “While the public health emergency still reigns, the economic impacts for customers (recurring non-payment) and utilities (reduced revenues) have to be considered as well. This short-term extension should be framed as a transition period for consumers and utilities to work together to find amenable solutions to getting balances reduced and current in a timely fashion. We implore customers to take action and contact their utility companies to avoid disruption to their services following the expiration of this extension.” Another matter taken up by the Commission includes the Interim Adjustment to the Energy Cost Recovery Factor for Entergy Mississippi customers due to falling natural gas prices and the reduced cost of generation that has led to an over-recovery of anticipated costs. The Interim Adjustment to the Energy Cost Recovery Factor was filed to become effective with June 2020 bills, for a period of four months through and including September 2020 bills. “The Commission approving Entergy Mississippi’s proposed Interim Adjustment will result in a decrease of $9.71 per month for a typical residential customer using 1,000 kWhr,” Commissioner Bailey said. “This adjustment reduces the impacts of generally higher bills experienced during the summer months and provides advanced financial relief for customers experiencing economic hardship. I appreciate Entergy Mississippi filing this Interim Adjustment and temporarily reducing rates for its customers.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/a-word-from-senator-chris-caughman 61ae6d0d13b6110016070950 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”….What crazy times we live in. Who would have thought that we would be going through things such as we have the last few months. Schools shut down and seniors not being able to go through their normal senior year finalities. A Stay at Home request for all of us to be either at work, if you are one of the lucky ones, or at home as much as possible. Businesses being shut down for a long period of time. Friends losing their jobs or having to be laid off for a period of time. And some of our best generation hit hard by this virus at hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. God bless them and our nurses, doctors, assistants, owners, and all involved in taking care of our most vulnerable! You all are the real heroes through all of this! Thank you so much for putting yourself and your families in the front line of this fight each and every day!

Your Mississippi Legislature adjourned several weeks back but is now back in session as we try to do what we can to help in relief of some of those in most needs. There is 1.25 million in CARES federal monies that the state of Mississippi has to doll out in that relief. Last week it was great to see the Governor, the Lt Governor, and the Speaker of the House get together and let the people of Mississippi know they will work together in this process. The people of this state do not care who gets credit, or who wins some political battle, they want to see their state leaders working together to get relief out as quick as possible! Businesses are hurting, peoples are hurting, hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities are hurting, and they don’t want to see political games but their leaders working together to get this done ASAP!

The first thing the Legislature did last week was put together a plan for $100 million of the funds to be issued out to Mississippi businesses in the shape of grants. This program would be administered through MDA who handle lots of grants in our state. The size would be anywhere between $1,000 up to $25,000 and would go to businesses with no more than 50 employees. The first targets of these grants would be those businesses that were shut down by their government and were not able to get any of the PPP loan issued out by SBA and the federal government. This would be barbershops, salons, gyms, and others of the such. If $100,000 is not large enough we can up that amount if need be. I happen to believe that number will be larger.

Now that is just a portion of the funds to be used in Mississippi. Between the Governor and our legislative leadership they will work to come up with others that we can help. Our hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living community, along with education, rural internet are all some of the areas that need to be addressed.

Again, these are times we never dreamed of but what we must all remember is that no matter how bad, how tough, or how messy things are or can still get, our God is still control! God Bless!

Senator Chris Caughman

District 35

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-public-school-district-selects-2019-2020-students-of-the-year 61ae6d0d13b611001607094f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT ]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mdot-sponsors-safety-message-contest 61ae6d0d13b611001607094e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Are you looking for a way to shake up your quarantine and get a little creative? Maybe give your brain a little exercise? Well, you’re in luck because the Mississippi Department of Transpiration (MDOT) needs your help! Get all your punny, witty, and clever safety messages together and enter them in MDOT’s Safety Message Contest. “Last year, MDOT wanted to give everyone the opportunity to come up with their own fun safety messages; so we held a contest to find the best ones,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “It was such a success, there was no question we had to do another contest again this year, because an engaged public is a safe public.” MDOT’s witty traffic safety messages, which are often related to current events and pop culture, are part of an effort to encourage drivers to change their actions behind the wheel. Over 90 percent of vehicle crashes are caused by driver decisions, such as speeding, driving aggressively, distracted or impaired. There is no limit to the number of messages you can submit, but there are some guidelines to remember:

• The message must relate to traffic safety.
• Signs can only accommodate three lines and 21 characters per line, including spaces.
• Hashtags, phone numbers and website addresses are not allowed.
• No emojis.

To enter, head over to ,GoMDOT.com/MDOTcontest. After entries have been submitted, MDOT will select the top five messages, and each will be displayed on overhead signs along Mississippi highways. The winning messages will also be posted on MDOT social media. The contest will end June 11. You can also submit COVID-19 safety messages during the contest. The best COVID-19 messages will be posted as they come in, and the top five overall safety messages will be announced at a later date.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-s-woodall-retiring-from-mississippi-college 61ae6d0d13b611001607094d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT The Mississippi College professor and Pearl resident Deborah Woodall is retiring this Spring after nearly four decades of splendid service on the Clinton campus. Teaching computer science and mathematics at her alma mater for thirty-nine years was a perfect fit for the Pearl resident. “I could not have asked for more special coworkers or a more wonderful employer,” Woodall said. “I’ve had so many wonderful students.”

Her career began as a Pearl Junior High math instructor in 1974 and by 1980-81, she taught the subject at Pearl High School.

Woodall joined the Mississippi College faculty in 1981. Advising students and campus duties were always priorities. She’s been the co-leader of Freshman Experience groups, assisted in MC Science and Math Tournaments and served as treasurer of the university’s Faculty Club since 2008.

She’s taught math courses from Trigonometry to Calculus II. Her computer science classes ranged from BASIC language to computer architecture. Deborah is a former member of the Mississippi Teachers of College Mathematics. In addition, Woodall conducts Basic Computer Skills workshops for the Clinton community. She is a Phi Mu Epsilon Honor Society member.

“Professor Woodall has helped many students (often from non-STEM majors) to make sense of the logical thinking and problem solving that studying mathematics provides,” says John Travis, chair of the Mathematics Department.

Woodall helped construct the university’s original computer science curriculum decades ago. Computer science professor Glenn Wiggins praises his colleague and friend with these words, “MC owes her a debt of gratitude for her tireless efforts over almost four decades.”

The Pearl Resident's connections to MC run deep. She earned her bachelor’s in mathematics at Mississippi College in 1974 after three years as the department’s student worker grading papers and tutoring classmates. Woodall earned a master’s of education in the subject at MC in 1978. Deborah also received a master’s in computer science education at the University of Evansville in Indiana in 1983.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/sutphin-yates-presented-with-richland-s-leadership-award 61ae6d0d13b611001607094c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Each month, Richland High School recognizes two students for exemplary performance in academics, leadership and service. The students are selected by teachers and announced to the student body. Seventh-graders Kylie Sutphin and Abram Yates were chosen for the January award. Pictured (l to r) are: Kylie Sutphin, Principal Dr. Scott Rimes and Abram Yates.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/waste-management-encourages-continued-recycling 61ae6d0d13b611001607094b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Facial tissues, toilet paper, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes have been flying off store shelves, while families are spending more hours at home to stay healthy and safe during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Waste Management (WM) is calling on everyone to Recycle Right during this time when recyclables are needed more than ever. Recycling is vitally important to our environment, and it has come to play a critical role in certain manufacturing supply chains. Without recyclable materials collected from homes and businesses, our customers, who produce products such as tissue, toweling and packaging boxes for grocery and medical supplies, would not have the raw materials that they need to manufacture these important items. Recycling is an essential service for manufacturing companies delivering these key products.

“Most recyclers don’t think about the importance of placing their clean recyclable materials in their bins, but now it is more important than ever, as recyclable products are playing a critical role for key manufacturing businesses,” said Brent Bell, Waste Management vice president of recycling. “Across North America, people are generating more household garbage and recyclable materials than usual, and manufacturers are in need of more clean recyclable materials to meet their demands for making basic goods and emergency supplies. We can all do our part by recycling right during these challenging times.”

The following tips are essential in the proper selection and condition of recyclables:

First, RECYCLE the following items ONLY if they are CLEAN, DRY AND LOOSE: Cardboard (without inside packing materials); Paper products including newspapers, junk mail, office/school paper; Paperboard, such as cereal and cracker boxes; Plastic bottles and jugs abd steel, tin and aluminum cans.

Secondly throw away the following items which are not suitable for recycling: Plastic, latex and cloth disposable gloves, disposable masks; Liquid soap and hand sanitizer bottles that contain residue; Disinfectant wipes; Facial tissues, napkins and paper towels; Disposable plates, cups and cutlery; Takeout containers; Leftover food and liquids; Plastic bags and plastic film wrap and Hoses, cords, polystyrene foam and other packaging.

In addition, several leading industry organizations have weighed in calling for increased recycling to meet the needed demand during this time, including: The American Forest and Paper Association, The Association of Plastic Recyclers, The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, The Glass Packaging Institute and The Recycling Partnership.

Waste Management is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management environmental services in North America. Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides collection, transfer, disposal services, and recycling and resource recovery. It is also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the United States. The Company’s customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America.

To learn more information about Waste Management as welll as about Waste Management Recycle Right tips, please visit wm.com/recycleright.visit www.wm.com or www.thinkgreen.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/high-school-students-offered-online-classes-through-msu-center-for-continuing-education 61ae6d0d13b611001607094a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

High school students in the Magnolia State can take advantage of online courses offered through Mississippi State’s Center for Continuing Educat ]]>

The MSU High School Online program offers open enrollment so Mississippi public, private and homeschool students can register at any time to begin earning Carnegie credits toward graduation requirements. Complete details are available at http://ce.extension.msstate.edu/programs/high-school-online.

All courses are approved by the Mississippi Department of Education and developed and taught by licensed Mississippi teachers. Students interested in enrolling should consult with their high-school counselor or principal to ensure their school will accept the courses and complete a High School Online Course Request Form.

Amber Shultice, continuing education program coordinator, said the convenient online courses are designed to help students who plan to graduate early, lack courses they need, have transferred from out of state or have a scheduling conflict.

Students not currently enrolled in high school who are looking to earn their high-school diploma can enroll in one of ten Career Online High School Programs available to students over the age of 16 who have successfully completed the 8th grade at an accredited school.

For questions or more information, contact Shultice at ,ams257@msstate.edu or 662-325-1457.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/cbd-gummies-for-pain-management 61ae6d0d13b6110016070949 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT What Are CBD Gummies?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is an extract obtained from the cannabis plant, which is recommended for a wide range of diseases. CBD is mostly used to treat conditions that are symptomized by pain, anxiety, inflammation, seizures, and mood swings.

As with many herbal extracts, one of the common challenges among CBD users is how best to integrate the substance into their health and wellness routines. For instance, most users are looking for a method to consume cannabidiol that doesn’t subject them to the bitter taste of hemp. And that’s where CBD edibles come in.

CBD edibles come in various shapes and forms, with gummies being the most popular variety. CBD gummies are more or less similar to the gummies you’ve used from your childhood, only that they come with the therapeutic benefits of cannabidiol.

Why Use CBD Gummies?

As we’ve just mentioned, the main benefit of CBD gummies is that they offer you a convenient way to consume your CBD. That makes them ideal for use on the go and by people of all ages. You can simply pop and chew them when required.

Now, imagine you’re the CEO of a company and are battling with anxiety and mental slump. After conducting your research, you discover ,how effective cannabidiol is at relieving stress and clearing the thought process. So, you go and purchase CBD from your local supplier, but then realize there’s an even greater challenge to contend with – how to consume the substance. Much as vaping is considered less harmful than cigarette smoking, the last thing you want is to be seen strolling the office corridors billowing clouds of vapor. Dripping tinctures beneath your tongue isn’t convenient either, and neither is swallowing pills or applying ointment. So, your best bet is to go for CBD gummies. You can pop and chew your gummies whether you’re in a boardroom, staff briefing, or meeting your clients. No one will have the slightest idea that you’re consuming CBD.

Secondly, CBD gummies taste good. Now, you could be wondering why taste matters. Remember that most cannabis products that medics prescribe for medicinal use come from a variant of the plant known as hemp. Hemp enjoys a wider legal approval compared to other cannabis variants like marijuana, as it contains insignificant concentrations of the mind-altering tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). But hemp has one notable drawback – its unsavory taste. Consuming CBD in methods like tinctures and pills may feel like taking your usual dose of bitter Panadol. Fortunately, the bitter hemp aftertaste will be the least of your worries if you opt for CBD gummies. And the best part is CBDfx helps you get to choose your preferred flavors.

Another notable benefit of consuming CBD gummies is that they come with pre-determined doses. That makes them a more convenient alternative to tinctures where you must measure your own doses using a dropper. The doses in CBD gummies usually come in small servings of between 10 and 25 mg of CBD per gummy. So, you can easily determine the number of gummies to chew in a day, depending on your individual daily dose.

Last but not least, CBD gummies pack the same therapeutic benefits as any other cannabidiol product. You can use them to relieve all manner of pain, from nociceptive to neurological pains. All you require is to establish the doses that work for you.

How to Use CBD Gummies for Pain Management:

The first step in using CBD gummies effectively for pain management is to establish your individual dose. First off, it’s important to note that CBD has no ideal dose. That’s why experts generally don’t prescribe the substance but simply recommend it.

The following are some of the factors that will determine the amount of CBD gummies to consume for pain relief;

• Your age, body size, and body weight
• Your body chemistry
• Whether you’re presently suffering from any medical condition or using any other medications
• The kind and severity of pain your treating and
• Whether you’re a new or seasoned user

If all factors remain constant, you’ll do just fine with a daily CBD dose of 10 to 25 mg. However, you should also realize that chewing one CBD gummy with a 25 mg CBD dose doesn’t mean that the entire 25 mg enters your bloodstream. While gummies come with the benefit of convenience, they lack significantly in bioavailability. Gummies are essentially classified as edibles. Therefore, they take reasonably longer to be digested and absorbed into your bloodstream. So, out of the 25 mg of CBD, you may only benefit from 15 mg or so.

The following are some of the pain conditions that CBD gummies may help with;

• Arthritis

CBD gummies, like all other CBD products, contain anti-inflammatory properties that can help to relieve arthritis. But the gummies don’t just ease the swelling for arthritis patients. ,Studies suggest that CBD-infused creams can also alleviate pain and inhibit the thickening of the synovial membrane.

All these are invaluable in reducing the severity of arthritis. And though the studies mostly examined CBD creams, the findings can also apply to gummies, as the active compound remains cannabidiol.

• Cancer Pain

CBD gummies have been touted as the safer alternative to opioid drugs used for cancer treatment. That’s primarily because unlike opioids, ,CBD gummies canada relieve pain without causing addiction. Also, the gummies can help to manage the side effects of various cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy-induced nausea.

• Migraines

Most cases of migraines are linked to endocannabinoid deficiencies. When these deficiencies occur, people suffering from migraines become highly sensitive to light and sound. Also, migraines can result from insufficient levels of the chemical anandamide.

Since CBD enhances the functions of your body’s endogenous cannabinoids, CBD gummies can be useful in correcting endocannabinoid deficiencies. Consuming CBD gummies also helps to boost the levels of anandamide in your system, helping you banish migraines for good.

When it comes to pain management, CBD is not only a potent remedy. It also comes with minimal side effects. And even when the side effects occur, they’re usually mild and short-lasting. Just ensure you experiment with smaller doses until you find your sweet spot.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/money-help-for-veterans 61ae6d0d13b6110016070948 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Money Help for Veterans

There are a lot of things that Veterans need to work with and sort out. And, finances can sometimes be a really big issue to try and work out, especially if you’ve been gone for a time. How can you be sure that you’re able to do as much as possible?

Finding the right resources for your purposes can be a big part of the process. You want to be certain that you can sort out details and ensure that you and your family are taken care of. How do you ensure that you can get ahead of the curve effectively? Here are some money options for Veterans.

Veteran’s Loans

There are a lot of loans out there ,for veterans that are looking to do different things, available from LetMeBank and other places. Whether you want to consolidate your debt, work out the details of a health need, or just update your home, you can typically get a pretty solid rate just for being a Veteran.

There are also entire companies that focus on providing Veterans with loans and other resources (for example, USAA), so you can work with them and know that you’re getting the help you need.

These loans often have lower interest rates and more flexible payment plans that you can work out with them. Even if you’re in a situation where your credit isn’t the best that it could be, you’re going to be much more able to find something that works for your situation and how you may want to proceed with taking out a loan and using it for your purposes.

Grants for Veterans

In some cases, you can find some pretty solid grants (i.e. money that you aren’t going to need to pay back). If you’re looking to start a business, you can often find grants and loans that are meant for you – they help you to spend a lot less money on your efforts and make it easier for you to work out what it is that you need to do.

You may also be able to find grants for other services as well. There are entire organizations that have particular sectors that are meant for working with Veterans that have needs. These organizations have tons of resources and may even have some grants available so that you can make the changes and improvements that you need assistance with. Find the right organizations and you’ll be in order.

Health Care Options for Vets

Health care is always a concern, especially if you’re a veteran that was in combat in some manner or fashion. On top of that, as you get older, you may need some extra help due to the type of work that you were doing while in the military. V.A. hospitals and other organizations can help you to find the resources that you need in those cases.

Thankfully, these sorts of organizations are doing a lot more work when it comes to helping Veterans. Many times, they will help you to sort out the rights that you have and what you’re going to be able to access as time goes on. On top of that, you may also find that there are a lot of different ways that you can choose to get the help you need, and that’s worth the research you put into it.

Discounts for Veterans

There are all sorts of ways to ensure that you can get fun discounts just for being a Veteran. For example, there are plenty of places that will offer a free or reduced meal just for being who you are. On top of that, you may be able to connect with different companies that give you discounts on their products or services. Just look around and see what you can find that will work for your purposes.

You may have to be able to show your service in some way – so be sure that you have the information you need handy. You can talk to the companies in question to double check what they’re looking for (if they’re looking for anything) and get it all in order so you can enjoy your discounts.

As you can see, Veterans have a lot of opportunities, but more still need to be worked out as well. See what there is to do and learn as much as possible so that you can take care of yourself and your family. You worked hard for our country, so it’s only right that you get the help you need in order to do well after you leave service.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/florence-high-school-announces-the-valedictorian-and-salutatorian-of-the-class-of-2020 61ae6d0d13b6110016070947 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Florence High School is proud to announce the valedictorian and salutatorian of the FHS Class of 2020. The 2020 valedictorian is Sam Courtney (pictured on left), son of Todd and Laura Courtney. In his four years at FHS, Sam accumulated a 102.4 GPA. He is also the 2020 FHS Star Student. The 2020 salutatorian is Justin Humphrey (pictured on right), son of Jackie and Cathy Humphrey. Justin is completing his time at FHS with a 100.7 GPA.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ag-commissioner-to-announce-steps-taken-to-strengthen-state-s-food-supply-chain 61ae6d0d13b6110016070946 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson will make several announcements pertaining to efforts to strengthen the state’s food supply chain on Thursday, May 7, at 10:00 a.m. at the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

Commissioner Gipson will announce steps being taken by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce to expand farm-to-table efforts and increase food security and the availability of Mississippi food for Mississippians.

• An emergency rule to expand the custom slaughter exemption by increasing the allowed number of shares sold per animal will be signed by Commissioner Gipson.
• Commissioner Gipson will announce the launch of Mississippi Farm Marketplace, an online marketing portal, to connect farmers and consumers. This online portal gives farmers a place to advertise commodities they have for sale, while providing consumers a location to easily source local products.
• Commissioner Gipson will discuss a proposal to expand meat processing capacity in the state.

“The country’s food supply chain continues to function in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, labor issues in other states, coupled with shifting demands as restaurants and schools have closed, have strained the supply chain,” said Commissioner Gipson. “In Mississippi, our food supply is abundant, plentiful and safe, thanks to our hardworking farmers. It is imperative that we take steps that will provide new market opportunities for our farmers, while simultaneously providing consumers with avenues to purchase direct from farmers. These steps are all part of keeping our food supply diverse and secure.”

The press conference will also be livestreamed on the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s Facebook page.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mdot-encourages-bicycle-safety 61ae6d0d13b6110016070945 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=6yiL1Ysv0Q0

Taking a look around, it seems more and more people are enjoying the weather and passing the time on two wheels. In fact, many bike retailers are reporting an increase in demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is only appropriate that May is “Bike Month.” It’s a time to highlight the many benefits of biking and encourage more people to give it a try.

MDOT is releasing this video that outlines proper procedures for cyclists and motorists to encourage everyone to be safe on and around bicycles.

CAPTION: May is Bike Month. It’s a time to highlight the many benefits of biking — and encourage more people to give it a try.

At MDOT, we want all modes of transportation to safely coexist - including motorists and bicyclists. So drivers, let’s share the road with bikers and make sure everyone gets to their destination.

According to state law, when a driver comes upon a cyclist, the motorist shall leave a safe distance of at least three feet between their vehicle and the cyclist.

It is also unlawful to harass, taunt or maliciously throw an object at or in the direction of any person riding a bicycle.

Bicyclists can also do things to keep themselves safe. Be sure to check your equipment for proper fit, maintenance and tire pressure.

Plan to be seen. That means wearing bright clothing and using lights when riding at night. Always wear a helmet.

Cyclists are also required to follow all traffic laws. That means riding in the same direction as traffic, using hand signals for turns and obeying traffic signs and signals.

Thanks for watching. For more bike safety tips, follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/legislature-poised-to-appropriate-funds-quickly-transparently 61ae6d0d13b6110016070944 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Since COVID-19 forced a temporary recess in the Legislative session, I have been video conferencing with Mississippi’s K-12 students. In one recent AP government class, a student asked: how many constitutional rights do we have to give up during a pandemic?

That’s a poignant question for any State leader.

In recent weeks, businesses have been shut down, Second Amendment rights limited, and Easter Sunday services halted. These decisions were made as the result of a delicate balance between health and safety, and economic rights and freedoms. Our office doesn’t envy decision makers like Governor Reeves who have had to make tough calls. He has done a good job in a year with unprecedented challenges.

But every executive emergency power has its limits, and as we learned in grade school, these boundaries are set in our Constitution.

Recently, the Mississippi Legislature reconvened briefly to begin appropriating federal funds sent to Mississippi for direct and indirect COVID-19 expenses. The Governor was provided almost $35 million in discretionary money. Another $800 million was designated to specific agencies and programs, and those funds are already available for agencies to use. A separate $1.25 billion, the Coronavirus Relief Fund, will be used for other related expenses like COVID-19 testing and equipment for hospitals, expansion of distance learning technology like broadband to help teacher and students, and grants for struggling small businesses. We are working quickly and responsibly to tackle these needs in our State, and we have provided the Governor with $100 million to use for emergencies until we return to session in two weeks.

There are four primary reasons the Legislature began appropriating the $1.25 billion.

First, the Constitution specifically assigns appropriation authority to the Legislature. Ceding a power solely delegated to one branch of government to another is not only unlawful—it’s unconstitutional.

Second, the Legislature is required to act with transparency. Floor debate and committee meetings under the Capitol Dome are subject to the Open Meetings Act. The House and Senate floor proceedings are broadcast online for everyone to see and hear. That means money deposited from the federal government into the State Treasury isn’t distributed without the watchful eyes of your elected officeholders.

Third, the Legislature is representative of the people. Our 52 Senators and the 122 Representatives across the hall come from every walk of life and every corner of the State. Together, they make up the will of our citizenry, and their policy decisions are more reflective of the State than the executive or judicial branch. Your local Senator and Representative literally represent you to make sure your voice is heard in this process.

Finally, after this emergency is over, and some kind of normalcy returns, we will all be forced to live with the consequences of the precedents our elected leaders are setting. That means we need to ensure accountability to the public for our actions, and the best way to achieve that is to adhere to the constitutional duties as a legislative branch of government.

So, how many constitutional rights do we have to give up? As Lieutenant Governor, the constitutional right of the Legislature to set policy, in a public setting and according to the will of the people of Mississippi, is one I believe we must keep. During times of crisis, following our Constitution is more important than ever.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/donna-cooper-provides-masks-for-msh-staff 61ae6d0d13b6110016070943 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

A number of volunteers from the surrounding community have contributed their time and talent to make protective facemasks for Mississippi State Hospital staff during the COVID- 19 crisis.

Donna Cooper of Florence recently made and delivered a batch of masks.

MSH administration and all employees are very grateful for the support and kindness shown by these volunteers during this difficult time.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/professor-deborah-woodall-retiring-at-mississippi-college 61ae6d0d13b6110016070942 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Deborah Woodall is retiring this Spring after nearly four decades of splendid service on the Clinton campus. The Mississippi College professor feels blessed to work with outstanding students and colleagues.

Teaching computer science and mathematics at her alma mater for 39 years was a perfect fit for the Pearl resident.

“I could not have asked for more special coworkers or a more wonderful employer,” Woodall said. “I’ve had so many wonderful students.”

While teaching at the Christian university, family remained a big part of her life. “I have also been blessed with three children and 18 grandchildren.”

No doubt, keeping up with a large family will rank high on Debbie’s priority list during her retirement years. Beyond that, Woodall is going to see what God has in store. “I have made no plans for the future – just waiting to see what the Lord has planned.”

Her career began as a Pearl Junior High math instructor in 1974 and by 1980-81, she taught the subject at Pearl High School.

Woodall joined the Mississippi College faculty in 1981. Advising students and campus duties were always priorities. She’s been the co-leader of Freshman Experience groups, assisted in MC Science and Math Tournaments and served as treasurer of the university’s Faculty Club since 2008.

She’s taught math courses from Trigonometry to Calculus II. Her computer science classes ranged from BASIC language to computer architecture. Deborah is a former member of the Mississippi Teachers of College Mathematics. In addition, Woodall conducts Basic Computer Skills workshops for the Clinton community. She is a Phi Mu Epsilon Honor Society member.

Year-round, her goal stays the same. Woodall seeks to enhance students’ appreciation of the rapidly changing field of computer science as well as mathematics. Scholars note the history of mathematics dates back to the 6th Century BC with the Pythagoreans. The ancient Greeks began a systematic study of mathematics as a subject.

The professor makes the field interesting and exciting for MC students in the 21st Century.

Her skills as an educator, ability to swiftly tackle campus assignments and service with the community make her an extraordinary teacher, colleagues say.

“Professor Woodall has helped many students (often from non-STEM majors) to make sense of the logical thinking and problem solving that studying mathematics provides,” says John Travis, chair of the Mathematics Department.

Dr. Travis appreciates the fellow MC graduate for her flexibility to meet the department’s needs. Her focus, he says, is “how best to help students learn.”

Computer science professor Glenn Wiggins praises his colleague and friend. “She is a compassionate and caring individual. She is dedicated and works extremely hard at her teaching craft.”

Woodall helped construct the university’s original computer science curriculum decades ago. He observed her passion for teaching while requiring students to be thorough with classwork, Wiggins said. “MC owes her a debt of gratitude for her tireless efforts over almost four decades.”

Retired math professor Charlotte McMath describes the hard working and caring educator as “one of Mississippi College’s best.”

Deborah Woodall soon steps away from teaching duties as online classes end this Spring. But the Mississippian will always stay part of the Blue & Gold family. “I love Mississippi College.”

The Mississippian’s connections to MC run deep. She earned her bachelor’s in mathematics at Mississippi College in 1974 after three years as the department’s student worker grading papers and tutoring classmates. Woodall earned a master’s of education in the subject at MC in 1978. Deborah also received a master’s in computer science education at the University of Evansville in Indiana in 1983.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-s-patrick-signs-with-jcc 61ae6d0d13b6110016070941 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Isaiah Patrick signed his letter of intent to play basketball for Jones Community College (JCC) in 2020. Pictured (l to r) are, front row: cousin Eric Patrick, mom Christine Thompson, Isaiah Patrick and brother Saranthus Weathersby; and back row: Assistant Principal Dr. Thomas Dudley, Assistant Principal Dr. Terrence McEwen, Assistant Principal Corey Yates, Coach Russell Marsalis, Assistant Coach Will Hedgepeth and Principal Dr. Scott Rimes.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/how-a-florence-woman-turned-her-home-into-a-kid-zone-to-help-parents-affected-by-coronavirus 61ae6d0d13b6110016070940 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT By Adam Ganucheau, Mississippi Today

FLORENCE — Before the coronavirus outbreak changed her life, a good day for Jessica Whittington meant taking home $80 a day in tips from her job as a Waffle House waitress.

But as restaurants across the state have been forced to implement to-go ordering only, she lost interaction with customers and a sizable chunk of her income. As many people hunker down to avoid exposure to the spreading virus this week, about $20 a day is all she’s gotten.

Whittington, who for years used drugs but has been sober for two years, has been rebuilding her life. She lives in a camper with two of her children: a 7-year-old girl named Sammy and 8-year-old Jared. Both kids attend Simpson Central Elementary School a few miles west of Magee.

After officials announced that schools would indefinitely postpone their return from spring break, Whittington struggled on Sunday morning to make plans for her kids.

“It’s not even paycheck-to-paycheck for me. I live day-to-day,” she said. “I had no one to keep the kids. I would’ve had to take off work, which means I would’ve lost the little bit I bring in now. I definitely couldn’t afford childcare. It actually became a question of how I was even going to feed the kids.”

A few miles away that same Sunday morning, a Florence woman named Beverly Dear woke up with an idea. She’d been following news about the coronavirus and heard about the school closures.

“I remembered how stressful it was when one of my kids got sick and I had to balance schedules and make it work,” Dear said. “I thought to myself, ‘We’ve got this big house that’s empty. We can do something here.'”

Dear, whose own children are grown and out of the house, ran the idea by her husband, Tim, who immediately agreed.

So on Sunday at 8 a.m., she logged onto her Facebook page and posted a call-out: “Free child care! We know a lot of parents are experiencing a tremendous hardship right now, knowing the kids are fixing to be out of school with no place to go. The financial burden can be tough in times like this. Tim and I have decided to turn our home into a temporary kid zone!”

The post continued: “We want to help! So just bring your kids (school aged kids only, please) and we will take good care of them, feed them, and make sure they have a good time! We will do this at no costs to you until the kids go back to school through March 27.”

Within a few minutes the post had been shared dozens of times, reaching the eyes of hundreds of people around the region. One of those people was Whittington’s boss at the Waffle House who knew her employee was in a bind.

Whittington became the first parent to reach out to Dear about the free child care. The next morning at 5:30 a.m., Whittington dropped off Sammy and Jared at Dear’s house.

While the spread of the coronavirus has upended lives and threatened the livelihoods of many Mississippians, it connected two women who live a few miles away but worlds apart. It inspired Dear’s act of generosity, and it reminded Whittington of the innate goodness of many Mississippians.

“Good people still exist, even if it sometimes doesn’t feel like it,” Whittington said. “I truly don’t know what I would’ve done without (Dear). She’s a godsend.”

In total this week, Dear has taken in 14 kids, ranging in ages between 7 and 11. Dear’s mom, sister and niece have helped keep the kids fed and busy while their parents work.

During the day, the kids have played board games and done puzzles. They’ve played baseball and cornhole and putt-putt golf in the yard, and they’ve watched movies. They’ve loaded up in cars and ridden to a nearby farm that Dear’s niece owns, where the kids have fed goats, cows and horses.

As shares of Dear’s Facebook post continued, she heard from old friends and even strangers who offered to help. They asked for her PayPal information and offered to cook for the kids.

“So many people have reached out wanting to help,” Dear said. “People just started showing up, bringing snacks and stuff. I’d been a little worried about the expense of it all, but everyone started responding.”

For at least this week and next week, Whittington can go to work every day and know her kids are in good hands with Dear. But free child care isn’t the only thing Whittington received from the chance connection this week.

“(Dear’s) mother gave me $200 cash with no strings attached, just to help me get through the next little while,” Whittington said, her voice cracking as she fought back tears. “I didn’t have any money saved up, so it meant everything to me. (Dear) and her momma, they’ve really saved me.”

While she’s given her time and money to help others, Dear said she’s received something bigger than any of that through the experience.

“I think right now especially, helping people is the very least we could do,” Dear said. “Seeing so much good in so many people through all of this — I can’t tell you how big of a blessing this has been.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/michel-of-florence-named-for-hcc-academic-team 61ae6d0d13b611001607093f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Nineteen Hinds Community College (HCC) students were named to the 2020 All-Mississippi Community College Academic Team.

The list includes: Sarrah Bell, of Jackson, Jackson Campus-Academic/Technical Center, elementary education; Adrianna Chambers, of Jackson, Raymond Campus, chemistry; Adrionna Childress, of Jackson, Jackson Campus-Academic/Technical Center, early childhood development technology; Veronica Epps, of Jackson, Utica Campus, business and office technology; Michael Evilsizor, of Brandon, Jackson Campus-Academic/Technical Center, culinary arts technology; Jennifer Hammond, of Brandon, Jackson Campus-Nursing/Allied Health Center, nursing; Jordan Hariel, of Brandon, Rankin Campus, computer engineering; Donald Hughes, of Jackson, Utica Campus, nursing; Phoenix Jackson, of Crystal Springs, Utica Campus, broadcast television production; Shelby McLaurin, of Brandon, Rankin Campus, biology; Kevin Michel, of Florence, Raymond Campus, business; Cordarrayl Nichols, of Canton, Raymond Campus, diesel equipment technology; Nicholas Niolet, of Vicksburg, Vicksburg-Warren Campus, electrical technology; Lona Perret, of Pelahatchie, Rankin Campus, educational psychology; Maria Serratos, of Clinton, Raymond Campus, civil engineering; India Robinson, of Jackson, Jackson Campus-Academic/Technical Center, nursing; Rachel Shirley, of Brandon, Rankin Campus, marketing management technology; Anna Speights, of Vicksburg, Vicksburg-Warren Campus, general studies and Devin Trunnell, of Clinton, Raymond Campus, electrical technology.

The All-Mississippi Academic Team, begun in 1994 as the first state-level academic recognition program for community and junior college students, recognizes the scholarly achievements and leadership accomplishments of students enrolled in community and junior colleges across the state. Team members were selected following several rounds of judging from education officials, business leaders from across the United States and a distinguished panel of representatives from federal agencies and national education associations based in Washington D.C.

Students named to the First Team received $1,000 scholarships. First and Second Team members receive special medallions, certificates and printed resolutions from each chamber of the Mississippi Legislature. They are also eligible for scholarships at many four-year universities designed exclusively for All-Mississippi Academic Team members.

The All-State team is coordinated by the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior College, the Mississippi Community College Board and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

The All-State Academic Team recognition program is an outgrowth of the All-USA Community College Academic Team, administered by Phi Theta Kappa.

As Mississippi’s largest community college, Hinds Community College is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities with academic programs of study leading to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills. With six locations in central Mississippi, Hinds enrolls about 12,000 students each fall semester. To learn more, visit www.hindscc.edu or call 1.800.HindsCC.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/florence-high-athletes-read-across-america-at-sce 61ae6d0d13b611001607093e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Steen's Creek Elementary (SCE) celebrated Read Across America Week March 2 through March 6. The week is a yearly celebration honoring the birth of Dr. Seuss. This year, the students had many guest readers. Many of those readers were varsity athletes from Florence High School. Members of the sports teams visited SCE daily to read with the students and encourage them to read every day.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/president-trump-approves-ms-s-request-for-federal-public-assistance-for-pearl-river-flooding 61ae6d0d13b611001607093d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced that President Trump approved his request for federal public assistance for counties and municipalities impacted by the Pearl River flooding.

"It was just two months ago that our state experienced historic flooding, and Mississippians are still struggling to recover and rebuild their lives. With this federal assistance, we can show people that they are not alone in this. I'm grateful for President Trump's continued support and commitment to taking care of Mississippi. Together, we can lend a helping hand and bolster recovery efforts for this historic devastation," said Governor Tate Reeves.

The federal disaster declaration for the Pearl River flooding, which hit February 10-18, 2020, covers the following 11 counties: Attala, Carroll, Claiborne, Clay, Copiah, Grenada, Hinds, Holmes, Leflore, Warren, and Yazoo. These counties sustained significant damage to public buildings, highways, roads. Public Assistance also covers the reimbursement to local governments for emergency work performed during this disaster.

Federal Public Assistance is available through FEMA. The purpose of the Public Assistance (PA) Grant Program is to support communities’ recovery from major disasters by providing them with grant assistance for debris removal, life-saving emergency protective measures, and restoring public infrastructure. Local governments, states, tribes, territories and certain private nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/florence-high-school-s-jrotc-battalion-trip-to-camp-shelby-joint-forces-training-site 61ae6d0d13b611001607093c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

On March 6, Florence High School’s JROTC battalion took a field trip to the Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Site. Cadets were given a tank demonstration, courtesy of the Camp Shelby soldiers, and had the opportunity to get inside some of the latest armored vehicles in the Army inventory. The cadets also visited the Mississippi Armed Forces museum where they were able to see older generation tanks and aircraft that were on display. They also viewed items from previous historic battles dating from the Revolutionary War up to the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The battalion field trip was an excellent opportunity for cadets to understand and appreciate the history of the United States soldiers and what they have done for us.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/florence-high-school-s-jrotc-pt-team-competes-in-pine-pelt-pentathlon 61ae6d0d13b611001607093b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT On March 7th , Florence High School’s JROTC PT team traveled to Petal High School for the Pine Belt Pentathlon. They competed in a push-up and sit-up competition, a team distance run, a casualty evacuation competition, a logistics resupply race, a Humvee push and an obstacle course. The cadets placed first in the casualty evacuation competition and second in the logistics resupply race. Congratulations to Florence High School’s JROTC PT team!

FHS JROTC cadets kneeling: Christina Guzman, Dylan McClain, Tori Morgan, Craig Millette, Caleb McFarland, Cannon Craft and Christa Nutt. Standing: Matthew Allen, Jay Whitty, Wes Smalley, Isacc Burtnett, JJ McQueen, Skyler Barnes, Alex Holmes, Emily Hoffman, Landon Swift, MacKenzie Watson, Andrew White and Judy Slay.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/attorney-general-fitch-prepares-to-sue-china-on-behalf-of-mississippians 61ae6d0d13b611001607093a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

JACKSON, Miss. - Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced today that she is preparing to file a lawsuit against China to hold the Communist nation accountable for the malicious and dangerous acts that caused death, health injuries, and serious economic loss from the COVID-19 crisis.

“Too many Mississippians have suffered as a result of China’s cover-up,” said Attorney General Fitch. “They must not be allowed to act with impunity. Mississippians deserve justice and I will seek that in court.”

General Fitch’s case will seek damages under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA) and is similar to a case filed earlier this week by the State of Missouri. General Fitch also wrote to the Mississippi Congressional delegation to ask their support for legislation sponsored by Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Congressman Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) that would create a very specific exception in FSIA for Americans to seek such damages, creating an even clearer pathway to victory for the people of Mississippi. The text of her letter is below. It was sent to all six members of the Mississippi delegation.

__________________________________________________________

"I am writing to urge you to be an original cosponsor for [Representative Dan Crenshaw’s] Senator Tom Cotton’s Holding the Chinese Communist Party Accountable for Infecting Americans Act of 2020. This bill would give Americans the opportunity to sue China in federal court to recover damages related to death, injury, and economic loss suffered as a result of the Coronavirus.

"China did the world a great injustice by engaging in a complex cover-up of the dangers of this deadly virus. By silencing journalists, doctors, whistleblowers, and others, China exposed millions to the Coronavirus and kept the world from preparing, leading to higher death tolls and more dangerous public health impacts. They must be held to account for the damage they have done.

"There are ways to sue China under the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act (FSIA), and I intend to pursue those on behalf of the people of this great State. But [Representative Crenshaw’s] Senator Cotton’s bill would give Mississippians an even clearer path to victory over China in the courts. The bill, which creates a very narrow exception to the FSIA, is modeled on the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, which passed with overwhelming and bipartisan support in, and would be specific to the COVID-19 crisis.

"Too many have gotten seriously ill or died. Too many have lost their jobs and suffered the significant and lasting economic consequences that follow. Our State is experiencing tangible fiscal loss now and that will likely continue into the future. Mississippi families and businesses deserve to be made whole for China’s malicious and dangerous actions. I hope you will cosponsor [Representative Crenshaw’s] Senator Cotton’s bill to help them take this step toward recovery."

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ppsd-early-childhood-education-center-february-students-of-the-month 61ae6d0d13b6110016070939 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Pearl Public School District Early Childhood Education Center proudly presents its February Students of the Month. Pictured on the back row from left to right are Dakota Deen, Hughes Graham, and Harper Young. On the front row are Olivia Parker and Kori Cate Little. Not pictured are Daylee Armstead and Gavin Stewart.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/phs-senior-cameron-mayers-recognized-for-student-advocacy-work 61ae6d0d13b6110016070938 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Pearl High School Senior and Mississippi State Thespian Student Officer (PHS Troupe 4537) Cameron Mayers, was acknowledged for his recent student advocacy work in a victory securing MS Senate Resolution No. 506, which recognizes the month of March as “Theatre In Our Schools” Month. Thanks to Cameron’s efforts, Mississippi now joins the Educational Theatre Association and the International Thespian Society to raise public awareness of the impact of theatre education and draw attention to the need for more access to quality programs for all students. Cameron has been a part of Pearl High School Thespian Troupe 4537 for four years and has been instrumental in his work on and off the stage at Pearl. Cameron was also recently inducted into the Mississippi Thespian Hall of Fame.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-high-school-principal-named-um-practitioner-of-distinction 61ae6d0d13b6110016070937 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT On April 6, 2020, the School of Education at the University of Mississippi announced its 2020 Practitioners of Distinction. This award, established in 2017, recognizes four alumni in the areas of teaching, leadership, counseling, and/or higher education for the exceptional work they are doing in the field of education. The honorees are commended for their exemplary, measurable impact.

Among this year’s honorees is Pearl High School Principal, Mr. Chris Chism. Mr. Chism earned his Master of Education in Educational Leadership in 2011 from the University of Mississippi and participated in the university’s Principal Corps program in that same year.

Mr. Chism was named Pearl High School Principal in 2015.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-tate-reeves-announces-covid-19-assistance-for-homeowners-and-first-responders 61ae6d0d13b6110016070936 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Governor Tate Reeves announced further efforts to support homeowners and first responders who are being stretched thin during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Working with the Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) and Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), Governor Reeves is providing mortgage assistance for homeowners and emergency childcare for essential personnel and first responders to help relieve the burden of hardworking Mississippians across our state.

Mortgage Assistance

MHC has reopened the Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) to provide short-term mortgage assistance to those who have lost employment or income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will allow MHC to pay monthly mortgage payment assistance. People can submit applications through an online portal here:mshomesaver.com.

"I saw firsthand the homes that were lost to the tornadoes this weekend. It breaks my heart. There are more who are at risk of losing their homes to our nation’s economic crisis. We can’t stop the wind from blowing, but we can try to stop more from losing these homes," said Governor Tate Reeves.

HHF is a program of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which first allocated funds to Mississippi in 2010. Mississippi has used the funds to stabilize local housing markets and help families avoid foreclosures. The program targets assistance toward unemployed homeowners or underemployed homeowners and those with homes that are worth less than their value of their mortgages.

“MHC is taking action to help families navigate the evolving impact COVID-19 is having on our communities. It is our hope that through re-opening the Hardest Hit Fund we are able to help Mississippi families who have been impacted by this national crisis,” said MHC Executive Director Scott Spivey.

Emergency Childcare for First Responders

Working with the Governor and the state's COVID-19 response, MDHS has joined with the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) to provide much-needed childcare services for emergency and essential personnel who would otherwise not have access to it because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Our essential workers are being asked to do things that others aren’t. They are stepping into the line of fire to provide what we all need to stay safe. We need to do everything that we can to help them. We hope that this expanded access to child care will lighten the load for our essential workers. It won’t make their jobs easy. But we hope that it can make this one highly stressful element easier," said Governor Tate Reeves.

The Childcare Crisis Assistance in Isolation Response Plan (CCAIR) is designed to serve as temporary, emergency childcare facilities during this crisis period for families listed as essential workers in Executive Order 1463. These personnel are serving on the frontlines of this pandemic and are unable to isolate at home.

In addition to fulfilling the background, health, and safety requirements, potential partners will have access to free-of-charge CCAIR training through the Early Childhood Academy. Upon completing this training, they will be assigned a CCAIR Coach who will guide them through the process of becoming a CCAIR site.

“We have emergency and essential personnel risking their health and well-being every day to continue to provide the care and support we need to sustain our daily lives. They should not have the additional burden of finding both care and education for their children," said MDHS Executive Director Robert G. “Bob” Anderson.

For those who need financial assistance, Emergency Certificates can be applied for. Applications for these certificates will begin one week from today.

For more information on CCAIR, as well as what steps that must be taken before being considered for certification as a CCAIR site, you can go towww.mdhs.ms.gov/ccair.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/fafsa-deadline-for-help-grant-april-30 61ae6d0d13b6110016070935 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The deadline to submit supporting documents, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), in order to qualify for the HELP Grant, a state-supported student financial aid program, is April 30, 2020.

HELP Grant applicants should file the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Students can get free, virtual assistance with FAFSA completion by contacting the non-profit Get2College at www.get2college.org or (601) 321-5533.

"During this difficult time, it is important for students to stay on track with their plans for college," said Jennifer Rogers, Director of Student Financial Aid. "We don’t want any student to miss out on their dream of going to college, because they missed an application deadline."

The HELP Grant pays up to full tuition for students attending Mississippi public colleges and universities. Students attending a private institution will receive an award amount equal to the award of a student attending the nearest comparable public institution.

To qualify for the HELP Grant, students must:

• Complete the Mississippi Aid Application (MAAPP) by March 31

• Apply for the first time within two years of high school graduation

• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5

• Score a minimum of 20 on the national ACT (or an equivalent score on the SAT)

• Take the required IHL College Prep Curriculum in high school

• Meet income requirements and be Pell eligible, as determined by completion of the FAFSA, and

• Provide supporting documentation by April 30

More information about HELP is available at www.msfinancialaid.org/help.

Due to recommendations from the Mississippi State Department of Health, the state aid office staff are working from home. Applicants should check their MAAPP Dashboard for application updates and notices. For additional assistance, students may email sfa@mississippi.edu or call toll-free 1 (800) 327-2980.

The deadline to complete MAAPP to qualify for MTAG or MESG is September 15.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-lottery-corporation-announces-march-transfer-to-the-state 61ae6d0d13b6110016070934 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Lottery Corporation (MLC) made the March transfer of $9,942,264 in net proceeds to the Lottery Proceeds Fund in the Mississippi State Treasury. This brings the total amount deposited to the state to more than $37.5 million since launch on November 25, 2019.

In accordance with the Alyce G. Clarke Lottery Law, the MLC is required to transfer net proceeds within 20 days following the close of each calendar month.

“As we all continue to adjust to this difficult time in Mississippi and the world, the sale of lottery tickets has declined in recent weeks,” said MLC President Tom Shaheen. “We anticipate the trend will continue in the near future. May and June transfers may also decline, as a result. However, what is most important at this time is that we all remain safe and healthy. In an effort to ensure people remain at home as much as possible, as of April 1, 2020, the MLC has cancelled TV and radio advertising indefinitely.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-reeves-extends-shelter-in-place-by-7-days-enables-safe-sales-by-non-essential-businesses 61ae6d0d13b6110016070933 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced that he is extending the statewide shelter-in-place by 7 days, while providing some ability for “non-essential” businesses to safely make sales. The Governor’s new executive order extends the expiration date of his previous order to Monday, April 27th. “I wanted to come here today and announce that we can all ease up and re-open, but we can’t. We can’t stay in this position for much longer. But we are still in the eye of the storm. I made a vow to protect the people of Mississippi. I have to do what the best information and wisdom I have tells me. Right now, it tells me I have to ask you to stay vigilant for one more week," said Governor Tate Reeves. The Governor also announced two changes to the previous executive order to help Mississippians cope mentally and financially. First, the Governor shared that he has been advised by state and local officials that they can safely enforce social distancing rules on Mississippi’s lakes and beaches. This executive order allows them to re-open for individual fishing and relaxing. “It’s a small thing, but I hope it helps even a bit for people who need to safely get out in the sun for their own sanity. We need to do anything we can to help address the growing depression, isolation, and other mental health issues. That matters," said Governor Reeves. Second, the Governor announced that “non-essential” businesses could start making curbside, delivery, or drive-thru sales. “Clothing stores, florists, or athletic goods can do safe sales. If a salon or other business wants to safely sell their excess supplies to stay afloat, they can do that. Call ahead or order online, then safely pick it up. I wish I could open it all back up for everyone. I can’t do it without harming even more people. But we believe that we can safely do this," said Governor Reeves. The Governor explained his reasoning for this move was twofold. It prevents people from crowding big-box retailers by encouraging them to safely patronize Mississippi small businesses. It allows more Mississippians to provide for their families, even in the face of this virus. “No business is non-essential to those who rely on its paycheck for food, supplies, and shelter. I cannot sit by while Mississippians are driven into poverty, without doing everything in my power to give them some greater ability to take care of themselves. It’s not enough. But it’s a good faith step towards recovery, and I hope that you will take it as a lifeline and sign of hope," said Governor Reeves. The Governor shared a message of joint resolve and courage with the people of Mississippi. “Please stay strong. Stay smart. Stay home. Use common sense—that’s the single best thing you can do. If you are part of a vulnerable population, please stay home—please. This is the time to be the most vigilant. I’m asking all Mississippi: Stay in the fight for a little while longer, and we will come through this together," said Governor Reeves.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-tate-reeves-announces-extended-school-closures-to-slow-the-spread 61ae6d0d13b6110016070932 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT On April 14, 2020, Governor Tate Reeves announced that schools in Mississippi will remain closed for the rest of the school year to slow the spread of COVID-19.

To ensure that Mississippi students' education continues through the remainder of the school year, Governor Reeves is asking every school to submit distance learning plans to mitigate and enhance their learning. He is also asking that educators prepare for summer or early fall learning as an option for make-up school.

"I know how hard teachers, students, all staff, and parents have been working during this dangerous time. You have my deep respect and sincere admiration. It has been so encouraging to see the efforts of our education community to protect the people of Mississippi while ensuring learning takes place. I know our education community will do whatever it takes to make sure Mississippi kids don’t fall behind," said Governor Tate Reeves.

The Governor will be issuing an executive order shortly with details for school districts to develop enhanced learning plans for their students and their communities.

*Press Release (Governor Tate Reeves)

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/47-1-million-for-mississippi-from-hhs-to-support-families-with-child-care-options 61ae6d0d13b6110016070931 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT On March 27, the President signed a $2 trillion emergency relief bill aimed at providing economic relief to the nation’s families, workers, and businesses. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act will provide the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) with $6.3 billion in additional funding that will aid in the continuation of work protecting, supporting, and uplifting our vulnerable communities during this public health crisis.

“President Trump has secured more than $6 billion in funding to help meet the needs of America’s most vulnerable during this time of crisis, including those who need assistance affording child care,” said HHS Secretary Alex Azar. “As part of the President’s all-of-America approach to combating the coronavirus, ACF is providing extra support for human services that Americans—including healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential workers—may rely on even more in this time of crisis.”

The bill provides $3.5 billion to the Child Care and Development Block Grant. This funding will support states, territories, and tribes to provide assistance to child care providers in order to financially support them during the public health crisis. This additional funding can also help support healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential workers playing critical roles during this crisis. Funds will be released to state, territory, and tribal Child Care and Development Fund programs.

“It is crucial that we continue our work in supporting our most vulnerable populations with the services they need to live their daily lives during this unprecedented time,” said ACF Assistant Secretary Lynn Johnson. “Providing access to child care for individuals and communities who have been affected by the public health crisis is a priority of the Administration for Children and Families.”

With this additional funding, the Administration for Children and Families continues to support services that strengthen and support families, individuals, youth and children to achieve their fullest potential during a public health crisis.

Additional information about the Child Care and Development Block Grant specific to this public health crisis can be found on the Office of Child Care website.

- (Administration for Children and Families)

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-tate-reeves-partners-with-private-sector-to-study-economic-recovery 61ae6d0d13b6110016070930 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced that he has asked leaders of Mississippi’s business community to chart a course for economic recovery and re-opening Mississippi’s economy.

During this COVID-19 pandemic, Mississippi has seen a nearly 9,000% increase in unemployment claims. Small businesses and their employees are struggling to stay afloat. The Governor's Commission for Economic Recovery will look at the impact on every industry, geographical region, and community and help the Governor transform our state's economy under these new conditions through tailored solutions.

"We need Mississippians helping Mississippians. I have asked a trusted group of our state's top business minds to do just that. Under the 'Restart Mississippi' umbrella, they are going to develop a series of recommendations and goals for our new economy. They will study the impact of COVID-19 on our workforce and small businesses. And they will help us recover—day by day," said Governor Tate Reeves.

The Governor has asked Joe Sanderson of Sanderson Farms, a longtime business leader in our state, to serve as the chairman of the effort. Joining Joe Sanderson, this commission will be comprised of leaders representing Mississippi’s different regions and industries.

Bringing together large economic drivers and small business leaders, this private sector group will develop recommendations for state leaders on economic recovery to help Mississippi businesses and employees navigate our new economy. The commission will study the economic impact of COVID-19 on different industries, communities, and regions with one goal: develop a path forward to Restart Mississippi.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ppsd-continues-serving-hot-meals-daily-during-shelter-in-place-order 61ae6d0d13b611001607092f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT As a service to the community, Pearl Public School District will continue to serve meals at Pearl Lower Elementary each day from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Hot meals for lunch are offered along with a breakfast snack for the next day. Anyone 18 and younger eats free, and adult meal prices are $3.50.

The menus are posted on the district website at www.pearlk12.com and on the district’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/president-trump-approves-major-disaster-declaration-for-mississippi 61ae6d0d13b611001607092e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Today, Governor Tate Reeves announced his request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government has been approved. The declaration makes available additional federal assets and resources to aid Mississippi's COVID-19 response.

Governor Reeves ,sent a letter to President Trump on April 1 requesting the disaster declaration.

"I'm truly grateful for President Trump approving Mississippi's request to support our people and ease the burden of COVID-19. These resources will reinforce our ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of the virus and help us emerge stronger than ever. Our continued partnership and collaboration with the Trump Administration will be critical as we deploy every resource available to protect the health and well-being of all Mississippians," said Governor Tate Reeves.

Public assistance is now available to State, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance, for all areas across Mississippi impacted by COVID-19 beginning on January 20, 2020.

The disaster declaration will provide Mississippians access to expanded mental healthcare, supplement the efforts of tribal healthcare workers, provide grants to reduce the risk of loss of life or property during future emergencies, make available legal assistance to low-income Mississippians, expand food assistance and other services to low-income households impacted by COVID-19, and more.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/commissioner-gipson-encourages-public-to-utilize-the-mississippi-market-bulletin 61ae6d0d13b611001607092d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson encourages the public to stay informed on the latest news and resources in agriculture by reading the Mississippi Market Bulletin. The Mississippi Market Bulletin, published by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce, serves as a source to buy direct from a farmer, as well as a source to find items needed for both small and large farms, both small and large, gardens and homesteads.

“As we ‘Shelter in Place’ to slow down the spread of COVID-19, I can think of nothing better to do than take a few minutes to read the latest edition of the Mississippi Market Bulletin,” said Commissioner Gipson. “This newspaper has gained the reputation as being the #1 agriculture trade publication in the state for farmers, ranchers and landowners over the last ninety years.”

Commissioner Gipson continued, “The Bulletin is not just for farmers, but anyone interested in connecting to agriculture, horticulture or the outdoors. You can find a list of local farmers markets, or buy supplies for a home Victory Garden, or buy direct from Mississippi farmers. Whether you want to diversify your family’s food supply or want to do some healthy, outdoors social distancing, now is the time to explore the Mississippi Market Bulletin.”

The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce has published the Mississippi Market Bulletin twice every month since 1928. Issues feature an agricultural commodity and provides a listing of farmers markets; agricultural events; livestock and equipment auctions; farm market prices; livestock shows and sales; and informative and educational information, along with agricultural news articles and recipes.

The Mississippi Market Bulletin has over 32,000 subscribers, allowing all in-state subscribers the opportunity to run two free advertisements per issue. Each issue contains between 2,000-3,000 agricultural advertisements in over 165 categories including machinery and equipment, crops, livestock, farm property, hunting accessories and much more.

Subscriptions are only $10 per year for in-state residents and $15 per year for out-of-state residents. Visit ,msmarketbulletin.org for more information, to view free past Mississippi Market Bulletin editions, and become a subscriber.

Click ,https://youtu.be/fxplPCIJJNU to view Commissioner Gipson’s entire message.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ummc-calls-on-community-to-help-protect-health-care-heroes 61ae6d0d13b611001607092c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The University of Mississippi Medical Center is calling on the community to help protect its employees after the Mississippi Department of Health directed all health care professionals in the state to wear a mask while at work.

The policy is aligned with the Center for Disease Control’s current recommendations regarding the ,use of cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Home-sewn masks will also make it possible to save precious personal protective equipment, or PPE, for employees working in direct-patient care areas. PPE is in limited supply at the Medical Center and around the country as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which by Saturday had killed 6,593 Americans and sickened over 277,000.

Dr. Laura Vick, associate professor of general surgery at UMMC and longtime seamstress, has been ahead of the curve. She has been living by the motto of “preparing, not panicking” during these uncertain times.

So, several weeks ago, when colleague and nurse practitioner Katie Smith told Vick how her mother, a seamstress, desperately wanted to make something to help protect health care professionals and patients, she had an idea.

Vick returned home that night to her dining-room-turned-sewing-room, which is packed with fabrics and several sewing machines, and got to work. The next morning, she brought three different prototypes of surgical masks, which Dr. Matthew Kutcher, assistant professor of surgery, tried out.

Vick’s goal: produce additional masks and equipment for use by health care professionals in low-risk settings, and free up precious PPE for employees taking care patients.

“What we’re trying to do is prepare, not panic,” Vick said in the Facebook video she posted demonstrating how to make the masks.

The video had been viewed over 90,000 times with 1,100 shares by Sunday morning, and the Medical Center has received generous donations of masks and other equipment in the past weeks. Individuals and businesses also donated other PPE, meals for health care workers, monetary donations and tablets and smart phones for telehealth appointments.

“We are so grateful to our community for stepping up and supporting us during this time,” said Dr. LouAnn Woodward, vice chancellor for health affairs and dean of the school of medicine. “What we are doing in response to this outbreak in Mississippi would not be possible without the help of the people of this state.”

In the video, Vick details how to make the mask she and Kutcher decided was the most universal and useful. The masks are cotton on the front and flannel on the back, and each person who wants to participate is asked to make five as a starting point.

And back at UMMC, she delivered the first eight masks she made to several on-call surgical trauma residents for use in caring for trauma patients.

Vick has kept up her momentum on Facebook, posting videos about how to make surgical caps, which are also in demand.

Word reached groups like the Susannah Stitchers, a group of around 20 women that meets weekly at Chris United Methodist Church in Jackson. They have been sewing items for the Medical Center for 20 years, making everything from 200 prayer quilts for transplant patients to burial

gowns, blankets and bonnets for babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit who passed away.

McDonald said she and her group members were “hungry to do something.”

“We want to help but feel like we can’t. We’re stranded, we can’t get out, so it just means so much to us to be able to do something,” she said.

Others who want to make and donate masks can drop them off in the secure bin at the overhang outside of the Nelson C. Norman Student Union on the Jackson campus.

They may also be mailed to the UMMC Office of Development, 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS.

Click ,,here for more information about ways to help UMMC in the fight against COVID-19.

For more information about COVID-19 in Mississippi, click ,,here.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-day-concert-moved-to-oct-30 61ae6d0d13b611001607092b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Mayor Jake Windham is excited to announce that the Pearl Day Concert will still take place in 2020 and has been rescheduled for Friday, October 30. The original date was May 1, but due to the COVID-19 precautions, the city chose to move the date rather than cancel the event.

“It was very important to us to have this event take place this year,” said Mayor Windham. “We worked closely with Jamey Johnson, Frank Foster and Zach Bridges to find a date that would fit into all of their schedules. This really gives our folks something to look forward to as we work through this COVID-19 pandemic.”

Tickets are all $25 and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

The concert will take place in the north lot of Trustmark Park starting at 5:30 p.m. The 2019 Pearl Day Concert featuring Lauren Daigle drew more than 10,000 people.

The City of Pearl will be celebrating its 47th birthday after being established back in 1973.

Jamey Johnson

Eleven-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson is “one of the greatest country singers of our time,” according to the Washington Post. He is one of only a few people in the history of country music to win two Song of the Year Awards from both the CMA and ACMs.

His 2008 album, That Lonesome Song, was certified platinum for 1 million in sales, and his 2010 ambitious double album, The Guitar Song, received a gold certification.

In addition, he won two Song of the Year Trophies, for “Give It Away” and “In Color,” both from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. He has received tremendous praise from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal and other publications, many of which have hailed his albums as masterpieces.

In 2012, the Alabama native released his fifth studio album, a tribute project to late songwriter Hank Cochran. The Grammy-nominated Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran paired him with Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, Ray Price, Elvis Costello, George Strait, Vince Gill and Merle Haggard.

In 2013, the Nashville Scene’s 13th annual Country Music Critics’ Poll named it the year’s best album. (Two years earlier, the same poll named Johnson’s The Guitar Song as the year's best album, and Johnson himself as best male vocalist, best songwriter and artist of the year.)

Frank Foster

Frank Foster embodies musical independence at its highest level. He not only has taken the road less traveled, but the road almost never traveled. Acting as his own record label, Management, booking agency and publishing company, he has managed to find success that some major label artists may never find. This rural Louisiana native and former oil field man has taken his songs from the campfire to the coliseum seemingly overnight, all the while gaining a following of fans whose loyalty is unmatched.

His musical journey started in 2011 with the release of his first album Rowdy Reputation. To follow that up, in the late summer of 2012, he released his second album, Red Wings and Six Strings. Each and every song from both of those albums have become nightly sing-alongs at his shows. Foster’s next 5 albums all debuted on the Billboard Country Charts.

Southern Soul was released in 2013 debuted at No. 11.Rhythm and Whiskey was released in 2014 debuted at No. 4. His early 2016 release, Boots On The Ground, debuted at No. 7. Later in 2016, he released Good Country Music, which debuted at No.13. In 2018, he released his seventh album, ’Til I’m Gone, which debuted at #2 on the Billboard Country Album Sales Charts giving Foster his highest mark yet. He’s a singer, a songwriter and his own boss. He refuses to let anyone water down his kind of country music. If he lives it, he writes it; if he writes it, he sings it; if he sings it, he believes it. Frank Foster ... a true original.

Zach Bridges

Zach Bridges, of Pearl, Mississippi, was most recently seen on Season 17 of NBC's "The Voice" where he sang Blake Shelton's song, "Ol' Red". Turning the chairs of Blake himself, and Gwen Stefani, Zach chose to join Team Blake as one of his only two male country artists.

In the Battle Round, he was paired with other male country artist, Cory Jackson. They performed a duet to Toby Keith's "Should've Been a Cowboy", where Zach advanced to the Knockout Rounds. In the Knockouts, Zach was paired with Ricky Braddy, who sang John Legend's song "So High". Singing Garth Brooks classic, "The Dance", Zach left Blake with a tough decision. Braddy was chosen to advance, eliminating Zach, just missing his chance at the live playoffs.

Bridges didn't pick up a guitar until the age of 20. Shortly after, he started booking gigs and writing his own songs. Playing mostly solo shows and in a few different bands, he has been playing the central Mississippi area since 2012. It was 2019 when his big break came and was invited to audition for "The Voice". Since his appearance on the hit series TV show, Bridges is in the process of booking shows all over the Southeast with his band, along with writing and putting out new music.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/rankin-county-school-district-makes-changes-concerning-meal-services 61ae6d0d13b611001607092a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Rankin County School District has made some adjustments to their meal program in an effort to limit the number of workers at each site in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and in an effort to sustain this meal program during school closure in response to Covid-19.

Starting today, April 6, 2020, the Rankin County School District will continue serving drive thru GRAB and GO meals (breakfast andlunch) on Monday & Wednesday during school closure. Monday’s meal will contain two breakfast items, and two lunches. Wednesday’s meal will contain three breakfast items and three lunches. All children 18 and under eat FREE. Children DO NOT have to be a Rankin County School District student. No ID is required Per Federal regulations, children must be present to claim their meal. Families will not need to enter the school building for pick-up. Families will be able to drive through to pick up meals. Meals will be sold to adults for $3.50. In an effort to prevent the spread of germs, money will not exchange hands, so exact change is required.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-banks-ready-to-assist-with-cares-act-s-paycheck-protection-program-loans 61ae6d0d13b6110016070929 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

As the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) disease continues to impact communities across the country, Mississippi banks are working around the clock to assist borrowers, including through the new Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Late yesterday evening, the U.S. Treasury Department and Small Business Administration issued further guidance for the CARES Act’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which will provide up to $350 billion in fully forgivable loans to help small businesses maintain payrolls during the coronavirus pandemic.

Banks and the general public received revised guidance for the program after the close of business on Thursday, April 2 for a critical program that launched Friday, April 3. Banks are working to quickly interpret this guidance and provide funds to customers as fast as possible. Many banks still await final approval from the federal government to make these loans. While some banks are now eligible to make these loans, Mississippi bankers ask for patience from the public as the program begins.

“Please remember that PPP loans aren’t the only way that Mississippi’s banks and bankers are helping their customers,” said Gordon Fellows, president and CEO, Mississippi Bankers Association (MBA). “Your banks are continuing to work through understanding all of the options available to best fit each of their customers. We will all have to be patient as we work through this process. Mississippi’s banks understand the urgency of supporting small businesses and are committed to doing all they can to support small employers all around our state that are struggling with unprecedented challenges right now. The SBA PPP program provides a great tool for banks to help customers, and our banks are eager to work with local small businesses to take advantage of this program.”

Above all, Mississippi banks want their small business customers to know that they stand with them, ready to help them navigate these very difficult times. The PPP will be a tremendous help to businesses and non-profit organizations and our local economy, and banks are working hard to create other solutions for their customers, too. Mississippi banks are well-positioned and well-capitalized to assist their customers during this public health crisis.

For ongoing updates on the PPP and what Mississippi banks are doing, please visit msbankers.com/PPP-loans.

PPP FAQ:

Who is Eligible? Small businesses with 500 or fewer employees—including nonprofits, veterans’ organizations, tribal concerns, self-employed individuals, sole proprietorships, and independent contractors— are eligible. Businesses with more than 500 employees are eligible in certain industries.”

When can a business apply? Starting April 3, 2020, small businesses and sole proprietorships can apply. Starting April 10, 2020, independent contractors and self-employed individuals can apply. There is a nation-wide funding cap of $349 billion on this program.

How does the guarantee work? Funds are provided in the form of loans that will be fully forgiven when used for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent, and utilities (due to likely high subscription, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must have been used for payroll). Loan payments will also be deferred for six months. No collateral or personal guarantees are required. Neither the government nor lenders will charge small businesses any fees”

Will this loan be forgiven? You will owe money when your loan is due if you use the loan amount for anything other than payroll costs, mortgage interest, rent, and utilities payments over the 8 weeks after getting the loan. Due to likely high subscription, it is anticipated that not more than 25% of the forgiven amount may be for non-payroll costs. You will also owe money if you do not maintain your staff and payroll.

Small businesses can apply for these loans at any participating bank or other lenders that are designated by the federal government.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-resident-selected-for-mec-s-leadership-mississippi 61ae6d0d13b6110016070928 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Dr. Mitchell Shears, Associate Vice President for Student Success/Executive Director of Title III at Jackson State University, was one of forty-eight standout Mississippians to be selected for the 2020 Class of Mississippi Economic Council's (MEC) Leadership Mississippi.

Leadership Mississippi is an annual program of the MEC conducted by the M.B. Swayze Foundation. Participants, selected by a committee of MEC’s Leadership Mississippi Alumni, work together in a training program that combines individual study, group sessions and project experience in using leadership skills. Leadership Mississippi is endowed through a generous contribution by the late J.C. and Annie Redd. J.C. Redd was

Chairman of the Mississippi Economic Council in 1973-74 when the program began.

Leadership Mississippi is the second-oldest statewide leadership program in the nation. Since its inception in 1974, Leadership Mississippi has graduated more than 1,300 alumni active in Mississippi business and politics. Mississippi's top business executives, community leaders, and elected officials have participated in Leadership Mississippi as a way to expand their networks and possibilities for future success.

Leadership Mississippi’s purpose is to identify and work with Mississippi leaders in strengthening our state. Leadership Mississippi empowers participants with information to make a strong impact in our state.

The 2020 Leadership Mississippi sessions begins on February 6, in Jackson. When the class graduates in December 2020, they will have visited Southaven, Mississippi Gulf Coast, Clarksdale and Hattiesburg.

Shears, of Pearl, is a two time graduate of Alcorn State University (ASU) where he received the bachelor’s and master’s degrees and Mississippi College where he received the education specialist and doctor of education degrees.

He is a member of the ASU National Alumni Association (Metro-Jackson Chapter), the Jackson Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and JSU National Alumni Association (Byram-Terry Chapter). Some of his accolades include being named 2010 Administrator of the Year for Jackson Public Schools, 2017 Mississippi Business Journal Top 40 Under 40 Top Ten Finalist, and 2018 ASU National Alumni Association Professional Achievement Award.

Shears has served in public education for twenty years and has been awarded over $15 million in external grants to supplement educational programs in higher education.

If you are interested in participating in the 2021 class of Leadership Mississippi, applications will begin late August 2020. Visit www.mec.ms for more information.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/merit-health-medical-group-now-offering-telehealth-visits 61ae6d0d13b6110016070927 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Merit Health Medical Group has made it possible to see their doctors using a smartphone, tablet or computer. Telehealth or virtual visits allow you to talk with a provider just as you would in the doctor’s office, but without leaving the comfort of home. Appointments are available for new and existing patients.

“Continuity of care is important to us, as is the safety of patients and staff during this time when social distancing and staying at home are critical, ”says Sharon Grant, VP of Physician Practices. “Telehealth can be a solution for many reasons someone may want to see a doctor.”

Although some appointments require a physical examination in order for the doctor to meet the standard of care and make fully informed decisions, many visits can be managed well through virtual interaction. These may include certain visits for:

• Minor illnesses such as colds and allergies
• Minor injuries such as sprains
• Follow-up care
• Medication management
• Chronic disease management
• Back pain
• Other specialty care

Many insurance plans cover telehealth visits. Video visits are typically required, although some payers will cover visits by phone only. Check your plan coverage or ask when you make an appointment.

Call 844-MSMERIT to request a telehealth appointment, or visit MyMeritDoctor.com for more information. The practice will provide instructions about your telehealth visit when you schedule the appointment.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/grab-and-go-lunches-4-new-locations 61ae6d0d13b6110016070926 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT The Rankin County School District will be serving GRAB AND GO meals beginning Tuesday, March 17th until further notice at McLaurin Elementary, Richland Upper Elementary and Pelahatchie Elementary. (We may be adding other locations soon.)

ALL children 18 and under will eat FREE. They DO NOT have to be a RCSD student. No ID required. Adult meals will be $3.50. Time: 10:30 am-12:30pm. First Responders in uniform will also eat FREE!

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/sheltering-at-home-can-increase-energy-bills-here-s-how-to-get-help 61ae6d0d13b6110016070925 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT JACKSON, Mississippi – With schools closed and many workers temporarily unemployed or telecommuting due to the coronavirus pandemic, many families have a full house during times the home would normally be empty. The result is often an increased demand for energy to fuel daily lives, and that can quickly lead to a higher-than-normal energy bill.

The best way to manage this increase in energy use is to follow simple energy-saving tips, like wrapping your water heater; regularly replacing HVAC filters and insulating doors and windows. But if a high bill has already arrived, there are ways you can get help managing your costs or even paying your bill. Effective March 15, Entergy Mississippi, working with its regulators, has temporarily suspended service disconnections through May 14, subject to the Mississippi Public Service Commission’s review after 30 days.

However, Entergy encourages customers to make payments on their account if possible, and will work directly with customers to make payment arrangements if they are unable to pay in full. Customers requiring such arrangements should call 1-800-ENTERGY (800-368-3749) or visit myAccount.

Here are four more ways to manage through the higher costs of powering your home:

• Level Billing --Entergy averages your bill over a rolling 12-month period so you have a consistent bill each month of the year. Pay about the same every month, with no surprises.
• Pick-A-Date --Choose what day of the month you get billed to line up with your budget and manage your cash flow.
• Power to Care--Through Entergy's The Power to Care program, local nonprofit agencies can provide emergency bill payment assistance to seniors and disabled individuals in crisis. Find out more at entergy-mississippi.com/bill-help/.
• LIHEAP--LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is a program that provides money to help people with energy bills and other energy-related expenses. LIHEAP is funded through the federal government and works with community action agencies to help customers pay for and keep electric service in their homes. For information on how to apply for assistance, call 1-800-421-0762 or visit the state Division of Community Services Web site.

If you think you’re going to need help with your power bill, don’t delay. Call Entergy’s customer service representatives at 1-800-Entergy (1-800-368-3749) to see what solution might be right for you.

Written By: Entergy

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/phs-class-of-2020-hall-of-fame-inductees-announced 61ae6d0d13b6110016070924 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Pearl High School (PHS) recently announced the Class of 2020 Hall of Fame. Pictured (l to r) are, front row: Justin Smith, Elizabeth Prejean, Alexis Harrison, Melody Rawls and Josef Rutledge; and back row: Tyler McKenzie, Brayden Cook, Brennan Houston and Jaydon Haymon.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-garden-club-gives-back-to-the-community 61ae6d0d13b6110016070923 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Special to SW Rankin News

Recently, several members of The Spring Lake Garden Club of Pearl paid a visit to the Blue Star Memorial and Plant-It-Pink flower bed to do some weeding, pruning and reptile control (snake).

Those in attendance were: Bonnie George, Sissie Haynie, Martha Fincher, Nancy Stephens, Diane Chapel, Mary Johnson, Susan Newton, Brenda Vernamonti, Angela Wade and Betty Newman.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-school-district-to-close 61ae6d0d13b6110016070922 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT As directed by the Governor, Pearl Public School District will close all schools through April 17, 2020, as part of the public health response plan to COVID-19. During this time of extended school closure, distance learning will continue for all students in pre- kindergarten through twelfth grade. Additional instructional packets will be prepared and posted/distributed as needed on April 6. Details have been sent to parents and are available on the district website.

PPSD is also working with its Board of Trustees and Board Attorney to implement the policy decisions made by the State Board of Education at its Special Called Meeting held on March 26, 2020 via teleconference. A top priority is ensuring fairness and equity in moving forward with decisions that affect all aspects of student learning, including but not limited to promotion and graduation requirements.

As additional information is received and our plans finalized, parents and staff will be notified.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/health-officials-confirm-second-coronavirus-death-in-mississippi 61ae6d0d13b6110016070921 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Today the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reports the second death from coronavirus (COVID-19) in Mississippi. The case was a male 60-65 years old from Holmes County with underlying health conditions. He died while hospitalized.

As of Tuesday, Mississippi had 320 cases and one previous death reported in a male 60-65 from Hancock County with underlying health conditions. MSDH strives to update new case counts at 10 a.m. each day.

“We knew that more deaths would be inevitable, just as we expect numerous new cases. It is a very sad update to report, regardless,” said MSDH State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs, MD, MPH. “Please do your part by practicing all preventive measures. It is vitally important that we all do what we can right now to help slow the spread of this virus.”

Preventive measures Mississippians can take include the following:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after coughing or sneezing, blowing your nose, and using the bathroom. Effective handwashing takes about 20 seconds, and includes cleaning under fingernails, between fingers, and washing the back of hands as well as the front.
• Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with anyone who is ill.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes. When possible, cough, sneeze or blow your nose into a tissue, and throw the tissue away.
• If you are sick, especially with shortness of breath, severe cough, fever or severe chest pain, call a doctor or healthcare provider for instructions on being safely examined.
• Avoid social gatherings where 10 people or more would come into close contact.
• Practice social distancing: stay at least six feet apart from others in a group.

For more information on preventive measures and the latest guidance, download the free MS Ready mobile app or visit HealthyMS.com/covid-19.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-legislature-recesses-for-covid-19-pandemic 61ae6d0d13b6110016070920 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT On Tuesday, March 17, the Mississippi House of Representatives suspended the legislative session until April 1 at 2 p.m., or a date mutually agreed upon by Speaker of the House Philip Gunn and Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann, if necessary. This suspension is out of an abundance of caution for the legislative members and staff due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before the House could adjourn, several items needed to be taken up in relation to the suspension. Because the general bill deadline had already passed, a resolution was needed to suspend the rules and allow for a general bill to be introduced.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 561 called for a suspension of the rules and for the introduction of a bill to authorize leave with pay for local government and local school district employees. There is a statute that allows for state employees to receive benefits during certain circumstances, but the statute did not permit the same for local government employees.

House Bill 1647 was then introduced authorizing local governmental entities and school districts to grant administrative leave with pay during certain emergencies. The bill passed with a bipartisan vote of 118-2 and was sent to the Senate for consideration.

The second resolution taken up was House Concurrent Resolution 65. The resolution extends the session by 30 days, allows for reconvening on April 1 or upon determination by the House and Senate and adjusts the session deadlines to conform with the extended schedule. HC 65 passed by a vote of 82-38 and was taken up by the Senate on Wednesday morning.

Prior to these actions, on Monday I filed a suspension resolution to exempt our public schools from state testing requirements for the year, and I was glad to see the State Board of Education consider our recommendations to not count them this year. The State Board of Education also chose to honor the recommendation of Governor Reeves and dismissed school until April 17.

Please remember to consider the recommendations that have been made to keep social distance and don’t go anywhere that you don’t have to until all of this passes.

Things are changing day-by-day and even hour-by-hour so please continue to follow my Facebook page on a daily basis. I will do my best to update you on what’s going on from my perspective as your State Representative.

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to serve you. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to reach out to me via social media, tmiles@house.ms.gov or 601-468-7886.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-to-school-districts 61ae6d0d13b611001607091f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Greetings Superintendents, Curriculum Coordinators, Federal Program Directors, Special Education Directors, CTE Directors, District Test Coordinators, Principals, Counselors, School Nurses and Teachers:

President Donald Trump declared a national emergency today in response to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak. The declaration gives states access to federal funds to combat the epidemic.

As of Friday afternoon, the Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH) has confirmed four cases of COVID-19 in Mississippi.

The MSDH requires schools to consult with their county health department and the MSDH to determine when it is appropriate to close a school. State law does not give the MDE or the Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) the authority to close schools statewide.

The MSDH has not recommended at this time that schools should close. Complete details of the updated MSDH information and guidance are available on the MSDH website, msdh.ms.gov.

As of 3:23 p.m. today, 13 Mississippi school districts reported to the MDE that they will close between one and 10 school days. View school closures: www.mdek12.org/OSOS/School-Closures

If any district should have to close because of COVID-19, state law gives the SBE the flexibility to waive the requirement that schools operate for 180 days.

Attached is guidance from the MSDH and the CDC regarding school closure.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-primary-2020-what-you-need-to-know 61ae6d0d13b611001607091e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Mississippi Primary 2020: What You Need to Know

The Mississippi Primary is Tuesday, March 10th. so plan now to GO VOTE! At the top of the ticket will be the 2020 Presidential Primary. Super Tuesday provided a bit of clarity on what we should expect here in Mississippi. Party nominees will also be selected for one of the state’s U.S. Senate seats and in all four Congressional Districts. In the Fourth District, the winner of the Republican Primary will head to Congress as there are no Democrats seeking their party’s nomination. <>

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/daylight-saving-time-is-reminder-to-check-smoke-alarms 61ae6d0d13b611001607091d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Even though most clocks will update automatically this Sunday, State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney wants everyone to use the time change as a reminder to test smoke alarms.

At last check, there have been 23 fire deaths in 2020. In 16 of those fires, there were no working smoke alarms in the home. If you cannot afford smoke alarms, call your local fire department. They may be able to install alarms for free.

“This is also a good time to talk to your children and other family members in your home about what to do if there is a fire. Create an escape plan and make sure everyone knows where to meet outside of the home, in case of fire,” Chaney said.

The Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends the following safety tips:

· Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button.

· Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond.

· Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old.

· Replace the smoke alarm immediately if it doesn’t respond properly when tested.

· Smoke alarms should be placed in every sleeping area and common hallways and on every level of the home.

o Large homes may need extra smoke alarms.

o A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall.

o Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet from the stove.

· Create an escape plan and make sure all family members know where to meet once out of the home.

Go to the Mississippi Insurance Department website for more smoke alarm and fire safety tips: http://www.mid.ms.gov/preparedness/fire.aspx

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/computer-science-education-bill-gains-momentum-passes-key-committee-hurdle 61ae6d0d13b611001607091c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT C Spire continues grassroots campaign to get computer science in all K-12 public and charter schools

A bill championed by C Spire that would give all 463,000 elementary, middle and high school students in Mississippi access to computer science curriculum passed a key legislative hurdle Tuesday with House Education Committee approval of HB 1165.The bill by Rep. Richard Bennett, R-Long Beach, to bring computer science education to the state’s 884 public and charter K-12 schools by the 2023-2024 school year, was approved unanimously by the panel on the final day for committee advancement of legislation during the 2020 session.The next stop for the bill will be the full House of Representatives, where 122 members will have an opportunity to vote on the legislation by March 12. A companion bill, SB 2284 by State Senator Scott DeLano, R-Biloxi, did not receive a hearing or vote in the Senate Education Committee.“We’re pleased that the bill has momentum and we are going to redouble our efforts to win passage this session,” said Carla Lewis, CTO of the Mississippi-based diversified telecommunications and technology services firm. “Computer science is too important to our childrens’ future and our state’s future to slow down now.”Lewis said Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, business leaders, teachers, school superintendents and thousands of voters have responded to the company’s comprehensive grassroots online, social media, TV and radio campaign begun last month to encourage state lawmakers to promote a stronger computer science foundation in the state.The letters, which went to all 52 Senators and 122 House members, cited countless examples of how computer science will enhance education and job opportunities for students so they can pursue their hopes and dreams for success in life. “We literally hold these young peoples’ future in our hands in how we handle this issue,” Lewis said.“Until we get computer science in all classrooms, Mississippi will continue to lag behind neighboring states in giving all students exposure to the fundamentals necessary for their success in the 21st century economy,” Lewis said, noting that computer science teaches critical thinking, computational and problem solving skills.C Spire has worked closely to educate, inform and amend the legislation that would help make computer science available in all schools fully by the 2023-2024 academic year. Many districts and schools have made progress and will not need to make changes while others will need to boost teacher training and update courses to the latest curriculum.“We’re committed to helping all of our schools overcome any barriers that might stand in the way of offering computer science in classrooms,” Lewis said. “We want this to work and that’s why we have agreed to a phased approach so that all schools have enough time to make this a reality.”C Spire has been heavily involved in efforts to promote computer science education in Mississippi, investing over $3 million since 2015 in coding challenges, coding academies, pilot accelerated degree programs and other efforts designed to inspire and encourage students to consider pursuing academic degrees or professional careers in science, technology, engineering and math-related fields.The grassroots computer science education campaign is part of the C Spire Tech Movement designed to move communities forward with a focus on broadband access, workforce development and technology innovation. To learn more about the need for computer science education in K-12 classrooms or to get involved in the “Mississippi’s Future Can’t Wait” campaign, text FUTURE to 50457 or go to www.ourMSfuture.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/commissioner-gipson-cuts-ribbon-on-new-children-s-barnyard-and-multipurpose-building 61ae6d0d13b611001607091b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Today, Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson cut the ribbon to the new Children’s Barnyard and Multipurpose Building at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum.

“This has been a long, awaited day. The cutting of the ribbon not only marks the completion of our rebuilding efforts since the devastating fire in 2014; it marks a new beginning for the Ag Museum,” said Commissioner Gipson. “The Children's Barnyard enhances our visitors' experience and provides an opportunity to learn more about the importance of agriculture. For some visitors, their trip to the Ag Museum may be the closest that they have been to being on a working farm.”

The Children’s Barn, which is approximately 2,500 square feet, features 10 stalls, a turnout area, chicken coop, hay loft, tack room and veterinary medicine exhibit. The facility also houses a variety of farm animals such as rabbits, chickens, goats, sheep, cows, mules, pigs and the famous rodeo horse, Gunsmoke.

The Multipurpose Building is connected to the Children’s Barnyard by a covered walkway and allows visitors the opportunity to rent out the quaint venue for class school trips, meetings, birthday parties and other private events.

Construction of the Children’s Barnyard and Multipurpose Building was part of the rebuilding efforts to replace buildings lost during a devastating fire on the Museum grounds in November 2014.The $1 million rebuilding project is funded through insurance claim funds. The Children’s Barnyard and Multipurpose Building were designed by Wier Boerner Allin Architecture. The general contractor was Paul Jackson and Son Construction Company.

The Museum, located at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson, is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information about the Museum, call 601.432.4500 or 1.800.844.8687, visit www.msagmuseum.org, or “Like” the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum on Facebook.

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson (center) and Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum Director Hayes Patrick (left of Commissioner) were joined by community leaders and museum staff to cut the ribbon at the new Children’s Barnyard and Multipurpose Building at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum. The Children’s Barn, which houses a variety of farm animals, features 10 stalls, a turnout area, chicken coop, hay loft, tack room, and veterinary medicine exhibit.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-egg-marketing-board-announces-2020-easter-coloring-contest 61ae6d0d13b611001607091a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT The Mississippi Egg Marketing Board announces its first Coloring Contest to kick off the Easter season. The contest is open to all Mississippi children ages 4–9 years old, and one winner will be taken from each age group. The winners of each age group will receive a $25.00 gift card.

Information and Rules:

The age groups are as follows: 4-5 years old, 6-7 years old and 8-9 years old. Only ONE entry per child allowed.Entries are due by the end of business on Tuesday, April 7, and NO LATER.Coloring sheet entries must be turned in to the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum, located at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson.BEFORE TURNING IN – include the child’s name and age, a parent’s name and phone number, email address and school on the bottom of the coloring sheet. Incomplete forms will not be eligible for prize selection.Coloring sheets will be judged at the end of the contest and prizes will be awarded to the winners at the Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 11, at the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum. There will be one winner per age bracket. If your child is unable to attend the Easter Egg Hunt, the winner will be contacted by phone on Wednesday, April 15, by 5:00 p.m.Decision of the judges is FINAL.The Mississippi Egg Marketing Board reserves the right to post any entry and use for promotional purposes. All entries become the property of the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board and will not be returned.Entry forms are available for pickup at the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum or downloaded at www.mdac.ms.gov.

For more information about the Mississippi Egg Marketing Board, contact Jennifer Thompson at (601) 359-1144 or email jennifer@mdac.ms.gov.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/speaker-philip-gunn-statement-on-passage-of-hb-1559 61ae6d0d13b6110016070919 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT “Last year I made a promise to the people of this state after we passed HB 571 that we would follow it up with strong policy and victim’s services – this bill does that.

Currently Mississippi has one specialized human trafficking shelter for victims and for the minor victims of human trafficking there is no such specialized facility exists in our state for children. These victims and the children of Mississippi deserve better. HB 1559 provides an immediate pathway to fund the process of specialized services for minor victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation because it’s important to provide evidenced based and appropriate services – not just basic services.

Through the creation of the “Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund” we can take action and immediately address this vital need in our state. This fund will be set up as a special fund in the State Treasury. The monies in this fund will be distributed by DFA in consultation with Mississippians Against Human Trafficking to fund and assist specialized human trafficking and sexual exploitation shelters.

Mississippians Against Human Trafficking is a 501(3) (c) that was formed to meet a vital need for the children and other victims of human trafficking in our state. MSAHT is made up of a distinguished, multidisciplinary group of individuals who are well known in the state as champions of the human trafficking effort. This coalition functions in the same manner as other existing state coalitions, such as the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence. They were chosen as a funding mechanism because of their ability to move quickly in processing money, taking donations and making this happen.

All of the regular state licensing procedures will still apply and the coalition process will not supersede the state licensing procedures of shelters.

I look forward to working with the Senate to ensure passage of HB 1559 to provide some of our state’s most vulnerable with the immediate relief needed to meet an unfortunate demand.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/congressman-guest-announces-search-for-student-artwork-to-be-displayed-in-the-united-states-capitol 61ae6d0d13b6110016070918 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Congressman Michael Guest (MS-03) announced that his office will participate in the Congressional Art Competition for the second consecutive year. High school students in Mississippi’s Third Congressional District are invited to submit their artwork for the competition, through which one piece of artwork is selected as the winner and will be displayed in the United States Capitol for one year. Last year’s winner, Abigail Gulland, was a senior at Germantown High School when her artwork was selected as the winner of the Congressional Art Competition by a panel of judges.

“Mississippi is home to many talented students, and this competition helps display that talent on a national stage,” Guest said. “It’s a source of pride to see the artistic talents of our students. On my way to the House floor, I walk by the winning selections from across our nation, and I’m reminded of the artistic talent our state has to offer.”

For more information, please see the attachments or visit https://www.house.gov/educators-and-students/congressional-art-competition to learn how to submit a piece of artwork for the competition.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/health-department-advises-residents-to-take-precautions-after-flooding 61ae6d0d13b6110016070917 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reminds all residents affected by recent flooding that there are precautions to take when returning home and cleaning up after a storm:

Personal Protection:

When cleaning up storm-damaged areas, be sure to wear protective clothing and sturdy shoes to prevent cuts and scratches from debris. Do not let children play in floodwater, and discard any items that come into contact with floodwater.

Any food (including food in plastic or glass) medicines, cosmetics or bottled water that has come in contact with floodwater should be discarded. If in doubt, throw it out. Intact cans may be thoroughly disinfected with one-quarter cup of bleach to one gallon of water, and then used.

Around Your Home

When cleaning up debris around your home, be sure ladders are secure before climbing on them to clean the roof and gutters. If you plan to use a chainsaw to clear debris, be sure to operate the machine according to the instructions. If injury occurs, call 9-1-1 or seek immediate medical help.

Flooding can cause mold to grow inside your home, which can cause allergic reactions, asthma episodes, infections, and other respiratory problems. The MSDH does not handle mold removal or abatement. You will need to call a private contractor for further assistance.

Tetanus Information:

Tetanus vaccination is recommended if it’s been 10 years or more since your last tetanus vaccination (Tdap is the recommended vaccine). In the event of a puncture wound or wound contaminated with floodwater, individuals should consult a healthcare provider. Tetanus vaccinations are available at all county health departments.

Disinfecting Private Water Wells

Homeowners impacted by the recent flood who do not receive their water supply from a public water system regulated by the MSDH should have their private well inspected, disinfected and sampled in order to protect their health. For step-by-step instructions on disinfecting your private water well, visit the MSDH website at www.HealthyMS.com/flood.

Snakes:

If you come in contact with a snake during cleanup efforts, do not attempt to catch or kill the snake. Slowly back away from the snake. If you are bitten by a snake:

Do not attempt to cut, suck, or apply ice to the bite area.Do not apply a tourniquet. Call 911 immediately. Lay the person flat and keep the bitten part of the body at the level of the rest of the body. Do not elevate or dangle a bitten arm or leg.

For more information on flood safety, visit www.HealthyMS.com. Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-high-school-receives-500-grant 61ae6d0d13b6110016070916 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT The Exxon Mobil Corporation and their local affiliate, Sayle Oil Company, recently presented a $500 grant to Richland High School (RHS). Pictured (l to r) are: Ashley Havens and RHS Principal Dr. Scott Rimes.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/wendy-s-employee-charged-with-murder-in-co-worker-stabbing 61ae6d0d13b6110016070915 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Pearl Police have charged Edward DeLawrence McWilliams, 42, of Richland, with second-degree murder in the stabbing death of Herbert Redmond, 25, of Jackson, at the Wendy’s on Pearson Road Thursday night.Officers responded to the restaurant just before 8:30 p.m. after a report of a fight between two employees in the kitchen area. Redmond had been stabbed in the neck and died at the scene. McWilliams was taken into custody at the restaurant without incident.Investigators recovered the knife, which belonged to McWilliams.McWilliams is being held at the Rankin County Detention Center without bond. McWilliams is a convicted felon that served time in the Mississippi Department of Corrections for armed robbery and manslaughter.The case has been turned over to Rankin County District Attorney Bubba Bramlett for prosecution.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/congressional-candidate-carl-boyanton-says-mississippi-representative-steven-palazzo-is-misusing-cam 61ae6d0d13b6110016070914 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Today, congressional candidate Carl Boyanton released his Federal Election Commission (FEC) and Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) complaints against Rep. Steven Palazzo (MS-04) for misuse of campaign funds and Congressional funds.Boyanton sent his violation claim to the FEC in January, stating that, for years, Palazzo has been using campaign money to pay the monthly rent to Green Acres, LLC - a business he owns in its entirety - for a 40-acre farm in Perkinson, Miss.“That’s just him utilizing his campaign finance money for personal gain,” Boyanton said. “It’s Mississippi’s own swamp creature that we keep sending back to Congress. We keep electing the same guy that’s just enriching himself.”Among other exhibits of Palazzo’s indiscretions, Boyanton cites an incident last June when Palazzo spent over $119,000 in candidate travel expenses at Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. The standard nightly rate for rooms at that hotel is $250.In the OCE submission, Boyanton said Palazzo is renting a district office owned by his attorney for a whopping $6000 a month - a price double the neighborhood market value. In comparison, the respective rents for his other district offices are $345.50 and $800. Boyanton described it as a possible “kickback scheme.”“He’s corrupt,” Boyanton said. “He’s spending his campaign money and our taxpayer dollars like it’s his own piggy bank.”In 2011, Palazzo had separate FEC complaints filed against him for potentially excessive contributions and having “received contributions in the name of another” when associates “provided funds to friends, relatives, and others to donate to Steven Palazzo’s campaign.”Boyanton is running for election to the U.S. House of Representatives in the 4th Congressional District of Mississippi. He is a conservative businessman, pushing for term limits to retire career and corrupt politicians.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/attorney-general-fitch-announces-conviction-in-child-exploitation-case 61ae6d0d13b6110016070913 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Attorney General Lynn Fitch's Cyber Crime Division secured a conviction of Colby Johnson. Johnson is the second person convicted of child exploitation since General Fitch took office. The 23-year-old from Bay St. Louis entered an open plea - which is pleading guilty without an agreement regarding punishment - on February 10 to one count of Child Exploitation. His sentencing is June 15, and he is facing up to 40 years in prison. "One of my priorities as Attorney General is to protect the most vulnerable citizens in our state," said General Fitch. "And our children are at the top of that list. I am grateful to the men and women in law enforcement and the prosecutors who work to protect our precious children from predators who seek to exploit them." Johnson was arrested on October 22, 2018, as a part of "Operation Trick or Treat" by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The investigation found he used a social media account to send child sexual abuse images over the Internet. After his arrest, Johnson confirmed he owned the device used to transmit the images. He also admitted to possessing and transmitting child pornography. He was one of eight people arrested concerning that operation.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ummc-experts-explain-what-you-need-to-know-about-novel-coronavirus 61ae6d0d13b6110016070912 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Chances are good that at some point, you’ve had some sort of coronavirus.

Chances are slim, however, that those living in Mississippi are at risk for the novel coronavirus strain making news headlines, a new coronavirus that’s the cause of a worldwide outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in late 2019 in Wuhan City in China’s Hubei Province.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center has processes in place to identify who should be screened for the new strain, referred to as COVID-19, as well as answer questions from patients, families and friends, said Dr. Jason Parham, director of the Department of Medicine’s Division of Infectious Diseases.

As of Feb. 19, 15 cases of COVID-19 had been reported in the United States, none of them in Mississippi. The Medical Center is actively preparing should it receive a patient with COVID-19, said Dr. Bhagyashri Navalkele, medical director of Infection Prevention.

“Infection Prevention, along with the Mississippi Center for Emergency Services and other key leaders, are making sure that if we identify a case, we will take the proper steps to minimize risk to other patients and staff,” she said.

Officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention alerted the medical community in this country Jan. 8 to be on the lookout for patients with respiratory symptoms and a history of travel to Wuhan. The CDC prepared proactively for the virus’ spread to this country by developing guidance for clinicians for testing and managing COVID-19, as well as guidance for home care for patients who have it.

There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19, which has symptoms that include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Most sufferers experience mild illness and recover with supportive care, Parham said. “There have been cases with severe respiratory illness, mostly pneumonia, requiring hospitalization,” he said. “Severe illness appears to be most frequently seen in those with underlying chronic conditions.”

Worldwide, 2019n-CoV has killed more than 2,000 people, all but six of them in mainland China. It’s infected more than 75,000 people, with more than 1,000 of those cases outside mainland China.

If you have had a cold or cough, it could have been caused by a coronavirus – just not the COVID-19 strain.

“Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. Some cause respiratory illness in humans,” Parham said.

“Numerous other coronaviruses circulate among animals, including camels, cats and bats,” Parham said. And in rare situations, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread from person to person, he said. That was the case with the coronaviruses Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome, or SARS, in 2003 and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome, or MERS, in 2012.

The earliest patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in Wuhan City reportedly had a link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread.

The Medical Center is following CDC recommendations to identify patients who should be screened for COVID-19. Currently in this country, only the CDC is conducting testing, using multiple specimens from sites including lower respiratory, upper respiratory and blood serum. The Mississippi State Department of Health is expected to be equipped for laboratory testing for COVID-19 in coming weeks.

Screenings should take place on someone experiencing fever and signs/symptoms of lower respiratory illness, AND in the last 14 days before symptoms onset, had either:

• A history of travel from Hubei Province, China

• A required hospitalization and a history of travel to mainland China

• Close contact with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patient

The CDC defines close contact as being within about 6 feet, or within the room or care area, of a patient with COVID-19 for a prolonged period of time while not wearing recommended personal protective equipment, or PPE. That PPE could be gowns, gloves, a specific disposable respirator or eye protection.

Close contact also entails having direct contact, while not wearing PPE, with infectious secretions, such as droplets from coughing, from someone diagnosed with 2019-n-CoV.

If a UMMC provider suspects a patient has COVID-19, Navakele said, they will take these immediate steps:

• Put a regular face mask on the patient and transfer them to a private room, preferably a negative pressure room.

• Initiate airborne and contact isolation. If the patient isn’t in a negative pressure room, use a HEPA filter and make arrangements to transfer the patient to a negative pressure room.

• Contact Infection Prevention and the state Department of Health.

• Use dedicated equipment for the patient room, and limit patient movement outside the room.

• Avoid any unnecessary diagnostic tests, and allow no visitors with the exception of a child with a single parent, or an end-of-life situation.

• Put on PPE prior to entering a patient room.

Anyone who fits the screening criteria for COVID-19 and is having symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath should call the doctor’s office or emergency department before they visit. Patients will receive special instructions before arrival to avoid the risk of exposing others in the office or waiting room.

Although the risk COVID-19 infection in Mississippi is very low, Navalkele said, members of the public should follow the same precautions that they would for flu or virus prevention:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water isn’t available.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

• Stay home from work or school if you’re sick.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and then throw the tissue in the trash, and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

“We have a high number of flu cases in Mississippi, and we are continuing to see an uptick,” Navalkele said. “If you are sick with the flu, you need to make sure you are staying home and taking appropriate precautions.”

Mississippians as of now have no reason to be fearful, Navalkele said. “This particular coronavirus from China is a new infection. Limited information is available, and that results in anxiety and fear,” she said. “Because it’s new, not everyone has immunity against it. It’s another virus, but one where you would need to take the same precautions as you would with the flu.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/children-s-advocacy-centers-of-mississippi-to-host-its-7th-annual-one-loud-voice-conference 61ae6d0d13b6110016070911 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT The Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi (CACM) is set to host its largest One Loud Voice (OLV) Conference to date at the Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi, Miss., March 18-20, 2020.

With over 550 expected attendees, the 7th annual conference will offer 54 breakout sessions lead by international, national and state experts over the three days. Topics will include child abuse, child exploitation, multidisciplinary team collaboration and child sex trafficking.

“CACM and child advocacy centers across the state gather in smaller settings throughout the year for a number of reasons,” said Karla Tye, Executive Director of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi. “But the One Loud Voice Conference offers a unique setting for the child advocacy professionals of Mississippi. It allows everyone the opportunity to learn while sharing first-hand experiences and making connections with fellow professionals across the state.”

CACM utilizes the yearly conference as a way to educate professionals and multidisciplinary team members on new approaches, technologies and techniques of child advocacy. With speakers and instructors from across the nation, the OLV Conference provides a dynamic platform for attendees to engage and learn best practices in dealing with these complex cases.

The conference will have 3 dynamic Keynote speakers, Echelon Front Leadership Instructor, Jason Gardner; Cory Jewell Jenson, international expert and co-director of Center for Behavioral Intervention; and Hope Crenshaw the Executive Director of Teen Health Mississippi.

“Improve your knowledge base about sexual crimes and the people who commit them by attending this workshop,” said Cory Jewell Jenson. “This training may make you cringe, but it will also provide a glimpse into child sexual abuse and sex offender behavior that few people see or understand,” he continued.

A panel presentation is also scheduled to discuss the newly formed Mississippi Human Trafficking Task Force that includes U.S. Attorneys from Mississippi’s Southern and Northern regions, Mike Hurst and Chad Lamar, along with Ashlee Lucas, Mississippi Department of Public Safety’s Human Trafficking Coordinator.

This year CACM is incorporating a new educational experience by offering the opportunity to participate in a learning lab with Thorn and its application, Spotlight. The Spotlight app helps law enforcement find and rescue children who are being sexually exploited and trafficked, and so far has identified 10,500 traffickers and 9,400 children.

“It is CACM’s mission to provide cutting-edge technology and resources to our child advocacy centers across the state,” said Tye. “This year we are thrilled to be partnering with Thorn and the Spotlight application to help educate and combat the child trafficking issue Mississippi is facing.”

Registration information:

Registration - $185

Student Registration - $95

For more information about CACM, CAST or register for OLV, visit:

https://childadvocacyms.org/

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/computer-science-instruction-bill-introduced-in-mississippi-state-legislature 61ae6d0d13b6110016070910 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT C Spire takes next step in grassroots campaign to get computer science in all public K-12 schools

A bill championed by C Spire that would require the state’s K-12 public schools to offer computer science to all elementary and high school students has been introduced in the Mississippi State Legislature.

SB 2284 by State Senator Scott DeLano, R-Biloxi, has seven Senate co-sponsors and is the product of a comprehensive online, social media, TV and radio campaign by the Mississippi-based diversified telecommunications and technology services designed to encourage educators and public policy leaders to promote a stronger computer science foundation in the state.

The legislation is expected to receive a hearing soon before the Senate Education and Appropriation committees. A similar bill is being sought in the Mississippi House of Representatives. “We need more rigorous computer science standards in all our schools so that students have the knowledge, skills and abilities to compete for the best jobs in the new 21st century economy,” DeLano said.

Mississippi students have made great strides in recent years, DeLano said. The state’s high school graduation rates have climbed dramatically and improvements in elementary school reading and math scores have led the nation. “We’ve become a national leader in our commitment to higher academic standards through a lot of hard work by students, parents, teachers and school leaders.”

DeLano said the Department of Education and local school districts need to apply a similar focus if the state hopes to inspire and educate more students on the academic and career opportunities and advantages associated with science, technology, engineering and math-related studies.

Part of the push for uniform standards is being fueled by differences in the amount, if any, of computer science education offered by school districts across the state. “The goal is to get more emphasis on this critical core subject in the classroom,” said C Spire CEO Hu Meena, noting that computer science education is taught in less than half of the state’s public high schools.

Meena noted that while some districts may already be exceeding the requirements for computer science instruction, the state public school system needs uniform standards that apply to all of its 872 schools. “Ultimately, we want every student to have the same opportunities to pursue computer science regardless of where they live or what school they attend,” he added.

C Spire has been heavily involved in efforts to promote computer science education in Mississippi, investing over $3 million since 2015 in coding challenges, coding academies, pilot accelerated degree programs and other efforts designed to inspire and encourage students to consider pursuing academic degrees or professional careers in science, technology, engineering and math-related fields.

Under the bill, the state would take a phased approach to introducing computer science starting in the 2021-2022 school year, which allows time for teachers to receive professional instructional training. To combat teacher shortages in some areas, remote distance learning also will be offered with assistance from C Spire. See how SB 2284 will impact schools here.

Meena said critical thinking, computational skills, problem solving and collaboration, which are at the core of computer science curriculum, are as essential to modern education as reading, writing and math. “All of our children need these basic, fundamental skills to be successful in society and life no matter what profession or avocation they pursue.”

Public support for more computer science emphasis in the classroom is strong, according to Meena. In a recent Gallup poll, 78 percent of Mississippi principals said they believe computer science is just as or more important than required core classes and 93 percent of parents want their child’s school to teach computer science.

Computing jobs are the leading source of new wages in the U.S. with more than 500,000 unfilled slots nationwide and over 1,000 in Mississippi alone. The average salary for computing jobs is $72,039, almost double the statewide average and 67% of all jobs in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields are in computing, according to Code.org, a non-profit advocacy group.

The grassroots computer science education campaign, which contacted 98 percent of the state’s 52 Senators and 122 House members in the first week, is part of the C Spire Tech Movement begun in 2017 and committed to moving communities forward through technology with a focus on broadband access, workforce development and technology innovation. To learn more about the need for computer science education in K-12 classrooms or to get involved in the “Mississippi’s Future Can’t Wait” campaign, text FUTURE to 50457 or go to www.ourMSfuture.com. To see how SB 2284 will impact schools, go to the SB 2284 blog.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/get-the-latest-flooding-safety-information-on-mobile-app 61ae6d0d13b611001607090f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT MS Ready, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH)’s emergency preparedness mobile app, keeps you up-to-date with public health and safety information throughout Mississippi during an emergency and provides a full library of disaster preparedness tips based on lessons learned in the 15 years since Hurricane Katrina.

From breaking news and alerts on emerging diseases to agency closures and severe weather warnings, MS Ready is the best way to stay fully prepared when it comes to health. The app is available free through your app store for both Apple and Android mobile devices.

MS Ready is a two-time winner of the Platinum Hermes Creative Award, an international honor bestowed by the Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals.

Features of MS Ready include:

Push, text or email notification of essential health precautions in a disaster, disease outbreak, or emergency.Step-by-step preparations against floods; severe weather; natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, and earthquakes; nuclear incidents; and chemical and biological threats.A list of important MSDH phone numbers and an emergency hotline.A checklist of items to have on hand should an emergency arise.A new informational section on disease outbreaks and what you should know.

To find the app, search your app store for MS Ready or visit www.HealthyMS.com/apps.

Follow MSDH by e-mail and social media at HealthyMS.com/connect.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/garden-club-receives-visit-from-bird-expert 61ae6d0d13b611001607090e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Recently the Richland-Florence Garden Club held their monthly meeting at the Richland Community Center. Hostesses for the brunch were Shirley Wilson, Rowan Craft, Debbie Knight and Doris McBride. Marcie Luckett from Wild Birds Unlimited visited with the group to talk about the behavior and habitat of bluebirds. Among the items discussed were the following: bluebird houses should face east; the male bluebird scouts the house but the female has to approve; after choosing their house they will leave for a three day “honeymoon” period before returning and building their nest and both the male and female feed their young every twenty-one minutes.

The Richland-Florence Garden Club is federated with the Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc., a member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. and the Natchez Trace District.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/prison-crisis-still-top-subject-at-the-capitol 61ae6d0d13b611001607090d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Pictured Representative Price Wallace, Representative Tom Miles, Senator Tyler McCaughn, Mrs. Kathy Warren and Mrs Frisky Roland.

The sixth week of the 2020 Legislative session offered opportunities for us to learn more about the prison system crisis and address other issues important to Mississippians.Here at home, our thoughts and prayers were turned to the family of Dr. Howard Clark of Morton, whose passing marked the end of an era. He had served as Doctor of the Day in the House on several occasions. I had the honor of making the motion for the Mississippi House of Representatives to adjourn in solemn memory of Dr. Clark a man who spent his life caring for others in his community and throughout Mississippi. Dr. Clark loved his family, friends, community, State, Country, politics, Morton Panthers, Mississippi State Bulldogs, and Church, but most of all, he loved the Lord.I voted to support House Bill 95, which addresses the issue of “surprise” medical bills – the invoices some have received for services they thought were covered by insurance. Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney reports that his office has seen an uptick in this kind of billing, despite a law that was passed in 2013 to prevent so-called “balance bills” where the insured assigns his or her benefits to the medical provider. The patient is not supposed to be liable for the charges over what the insurance company and the healthcare provider agreed upon. Some providers failed to comply with the law prohibiting this action. That’s why HB 95 was introduced. People who are already sick or recovering should not be further burdened by sneaky attempts to collect monies they don’t actually owe. HB 95 gives Commissioner Chaney’s office the power to adopt regulations and resolve disputes between healthcare providers and consumers.We passed House Bill 756 which provides funds for the Department of Finance Administration to evaluate the condition of Walnut Grove’s prison facility. Potentially, our local facility can be swiftly upgraded to begin housing select prisoners and ease overcrowding in other prisons. As a state, we should be making every effort to make sure that offenders are housed in well-staffed, safe, clean facilities that are secure.I attended a joint hearing of the Corrections and Judiciary B committees to discuss ongoing prison issues. I appreciated the insight of Mississippi Parole Board Chair Steve Pickett and Cliff Johnson of the MacArthur Justice Center, both of whom testified before the committee. Among the problems faced is that released inmates have difficulty getting drivers licenses, essential to being able to work. Many of them do not have any place to go once they are released, and they wind up on the streets just trying to survive. I look forward to helping find solutions to these and other problems. We have more meetings scheduled this week with MDOC Commissioner Tommy Taylor.We enjoyed visiting with Mrs. Frisky Roland and Mrs. Kathy Warren of Morton at the Mississippi Homemakers Volunteers State meeting. We also visited with Mr Andre Hollis, Mrs. Mechelle Carter and other members from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks to talk about ways we can help improve their agency.Feel free to contact me at (601) 469-7886, email me at tmiles@house.ms.gov or Message me with any concerns or issues you may have.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pcc-announces-firefighter-of-the-month 61ae6d0d13b611001607090c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Pearl Chamber of Commerce recently announced that Lt. Sam Granberry has been selected as the January Firefighter of the Month. Granberry started work at the Pearl Fire Department in October 2014 after previously working at the Canton Fire Department. He was recently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. During Granberry’s time with the department he attended multiple classes through the Mississippi State Fire Academy to further his knowledge in fire service. His dedication and effort is respected throughout the Fire Department. Granberry’s positive attitude is contagious to other coworkers and he is a vital link in helping the shift run efficiently. Sam takes a special interest in teaching younger firefighters how to become a valuable team member through training and experience. Sam is a 2003 graduate of Benton Academy and is married to Amanda Granberry.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/secretary-watson-announces-upcoming-legislation-regarding-the-sip-plan 61ae6d0d13b611001607090b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Secretary of State Michael Watson announced upcoming legislation regarding a proposal to transfer functions of the Department of Motor Vehicles ]]>

The SIP Plan includes a list of proposals aimed to increase DMV efficiency, accessibility and the use of technology. Key changes include an opt-in renewal notification system, a digital license option, an updated user-friendly website, and an increase in the number of locations and functions of kiosks. The SIP Plan also focuses on outsourcing certain operations, such as the written and driven components of testing for both new drivers and Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL). Secretary Watson believes the CDL portion of the proposal would give Mississippi trucking companies a competitive edge nationwide, and would help bring more jobs to Mississippi.

Currently, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is responsible for all driver’s license services. Secretary Watson, Senator David Parker, and Representative Lee Yancey are in the final stages of drafting the bill that will encourage the legislature to transfer the DMV to the Secretary of State’s Office.

“As I promised the voters of Mississippi, I’m proud to roll out our plan to revamp the DMV under our office,” said Secretary Watson. “The fine men and women in the Secretary of State’s Office have an exemplary record of handling administrative/clerical functions by bringing automation and top-notch customer service to the table, and I believe tasking our team with an overhaul of the DMV would yield the same results. I also think it is important to note that our plan relieves the brave men and women charged with keeping us safe from this administrative/clerical duty with which they are burdened, and allows them to focus on their core function of protecting all Mississippians.”

The transition from DPS to the Secretary of State’s Office creates opportunity for shorter wait times and more efficient services. For more information on the SIP Plan, visit sos.ms.gov.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/florence-students-awarded-2019-20-high-school-heisman 61ae6d0d13b611001607090a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Two students from Florence High School were awarded the High School Heisman for the 2019-20 school year. Each year, the Heisman Foundation honors students that excel academically, in their chosen athletic fields, and establish themselves as community leaders.

Layla Green, daughter of Leonardo and Dr. Traci Green, was selected as a Rankin County recipient of the award. Athletically, Layla has been a member of the Florence High School (FHS) varsity dance team for four years. She has competed each year as a soloist and as a part of the team’s competition squad. Green was selected by the Universal Dance Association as an All-American for her sophomore, junior and senior year. Academically, Layla has maintained a 4.0 while taking a rigorous schedule of advanced placement and duel credit courses. She has been active in the school’s business academy and Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) Program. She was selected to attend Mississippi State University’s accelerating students into the accounting profession summer camp and was awarded the “Best Start-Up Business Award.” She has been a three-time state DECA finalist and - time district first place winner. She qualified for and attended the International Career Development Conference in both 2018 and 2019. She is currently serving as the vice-president of leadership of FHS DECA. She was a scholarship winner for the Distinguished Young Women of Rankin County program and was chosen to represent Florence High at the Southern Pine Youth Leadership Conference. At FHS, she has received the Distinguished Service Award for having more than 100 hours of community service, Academic Excellence Awards in her freshman, sophomore, and junior years, and has been chosen student of the month. She also currently serves as Vice President of the Key Club Service Organization and on the Mayor’s Youth Council.

Will Lingold, son of Robert and Kelley Lingold, was selected as a Rankin County recipient of the

award. Lingold has played varsity football and been a member of the varsity power-lifting team for

four years. He played in the South State Championship his freshmen year and has been

recognized as a second team offensive lineman, a two time first team defensive lineman, and the

district defensive line MVP. He also served as a captain for the 2019 football season. Will was

part of the first ever Regional Power-lifting Champions at Florence High School and has

competed twice in the South State Power-lifting Meet. Academically, Will has maintained a 4.0

while taking a rigorous schedule of advanced placement and duel credit courses, and he

scored a twenty-eight on the ACT. He has served as class president twice and remained actively involved in the FHS student council. Lingold has been a member of Key Club where he participated in

community service programs. He is also a member of First Baptist Church Florence where he

serves on the student leadership team and has been on mission trips and worked with church

members to complete community service projects. Lingold has been recognized as the “Most

Outstanding Male Student” his freshman and sophomore year, and he was chosen to represent

FHS at the Hugh Bryan Leadership Conference.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-soccer-association-s-winners-honored 61ae6d0d13b6110016070909 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Richland Futbol Club’s (RFC) Mississippi Soccer Association’s (MSA) State and District winners were recently recognized at an awards luncheon held at the Hilton in Jackson. RFC was recognized for making the 100% Club and former RFC player, Joely Miller was selected as the $500 Lane Smith Scholarship recipient, Millie Cook❤️⚽️ was selected as Central District Girls’ Rec. Coach of the Year, Virginia McGowan Miller was selected as Central District Boys’ Competitive Coach of the Year and Parrish Patrick was selected as Central District Boys’ Rec. Coach of the Year and Chris Bridges was selected as State Rec. Coach of the Year and Central District Administrator of the Year.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/jamey-johnson-to-headline-the-2020-pearl-day-concert 61ae6d0d13b6110016070908 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Mayor Jake Windham is excited to announce country star Jamey Johnson will headline the 2020 Pearl Day Concert slated for Friday, May 1. The concert will also feature opening performances by another country favorite Frank Foster and Pearl’s own singing sensation Zach Bridges.

“We were so excited to have Jamey Johnson accept our invitation to perform this year. He is going to bring a party to Pearl,” said Mayor Windham. “This is a terrific line-up and we can’t wait for May to get here.”

Tickets are $25 and will go on sale Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.

The concert will take place in the north lot of Trustmark Park starting at 5:30 p.m. The 2019 Pearl Day Concert featuring Lauren Daigle drew more than 10,000 people.

The City of Pearl will be celebrating its 47th birthday after being established back in 1973.

Jamey Johnson:

Eleven-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson is “one of the greatest country singers of our time,” according to the Washington Post. He is one of only a few people in the history of country music to win two Song of the Year Awards from both the CMA and ACMs.

His 2008 album, That Lonesome Song, was certified platinum for 1 million in sales, and his 2010 ambitious double album, The Guitar Song, received a gold certification.

In addition, he won two Song of the Year Trophies, for “Give It Away” and “In Color,” both from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association. He has received tremendous praise from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal and other publications, many of which have hailed his albums as masterpieces.

In 2012, the Alabama native released his fifth studio album, a tribute project to late songwriter Hank Cochran. The Grammy-nominated Living for a Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran paired him with Willie Nelson, Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, Ray Price, Elvis Costello, George Strait, Vince Gill and Merle Haggard.

In 2013, the Nashville Scene’s 13th annual Country Music Critics’ Poll named it the year’s best album. (Two years earlier, the same poll named Johnson’s The Guitar Song as the year's best album, and Johnson himself as best male vocalist, best songwriter and artist of the year.)

Frank Foster:

Frank Foster embodies musical independence at its highest level. He not only has taken the road less traveled, but the road almost never traveled. Acting as his own record label, Management, booking agency and publishing company, he has managed to find success that some major label artists may never find. This rural Louisiana native and former oil field man has taken his songs from the campfire to the coliseum seemingly overnight, all the while gaining a following of fans whose loyalty is unmatched.

His musical journey started in 2011 with the release of his first album Rowdy Reputation. To follow that up, in the late summer of 2012, he released his second album, Red Wings and Six Strings. Each and every song from both of those albums have become nightly sing-alongs at his shows. Foster’s next 5 albums all debuted on the Billboard Country Charts.

Southern Soul was released in 2013 debuted at No. 11.Rhythm and Whiskey was released in 2014 debuted at No. 4. His early 2016 release, Boots On The Ground, debuted at No. 7. Later in 2016, he released Good Country Music, which debuted at No.13. In 2018, he released his seventh album, ’Til I’m Gone, which debuted at #2 on the Billboard Country Album Sales Charts giving Foster his highest mark yet. He’s a singer, a songwriter and his own boss. He refuses to let anyone water down his kind of country music. If he lives it, he writes it; if he writes it, he sings it; if he sings it, he believes it. Frank Foster ... a true original.

Zach Bridges:

Zach Bridges, of Pearl, Mississippi, was most recently seen on Season 17 of NBC's "The Voice" where he sang Blake Shelton's song, "Ol' Red". Turning the chairs of Blake himself, and Gwen Stefani, Zach chose to join Team Blake as one of his only two male country artists.

In the Battle Round, he was paired with other male country artist, Cory Jackson. They performed a duet to Toby Keith's "Should've Been a Cowboy", where Zach advanced to the Knockout Rounds. In the Knockouts, Zach was paired with Ricky Braddy, who sang John Legend's song "So High". Singing Garth Brooks classic, "The Dance", Zach left Blake with a tough decision. Braddy was chosen to advance, eliminating Zach, just missing his chance at the live playoffs.

Bridges didn't pick up a guitar until the age of 20. Shortly after, he started booking gigs and writing his own songs. Playing mostly solo shows and in a few different bands, he has been playing the central Mississippi area since 2012. It was 2019 when his big break came and was invited to audition for "The Voice". Since his appearance on the hit series TV show, Bridges is in the process of booking shows all over the Southeast with his band, along with writing and putting out new music.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/dates-set-for-mississippi-braves-2020-season 61ae6d0d13b6110016070907 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Braves (M-Braves), Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, are pleased to announce home game times and fireworks dates for the 2020 season. The upcoming season marks the sixteenth season of Braves baseball at Trustmark Park.

Opening Night, Thursday, April 9, vs. Jacksonville is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. and features the first of thirteen post-game fireworks shows in 2020. Most Monday through Friday games will once again have a 6:35 p.m. first pitch, and all Saturday games, which include post-game fireworks, begin at 6:05 p.m. Sunday games throughout the season will start at 2:05 p.m., with one exception being May 24, at 6:05 p.m., featuring post-game fireworks to celebrate Memorial Day.

The M-Braves will host four Education/Camp Day games beginning at 10:35 a.m. (Tuesday, April 21, vs. Jackson (Tennessee), Wednesday, April 29, vs. Pensacola, Monday, June 15, vs. Tennessee, and Monday, June 29 vs. Rocket City. Monday, April 13, vs. Jacksonville is a 1:05 p.m. Easter Monday Special, and Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, vs. Pensacola will also begin at 1:05 p.m. The M-Braves will conclude the home schedule with a 6:35 p.m. contest against Biloxi on Tuesday, September 1, to wrap up a five-game series.

Visit www.milb.com to download the 2020 Schedule Calendar.

Game times are subject to change. The full 2020 promotional schedule will be announced at a later date. Individual game tickets will go on sale in March. Season tickets, mini-plans, and sponsorship packages for the 2020 season are on sale now. For more information or to pick out your seats today, stop by the Mississippi Braves front office or call 888-BRAVES4.

Based in Pearl, MS since 2005, the Mississippi Braves are the Double-A Southern League affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. The M-Braves are owned and operated by the Atlanta Braves, the longest continuously operated franchise in Major League Baseball. Follow the M-Braves at www.mississippibraves.com, www.facebook.com/mbraves, and www.twitter.com/mbraves.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/joseph-m-still-burn-center-at-merit-health-central-raising-burn-awareness-prevention 61ae6d0d13b6110016070906 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Merit Health Central in Jackson, Mississippi, is celebrating Burn Awareness Week February 2-8. This year’s theme from the American Burn Association is “Contact Burns — Hot Surfaces Damage Skin!”

“Items and surfaces that can cause a burn injury are not always where you would expect them to be. Some of the burns we’ve treated have come from playground equipment, pavement, and household appliances,” said Dr. William Lineaweaver, medical director of the burn center.

In 2019, the American Academy of Professional CodersTM estimated that every minute someone in the United States suffered a burn injury severe enough to require treatment. Dr. Lineaweaver said many of those injuries could be avoided with a little caution and preparation.

“The injuries themselves might not be covering a large area, but that doesn’t mean they are not significant,” Dr. Lineaweaver said.

Some safety tips include:

When children are around, create a three-foot safe zone around any hot surface, whether it is a stove, fireplace or grill.

When cooking, keep hot pots and pans toward the back of the stove and away from countertop edges.

Before leaving the bathroom, make sure all curling irons, hair dryers or flat irons are unplugged. These appliances can stay hot long after you have stopped using them or turned them off, so make sure that they are out of reach of children.

Check playground equipment and pavement before letting children play: If a surface is too hot for you, it’s too hot for them.

In addition, it’s important to regularly check your smoke detectors and develop and practice an escape plan for your family.

“Burns are often serious injuries, so we hope everyone will practice an extra measure of caution to avoid them in the first place,” Dr. Lineaweaver said.

For more information on burn prevention tips, visit merithealthcentral.com/burn-prevention-tips.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-defeats-florence-in-annual-blood-bowl 61ae6d0d13b6110016070905 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Richland High School triumphs over Florence High School in the annual Mississippi Blood Service "Blood Bowl." The competition was held during "Rival" week between RHS and FHS seeking to collect the most blood donations for the MS Blood Service. Pictured (l to r) are: FHS Principal Tony Martin, MS Blood Service representative Dana Brohaugh and RHS Principal Dr. Scott Rimes.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pirate-s-gold-first-term-winners-announced 61ae6d0d13b6110016070904 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Pearl Junior High School recently held its Pirate’s Gold drawing for the first term. Students who received Pirate’s Gold for positive reinforcement throughout the nine weeks were entered into the drawing to receive various prizes, including gift cards. Pictured (l to r) are, front row: Christian Gage, Jeremiah Proctor, Austin Ward, Dillon Stallings, Lamarius Gore, Marcus Carter Liljedahl, Hunter Griffith and Will Warren; and back row: Jamarion Jones, Dezarai Bailey, Ni’sya Stapleton, Samaiya Harper, Ashtyn Price, Bailey Hall, Alaina Green and Gloria Verneuille.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/new-year-s-resolutions-cmrls-has-you-covered 61ae6d0d13b6110016070903 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Whether it's diet, exercise, health, education, travel or something else entirely, CMRLS (Central Mississippi Regional Library System) libraries provide multiple resources to support any New Year's resolution.

If it is a resolution for weight-loss or simply cultivating a healthier lifestyle, CMRLS libraries can provide what you need to get started: fitness kits from swivel boards to Golds gym kettlebells, as well as aerobic steppers, each adult (over 18 years of age) can check out two fitness kits per library card and can keep them out 4 (four) weeks. Literature, databases as well as internet resources specializing in healthy lifestyles are also available - the CMRLS Virtual Reference Collection as well as MAGNOLIA - a large collection of databases consisting of journals, periodicals, newspapers, reference books, etc. provide an abundance of online resources.

If traveling to a new local is on the itinerary for 2020, mobile travel guides and video documentaries covering details on trips to any destination, national or international, are available upon request.

For those interested in pursuing educational and/or vocational goals this year, a LearningExpress Library features online tutorials, practice tests, and e-books to help patrons of all ages. It also offers job search and workplace skills improvement, skill building in reading, writing, math, and basic science, career certification and licensure exam prep, college and grad school entrance test prep, GED® test prep, and more. Free online resources for ACT prep and others and study guides in CMRLS Libraries: for GMAT, SAT, PRAXIS, NCLEX-RN, MCAT, ACT and GED are available to check out.

With the support of a local library, New Year's resolutions can become more than just an item on a to-do list.

To inquire about resources available locally, contact: Florence Public Library, 115 West Main Street, Florence, 601-845-6032; Richland Public Library, 370 Scarbrough Street, Richland, 601-932-1846 or Pearl Public Library, 2416 Old Brandon Road, Pearl, 601-932-2562.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-s-coghlan-signs-with-jones-college 61ae6d0d13b6110016070902 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Pearl High School senior Zane Coghlan signed to play soccer with Jones College in Ellisville, Mississippi. Pictured (l to r) are, front row: brother Zach Coghlan, mother Denise Coghlan, Zane and father Joey Coghlan; and back row: assistant principal John Craven, athletic director Richard Smithhart, head football coach John Perry, head soccer coach Gentry Johnson, Shane Fletcher and assistant soccer coach Richard Scoggins.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/the-quick-and-dirty-on-growing-roses 61ae6d0d13b6110016070901 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT The Mississippi Old Garden Rose Society is sponsoring a workshop: “the Quick and Dirty on Growing Roses". Hear from seasoned rose growers on how to root your own roses from cuttings, a brief history of roses, successful planting methods, how little care is required for old garden roses, tips on growing all kinds of roses, and more!! Door prizes, and raffles for gardening goodies! Admission is free. Sunday afternoon, February 9, from 2 to 4 pm, at the Pearl Community Center, 2420 Old Brandon Road. Visit msogr.com, find us on facebook, or call Betty Newman at (601)594-6919 for more information.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/jackson-zoo-visits-northside-elementary 61ae6d0d13b6110016070900 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Ginger Morrison from the Jackson Zoo visited with students at Northside Elementary in Pearl. During her discussion Morrison spoke on her responsibilities as a zookeeper and displayed a few zoo animals for the students.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-futbol-club-2019-highlights 61ae6d0d13b61100160708ff Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

2019 U16 MSA Central District Champions

2019 U16 MSA Admiral Cup Champions

Richland Futbol Club Renegades

Reece Hewitt

Tyler Downing

Timothee Cook

Bayleigh Harris

Karla Burgos

Angel Espino

Alex Mariano

Austin “AP” Putnam

Jeremy Thomas

Ian Vazquez

Nathan Smith

Logan Bynum

Eli Moore

Coaches: Virginia and Joe Miller and John Adams

U16 Coed MSA Elite Cup Finalists

Richland Futbol Club Revolution

Coaches: Virginia and Joe Miller and John Adams

For a complete list of winners, visit richlandfutbolclub.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/cte-showcase-at-brandon-high-school 61ae6d0d13b61100160708fe Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/fall-semester-ppsd-employees-of-the-month-honored 61ae6d0d13b61100160708fd Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

At its' December meeting, the Pearl Public School District (PPSD) Board of Trustees recognized the PPSD Fall 2019 Employees of the Month. Pictured (l to r) are, front row: PPSD Superintendent Dr. Raymond Morgigno, Technology's Ron Humphrey, Central Office's Beth Ditto, Transportation's Janet Pearson, Merit Health Certified Nurse Practitioner Karen Seago and PPSD School Board President Andy Eaton; middle row: Pearl Junior High School's Sarah Hodges, Special Services' Michelle McCaffrey, Northside Elementary's Ginny Copley and Pearl Upper Elementary's Lori Henry; and back row: Pearl Junior High School's Dr. Jessica Broome,; Northside Elementary's Dr. Nikki Graham, Pearl Upper Elementary's Sheila McKay and Pearl Lower Elementary's Dr. Tamekia Stewart. Not pictured is Pearl Junior High School's Kristin Farough.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/annual-christmas-celebration-held-by-local-garden-club 61ae6d0d13b61100160708fc Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Richland-Florence Garden Club met for their annual Christmas party at the home of Elizabeth Hawthorne. Shannon Laseter presented a door hanging made entirely from things found in the yard and Joan Benton provided Cinderella bags for club members to fill with personal toiletries for victims of human trafficking. Over twenty bags were collected for donation. The Richland-Florence Garden Club is federated with the Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc, a member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc, and the Natchez Trace District.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/a-banker-in-every-classroom-week-observed-at-pjhs 61ae6d0d13b61100160708fb Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Pearl Junior High School (PJHS) students in Penny Lucas’ classes recently observed the Mississippi Bankers Association’s “A Banker in Every Classroom Week”. This week is set aside to promote financial education and to encourage bankers and teachers to work together to educate Mississippi students on ways to be fiscally responsible. Gloria Craig of Trustmark Bank visited to present personal finance lessons including opening accounts, writing checks and managing credit.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/2020-baseball-and-softball-registration-open-in-pearl 61ae6d0d13b61100160708fa Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The City of Pearl's Parks and Recreation Department is currently accepting registration for the 2020 softball and baseball programs, the final deadline to submit is Saturday, February 8.

The programs open for registraion include: softball tee ball for ages four through five (age as of December 31, 2019); fastpitch for ages six through fourteen (age as of December 31, 2019; four-year-old baseball tee ball (age as of February 8, 2020) and baseball for ages five through fifteen (age as of February 8, 2020).

The cost for registration for each is: $45 for softball tee ball; $85 for fastpitch softball; $45 for baseball tee ball and $85 for baseball.

Those interested may register online at pearlparksandrec.com or may register on site on the following days/times: Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. To 4 p.m. and Saturday, February 8, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m.

The Pearl Parks and Recreation building is located at 320 Center City Drive in Pearl. For more information call 601-932-3541 or email hharalson@cityofpearl.com .

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/ingram-and-palmer-speak-to-florence-lions-club 61ae6d0d13b61100160708f9 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Greg Palmer, member of the Madison Lions Club, was one of two guest speakers at the November Lions Club meeting in Florence. The topic of his talk was the White Cane Program (part of the international Lions Sight Foundation Program) that provides services to those in need of eyeglasses or vision surgery. Pictured with Palmer is club president Tally Neely.

U.S.A. National Miss Mississippi Teen, Skylar Ingram, was guest speaker at the November Lions Club meeting in Florence. Ingram spoke on the dangers of bullying. Pictured with Skylar is club president Tally Neely.

Ingram and Palmer speak to Florence Lion's Club Special to SW Rankin News

The Florence Lions Club encourages anyone interested in becoming a part of their organization to visit the next scheduled meeting, held at 6:30 p.m. On the first Thursday of each month at Marvin United Methodist Church located at 211 North Church Street in Florence.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/hula-hoop-contest-winners-announced-at-pearl-upper-elementary 61ae6d0d13b61100160708f8 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Pearl Upper Elementary fifth-grade science teacher, Jennifer Hite, recently held a hula hoop contest for her class. Pictured (l to r) are: Principal Gavin Gill, second-place winner Ashanti Banks, Jennifer Hite and first-place winner Analynn Barrera.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-florence-garden-club-honors-local-military 61ae6d0d13b61100160708f7 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Richland-Florence Garden Club and the Morning and Evening Florentine Clubs, recently unveiled and dedicated the Blue Star Memorial Marker. The marker honors all men and women who have served or are now serving in our military. Many local clubs, businesses, organizations and churches helped to make the memorial a reality. The Richland-Florence Garden Club is federated with the Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc, a member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc, and the Natchez Trace District.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/phs-senior-band-members-visit-ole-miss 61ae6d0d13b61100160708f6 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Pearl High School [PHS] senior band members visited with Ole Miss admissions associate director Lauren Childers. Pictured (l to r) are: Emerson Aguilar, Alexis Harrison, PHS Band Director Matt Rowan, Tristen Rogers, Anthony Miner and Lauren Childers.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/red-ribbon-week-activities-observed-at-pjhs 61ae6d0d13b61100160708f5 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Each year, the administration, faculty, staff and students of Pearl Junior High School [PJHS] observe Red Ribbon Week to raise awareness for living a drug free life. Pearl Junior High School counselors, Brigit Nelson and Gina Williams, planned themed classroom activities, including a “wear red day,” for each day of the week. Pictured (l to r) are, front row: Tyler Beasley, Claire Phillips, Constance Olexy and Peyton Bagwell; and back row: Brigit Nelson, Liberty James, Jack Durr, John Mark Grissom, Maggie May and Gina Williams.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-ranks-1-on-the-nation-s-report-card-continues-to-defy-expectations-in-student-achieve 61ae6d0d13b61100160708f4 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

By: Glen V. East, Gulfport School District Superintendent

“Thank goodness for Mississippi” is taking on a completely new meaning.

As I began teaching fourth graders in Mississippi years ago, I remember educators across the country vocalizing the mantra, grateful that Mississippi kept their own state out of last place when ranking student achievement in the U.S. They would say, “Thank goodness for Mississippi,” for perennially being ranked 50th out of 50 states. Today, the only educators saying “Thank goodness for Mississippi” are those of us here in the Magnolia State, the others are scrambling to see what we are doing. We are defying expectations when it comes to educating our children. Student achievement results are up for the fourth year in a row. Mississippi is ranked as one of the most-improved states in student achievement in the country.

The numbers tell the story, and this fall Mississippi came in as number one for student score gains in English and Mathematics on the 2019 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). At a time when most states are seeing their scores drop or remain flat, Mississippi student achievement is at an all-time high. Nearly half of students met or exceeded expectations in English and Math during the 2018-2019 school year, compared with about one-third of students the year before.

It’s a statewide success story that is being echoed throughout all four corners of our state and, everywhere in between. Mississippi is made up of rural school districts, and providing an equitable education to all students has been a longstanding challenge. Yet here we are today, seeing significant gains in this area: the number of school districts with more than 45% of students testing as proficient or advanced has increased more than three-fold in English and more than four-fold in Math in the last three years.

Our students are measured on the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP), developed by teachers across the state. Teacher participation in assessments is extremely valuable because teachers have ownership in the process and confidence children will be measured based on what they are teaching. The work of our students, families, and teachers is proving that a successful future may be sustained for all of our future Mississippians.

With a combined focus on early childhood education, graduation rates and insightful assessment data, we believe we are on the right track here in Mississippi. But our work isn’t done. We want all students to learn to read, graduate on time, and be prepared for college or the career path of their choosing.

As a young teacher, it seemed there was a culture of low expectations. Today, I see educational leaders in our schools, school districts, and in our Department of Education challenging each other to push ourselves farther than we were willing to push ourselves in the past.

We have some challenges compared to other states, but today we are not using those challenges to make excuses. Today our students, families, and teachers are rolling up their sleeves every day to provide a rigorous education for every child.

Today, at this very moment in time, everyone in our state should be incredibly proud of the progress our students are making as we, Mississippians, continue to inspire them to become problem solvers, lifelong learners and productive members of society.

Today let us all say, “Thank goodness for Mississippi!”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/rester-and-jackson-receive-richland-s-leadership-award 61ae6d0d13b61100160708f3 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Richland High School sophomores Courtney Rester and Marcus Jackson were selected as the October leadership award recipients for exemplary performance in academics, leadership and service. Pictured with them is principal Scott Rimes.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-state-hospital-employees-receive-service-honor 61ae6d0d13b61100160708f2 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Mississippi State Hospital [MSH] recently honored employees with October anniversaries for their years of service to the hospital. Service awards are given to MSH employees in the month of their date of hire, beginning with one year and followed by every fifth anniversary year. Employees receive a certificate of appreciation and a service award pin. MSH October service award recipients (l to r) are, front row: Charna Bates (Pearl, twenty years), Marilyn Massey (Brandon, one year) and Tunya Shirley (Byram, twenty years); and back row: Randy Brookshire (Jackson, one year), Likaylo Dixon (Jackson, one year) and Arthur McAllister (Brandon, five years).

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-braves-launch-braves-bookworms-reading-program 61ae6d0d13b61100160708f1 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Braves are pleased to announce the implementation of the Braves Bookworms Reading Program. The program was created to encourage and enhance literacy among the youth of Central Mississippi. The program is entirely free for students and educators.

Braves Bookworms is designed to help promote a lifelong love of reading and baseball in children through a partnership with local schools. All students from Pre-K through eighth grade are invited to participate. Braves Bookworms incentivizes students to read outside the classroom by rewarding them for reaching specific goals set by their teachers. The program is designed to run for four weeks, beginning in January, 2020.

Schools participating will have the opportunity to invite Mississippi Braves mascots and staff to present a Braves Bookworm Kickoff Pep Rally at the school to encourage participation and communicate the importance of reading. These Pep Rallies will be scheduled on a first-come first-served basis to schools within thirty miles of Trustmark Park.

Students participating in the program will receive an M-Braves bookmark. Once the students' objectives are complete from your teacher, the bookmark becomes a ticket voucher that can be exchanged for an actual ticket at the Trustmark Park for a 2020 Mississippi Braves home game between April 9 - June 15! They are required to reach goals set by educators while they "Read Around the Bases," creating a customizable incentive-based program to encourage children to read. Specific Reading Program dates will be set to recognize students for completing the program with a pregame ceremony and parade around the field.

To sign your school up for the program, complete an enrollment form available at http://www.milb.com/ and return to the Braves either by mail, fax, or email. Once a completed enrollment form is received, the Braves will provide further information regarding game dates, Reading Pep Rally as well as delivery of program materials. Contact the Braves by calling 888-BRAVES4 or email at mississippibraves@braves.com. www.mississippibraves.com, www.facebook.com/mbraves, and www.twitter.com/mbraves.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-football-player-recognized-for-outstanding-performance 61ae6d0d13b61100160708f0 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Pearl High School senior football player, Kenyatta Harrell, received the Wendy’s Giant of the Week award for the victory over Ridgeland. Harrell rushed thirty times totaling 364 yards and six touchdowns, leading the Pirates to a sixty-two —twenty-one victory over Ridgeland. Harrell also won the BankPlus Blitz Sixteen Player of the Week.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mde-announces-student-advisory-council-members 61ae6d0d13b61100160708ef Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Department of Education [MDE] announced today the members of the inaugural State Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. The council includes students in grades eleven through twelve or first year of college to serve as members for a term of two school years.

More than 150 students from across the state applied for membership on the council and eighty-three were selected, among those were Pearl High School student Allyse Hayes and Maggy Greer of Florence High School. The council is comprised of students from different backgrounds, school size and regions in Mississippi. They will be able to share their opinions and offer advice about educational opportunities and policy in Mississippi with Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education.

“I’m looking forward to hearing directly from students on issues of importance to them,” Wright said. “As our clients, we want to make sure public education provides them with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful. The council also allows students to interact with their peers from around the state and learn from one another.”

The council’s purpose is to provide a forum for Mississippi’s students to offer diverse perspectives to Wright. The selected students will act as liaisons between MDE and public school students from across the state.

Council meetings will be held twice (fall and spring) during the school year.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/bridges-hits-a-grand-slam-in-los-angeles 61ae6d0d13b61100160708ee Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Zach was born and raised in Pearl. He sang in church and school choir but never considered these activities part of a budding career. Growing up his true love was baseball. As a young boy his dream was to become a professional baseball player. He played in high school followed by two years in junior college.

At the age of twenty, however, something shifted and he began to have second thoughts about his childhood dream. It consumed a lot of time and he was reaching burnout. The decision to let it go became the catalyst for what was to come, in a big way.

Bridges spent his first college year at Hinds Community College followed by a year at Holmes Community College where something took root…a buddy on the baseball team had a guitar, and Bridges started to show a little interest in it. That was it, just an interest, but the seed was planted.

The momentum didn’t really take hold until his first year at University of Southern Mississippi. With a background in music by way of childhood piano lessons, Bridges began to study guitar via instructional videos on YouTube. There he honed his skills and within two years he was not only playing the guitar but also doing a little singing as well - mostly country tunes from his past.

He explains that “…my parents are from the country, so all [they] listened to [while I was] growing up was country music. I wasn’t really into music much back then, but I loved Alan Jackson, George Strait, Garth Brooks, all those big people from the 90s.”

One day, while listening to the radio, Bridges had the epiphany - “I [can] write stuff like this.” A songwriter was born. Although he does not recall what inspired him to start writing the lyrics for his first original song, “Mississippi Roads,” it ended up being good enough to record and publish online.

Bridges is modest when describing his lyrical skills, saying only that he tries to make a song “sound like something [you] would hear on the radio,” adding that “just like everything else, the more you do it the better you get at it.”

After performing a few years in local venues, audience members, family and friends began encouraging Bridges to audition for talent competitions, such as The Voice or American Idol. His response to them, always, was “I’ll think about it.” Never considering the possibility he had a future in music.

It was finally a good faith gesture by his wife that secured his audition with a national singing competition on NBC - The Voice. Believing in the strength of his talents, She secretly signed him up for an account to audition. Very shortly thereafter talent scouts contacted Zach directly to request an audition.

Zach’s initial reaction was, like most people, that of disbelief and skepticism: “I was like, this is fake, I had to google the name to make sure it’s real.” Once he was able to confirm that the audition request was legitimate, his confusion finally turned into excitement.

Practical and down-to-earth when discussing the future, Bridges says “I am just trying to capitalize on this opportunity, and use it to my advantage, and kind of see what happens. I will always put music out, but this is a good opportunity to get it out there even more.” The ultimate goal for Zach is to eventually go full time with the music, but in the short term he plans to keep his full time x-ray technician job, as he and his wife are expecting a child soon, and need that steady income.

When asked how his family is adjusting to the fanfare and national publicity he says his wife is being a real trouper and sometimes, when things get a little overwhelming, he playfully reminds her who set things in motion. As for his parents, he says that the most meaningful aspect of this journey has been their pride in his success, and, in his words, for them “to finally see something work in my favor.”

The way he describes the incredible journey from his childhood dreams of the major leagues to country music artist in demand, Zach makes it all sound so easy and matter-of-fact, but everyone around him knows that they are watching a rising star.

Season seventeen of The Voice airs Mondays and Tuesdays 7 p.m. central time on NBC.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/hinds-honors-foundation-scholarship-recipients 61ae6d0d13b61100160708ed Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Hinds Community College Foundation recognized 2019-2020 scholarship recipients, donors and honorees recently at a reception held at the Muse Center on their Rankin campus.

The foundation will award more than six-hundred scholarships during the 2019-2020 academic year. The deadline to apply for a scholarship for fall 2020 is Saturday, February 15, 2020.

For more information, visit www.hindscc.edu.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/new-teachers-welcomed-to-pirate-family 61ae6d0d13b61100160708ec Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Pearl Upper Elementary welcomes newest faculty members. Pictured (l to r) are: Abby Guillotte, Alyson Newbaker, Lauren Gray, Amy Peoples, Christy Gray, Elizabeth Holden, Crystal Campbell, Richard Jones, Corley Woodson, Haley Mangum and Emmalyn Foy. Not pictured is Roshenia Haley.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/the-big-thrift-is-on-the-move 61ae6d0d13b61100160708eb Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Big Thrift, a business currently located at 2785 Highway 49 South in Florence, is a thrift store like no other. It is owned by a non-profit organization, Mississippi Spay & Neuter [MS SPAN], with all proceeds supporting two non-profit animal welfare organizations, MS SPAN and Mississippi Animal Rescue League [MARL].

It is the brain child of MS SPAN's founder and president, Elaine Adair. In October of 2014, while attending a conference, Adair learned of other animal welfare organizations that had opened thrift stores in an effort to raise funds and help more animals. Believing this would be a good fit for MS SPAN, the Big Thrift opened its doors shortly thereafter - in December of 2014 - and has been going strong ever since.

They sell many of the same items that other thrift shops do, but the store has a reputation of being exceptionally clean and well-organized with a boutique-style atmosphere. Shoppers will find merchandise such as: clothing, household items, kid's stuff, electronics, holiday items, media, books, pet supplies and furniture. Sales at the shop change weekly and stock is rotated and reduced in price all the time.

Since 2014 the store has been managed by MS SPAN staff, who currently travel back and forth from the clinic in Pearl to the thrift store in Florence. However, As of December 7, MS SPAN’s Big Fix Clinic is moving to a new location in Richland and will be followed shortly thereafter by The Big Thrift.

Moving into a building owned by MS SPAN will eliminate rental expenses and save staff time, both of which allow them to dedicate more funds directly to helping animals. The new shop will also have an adoption center that will be available every Saturday for MARL and other non-profit animal welfare organizations.

All those interested in getting involved with the Big Thrift have options: shop, donate, volunteer, and/or plan to attend the open house that MS SPAN will be hosting in December. Any of these activities contribute in a meaningful way to their fund-raising efforts - and anything that contributes to the success of the thrift shop, will ultimately benefit MS SPAN and MARL.

MS SPAN will be hosting the open house at the new facility, located at 657 Highway 49, Richland, on Saturday, December 7, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information on volunteering, visit msspan.org/volunteer and for more information about the open house or the Big Thrift, visit www.bigthrift.net.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/annual-tournament-helps-richland-teacher-kick-cancer 61ae6d0d13b61100160708ea Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Sixth Annual Kickin’ Cancer Coed Kickball Tournament in memory of Paige McLendon was held this year during Richland’s 49 Fest. Each year, the proceeds from the benefit are gifted to a local hero fighting his or her own battle against cancer. This year’s recipient was Elizabeth Allen, a teacher at Richland Upper Elementary. Allen expressed her sincere gratitude to the McLendon family and all who contributed and participated in the event. She encourages everyone to do self examinations for breast cancer.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/cold-weather-can-be-deadly-amr-medics-warn 61ae6d0d13b61100160708e9 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

With an arctic front soon to bring at least a few hours of snow and ice to parts of Mississippi, AMR paramedics remind us: Plunging temperatures and wind chill are a direct threat to life and limb, especially for elders, small children, the chronically-ill, substance-abusers and individuals who stay out in the cold for long periods.

AMR medics have advice for avoiding, recognizing and treating two deadly cold-induced conditions, hypothermia and frostbite. Both conditions can and do happen in the southern United States. The risk is high for someone who is outdoors, gets wet, stays wet and has extensive exposure to severe wind chill. Hypothermia can also occur indoors such as in homes without heat.

To avoid hypothermia and frostbite, AMR medics say:

Wear at least three layers of clothing, even indoors. Layering the clothes conserves more body heat than one thick garment. The layer closest to the body should be thin, made of polyester or similar material. The first thin layer should pull moisture from your skin. The next layers should be bulkier, providing more insulation. Wool is a sound choice unless you are at risk of getting the wool soaked. Newer materials such as polyester pile are also recommended. For the outdoors, the top layer should resist rain, sleet or snow and have zippers for venting body heat when you get warm.

Wear a stocking cap or a hood that covers all of the face except the eyes, nostrils and mouth. The Wilderness Medicine Society has reported that a shivering person loses a high percentage of body heat through the scalp.

Wear mittens, not gloves; mittens keep hands warmer than gloves.

Immediately remove clothing that gets wet and layer on another dry outfit.

Keep at least one room in the home at a comfortable temperature. Close the doors to rooms that are not in use and cover heating vents in those rooms. Jam towels or blankets under the bottom of doors to conserve heat. Closing curtains cuts heat loss through windows.

In cold weather, friends of elders should check on them frequently, as age weakens the body’s ability to sense and adapt to temperature changes.

Hypothermia is dangerously low cooling of the body’s internal temperature. Hypothermia victims go through stages of shivering, numbness, confusion, drowsiness and, eventually, they become unconscious. Unless emergency aid is provided, death soon follows.

First aid for hypothermia includes removing the person from the cold setting, if possible. If the patient is outdoors, shield him or her from wind. Give CPR if needed. Remove wet clothes and wrap the patient in warm materials. If – and only if – the victim is alert, give warm non-alcoholic drinks. Never give anything by mouth to someone who is less than fully alert. Treat the patient gently.

Frostbite is the actual freezing of a body part, most often the fingers, toes, ears or nose. The part often feels hard and waxy and may be discolored.

First aid for frostbite includes removing the person from the cold setting. Handle the affected part gently to protect it from further injury. Do not rub the frostbitten part. Do not allow the victim to try to use the part, such as walking on frostbitten toes. Wrap the part in a dry, sterile dressing. Never put ice on frostbite.

Re-warm the frostbitten body part only if hospital care is remote or unavailable. After re-warming, never let the part re-freeze.

When hypothermia or frostbite may have struck, call 911 immediately for trained, equipped help from your local ambulance service.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/slippery-driving-tips-from-amr-paramedics 61ae6d0d13b61100160708e8 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Because area roads and bridges could be slippery on Tuesday morning, paramedics at American Medical Response (AMR) urge motorists to follow this advice when driving on ice or slush:

If you don’t have to drive, please stay home. Ask yourself, “Am I skilled at driving on icy roads?” If you’re not, stay home.

If you must drive, slow down well below speed limits. Give yourself extra time to reach your destination.

Allow more space between you and other vehicles.

Seeing well and being seen are crucial to avoiding crashes. Before starting your trip, remove all ice and snow from your car’s windshields, windows, mirrors, headlights and tail-lights. Defog your windshields thoroughly. Turn on your low-beam lights.

Be sure your tires, brakes, battery, windshield wipers and other safety gear are good for icy driving on ice or snow. Don’t let your fuel run low.

Drive on interstates and divided four-lane roads when possible. Two-way traffic leads to more head-on collisions.

When driving on ice and snow, brake only if you must. Do not “pump” anti-lock brakes. Just step on the pedal once, slowly, gradually, and steadily. With conventional brakes, gently pump the brake pedal with your heel on the floorboard and your toe on the pedal.

Slow down before you cross bridges and patches of ice and before you go down hills. Some ice is invisible. It’s called “black ice” because it looks as though the pavement ahead is normal. Black ice often results from precipitation refreezing after a thaw.

If you skid, take your foot off the gas pedal and shift quickly into neutral. Turn your steering wheel in the direction the rear wheels are skidding. For example, if the tail of your vehicle starts to skid to your right, turn your steering wheel to the right until the vehicle straightens out. Shift back into drive and gently accelerate.

If you crash, pull all the way off the road. Turn your flashers on. Get out on the passenger side, because there is greater risk of other drivers skidding into the driver side. Stand on the passenger side.

No matter how short the trip, buckle up everyone in your vehicle.

Dress warmly, in case of a breakdown or a crash.

In your trunk, carry a couple of burlap bags or short wooden planks and a shovel to help with traction if you get stuck.

Put in some pop-top canned food, energy bars or other food that’s easy to open plus extra clothing and a blanket.

Be sure your cell phone keeps a good charge.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pedestrian-safety-in-slippery-conditions-tips-from-amr-medics 61ae6d0d13b61100160708e7 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Paramedics at American Medical Response (AMR) have issued advice to prevent falls and getting hit by vehicles when walking in slippery conditions:

Wear shoes or boots that fit well and have good non-slip tread.

Watch the path ahead.

Bend your knees a little and slow down.

Wear gloves or mittens so you don’t have to put your hands in your pockets. If your hands are out of your pockets, you can use your arms to balance yourself and, if needed, to soften a fall.

Hold onto railings and stable objects, particularly when going up or down stairs.

If at all possible, don’t step out on stairs or steps before clearing them of ice.

Don’t carry more than you can handle easily. Heavy loads can impair your balance.

If you must walk in the road, walk facing the traffic and walk close to the curb.

Wear bright clothing so drivers can easily see you.

Ice can prevent cars from stopping at stop signs and traffic lights. Before stepping into the street, make sure all approaching vehicles have in fact stopped.

Ear muffs, hats and scarves can make it hard to hear nearby vehicles. Stay warm AND alert.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-florence-garden-club-inaugural-meeting-held 61ae6d0d13b61100160708e6 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Richland-Florence Garden Club held their first monthly meeting at the Richland Community Center. The speaker was Garden Clubs of Mississippi [GCM] Flower Show Judge May Hall. She explained the rules and guidelines associated with GCM flower shows. The hostesses for the meeting were Shannon Laseter, Beverly Hemphill and Beth Sanford. The focus for the month of September was reading and donating the book Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin to the Steen’s Creek Elementary and the Richland Lower Elementary schools.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/dropping-temperature-could-mean-rising-fire-risk 61ae6d0d13b61100160708e5 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Mississippians should check their heating equipment now to make sure it’s safe to use, as the temperature may dip into the 30s and 20s across much of the state in coming days. Using the equipment as it is intended and following safety guidelines cuts your risk of fire in your home.

There have been 52 fire deaths in Mississippi so far this year. Fifteen of those deaths were caused by placing flammable material too close to space heaters, plugging heaters into malfunctioning extension cords, or using equipment as a heat source when it was not designed for that purpose.

“We are going to see cold days and nights in the near future and some people may be getting out their space heaters for the first time this year,” State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney said. “National reports show the leading factor in home heating fire deaths was heating equipment too close to things that can burn, such as upholstered furniture, clothing, mattresses, or bedding. “

Every home should have multiple smoke alarms. If you need smoke alarms, ask your local fire department.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends the following heating fire safety tips:

All heating equipment should be UL® approved and cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional prior to being used each year.Remember to keep clothes, drapes, and anything else combustible at least 3 feet away from all heating equipment, especially space heaters.Inspect the space heater’s power cord for damage, fraying or heat. If the cord inspection reveals any of these issues, the heater should be replaced. Proper cleaning is essential and should be done regularly.Never use space heaters while you sleep or in areas where children may be without adult supervision.Do not leave space heaters on when you are away from home.Always unplug space heaters when they are not in use. The heater should also be equipped with a tip over shut-off switch.Never use a stove or oven to heat living spaces. Kerosene is a poor choice for heating as it will give off poisonous fumes.Have chimney flues cleaned and inspected by qualified personnel.Have a spark screen that is age appropriate for all individuals if using a fireplace.Burn only approved materials in a fireplace or wood-burning stove; never burn paper or trash in a fireplace or wood burning stove.Should a fire break out in the home, have an emergency evacuation plan for the family to follow and have a designated meeting place for all family members. Once everyone is outside the burning home, call 911 and don’t go back inside the home under any circumstances.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/statewide-memorial-service-honors-fallen-firefighters 61ae6d0d13b61100160708e4 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Firefighters from across the state honored their own at the Mississippi Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service which was held recently on the campus of the Mississippi State Fire Academy in Pearl.

Four firefighters, Dustin Grubbs of the Magee Volunteer Fire Department, Randall Yeatman of the Woodland Volunteer Fire Department, Robert Dunaway of the Howell Volunteer Fire Department and Todd Lanthrip of the Mathiston Volunteer Fire Department, lost their lives in the line of duty this year. With these four additions, there will be 106 names inscribed on the Mississippi Fallen Firefighters Memorial Wall, which commemorates those who have served the citizens of Mississippi by giving the ultimate sacrifice.

Firefighters, friends, and family from across the state attend this annual event to honor and reflect on the commitment to service that these firefighters gave to their communities and to the people they served.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-nurse-honor-guard-convenes-for-tribute 61ae6d0d13b61100160708e3 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Nurse Honor Guard recently paid tribute to Bernice Handy at Parkview Church of Christ in Jackson. The honor guard recognizes nurses at the time of death by performing the Nightingale Tribute, officially releasing the nurse from their duties. The service is conducted in traditional white uniforms, nursing caps, and Nightingale capes.

For more information contact Connie Williams at Msnursehonorguard@gmail.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/florence-rotary-club-chili-cook-off-a-success 61ae6d0d13b61100160708e2 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Florence Rotary Club recently held their annual chili cook-off at Hemphill Park. Pam Smith and Betsy Redfern received the award for best chicken chili for their “Witches Brew.” Richard Redfern of Mississippi College Football received the award for best theme while Mayor Bob Morris received the the best chili award for his “Morris Marksmen” chili. The People’s Choice award went to Billy Talley of Teleconnect.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/northside-elementary-students-complete-escape-room-project 61ae6d0d13b61100160708e1 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Northside Elementary third-grade students worked together to complete an escape room activity. Pictured (l to r) are Jeremiah McGriff, Kady Hanania, Kynedi Jenkins, Mariyah Banks and Keaston Coleman.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-opens-youth-basketball-registration 61ae6d0d13b61100160708e0 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Pearl Parks and Recreation Department has opened registration for its youth basketball league. Registration can be completed online or in person. Online registration is available at www.PearlParksandRec.com through November 2. In-person registration is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. at 320 City Center Drive, as well as on Saturday, November 2, from 10 a.m. until noon.

The registration fee is $75 per child, and league divisions will be co-ed from boys ages five and six and girls ages five through seven. Junior girls will be ages eight through ten, and senior girls will be ages ten through thirteen. Rookie boys will be ages seven and eight, with junior boys being ages nine and ten, and senior boys ages eleven and twelve.

All ages will be as of August 31, 2019.

For more information, contact Holly Haralson at 601-932-3541.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/general-election-day-reminders-and-contact-information 61ae6d0d13b61100160708df Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Polls open for the 2019 General Election at 7 a.m. Tuesday, November 5, 2019. Mississippians can cast a ballot for statewide, state district, legislative, county, and county district offices.

Polls close at 7 p.m. Any voter in line at 7 p.m. is entitled to cast a ballot.

The Secretary of State’s Office will have observers in precincts across the State. Problems at the polls observed by State observers or otherwise reported to the Elections Division will be referred to the authorities, including the Attorney General’s Office or appropriate District Attorney’s Office. The Secretary of State’s Office has no enforcement authority to resolve problems.

Other important information for Election Day includes:

· Absentee Voting Deadlines: The in-person absentee voting deadline is Saturday, November 2, 2019. Circuit Clerk’s Offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The deadline to vote by mail is Monday, November 4, 2019, and Circuit Clerk’s Offices must be in actual receipt of the absentee ballot by 5 p.m. UOCAVA voters, including service members deployed outside their county of residence, must absentee vote by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5, 2019.

· Polling Place Location: A polling place locator is available on the Secretary of State's website at https://www.sos.ms.gov/PollingPlace/Pages/default.aspx. A sample ballot specific to the voter’s polling place is located on the Polling Place Locator website.

· Voter Photo ID: Voters are required to show photo identification at the polls. A voter without an acceptable form of photo identification is entitled to cast an affidavit ballot. An affidavit ballot may be counted if the voter provides an acceptable form of photo identification to the Circuit Clerk’s Office within five business days after the election. For more information, visit www.msvoterID.ms.gov.

· Campaigning: It is unlawful to campaign for any candidate within 150 feet of any entrance to a polling place, unless on private property.

· Loitering: The polling places should be clear for 30 feet from every entrance of all people except elections officials, voters waiting to vote, or authorized poll watchers.

· Camera Phones: Voters are prohibited from taking pictures of their marked ballot.

For more information about State election laws or Election Day information, visit Y’all Vote, www.yallvote.sos.ms.gov, or call the Elections Division Hotline at (601) 576-2550 or 1-800-829-6786.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/reminder-check-smoke-alarms-as-time-changes-this-weekend 61ae6d0d13b61100160708de Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday and serves as a good reminder to check your smoke alarm to make sure it works. Smoke alarms should be tested once a month, batteries should be replaced once a year, and the entire alarm should be replaced every 10 years. There have been 41 fire deaths investigated by the State Fire Marshal's Office in 2019. In 70% of those cases, there was either no smoke alarm in the home or the smoke alarm was not working. “At least 29 lives could have been saved this year if there had been a working smoke alarm in the home,” said State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. “A working smoke alarm cuts your risk of dying in a fire in half. Not having one, or many placed throughout the home, is simply unacceptable.” If you need a smoke alarm, ask your local fire department. The Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) gave more than 23,000 smoke alarms to county fire departments this year to be distributed within those communities. Additionally, the SFMO recommends the following smoke alarm safety tips: · Test smoke alarms at least once a month using the test button. · Make sure everyone in the home understands the sound of the smoke alarm and knows how to respond. · Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old. · Replace the smoke alarm immediately if it doesn’t respond properly when tested. · Smoke alarms with non-replaceable (long-life) batteries are designed to remain effective for up to 10 years. If the alarm chirps, a warning that the battery is low, replace the entire smoke alarm right away. · For smoke alarms with any other type of battery, replace batteries at least once a year. If the alarm chirps, replace only the battery.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/cozy-florence-house-reports-paranormal-activity 61ae6d0d13b61100160708dd Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT By John David Harrison

To see the house from the outside, one would not suspect anything strange about it. The quaint A-frame house, painted autumn red and set back from the road in the shade of oak trees, appears to be a more-than-comfortable, normal place to raise a family. For homeowner Alice Jackson, however, the past twenty-nine years have been anything but normal.

Built in 1990, the house had strange happenings even during its construction. Builders would complain about missing tools or lumber, only to have the items reappear at the jobsite days later.

“If anything, there was more activity back then,” says Jackson. “It’s like we stirred up the dirt or something.” After settling in, Jackson and her family began experiencing more peculiar episodes. Doors would open and slam shut by themselves; lights would turn on and off; objects would move on their own, including a candle Jackson kept on the coffee table.

“I had a candle, and we’d go somewhere and come back, and the candle would be over there or there,” says Jackson, pointing around her living room, “I remember thinking, ‘That’s the strangest thing, I know I put it there;’ and I come back, and it’s on the floor. One time my daughter, Ashley, her grandmother and I were in here talking, and the candle just got up and went over by the fireplace.”

Things became even more unusual when Jackson started seeing small balls of light and other anomalies around the house. One night after getting home from a nursing shift, Jackson quickly prepared for bed, and, while saying a prayer with her eyes closed, she could tell a light had come on in the bedroom.

“I opened my eyes, and there was this tunnel of light, about three feet in diameter, and it reached from the ceiling to the floor. I knew I had to get up and go to work in the morning, so I just covered up my head and stayed in the bed. Before daylight, I pulled the covers down and looked out ,and there were three buttons of light down there.”

For years, Jackson kept quiet about the strange activity happening in her home. She finally told neighbor Mark Smith, even though she was afraid he would think she was crazy. Smith laughed and admitted to knowing that the house was haunted, he and his daughter Erin having already had weird experiences of their own.

Since childhood, Erin Brown has witnessed countless phenomenon, including light anomalies, shadow figures, curtains and blinds moving with no airflow in the room. Her most unnerving experience occurred one day while she was mowing the lawn. Having passed onto Jackson’s property, Brown happened to glance up and was stunned to see a man standing in the laundry room window.

“I was coming around on the lawnmower, and he was standing right here on the inside of the glass,” Brown says from the laundry room. “He was looking out, and I stopped right here, and we connected eyes with each other.”

Later, while researching the history of Florence, Brown discovered a 19th century photograph of Rev. Henry Steen, one of the town’s forefathers, and believes him to be the man she saw in the window.

“So I know this is Henry’s hangout spot,” Brown says with a chuckle.

Since 2011, Jackson has had multiple paranormal teams investigate her house, including Jackson metro locals John Bullard and Brad Cooney. Bullard and Cooney currently have cameras and other video equipment set up in the house, documenting any disturbances which may occur, 24 hours a day. They’ve captured plenty of evidence, from inanimate objects moving to electronic voice phenomena.

“I heard a full fledged chatter conversation in the upstairs bedroom one evening, followed by what sounded like a WWE wrestling match. It sounded like someone was rummaging through furniture. When we went up to investigate, there was nobody in there,” Cooney says.

He and Bullard agree that the house is a special place.

“Alice’s house is the most consistently active location I’ve done in my eleven years investigating all over the country and outside the U.S., as well,” Bullard says.

But with all that, Jackson and the other witnesses have never felt anything dark or negative about the place. Instead, the ghost or ghosts that allegedly haunt the cozy little house seem to be friendly, intelligent, and just eager to reach out to people.

For Jackson, that still doesn’t completely keep the willies away.

“If we’re here now [in the daylight], this is interesting and all that; but, if you’re here at night by yourself and you see little balls of light in the room, it’s not so fun,” she says, with a grin.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-jr-beta-students-recognized 61ae6d0d13b61100160708dc Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Richland Upper Elementary School had several Junior Beta Club members who placed at the nationals competition this summer. Pictured (l to r) are Addison Mathis, Chloe Elkins, Mallory Wynne, Chelsey Courtney, Lauryn Green, Bryce Shows and Jake Wynne. The students were recently recognized by the City of Richland for their achievements.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-junior-high-top-rangers-announced 61ae6d0d13b61100160708db Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

August winners of the Top Ranger Award at Richland Junior High have been announced. Recipients of the award are students who have shown exemplary behavior in and out of the classroom. Each student is awarded a free lunch at Mazzio's in Richland. Pictured (l to r) are, front row: Shanita Briggs, Christine Smith, Sedona Russell, Somaly Suon, Melanie Mosqueda, Skylar Reel, Bree Mitchell, Anna Arevalo, Orlandria Smith and Jordynn Washington; and back row: Ian Boone, Jase Moore, Romello Goodich, Adrian Green, Harrison Rudd and Charles Parks.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-school-district-earns-a-rating 61ae6d0d13b61100160708da Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

When the Mississippi State Board of Education approved accountability grades in September, Pearl Public School District earned an A rating for the 2018-2019 school year.

“We are very excited and proud of our performance. This success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, principals, and entire staff,” stated Dr. Raymond Morgigno, Superintendent of Schools. “Being an A-rated district is a big honor for our students, staff, and the entire community.”

In addition to receiving an A rating as a district, Pearl Lower Elementary earned an A rating. Northside Elementary, Pearl Upper Elementary, Pearl Junior High, and Pearl High earned B ratings.

“It’s an exciting time, with one school an A and the others within striking distance of earning an A,” said Dr. Morgigno.

Each year, Mississippi’s districts and schools receive a letter grade based on how well students perform on state tests included in the Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP). The percentage of Pearl students scoring proficient on the reading, mathematics, and United States history tests has increased for the last three years, with science proficiency remaining strong each year at nearly 80 percent.

Also included in the state’s accountability model is the district’s graduation rate. In 2019, Pearl Public School District boasted the 7th highest graduation rate in the state at 94.1%. This all-time-high marks a 14.9% increase in the district’s graduation rate over the last six years. While not included in the accountability model, the dropout rate is another area in which Pearl ranks among the best. Its 3.3% dropout rate for 2019 was the 7th lowest in the state. Over the past two years, the graduation and dropout rates for Pearl Public School District have been the best in the metro area.

Since the cut scores for the state’s grading scale were changed in 2017, the district has earned an A rating for two of the last three years, and all schools in the district have been classified as High Performing with either an A or B rating.

School Board President Andy Eaton expressed the board’s pleasure with the performance of the district saying “the rating is a reflection of the commitment and dedication of our students, staff, administration, and parents.” He continued, “Great things, such as this, can be achieved when everyone works together to strive for excellence.”

Dr. Morgigno pointed out, “As a district, we did great. However, we can never become complacent. There are always areas that can be improved. We will continue to work hard to ensure that our students are getting our best effort every day.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mooney-named-ppd-officer-of-the-month 61ae6d0d13b61100160708d9 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Sgt. Mark Mooney (center) was recently named the Pearl Police Department Officer of the Month. Mooney is a graduate of Pearl High School and Hinds Community College. He began as a reserve officer in 2000 and became a full-time officer in 2001. Mooney’s colleagues laud him as a great leader and supervisor for the department, and say he uses his years of experience to shape young officers into leaders like himself who represent the best part of law enforcement, community connection and commitment of service to the citizens of Pearl. Mooney was presented with gift certificates from area businesses, meals and other gifts. Mooney and his wife, Penny, have one son, Mason.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/local-iwo-jima-survivor-raising-funds-to-attend-75th-anniversary-commemoration 61ae6d0d13b61100160708d8 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The battle of Iwo Jima is recognized around the world as one of the most brutal struggles in the most costly war in history. For thirty-six days, over 70,000 U.S. Marines and Sailors, aided by tens of thousands of Airmen and Sailors at sea, fought a tooth and nail battle against the 22,000 entrenched Japanese defenders led by Lt. Gen. Tadamichi Kuribayashi. This titanic struggle, waged on eight square miles of volcanic soil and hellish terrain, has captured the imagination of generations since the battle.

The Iwo Jima Association of America (IJAA) and their tour partner, Military Historical Tours (MHT), are returning veterans to Iwo Jima for a 75th Anniversary Commemoration of the battle. Corporal William “Billy” Byrd, a local Iwo Jima survivor and a companion, Lieutenant Colonel Ed Jones, have been given the opportunity to attend the commemoration, which is scheduled for March 2020 on Iwo Jima.

Cpl. Byrd is a member of the Marine Corps League General Louis H. Wilson, Detachment in Pearl. They meet every third Thursday at Simply Southern Restaurant at noon. IJAA is providing funding for Cpl. Byrd, now age 93, to attend, but they require a companion to accompany him. The detachment is raising funds for Cpl. Byrd’s companion expenses.

There will be a Joint Ceremony with the Japanese at the Memorial above Red Beach. Visits to Mt. Suribachi and the Landing Beaches to walk the "Black Sands" are scheduled. MHT is the tour partner of the IJAA and, in cooperation with United Airlines, has chartered jets for the day-long visit to walk the battlefields of this epic clash in the Pacific during World War II. Guam will again be the base of operations for the IJAA Battle Symposium and 75th Anniversary Banquet.

Early in the morning, the IJAA tour will depart Guam for a day-long memorial tour and observance on Iwo Jima. Upon arrival, attendees will be met by the official U.S. and Japanese Government delegation consisting of representatives from the Armed Services. The group will land on the site of Motoyama airfield #2. After visiting Mt. Suribachi and the scene of the famed flag raising captured by Joe Rosenthal on February 23, 1945, Veterans and their families will gather near the landing beaches to conduct memorial services at the anniversary monument. These services, attended by dignitaries and veterans of the United States and Japan, will remember and memorialize those young men who gave their lives during the savage campaign for the island. The group will then tour the island and the landing beaches. The day will conclude with a return to the airfield for a gathering of friendship and camaraderie on the sacred soil of Iwo Jima.

Cpl. Byrd retired from the City of Jackson in 1987. He was first hired as a tax collector and then worked his way up to sanitation supervisor. His parents were share croppers and traveled all through southern Mississippi. Cpl. Byrd is known for his song writing and guitar playing and was on the WRBC radio show “Home Towner” in the 50s and 60s. He played for the Willie Jordan band and then started his own band, writing many of his own songs. He still plays his Gibson guitar. In addition, Cpl. Byrd wrote a short book, By the Dawn’s Early Light, on his Iwo Jima experiences. He participates annually in the Trail of Honor event.

The public is asked to offer assistance to help Cpl. Byrd return to the Iwo Jima battlefield. Donations can be mailed to: Gen. Louis H Wilson, Det. 173, 854 Andrew Chapel RD, Brandon, MS 39042. For more information, call 601-260-4806.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/2019-youth-fishing-rodeo-held-at-bright-park 61ae6d0d13b61100160708d7 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The City of Pearl Parks and Recreation Department recently held their 2019 Youth Fishing Rodeo at Bright Park. For more information about Pearl Parks and Rec events, call 601-932-3451.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-rangers-take-home-trophy 61ae6d0d13b61100160708d6 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT One of the recent Friday night football games at Richland High School was sponsored by Byrd and Cook. The owner, David Byrd, is a lifelong resident of Rankin County and has proudly supported all Rankin County schools since he opened his business in 1984. The game marks the fifteenth year to sponsor the Richland/McLaurin rivalry. Both teams received money toward their football programs, and the winner, Richland High School, will house the Byrd & Cook trophy until next year's game. The trophy was presented by Adam and Daniel Byrd, who help to operate both commercial flooring and the wall and structure divisions of the company. Richland Rangers beat the McLaurin Tigers 35-21.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/rankin-residents-among-those-honored-at-ms-state-hospital 61ae6d0d13b61100160708d5 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Mississippi State Hospital recently honored employees with July anniversaries for their years of service to the hospital. Several among those honored are from Rankin County, including Teri Ledbetter, Terry Jones and Antonio Jenkins, all of Pearl. Service awards are given to MSH employees in the month of their date of hire, beginning with one year and followed by every fifth anniversary year. Employees receive a Certificate of Appreciation and a Service Award Pin. The program is sponsored by Friends of Mississippi State Hospital, Inc. Pictured (l to r) are, front row: Tremayne Williams of Brandon, twenty-five years; Teri Ledbetter of Pearl, one year; Stacy Rector of Columbus, one year; Crystal Lewis of Jackson, one year; and Esther Jiles of Jackson, Employee of the Month; middle row: Kirby Burgess of Clinton, twenty-five years; Darryle Burton of Mendenhall, ten years; Vicki Veazey of Brandon, twenty years; Aisha Walker of Brandon, one year; and Renita Kyles of Yazoo City, Employee of the Month; and back row: Steven Whittington of Braxton, one year; Terry Jones of Pearl, one year; Marcus Wonsley of Clinton, one year; Antonio Jenkins of Pearl, Employee of the Month; and Christina Frazier of Jackson, five years.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/veterans-and-active-military-to-be-honored-in-florence 61ae6d0d13b61100160708d4 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Richland-Florence Garden Club and the Florentine Clubs of Florence will host a Blue Star Memorial Ceremony on Saturday, November 9, at 10:45 a.m. The memorial program will honor all men and women who have served, are serving or will serve the country in the armed forces. All veterans, active military personnel and their guests are invited to attend. The ceremony will be held at the Florence City Hall located at 203 College Street. Registration begins at 10:15 a.m.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/florence-prescription-disposal-offered 61ae6d0d13b61100160708d3 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

For Florence residents who have prescription drugs that they no longer need, the Florence Police Department has a now a drug dropbox available. The dropbox is located in the Police Department foyer and is designed to accept prescription drugs that Florence residents may be trying to get rid of. Residents are encouraged to stop by the police department to drop off any old medications, rather than putting them in a garbage can or flushing them down the toilet. There is no charge or registration required to utilize this service. For more information, call the Florence Police Department at 601-845-7508.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-cheer-squad-receives-multiple-honors 61ae6d0d13b61100160708d2 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Richland High School (RHS) varsity cheer squad has had a busy summer and fall. Just prior to the beginning of the school year, the squad attended the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Summer Camp in Gulf Shores, Alabama. They had a great showing with five All-Americans selected from the squad, including Joely Miller, Katie Beth Holmes, Breanna Cook, Jenna McKlemurry and Mallory Chapman. Three RHS cheerleaders, Emily Adams, Breanna Cook and Jenna McKlemurry, were also chosen for the Pin-It-Forward award by demonstrating leadership, spirit, commitment, kindness and motivation.

Additionally, the cheer squad was selected to participate this fall in the 2019 Varsity Spirit’s National Across the Field program. The criteria for selection included growth in the development of their cheer program, attendance at varsity branded camps, a display of group leadership as well as personifying school spirit every day in practice, at football games, at pep rallies and in their community.

The RHS cheer squad will initiate the 2019 program by signing and composing inspirational messages on a megaphone provided by Across the Field. The megaphone will then transfer to the Pisgah High School Varsity Cheerleaders for them to reciprocate, and so on. The journey of the megaphone from team to team will be documented via social media and, once completed, a summary of the megaphone’s journey will be published showing the total number of schools and cheerleaders participating in the national initiative.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/florence-day-festivities-set-for-october-19 61ae6d0d13b61100160708d1 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Florence’s calendar will be busy this fall, with the headlining event being Florence Day on Saturday, October 19, followed by Octoberfest on October 26, then the unveiling of a new statue on November 9. Mayor Bob Morris expressed his excitement for Florence Day and some of the surrounding citywide events coming soon.

“My favorite thing about it is that people get to meet each other… it’s connecting a community,” said Morris.

Vendor spots for Florence Day are still available, and they will be representing small business and craftsmen from around the city.

Gates for Florence Day will open at 9 a.m. at Hemphill Park. The event will include a market, musical acts from the area, a car show, and contests, and organizers say the food will be some of the best in town. There will be two live performances, with local Christian band Coram Deo open with live music from 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., followed by Georgetown Band from noon until 2 p.m.

Children can join in on the fun with the activities, rides and attractions in the soccer fields at Hemphill Park. Families can enjoy a car show, cornhole tournaments, a chili cook-off, an eating contest, a kids zone, and art in the park.

Town leaders are hoping that Florence Day continues to branch out to new ideas and engage the community in many ways.

City Clerk Carley Moore said, “Last year, we had about fifty [vendors]. We would love to see that number grow.”

Morris said the limitations for the huge event have always been money and manpower, and he says he hopes to raise money through this year to build even larger and stronger foundations for years to come.

Arts and crafts/business booths are $75. A limited number of electrical hookups are available for an additional $10. Vendors will need to supply their own tables, chairs, tents, extension cords, and the like. Generators will be allowed, but must be muffled to eliminate noise. Booth space for both types of booths is 10’ wide by 12’ deep.

Vendor setup will be Friday from 5 until 7 p.m. and Saturday morning from 6:30 until 8:30 a.m. The market opens at 9 a.m. A parking area will be designated for vendors, as no vehicles will be allowed to stay in the booth area.

Business booths may hand out pens, pencils, key chains, notepads, magnets and other business-related items, but no food may be given away or sold, including bottled water. Food and drinks may only be sold by approved food vendors.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/aha-encourages-rankin-county-parents-to-make-health-a-priority-for-school-year 61ae6d0d13b61100160708d0 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

As summer is winding down and the anticipation of another school year is winding up, the Metro Jackson American Heart Association is encouraging all Rankin County parents to make their child’s health a priority. Based on the advice of Dr. Tiffany Kimbrough, pediatrician at Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, the following tips can help Rankin County children have a healthy school year.

1. Take a crash course in nutrition.

Balanced, healthy foods belong in the lunchbox. Good nutrition promotes learning and helps keep sugar crashes and growling bellies at bay. Choose foods that are high in protein such as low-fat string cheese, yogurt, turkey roll-ups or hard-boiled eggs.

Pair these choices with fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, grapes, bananas, mandarin oranges, sliced cucumber, strips of peppers, edamame and sugar snap peas. Avoid packing high-sugar beverages such as sports drinks, soda or sugary juice. Milk or water are the best choices. Some schools allow snacks, but steer clear of snack cakes, cookies and candies.

2. Make sleep a priority.

The school routine can be challenging for kids whose sleep schedule has matched the relaxed vibes of summer. An earlier bedtime can be a struggle, especially since it might still be bright outside at bedtime.

Start moving bedtime earlier three to four weeks before schools starts. Help kids wind down by stopping electronics (tablets, TV, phones) an hour before bedtime. And consider a ban on electronic use in the bedroom to give brains a chance to settle without the added distraction.

3. Keep tabs on medications.

Many kids don’t have their medications at school, putting them in potential danger. The school needs to have those lifesaving medications on hand to deal with issues such as asthma, food allergies or seizures. Give a spare set to the school, along with a permission form from a health care provider.

4. Check in with the family health care provider.

Make sure vaccines are up to date and annual physicals are scheduled.

For more information, healthy lunch ideas, and ways to move more, visit heart.org.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/sen-dean-kirby-of-pearl-attend-neshoba-co-fair 61ae6d0d13b61100160708cf Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT University of Mississippi head football coach Matt Luke joins state Sen. Dean Kirby of Pearl and retired Rankin County Chancery Court Clerk Irl Dean Rhodes for a photo at the 2019 Neshoba County Fair near Philadelphia in August. Pictured (l to r) are Luke, Kirby and Rhodes.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/national-voter-registration-day-voter-registration-deadline-approaches-in-mississippi 61ae6d0d13b61100160708ce Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Today marks National Voter Registration Day, and Mississippians who are eligible to vote but remain unregistered are encouraged to submit their voter registration application as soon as possible. The voter registration deadline for the November 5 General Election is October 7, 2019. Applicants who register in-person in the Circuit Clerks’ Offices must do so by 5:00 p.m. on October 7. Applicants who mail registration applications must post-mark applications by October 7. To register to vote in Mississippi, a downloadable registration application is accessible at Y’all Vote, www.yallvote.sos.ms.gov, the Secretary of State’s online voter information center. The application should be delivered to the Circuit Clerk in the county in which the voter resides. An individual is eligible to register to vote if he or she is at least 18 years old, or will be 18 years old by November 5; is a Mississippi resident; has not been convicted in a Mississippi court of a disenfranchising crime; and has not been adjudicated as mentally incompetent. Mississippi currently has more than 1.9 million active registered voters. Citizens who already are registered to vote in Mississippi but have moved must ensure their voter registration is updated to reflect their current residence address, and can update their information online at Y'all Vote. For more information, visit the Secretary of State's website or call the Elections Division at (601) 576-2550.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/jenkins-of-pearl-named-employee-of-month-at-mississippi-state-hospital 61ae6d0d13b61100160708cd Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Antonio Jenkins of Pearl has been named Mississippi State Hospital’s July Employee of the Month for direct care. Jenkins is a direct care supervisor in inpatient services. The Pearl High School and Hinds Community College graduate has been employed at MSH since 2012. The MSH Employee of the Month award recognizes employees who have made outstanding contributions to the hospital through their work. The program is sponsored by Friends of Mississippi State Hospital, Inc.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/gus-black-elected-as-district-exchange-club-officer 61ae6d0d13b61100160708cc Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Gus Black, the 2018/19 Club President for the Exchange Club of Richland, was recently chosen as president-elect for the Mississippi District Exchange Club. Black has been active in the Richland club for many years and has served as president and event chairmen on many events.

Black will serve as President of the District for the 2020/21 year. The Mississippi District Exchange Club is made up of 34 clubs and 600+ members in communities across the state.

Established in March 1911, The National Exchange Club has more than 18,000 members and more than 630 local-level Exchange Clubs throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

The organization’s vision, “A strong America, safe communities and unified people,” and mission statement, “Inspiring communities to become better places to live,” are carried out through its programs of service, which include Americanism, youth programs and community service, with their national project being the prevention of child abuse.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/miley-of-pearl-joins-dean-and-dean-associates-architects-p-a 61ae6d0d13b61100160708cb Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Nathan A. Miley, a Pearl High School graduate, was recently hired as an associate AIA for Dean and Dean/Associates Architects, P.A. Miley has joined the Jackson-based firm, having recently graduated from Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Architecture. During his time at MSU, Miley was involved in several campus groups, including the School of Architecture’s Studio Culture Committee. He earned the American Institute of Architects Mississippi Chapter’s Design Merit Award for his work on a plan for the MSU Golf Course Storm Shelters Project. He was also the recipient of Mississippi State’s 2018 Epting/Mathews Co-op Student of the Year Award, an honor that recognizes academic excellence, workplace professionalism and leadership in organizations.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/online-auction-of-300-tax-forfeited-properties-in-forrest-county-now-open 61ae6d0d13b61100160708ca Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

An online auction of 300 tax-forfeited properties in Forrest County valued at $1,685,202 is now open. Bids may be submitted through the Secretary of State’s online auction portal until 11:59 p.m. CST on Wednesday, October 16, 2019.

“Tax-forfeited property auctions help communities by returning parcels to the tax rolls which benefits counties, cities, and schools,” said Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann, who launched online auctions in July 2016. “Make a great deal today by going online and placing your bid.”

To place a bid, a user is required to register online. Users may view property details such as parcel location and an auction map. Other information, such as auction dates, bid notices, and market values of property are also available online. Successful bidders will be notified by e-mail as soon as possible once bids are placed, and payment of the bid amount must be paid within 5 to 7 days of notification.

Buyers will also be permitted to pay a “Buy It Now” price on any parcel, which allows them to purchase a property immediately instead of waiting until the end of the auction.

In recent years, successful auctions in Bay St. Louis, Bolivar County, Greenville, Greenwood, Hinds County, Jackson, Jones County, Madison County, McComb, Meridian, Pearl River County, Rankin County, Warren County, Waveland, Yazoo City, and many other communities, have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Mississippi schools, municipalities, and counties.

To learn more about tax-forfeited properties, visit the Secretary of State’s website or call the Public Lands Division at (601) 359-5156.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/jordan-of-pearl-honored-for-service-at-mississippi-state-hospital 61ae6d0d13b61100160708c9 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Mississippi State Hospital recently honored employees with June anniversaries for their years of service to the hospital. Katherine Jordan of Pearl was among them. Employees receive a certificate of appreciation and a service award pin. The program is sponsored by Friends of Mississippi State Hospital, Inc. Pictured (l to r) are, front row: Jennie Miner (Jackson, thirty-five years), Sarah Blackmon (Brandon, five years) and Kina Woods (Byram, ten years); and back row: Katherine Jordan (Pearl, one year), Amy Womble (Brandon, one year), Reader Skaggs (Crystal Springs, five years), Anna Case (Brandon, one year) and Rushell Reid (Ridgeland, five years).

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/florence-high-school-jrotc-hosts-athletic-meet 61ae6d0d13b61100160708c8 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Florence High School’s JROTC program recently hosted an athletic meet that was attended by forty-nine teams from thirteen schools from across Mississippi. At the meet, each team competed in a half-mile rope run, a 250-yard ammo can relay, 500-yard shuttle relay, 250-yard stretcher relay, and a 250-yard bus tire relay. Florence JROTC teams finished first and third in their respective division.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pep-rally-held-to-celebrate-test-scores 61ae6d0d13b61100160708c7 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Pearl High School football team, dancers, cheerleaders and the pep band held a pep rally for last year’s kindergarten students because of their success on the MKAS test. They ranked #11 in the state on the test. After numerous band chants and dances and a message from Dr. Morgigno, all students were treated to ice cream.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-municipal-tv-pmbtv-expands-to-roku 61ae6d0d13b61100160708c6 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Pearl Municipal Broadcasting recently announced its television station, PMBTV-20, is now available free on the streaming service Roku.

Roku is a TV set-top video-streaming device and smart TV manufacturer with 29 million active accounts and 41 million devices in use.

Viewers will now be able to access all City of Pearl programming on-demand as well as watch live events anywhere and at any time. Once a “live” event airs, like a Pearl High School football game or a City Board of Aldermen meeting, it will be archived and available to view on demand. Roku users can use the Roku channel search and type PMBTV to find the channel.

PMB will have six categories from which viewers can choose on Roku: live events, Board of Aldermen meetings, sports, City events, Chamber of Commerce ribbon cuttings, and Pearl Public School District video minutes.

City of Pearl officials say they are committed to keeping Pearl citizens informed through a variety of no-cost platforms, including the City website at www.CityOfPearl.com; the City radio station, 104.5 FM/WPBP “The Pirate;” the City TV station, PMB-TV20 (Comcast channel 20, U-Verse channel 99); Facebook at Pearl Municipal Broadcasting and City of Pearl-Government; and PMBTV on Roku.

For more information about Roku, visit www.roku.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/local-dance-studio-opens-dance-supply-shop 61ae6d0d13b61100160708c5 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

A Florence dance studio has recently opened a new store to better serve the needs of dancers in the Southwest Rankin region. Studio Sole, a dance company teaching students in Florence for over six years, has decided that the need for accessible dance equipment is important for parents and students alike, and has opened up their new shop Sole to Sole Danceware on Highway 49 South in Richland.

“The next closest shop is thirty minutes away,,” said Whitney Sasser, owner and founder of Sole to Sole Danceware.

The new shop can be found in Richland, and this location was chosen in the triangle between Florence, Brandon, Pearl and Byram. Sasser’s hope is that this will help parents who struggle to travel the distance to get to their nearest dance supply shop to order the required outfits and accessories needed for dance routines. The shop is expected to serve all types of dance classes from around the county, and anyone who may need specific dance outfits can come place orders in the shop.

Sasser saw the need for a shop through her time as a dancer in college, to now as a dance instructor. After some time helping with other local dance studios in Florence, Sasser had her troupe grow and grow over the years, and she formed a strong bond between herself and the students she taught. Many of these students were the same students she sees every day at her job at Steens Creek Elementary, where she is the librarian of the school.

Sasser says that the trust she shares with both students and parents has allowed her to stand out in the community and exceed expectations. Her troupe has begun to go to several competitions, exceed goals, and shine in the dance community.

Sole to Sole Dancewear began as an idea between Sasser and her mother, Tracie Sasser, and grew into reality this summer. Tracie Sasser took over the storefront and is now leading the business, while Whitney Sasser focuses on her dance students.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/hinds-cc-selects-southwest-rankin-hi-steppers 61ae6d0d13b61100160708c4 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Hinds Community College has selected the Hi-Steppers for 2019-20, including one from Pearl and one from Florence. Pictured (l to r) are front row: veteran members Laura Duncan of Florence, Mysheaira Taylor of Canton, Myriah Boyd of Pearl (lieutenant); Brandon residents Jaya Brown (captain), Jaide Seals (lieutenant) and Katie Burns (lieutenant), and Allennia Shelby of Natchez; and back row: new members Kylee Cunningham, Naomi Edwards and April Lee, all of Raymond, Courtney Cummins of Brandon, Meagan Ross of Carthage, Merritt Bynum of Brandon, Allyson Hartling of Clinton, Jada Todd of Milwaukee, Wisconson, Anna Claire Buchanan, Emily Gray and Natalie Clanton, all of Vicksburg, and Cheyanne Wynn, Rahael Robinson and Aaliyah Ross, all of Clinton. The Hinds Hi-Steppers are one of the oldest precision dance lines in the nation and perform at football games, exhibitions, parades, and community and charitable events. The Hi-Steppers are under the direction of Angela Hite of Raymond.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/shoe-donations-encouraged-for-keep-pearl-beautiful 61ae6d0d13b61100160708c3 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Keep Pearl Beautiful wants residents’ old shoes.

As part of their ShoeBox Recycling program, the organization collects all gently worn, paired men’s, women’s and kid’s shoes that are still reusable and rewearable. The shoes are recycled or reused all across the world.

All shoes are accepted, provided they have no holes in the soles and aren’t wet, mildewed or torn. Athletic shoes, dress shoes, casual shoes, work boots, sandals, heels and flats are all welcomed.

Ski boots, winter boots, roller skates, ice skates, roller blades, flip flops, crocs, bedroom slippers and single shoes are not eligible to be a part of the recycling program.

All shoes can be dropped off at the Pearl Parks and Recreation Department, located at 320 Center City Drive, from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on weekdays.

For more information, contact Stacy Chadic at 601-932-3541.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/foundation-for-rankin-county-public-schools-to-host-golf-tournament 61ae6d0d13b61100160708c2 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The eleventh annual Foundation for Rankin County Public Schools, Inc. Golf Tournament will be held Wednesday, October 16, and Tuesday, October 17, at Castlewoods Country Club in Brandon. Registration and driving range opening will be held at 7 a.m. and 12 p.m. with lunch at the clubhouse. Tournament final instructions will be given at 7:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. with shotgun starts at 1 p.m. on Wednesday and 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Thursday.

Castlewoods Country Club requires proper golf attire (no denim, collared shirts required, soft spike course). Entry fee includes eighteen holes of golf, lunch buffet, cart and prizes.

Each foursome will compete in a scramble format (each team selects best shot from the tee through the last putt). There will be first, second and third place prizes for gross team scores. Mulligans will be available for purchase (one for $10 or four for $25). There will also be a prize for closest to the pin and longest drive.

The event will be a shotgun tournament, so space is limited. Golfers will be accepted on a first paid and received basis. Cost for teams is $500 with a hole sponsorship, or $400 without a hole sponsorship.

The Foundation is a way for businesses and individuals to support the work of Rankin County Schools and to encourage academic excellence. As the charitable organization of the Rankin County School District, the Foundation hopes to help students become community leaders by encouraging involvement, enriching schools, and expanding supporters and business partners. The Foundation continually plans for the future of Rankin County children and wants to assist student success by helping students prepare for their future and to become productive members of our community.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Ashley Moss at 601-825-5590.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-braves-welcome-three-millionth-fan-at-trustmark-park 61ae6d0d13b61100160708c1 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Braves recently celebrated a milestone at Trustmark Park by welcoming the three millionth fan for Mississippi Braves baseball.

Matt Baker of Clinton was recognized as the lucky fan during Mississippi's four to zero win over the Birmingham Barons during the fifth inning. He and his young son Wyatt were awarded a prize pack that included two M-Braves season tickets for the 2020 season, four tickets to a 2020 Atlanta Braves game in the Infiniti Club, numerous restaurant gift cards and more.

"The M-Braves were thrilled to present Matt with the three millionth fan prize pack today," added Mississippi Braves vice president and general manager Pete Laven. "The fact that it was his young son Wyatt's first-ever game at Trustmark Park made it even more special. We look forward to watching Matt try to keep up with Wyatt at many more games in the future."

More than nearly fifteen seasons, Trustmark Park has seen 146 M-Braves players move on to make their major league debut, and now three million fans have witnessed Atlanta Braves Double-A baseball in Pearl.

After more than twenty years in Greenville, South Carolina, the Braves moved to Pearl and opened the gates to Trustmark Park for the first time on April 18, 2005.

The M-Braves have steadily seen an attendance increase this season, averaging 2,296 fans per game in April; 2,423 fans in May; 2,685 fans in June and 3,009 fans in July. Entering the current homestand, the M-Braves were averaging 3,029 fans per game in the second half after drawing 15,407 fans during a homestand against the Tennessee Smokies in August.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/fhs-team-business-academy-launches-hatchit-business-incubator-program 61ae6d0d13b61100160708c0 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Florence High School Talon Entrepreneurship and Marketing (TEAM) Academy recently initiated a new program aimed at the academy's eleventh grade entrepreneurship students. The HatchIt Business Incubator program is designed to support students in their entrepreneurial interests by providing financial support, technology resources, specialized instruction and introduction to project management concepts.

As part of HatchIt, business students utilize "pop up shops" at home football games. The plan is for the budding entrepreneurs to offer their products at FHS events, as well as local community events like Florence Day.

"This project allows students to examine skills that will help them personally, professionally - or both - when they leave high school. Right now, we are exploring ventures that are more common, like food products, clothing or jewelry. The hope is that, by building confidence, students will pursue more innovative ventures as their entrepreneurial skills grow," said Dre' Helms, TEAM Academy lead instructor. "We want these students leaving us with skills that can help in a career after high school or, even better, provide an income source for them while they attend college."

The TEAM Business Academy, originally named the Talon Marketing and Design Academy, was implemented at FHS in the fall of 2012. Since then, more than one hundred Academy completers have graduated and either continued their education or entered into business ventures as careers. The TEAM Academy is a four-year program that provides selected students intensive, hands-on instruction in various business disciplines over their high school academic career. The academy also operates The Sip of the South, a school store and coffee shop on campus.

For more information about the TEAM Academy, to mentor Academy students, or to donate unwanted items for repurposing by Entrepreneurship students, call Florence High School at 601-845-2205.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/highway-49-fest-set-for-september-28 61ae6d0d13b61100160708bf Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

On Saturday, September 28, the City of Richland will hold its annual Hwy 49 Fest. The event is held at the Richland soccer fields beside the Richland Community Center.

Organizers have released the music line up for this year’s event, and included are three country music artists.

Capitol Records Nashville’s Adam Hambrick grew up in Corinth, Mississippi, influenced by artists such as Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, John Mayer and The Foo Fighters. Growing up, Hambrick’s musical roots were grounded in the church singing hymns with his family, where his dad was a Baptist pastor and his mom played piano. After graduating from the University of Central Arkansas, the singer-songwriter made an appearance on Good Morning Arkansas, where fellow Arkansas-native and country star Justin Moore happened to be watching and was impressed by Hambrick’s unique voice and distinctive songs. Soon after, Moore’s producer Jeremy Stover reached out, opening the door for Hambrick to move to Nashville and pursue music full-time.

Since then, Hambrick has written a multitude of songs and had numerous cuts for other artists including Miranda Lambert and Eli Young Band, as well as No. 1 hits for Dan + Shay (“How Not To”) and Justin Moore (“Somebody Else Will.”). Hambrick is currently working on his debut album with producers Andrew DeRoberts (James Blunt, Miley Cyrus) and Paul DiGiovanni (Blake Shelton, Jordan Davis). His first single, Rockin’ All Night Long, is resonating with country music fans everywhere as it recalls the nostalgic late-night memories made throughout life.

Hambrick has been touring with some of Nashville’s top country artists. He will play from 4:30 until 5:30 p.m.

Playing from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. will be Dillon Carmichael, who writes most of his own music and has an old country sound.

Critics and fans from across the musical spectrum found much to fall in love with this past fall when Dillon Carmichael unleashed his debut, Hell On An Angel. Produced by Dave Cobb, the studio guru behind country radio powerhouses like Chris Stapleton and Zac Brown Band, the album merged a sonically progressive palette with a tasteful reverence for the past and wrapped it all up with a director’s eye for detail, creating a stunning collection that was at once old-school and modern, traditional and contemporary, timeless and timely.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/dillon-of-richland-accepts-scholarship-of-excellence 61ae6d0d13b61100160708be Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Rankin County School District recently congratulated Lauren Faith Dillon, a 2019 graduate of Richland High School, on her acceptance of the 2019 Walter S. Bounds Scholarship of Excellence, presented by the Mississippi Association of School Superintendents. Dillon was selected out of more than 101 applicants in the state to receive a $1,000 scholarship to help with educational expenses.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mdot-urges-preparedness-on-hurricane-katrina-anniversary 61ae6d0d13b61100160708bd Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

As the 14th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina approaches, the Mississippi Department of Transportation reminds the public that now is the time to prepare for hurricane season.

Katrina surged through South Mississippi on August 29, 2005, unleashing more than $1 billion in damage to the state’s transportation infrastructure. Within six hours of landfall, MDOT officials opened all structurally safe roadways to emergency response teams. Within 16 hours, all state-maintained highway lanes had been cleared and opened for the public to access. However, major reconstruction was necessary, including two bridges on U.S. Highway 90.

“MDOT is prepared for any tropical system,” said Commissioner Tom King, Southern Transportation District. “Our first responders are always on standby for any emergency. We are stationed and prepared to immediately inspect roads and bridges and ready to clear debris to get highways open for other emergency responders.”

Residents can also be prepared by having an evacuation plan in place before any tropical system threatens. To help you prepare, MDOT offers the 2019 Hurricane Evacuation Guide as an essential resource. View the guide along with a disaster-kit checklist and instructional videos on hurricane preparation at GoMDOT.com/hurricanes. Free copies are available to order at GoMDOT.com/maps.

The guide features information to assist in developing a preparedness plan such as evacuation routes, contraflow information, radio coverage areas through Mississippi Public Broadcasting and important contact information from the Mississippi Highway Patrol, American Red Cross, Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and bordering state DOTs and highway patrols.

“Katrina was a powerful blow to the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” King said. “We remember those who were killed and the property that was lost in its surge. That’s why it’s vital to get out harm’s way. You can always replace property, but you can’t replace a life.”

After Katrina, as communities pulled together, MDOT was there to help rebuild bigger and stronger. Read more about how far transportation infrastructure has come since the storm in Katrina+10: Bridging the Road to Renewal. The E-book is currently available at GoMDOT.com/katrina.

“We hope we never see another Katrina, but we are prepared if it happens,” King said. “Now is an important time to remind South Mississippi residents to be prepared and have a plan together for the remainder of hurricane season.”

Follow @MississippiDOT on social media along with the hashtag #HurricaneStrong this Hurricane Season.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/primary-runoff-election-day-reminders-and-contact-information 61ae6d0d13b61100160708bc Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Jackson, Miss.—Polls open for the 2019 Primary Runoff Election at 7 a.m. Tuesday, August 27, 2019. Mississippians can cast a ballot for statewide, state district, legislative, county, and county district offices.

Polls close at 7 p.m. Any voter in line at 7 p.m. is entitled to cast a ballot.

Primary Elections are conducted by political parties in Mississippi. The Secretary of State’s Office will have observers in precincts across the State. Problems at the polls observed by State observers or otherwise reported to the Elections Division will be referred to the authorities, including the Attorney General’s Office or appropriate District Attorney’s Office. The Secretary of State’s Office has no enforcement authority to resolve problems.

Other important information for Election Day includes:

· Absentee Voting Deadline: The in-person absentee voting deadline is Saturday, August 24, 2019. Circuit Clerk’s Offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The deadline to vote by mail is Monday, August 26, 2019, and Circuit Clerk’s Offices must be in actual receipt of the absentee ballot by 5 p.m. UOCAVA voters, including servicemembers deployed outside their county of residence, must absentee vote by 7 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, August 27, 2019.

· Polling Place Location: A polling place locator is available on the Secretary of State's website at http://www.sos.ms.gov/PollingPlace/Pages/default.aspx. A sample ballot specific to the voter’s polling place is located on the Polling Place Locator website.

· Voter Photo ID: Voters are required to show photo identification at the polls. A voter without an acceptable form of photo identification is entitled to cast an affidavit ballot. An affidavit ballot may be counted if the voter provides an acceptable form of photo identification to the Circuit Clerk’s Office within five business days after the election. For more information, visit www.msvoterID.ms.gov.

· Campaigning: It is unlawful to campaign for any candidate within 150 feet of any entrance to a polling place, unless on private property.

· Loitering: The polling places should be clear for 30 feet from every entrance of all people except elections officials, voters waiting to vote, or authorized poll watchers.

· Camera Phones: Voters are prohibited from taking pictures of their marked ballot.

For more information about State election laws or Election Day information, visit Y’all Vote, www.yallvote.sos.ms.gov, or call the Elections Division Hotline at (601) 576-2550 or 1-800-829-6786.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/adoption-and-foster-class-at-crossgates-baptist-church 61ae6d0d13b61100160708bb Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Crossgates Baptist Church in Brandon, MS is offering an adoption and foster care class on the first and third Wednesday's of each month beginning at 6:00pm in room 218. This class is to help prepare families who are anywhere in the process from just beginning to think about the process of adoption and foster care all the way to families who have completed their adoptions and are currently fostering.

The class will offer a bible study on the first Wednesday of each month and we will be using the book, "All In" written by Jason Johnson. The third Wednesday of each month will feature a guest speaker in the field of adoption and foster care.

On Wednesday, September 4th, Dr. Rick Morton of Lifeline Children's Services out of Birmingham AL will be our guest speaker. As Vice President of Engagement, Rick Morton shepherds the ministry’s outreach to individual, church, and organizational ministry partners as well as the ministry’s commitment to publishing resources that aid families and churches in discipling orphans and vulnerable children.

Holding both the Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Arts degrees in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Rick taught on the faculty of his alma mater as well as the faculties of Bryan College and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Rick has served local churches in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Rick is an accomplished writer and sought after speaker. Most notably, Rick is the co-author of the popular book Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-centered Adoption and Orphan Care and the author of Know Orphans: Mobilizing the Church for Global Orphanology.

Rick and his lovely wife Denise have been married for over 26 years, and they have 3 children, all of whom joined their family through international adoption. Rick has also recently gained the title of “Doc” in his new role as a very proud grandpa!

Crossgates Baptist Church is located at 8 Crosswoods Rd, Brandon MS 39042. For more information about the class and upcoming speakers, please contact Chris and Andrea Gray at Christopher.Gray1@yahoo.com. The class is free to attend and childcare is provided for free each week.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/parents-educators-community-partners-and-policy-makers-register-for-the-mississippi-literacy-summ 61ae6d0d13b61100160708ba Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Registration is open for the Mississippi Literacy Summit scheduled for Sept. 13-14 at the Jackson Convention Center. The event is free and has a schedule of special sessions for parents, guardians, educators, community partners and policy makers.

The summit theme is “A Shared Commitment to Literacy: Improving Literacy Outcomes for ALL from Birth to the Workforce.”

Local and national experts will present on ways educators, parents, communities and policy makers can enhance opportunities for children, from birth to high school, to become better, more proficient readers. Improved educational outcomes for children will enhance Mississippi’s job-ready workforce.

Selected session topics include:

For Parents/Guardians: Promoting Literacy in the Home, Graduation Options, Understanding Special Education Services, Understanding Interventions and the Tier Process, and English Learner SupportsFor Educators: Data-driven Decision Making, Literacy 101, Addressing Students’ Cultural and Linguistic Needs, Scaffolding Instruction in Middle and High School, Dyslexia Evaluation, and Integrating Literacy in All Content AreasFor Policy Makers: Impact of the Literacy-Based Promotion Act, How the Teacher Shortage Affects Literacy Outcomes, and Tools and Strategies for Building Community Support for LiteracyFor Community Partners: Preparing a School-ready Child, Understanding School and District Letter Grades, Talk to Read: Building Language for School Reading, and Reducing Chronic Absenteeism

Keynote speakers include:

Maggie Wade, WLBT news anchorKaren Mapp, Ed.D., Harvard University senior lecturer and faculty director of education policy and management master’s programLuis Versalles, PreK-12 district partnership director at Pacific Educational Group, which focuses forging equity in education

CEUs, SEMIs, and Contact Hours will be awarded to educators based on attendance each day.

More information: www.mdek12.org/LitSummit2019

Register: bit.ly/MSLiteracy2019Register

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-chamber-to-host-girls-night-out-fashion-show 61ae6d0d13b61100160708b9 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Pearl Chamber of Commerce will host a Girls’ Night Out Fashion Show on Saturday, August 31. The event will be held at 6 p.m. at the Clyde Muse Center on the Pearl Hinds Community College Campus.

In addition to the fashion show, which will include kids and men as some of the models this year, the event will offer swag bags, heavy hours d’oeuvres, photo opportunities, door prizes and more.

There are a limited number of reserved runway tables at $250 each. Individual tickets are $25.

For more information, contact the Pearl Chamber of Commerce at 601-939-3338.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/bridge-repairs-will-close-i-20-require-rerouting 61ae6d0d13b61100160708b8 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be repairing a bridge deck on I-20 in the next few months, requiring separate closures of both eastbound and westbound traffic lanes. The project will involve hydro-demolition of the bridge deck to provide a new concrete surface for motorists.

Michael Flood, MDOT Public Information Officer, said “the project will be awarded at the August 13 Commission Meeting, and closure dates for I-20 will be decided by the contractor.”

During the eastbound Interstate closure, I-20 will be closed between Ellis Avenue and US Hwy 51 (State Street). Truck traffic will be rerouted along I-220, I-55, and I-20 during the closure of I-20. Passenger cars and light trucks will be rerouted along Ellis Avenue, US Hwy 80, and US Hwy 51 (State Street).

During the westbound Interstate closure, I-20 will be closed between Terry Road and Ellis Avenue. Truck traffic will be rerouted along I-55, I-220, and I-20 during the closure. Passenger cars and light trucks will be rerouted along Terry Road, US Hwy 80, and Ellis Avenue.

The dates and times of the closures will be released by MDOT as soon as available. For more information, visit www.MDOTTraffic.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/miller-of-richland-to-compete-for-mrs-america 61ae6d0d13b61100160708b7 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Virginia Miller of Richland was recently voted Mrs. Congeniality and was also chosen as Mrs. Mississippi America 2019. She will compete for Mrs. America in Las Vegas at the Westgate Resort and Casino from August 17 through 24.

“Like most little girls, I watched Miss Mississippi on television every year; I dreamed about competing in it one day, but life happened and other dreams came true first,” said Miller in a Facebook post. “God always knows better, right?! I never really thought it would happen; I still can’t believe it, but it’s real . . . the dream is REAL.”

Richland Mayor Pat Sullivan and the City of Richland’s Board of Aldermen and staff recently recognized Miller for her achievement and offered their support.

The Mrs. America Pageant was first held in 1938 and continued until 1968. The pageant was revived after a nine-year hiatus in 1977 at the-then Las Vegas Hilton by David Marmel who, after a career in professional athletics and television production, helped transform the pageant into the multifaceted event is it today. The event was the first, and remains the foremost, competition for the married woman of the United States. For nearly four decades, Mrs. America has epitomized excellence, professionalism and the celebration of family values.

“I’m truly grateful for the this opportunity and so appreciative for the continuous outpouring of love and support!” wrote Miller. “Thank y’all again for your time!

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/boykin-named-firefighter-of-the-month 61ae6d0d13b61100160708b6 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Battalion Chief Donnie Boykin was recently named Pearl Fire Department Firefighter of the Month. Boykin began his career with the Pearl Fire Department twenty-six years ago as a firefighter and has accumulated over 1,000 hours at the State Fire Academy. He obtained his EMT Certification at Hinds Community College. In 1999, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and then was promoted to captain in January of 2005. In 2014, Boykin was promoted to Battalion Chief of C Shift, where he keeps his shift motivated and moving in the right direction. Boykin has been married to his wife, Kelly Breland Boykin, for twenty-one years, and they have two children, Breley (18) and Keaton (14).

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/the-benefits-of-having-personal-insurance 61ae6d0d13b61100160708b5 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Lottery Corporation (MLC) has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Multi-State Lottery Association (MUSL) as its newest member to sell Powerball® and Mega Millions®. The MLC anticipates sales for both games to begin in the first quarter of 2020.

As the president of a member lottery, MLC President Tom Shaheen will join the MUSL Board of Directors and the Powerball® Product Group as a voting member when sales commence.

“The anticipation is extremely high for these games in Mississippi,” said MLC President Shaheen. “We receive calls every day wanting to know when they will go on sale. It will be an exciting time for Mississippi. Players will no longer need to go over the border to play.”

The MLC will become the 46th U.S. lottery to sell both jackpot style games. Drawings for both games occur twice per week and have had jackpots reaching more than $1 billion. Mississippians will soon have the opportunity for a chance to play big jackpots four times per week, as well as many secondary prizes. Powerball® drawings occur on Wednesdays and Saturdays, while Mega Millions® drawings take place on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The first $80 million of net lottery annual proceeds will go toward infrastructure needs around the state. After that 10-year period, lottery proceed collections up to $80 million will go into the state’s general fund. Any net proceeds over $80 million will be sent to the Education Enhancement Fund, which helps fund pre-k and the classroom supply fund.

The Multi-State Lottery Association is a non-profit, government benefit, voluntary association that is entirely owned and operated by its member lotteries. Each MUSL member lottery offers one or more multi-jurisdictional lottery games administered with the assistance of MUSL. All profits are retained by the individual lotteries and are used to fund projects or purposes approved by their authorizing legislatures.

The Mississippi Lottery Corporation (MLC) was created in 2018 upon passage of the Alyce G. Clarke Mississippi Lottery Law, Senate Bill 2001. Governor Phil Bryant appointed the five-member Board of Directors on October 19, 2018, with the goal of having the first lottery tickets on sale during the fourth quarter of 2019. The MLC is a legislatively created corporation. Visit us online at www.mslotteryhome.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mde-finalizes-teacher-pay-raise-total 61ae6d0d13b61100160708b4 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

In consultation with school districts, the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has determined that 40,991 teachers and teacher assistants are eligible for the state-funded, $1,500 pay raise. The number of teaching positions is an increase from the original estimate of 31,157. The additional cost of the teacher pay raise is $18.5 million. After determining the original estimated cost of the teacher pay raise, the MDE conducted an additional review of the total number of state-funded teaching positions. During that review, the MDE determined there are additional state-funded teaching positions that the Mississippi Student Information System (MSIS) does not capture as MAEP-funded positions. The MDE subsequently worked with districts to identify and verify every eligible state-funded position. The expanded list of teaching positions eligible for the pay raise goes beyond classroom teachers, counselors, teacher assistants and librarians to include specialized positions such as dyslexia therapists, intervention specialists, audiologists and psychologists, among others. Districts will be allocated enough money through the current appropriation to cover the monthly cost of the teacher pay raise. The MDE will continue to work with legislative leaders to secure a deficit appropriation in January to fully fund the pay raise. “This is the most comprehensive pay raise the Legislature has approved and is intended to provide Mississippi educators with a well-deserved raise,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. Previous teacher pay raises were allocated to districts through MAEP, which is the state’s school funding formula. Based on input from district superintendents, this year the MDE asked the Legislature to appropriate the FY20 teacher pay raise as a separate line item from MAEP so that each school district could clearly see that adequate funds had been appropriated to cover the pay raise. The total cost of 40,991 educators receiving a $1,500 pay raise and associated fringe benefits is $76.9 million.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/sons-of-confederate-veterans-camp-265-raised-1-000-for-the-wounded-warriors-of-mississippi 61ae6d0d13b61100160708b3 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT The

at their Annual Civil War Relic Show in Brandon this past June. Pictured Left to Right: Tim Cupit of SCV Camp #265, Cheryl Bruce of the Wounded Warriors of MS, & Brandi Gray of the MS Order of the Confederate Rose Chapter #23. For more information please contact Tim Cupit at 769-234-2966 or timcupit@comcast.net

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/the-mississippi-lottery-corporation-announces-hire-of-director-of-communications 61ae6d0d13b61100160708b2 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Lottery Corporation (MLC) officially announces the new hire of Meg Annison as Director of Communications. Annison, of Jackson, Miss., assumed the role July 1, 2019. In tandem with MLC President Tom Shaheen, Annison will serve as the official MLC spokesperson. She will field all media inquiries related to the corporation and will be available for informational updates. Annison is a graduate of The University of Mississippi. Previously, she served as House Information Officer for members of the Mississippi House of Representatives and as Communications Director for the Mississippi Speaker of the House. “I am excited about the addition of Annison to our team,” said MLC President Tom Shaheen. “Her background and her enthusiasm for the lottery are a good fit for us. Her years of experience in the Mississippi Legislature will help her in the scope of her new role.” For all inquiries related to the MLC, e-mail mannison@mslot.org. The Mississippi Lottery Corporation (MLC) was created in 2018 upon passage of the Alyce G. Clarke Mississippi Lottery Law, Senate Bill 2001. Governor Phil Bryant appointed the five-member Board of Directors on October 19, 2018, with the goal of having the first lottery tickets on sale during the fourth quarter of 2019. The MLC is a legislatively created corporation. Visit us online at www.mslotteryhome.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/amr-paramedics-urge-safety-with-fireworks 61ae6d0d13b61100160708b1 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

July 4 fireworks can be fun and beautiful, but they are always dangerous. Fireworks are explosives, not toys. Fireworks send thousands of people to the hospital each year and cause millions of dollars in fire losses. Paramedics at American Medical Response urge caution with fireworks to prevent disfiguring burns, loss of eyes and fingers and to avoid property fires. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a professionally-run show.

Penalties for Using Fireworks: Many Mississippi communities have restrictions and penalties on the sale and use of fireworks. The National Fireworks Safety Council warns that certain fireworks are illegal in all 50 states. Those include M-80’s, Silver Salutes and Cherry Bombs. Further, if your fireworks injure or kill someone or start a fire, you could be sued for hundreds of thousands (even millions) of dollars.

Injuries: The United States Fire Administration (USFA) says more than 11,000 people are injured from fireworks each year in the US. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says nearly half of those injured by fireworks are under the age of 15.

While fingers and hands are most often injured, the American Academy of Ophthalmology estimates fireworks annually cause nearly 2,000 eye injuries with permanent eye damage.

Bottle rockets are highly dangerous to the eyes, as they are essentially unguided missiles flying as fast as 200 miles per hour.

Fireworks can also cause permanent hearing loss, second and third degree burns and amputations. These injuries are extremely painful and can be emotionally and physically debilitating. For every serious injury from fireworks, there are hundreds if not thousands of lesser injuries. Even the lesser injuries hurt badly and are extremely frightening.

Fireworks Start Home and Business Fires: USFA reports, each year, bottle rockets and other aerial fireworks cause more than 6,000 fires.

Fireworks Safety Tips: If you take the risk of using fireworks yourself, AMR gives this advice:

Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Even older children must have adult supervision.

Remember: Fireworks entice children to use matches or lighters. Teach children that matches and lighters are dangerous tools, not toys.

Follow the instructions on the fireworks packaging.

Never shoot fireworks after drinking alcohol.

Never set off fireworks in bottles, cans or other objects.

Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

Never shoot devices near buildings, over roofs or near power lines.

Never try to re-light or fix fireworks that have not gone off. Wait 15 to 20 minutes before approaching a “dud” and then soak it with water.

Always keep a safe distance from fireworks staging areas.

Protect your eyes by wearing safety glasses or safety goggles. Prescription eyeglasses, sunglasses and contact lenses provide little or no protection from fireworks.

Soak fireworks devices with water after they appear to have burned out.

Never use homemade fireworks.

Never extend any part of the body over fireworks devices while lighting them or after they have been lit.

Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose and a first aid kit nearby.

Always follow local fireworks ordinances and related directives from police and fire personnel.

In case of eye injuries do not touch, rub or press the injured eye. Call 9-1-1 for paramedics who will treat the victim and safely transport him or her to a hospital.

In case of burn injuries, cover the burns with a dry dressing and call 9-1-1 for paramedic care.

Tips Specific to Sparklers: Sparklers are among the most common fireworks at private celebrations. Adults often let small children hold sparklers because sparklers seem harmless. But sparklers are dangerous. Sparklers get as hot as 2,000 degrees – as hot as a blow torch. They can cause serious burns long after burning out. To avoid injuries from sparklers:

The safe way to enjoy sparklers is to plant them in the ground away from dry grass and then have an adult light them.

Do not hold more than one sparkler at a time. Always stand when playing with sparklers and do not run while holding them.

If two or more people are holding sparklers, they should be at least six feet from each other when their arms are outstretched.

Hold sparklers at arm’s length, away from the body. Do not hand a lit sparkler to anyone.

Wear shoes with closed toes.

Adults and older children should never carry a child who is holding a sparkler.

Do not try to relight a burnt-out sparkler.

Douse every burnt-out sparkler in a pail of water.

About American Medical Response (AMR):

Operating in 19 counties, AMR companies in Mississippi provide more patient transports than any other ambulance service. American Medical Response, Inc., America’s leading provider of medical transportation, provides services in 40 states and the District of Columbia. More than 28,000 AMR paramedics, EMTs, RNs and other professionals work together to transport more than 4.8 million patients nationwide each year in critical, emergency and non-emergency situations. AMR also provides fire services through Rural Metro Fire Department, www.ruralmetrofire.com. AMR is a subsidiary of Global Medical Response, www.GlobalMedicalResponse.com. For more information about AMR, visit www.amr.net and follow American Medical Response on Facebook @AMR_Social on Twitter and Instagram

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-optometric-association-to-provide-eye-exams-at-no-cost-for-students-who-did-not-pass-thi 61ae6d0d13b61100160708b0 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

For the fifth year, the Mississippi Optometric Association (MOA) and the Mississippi Vision Foundation (MVF) will provide eye exams at no-cost to third graders who did not pass the state reading assessment test and do not have insurance. The exams are offered through July 31.

This year, with higher standards implemented by the Mississippi Department of Education, one in four of the state’s third graders did not pass the literacy promotion test. Studies show that children who struggle to read are more likely to leave school without graduating; ultimately contributing to the poverty rates in our state.

“We know that vision is a greater predictor of academic success than socioeconomic status. And as citizens of Mississippi we have a vested interest in making sure all of our students have the tools and the opportunity to succeed at their highest abilities,” said Dr. Amy Crigler, MOA President. “Vision is a better predictor of academic success than socioeconomic status. We are committed to identifying those students who have vision problems.”

Statistics show that 25 percent of all school age children have vision problems and more than 80 percent do not get the help they need. Results of the MOA and MVF Third Grade Eye Exam program (aimed at students who did not pass the third grade reading assessment) reveal that 88 percent of the students who took advantage of the eye exams were found to be in need of some form of visual intervention.

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Carey Wright said, “We greatly appreciate the association’s concern for our students’ health and academic progress, and this annual opportunity for… eye exams is a wonderful example of community partnerships that will benefit students.”

For students who are covered through private insurance, applicable co-pays may apply due to laws that require the doctor to collect this amount. All children, regardless of their family's ability to pay, will be seen by ODs participating in the program. The MVF, working with industry partners, will cover the costs for any student who needs an exam and is not covered through insurance. Additionally, industry partners are working with Mississippi ODs to provide glasses to any student whose eye exam reveals the need for corrective lenses.

To locate a participating optometrist, parents of eligible third graders should go to www.msvisionfoundation.org or call 601.572.0845. When making the appointment, parents should tell the receptionist they are scheduling the third grade eye appointment. They should bring the letter notifying them that their child did not pass the assessment test with them to the appointment.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/now-is-the-time-to-prepare-for-hurricane-season 61ae6d0d13b61100160708af Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially begins on June 1 and ends on November 30. The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) reminds residents, businesses and community organizations across south Mississippi to have a preparedness plan in place before a storm threatens the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

“The time to prepare is now, not when a storm is being tracked,” said Commissioner Tom King, Southern Transportation District. “The first step in preparing for a hurricane is to have a plan of action. MDOT offers a variety of free resources to get started. We’re urging the public to take advantage of these resources and get a jump start on the preparation process.”

The 2019 Hurricane Evacuation Guide is an essential resource and just a click away. Order a free copy today atGoMDOT.com/maps. Guides are also available in Spanish and Vietnamese. Also available are children’s hurricane activity book, state maps, and more.

The guide features information to assist in developing a preparedness plan such as evacuation routes, contraflow information, radio coverage areas through Mississippi Public Broadcasting and important contact information from the Mississippi Highway Patrol, American Red Cross, Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and bordering state DOTs and highway patrols. Individuals and families will find vital resources on shelters, pet care, lodging and travel resources.

“MDOT urges the public to take action and gather the essential items they may need to safely evacuate before a hurricane,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “It’s important to have both supplies and important documents available for when the time comes.”

If a hurricane forces an evacuation along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, it’s important for residents to have a plan already in place. Evacuation routes will likely see a sudden increase in traffic volume. Motorists will want to be on the road with enough time to get to their destination safely.

“A majority of hurricanes that have hit land struck the Gulf Coast,” said Commissioner King. “MDOT is ready to provide support in the event of a hurricane and our workers are often the earliest first responders cutting the path for emergency and medical personnel to respond.”

For more hurricane safety tips, visit GoMDOT.com/hurricanes.

During the storm, the public can stay updated on live travel and weather information 24/7 with MDOT’s free travel resources. Visit MDOTtraffic.com or download the MDOT Traffic mobile app.

Follow @MississippiDOT on social media along with the hashtag #HurricaneStrong this hurricane season.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/governor-signs-gap-act-to-protect-children-and-vulnerable-adults 61ae6d0d13b61100160708ae Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Gov. Phil Bryant on Wednesday, May 29, signed the Mississippi Guardianship and Conservatorship Act, which will provider stronger protections for children and vulnerable adults.

The Governor held several bill signing ceremonies, signing the Criminal Justice Reform Act, the School Safety Act of 2019 and others.

“The purpose is to protect the most vulnerable,” said Supreme Court Justice Dawn Beam, co-chair of the Commission on Guardianship and Conservatorship.

“It has been a long time coming,” Gov. Bryant said before he ceremonially signed the bill. He officially signed the legislation into law on April 16. The changes will go into effect Jan. 1, 2020.

Mississippi’s laws governing guardianships and conservatorships had not been substantially changed in more than 30 years. The old laws lacked provisions for oversight, monitoring and accountability, and there had been incidents of fraud and abuse of vulnerable people. The Supreme Court on April 13, 2017, created the Mississippi Commission on Guardianship and Conservatorship to develop recommendations to improve the way the courts protect children, vulnerable adults and estates.

Senate Bill 2828, introduced by Sen. Joey Fillingane, is also known as the GAP Act, for “guard and protect.” It is based on recommendations the Commission made after nearly two years of intensive study. The GAP Act aims to improve court processes for protecting children and vulnerable adults and their assets. The Commission made recommendations to create a clear and workable statutory framework, modern and enforceable reporting requirements, comprehensive court monitoring procedures, state driven accountability measures, protection of the ward’s fundamental rights, and transparency from all parties.

The old statues are confusing and vague, said Chancellor Joseph Kilgore of Philadelphia, co-chair of the Commission subcommittee on estate guardianships. There is nothing in the old statutes that tell a conservator exactly what they can or can’t do. “I truly feel that this bill makes great strides in the protection of the most vulnerable people among us,” Judge Kilgore said.

Chancellor Catherine Farris-Carter of Cleveland, co-chair of the adult guardianship subcommittee, has seen cases in which family members misused a ward’s resources when put in charge of a vulnerable adult’s affairs. “They absolutely waste and squander the resources.”

Jackson elder law attorney Richard Courtney, co-chair of the subcommittee on estate guardianships, said, “For years, lawyers have struggled to deal with outdated guardianship and conservatorship procedures. This GAP Act will systematize the procedures for accountability and oversight of children and adults under guardianships and conservatorships.”

The new law goes beyond accounting for money and possessions of those in need of assistance, Justice Beam said. “The GAP Act places the well-being of the person on the same footing as their assets, which is huge for ensuring daily needs such as food, housing and medical care are met for vulnerable children and adults.”

The new law also allows judges to tailor guardianship and conservatorship orders to the needs of the person, allowing vulnerable adults to maintain some independence. Justice Beam said, “Judges now have options for respecting the dignity of the person by recognizing there are varying degrees of disabilities. This allows the court to tailor the restrictions on the ward’s rights, providing protections where needed while allowing the ward to maintain independence when possible.” Recognizing that some disabilities are temporary, the GAP Act sets out a process for ending legal restrictions when the ward recovers from an impairment.

Chancellor Farris-Carter said, “The thing that I am most excited about is that we finally have a process in place wherein consideration has to be given to the desires and wants of the ward. Just because they have a physical limitation doesn’t mean they have mental limitations.”

Mississippi Electronic Courts, MEC, the electronic filing system utilized by 62 of the state’s 82 Chancery Courts, provides chancellors, court staff and clerks of court with a mechanism for monitoring and tracking guardianships and conservatorships. With the GAP Act set to go into effect in January 2020, “we will have plenty of time to train court personnel on how the court’s computer system will assist judges in overseeing the care of our citizens,” Justice Beam said.

MEC is working to develop and implement a management information system that will automate many of the notifications for annual well-being reports and accountings required under the GAP Act. Pilot programs utilizing the management information system are underway in the Sixth Chancery and Tenth Chancery Courts. The Sixth Chancery includes Attala, Carroll, Choctaw, Kemper, Neshoba and Winston counties. The Tenth Chancery is made up of Forrest, Lamar, Marion, Pearl River and Perry counties.

Justice Beam thanked the Governor, legislators and members of the Commission for their work on the GAP Act. She also thanked the Mississippi Medical Association, the Bankers Association, AARP and disability advocates whose help was vital to formulating this new approach.

Randy Pierce, executive director of the Mississippi Judicial College and co-chair of the Commission, said, “This is a perfect example of how the private sector and the public sector can come together to protect the most vulnerable.”

Members of the Commission on Guardianship and Conservatorship include: Justice Dawn Beam of Sumrall and Mississippi Judicial College Executive Director Randy Pierce of Oxford, co-chairs; Chancellor Catherine Farris-Carter of Cleveland; Chancellor Deborah Gambrell of Hattiesburg; Chancellor Joseph Kilgore of Philadelphia; Chancellor Lawrence Primeaux of Meridian; Chancellor George Ward of Natchez; former Chancellor Sanford Steckler of Biloxi; Resident Jurist John Hudson of Natchez; Commissioner of Child Protection Services Jess H. Dickinson; attorney Anna Claire Steel of the Department of Child Protection Services; attorney Richard Courtney of Jackson; attorney Gray Edmondson of Oxford; attorney Tiffany Graves of Jackson; State Board of Education member Johnny Franklin of Bolton; Special Assistant Attorney General Joe Hemleben; Department of Mental Health Community Services Bureau Director Jake Hutchins; Dr. Luke Lampton of Magnolia; attorney and Mississippi Bankers Association member Nicole Lewellyn of Magee; Disability Rights Mississippi Executive Director Micah Dutro of Jackson; attorney David Marchetti of Jackson; Department of Mental Health Division of Children and Youth Services Director Sandra Parks; Rankin County Chancery Clerk Larry Swales; Amie Mondello of the Rankin County Chancery Clerk’s Office; former Coahoma County Chancery Clerk Ed Peacock III; attorney John Smallwood of Hattiesburg; and attorney Bob Williford of Ridgeland. Staff members to the Commission include attorney Whitney Griffin of Madison, counsel to the Commission; Supreme Court Central Legal Staff Attorney Gabe Goza of Brandon; and Administrative Office of Courts Youth Court Programs Director Mary Fuller of Florence.

Senate Bill 2828 is at this link: http://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/documents/2019/pdf/SB/2800-2899/SB2828SG.pdf.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/businesses-urged-to-file-past-due-annual-reports-as-soon-as-possible 61ae6d0d13b61100160708ad Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

More than 53,000 businesses have not filed their Annual Report, which was due to the State on April 15, 2019.

Under Mississippi law, all limited liability companies (LLCs) and corporations are required to file an Annual Report online with the Secretary of State’s Office between January 1 and April 15. Annual Reports include information about businesses’ state of incorporation, e-mail address, principal street address, registered agent, and managers and members.

Businesses failing to file an Annual Report will be administratively dissolved.

“We have the lowest filing fees in the Nation, with many businesses paying zero dollars to file, and we have staff on standby to help anyone who has questions. We want to make it as easy as possible for businesses to fulfill their legal obligations and for the public to search records filed,” Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said.

Domestic LLCs file Annual Reports at no cost in Mississippi. Corporate Annual Reports are $25, and foreign LLCs pay $250.

Approximately 180,000 foreign and domestic LLCs and corporations currently operate in the State.

For more information about Annual Reports, visit the Business Services Division’s website or call (601) 359-1633 or 1-800-256-3494. To search business filings, visit https://corp.sos.ms.gov/corp/portal/c/page/corpBusinessIdSearch/portal.aspx?#clear=1.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/attorney-general-gaming-commission-state-auditor-s-office-host-law-enforcement-torch-run-with-spe 61ae6d0d13b61100160708ac Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, Mississippi Gaming Commission and the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office will join Special Olympics of Mississippi (SOMS) athletes tomorrow, Wednesday, May 8, for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run as it passes through Jackson.

The event begins at 10 a.m. at the Mississippi Gaming Commission on 620 North Street. The run includes a 0.7 mile route and torch-passing downtown. It will conclude with a ceremony on the south steps of the Mississippi State Capitol.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run—coordinated by the Special Olympics of Mississippi—unites officers from law enforcement agencies and corrections departments across the state in an effort to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics of Mississippi. Each summer, law enforcement officials carry the Flame of Hope across the state, ending on the Gulf Coast with the lighting of the cauldron, which officially opens the Special Olympics Summer Games. This year’s Torch Run kicks off today in DeSoto County and will conclude on Friday, May 10, at Keesler Air Force Base.

WHAT: Special Olympics of Mississippi Law Enforcement Torch Run

WHERE: The 0.7 mile run will begin at the Mississippi Gaming Commission on North Street and will conclude with a ceremony on the south steps of the Mississippi State Capitol (Congress Street side). **A copy of the route is below.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 8, at 10:00 a.m.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/deployed-thoughts-on-mother-s-day 61ae6d0d13b61100160708ab Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Gabrielle Hulin of Brandon is an English major at William Carey University. Both her parents are members of the Mississippi Army National Guard. Her father, Warrant Officer Preston Foster, lives in-state and she sees him most weekends. Her mother, Sgt. Melissa Foster, is deployed overseas until later this year. In this story, Gabrielle talks about how she and her mother stay close – despite the distance.

By Gabrielle Hulin

WCU student

Living as a military kid had never been a big deal to me. We moved around when I was younger, but both of my parents were basically always around. That all changed last year, when my mom found out she was going to be deployed overseas after I started college. Here are a few things that changed:

· Snack connection: Right after my mom left, she ordered me a subscription to an international snacks box. I get these boxes every month around the 15th, and immediately I open them up and send my mom a picture. It’s one of the highlights of the month for me because I get to talk to her about what I liked and didn’t like in the box. Talking about it keeps us feeling close even though she’s far away. This month’s box was from Israel. My favorites were a chocolate bar with pop rocks in it, falafel-flavored wheat snacks, and a peanut butter nougat. My least favorite snack was a pistachio sesame bar.

· We’ve got you: Family is more important than ever to me now. I have two younger siblings and they look to me to be strong – especially because I’m the first child to head off to college, so it was going to be a difficult year anyway. My family has been keeping their eyes on me. It’s nice to know that they’re watching out for me.

· No texting: My mom’s phone number doesn’t work from the country she’s in, so I can’t just call or text her. If I want to hear her voice or text her, I have to use social media instead.

· Facebook: Speaking of social media, I use Facebook all the time now. Messenger is the best way to communicate with her. I can text her anytime, I can videocall her when I want to see her or hear her voice. I can even play games with her online. It keeps us connected.

· Holidays aren’t the same: Especially at Christmas and Thanksgiving, it feels like someone is missing who should be there. We can always videocall my mom, but it’s not the same as having her there with us.

· About selfies: I like taking pictures of scenery and the world around me, but I’ve never been fond of taking selfies. Recently, though, I’ve been taking more selfies! My mom doesn’t get to see my face all the time anymore. I send her pictures of me, along with pictures of wherever I am, so that she can see me from time to time.

· Fear: Because she’s deployed, my mother might be in a dangerous place. Thinking about what could happen makes me nervous.

· Meeting other people’s moms: I’m a freshman and I’ve made a lot of new friends this year. I’ve gotten the opportunity to meet some of my new friends’ moms, and it makes me realize how much I miss her. It makes me feel bad when I meet someone’s mom and all I can think about is mine – but I think it’s justified by the fact that I won’t get to see my mom in person for awhile.

· Unexpected connection: I went to college on my own, so I was assigned a random roommate since I didn’t have any friends yet. I was matched with a missionary kid, Zoe Johnson, but what I didn’t know until we started talking was that her family will be moving out of the country again in the winter, leaving her behind. It helped us really connect, since we both understand how hard it is to be in a completely different country, away from parents. God really does work for our benefit, as I’ve found this year.

· And finally: I can’t wait for my mom to come back later this year. The days seem to go by slowly, but really the months are blasting by, and I know it won’t be long until she comes home. This experience has really made me grateful for my mom, and I realize how much I took her for granted. Sunday is Mother’s Day. Go see your mom and give her the tightest hug you can, because that’s what I’ll be doing when my mom comes back.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/statement-regarding-teacher-and-teacher-assistant-pay-raise 61ae6d0d13b61100160708aa Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Department of Education has received numerous calls from superintendents reporting that some teaching positions were not included in their allocation for the teacher and teacher assistant pay raise. The MDE calculated the number of positions based on the code in the Mississippi Student Information System (MSIS) that referenced MAEP-only funded teachers and teacher assistants. Upon further review, it was determined there were additional teachers who were eligible for the raise who were not coded in MSIS as MAEP-funded positions.

The MDE appreciates districts bringing this issue to our attention and we will work swiftly with each district to verify the number of MAEP-funded teachers and teacher assistants. We will provide this information to lawmakers and work with them to obtain the additional funding for the pay raise.

The MDE is committed to ensuring that all teachers and teacher assistants receive their pay raises in the 2019-20 school year.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/rankin-county-supervisors-state-leaders-celebrate-passage-of-legislation-protecting-investments-in 61ae6d0d13b61100160708a9 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT On April 15, 2019, the Rankin County Board of Supervisors hosted Lieutenant

Governor Tate Reeves, Speaker of the House Phillip Gunn and members of the Mississippi Legislature to celebrate passage of 2019 Senate Bill 2802, a measure that protects Rankin County's investments in county roads and bridges, as well as the public schools in Rankin County. In 2018, the Mississippi Supreme Court ruled that a property tax exemption statute intended to apply only to businesses serving the Jackson Airport also applied to any business that is located on property controlled by the airport, whether the business served airport operations or not. This ruling, if not corrected, could potentially result in reduced property tax revenue to Rankin County measured in the tens of millions of dollars annually. Roughly 56 cents of every dollar collected in county property tax is diverted to Rankin County and Pearl Schools, meaning the impact of the court ruling would directly harm local schools. To correct the Supreme Court's misinterpretation of the original tax exemption law, Rankin County Senator, Josh Harkins, authored Senate Bill 2802, a measure which clarifies that a property tax exemption is only available to businesses located on airport property that directly serve the function of the airport.

Governor Phil Bryant signed the measure into law on March 6, 2019. The Rankin County Board of Supervisors thanks Governor Phil Bryant, Lt. Governor Tate Reeves, Speaker Philip Gunn and all of the members of the Rankin County legislative delegation, particularly Senator Josh Harkins who spearheaded the legislation, for their diligent efforts to protect Rankin County's investments in public infrastructure and public schools.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/malcolm-white-begins-role-as-new-host-of-deep-south-dining-april-22-on-mpb-think-radio 61ae6d0d13b61100160708a8 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Carol Puckett and Malcolm White can be heard on MPB Think Radio’s Deep South Dining beginning April 22.| Mississippi Public Broadcasting

JACKSON, Miss. – Deep South Dining on MPB Think Radio will welcome Malcolm White, restaurateur and director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, as its new host beginning Monday, April 22 at 9 a.m.

Deep South Dining is the program all about the culture and flavor of southern cuisine and airs each Monday at 9 a.m. White, a regular host of MPB’s Mississippi Arts Hour, has been in the restaurant business for 24 years.

“I love talking about food, and I love being on MPB,” said White, who has been interested in food culture for a long time. “I’m looking forward to talking with people about recipes and foods they grew up eating. On the show, we’ll discuss different takes on dishes and how foods are cooked differently in certain areas of the state.”

Joining White each week will be Carol Puckett, founder of Everyday Gourmet and former president of the Viking Hospitality Group. Puckett will offer her expert perspective on all topics. Other guests will join White and Puckett from time to time.

MPB’s Java Chatman is the producer of Deep South Dining. The call-in number for the show is 1-877-MPB-RING or 1-877-672-7464.

For more information or to listen to previous shows visit here.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/merit-health-to-hold-nursing-career-fair-at-the-crawdad-hole 61ae6d0d13b61100160708a7 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Merit Health is hosting a nursing career fair Monday, April 1 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at the Crawdad Hole, located at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson.

Attendees will have an opportunity to learn first-hand about RN and LPN openings at our Jackson area and Vicksburg hospitals. While meeting with Merit Health nursing leadership, participants will enjoy refreshments, giveaways and more.

If interested, please RSVP to Mark.Beason@MyMeritHealth.com. Each RSVP will be registered for a chance to win a certificate for 20 pounds of crawfish and “fixins.”

Can’t attend? Contact Mark.Beason@MyMeritHealth.com to schedule a meeting with our nurse recruiter at a time that works for you.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/association-health-plans-have-their-own-pitfalls 61ae6d0d13b61100160708a6 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Association health insurance is back!

Perhaps you remember those policies that were offered to you as a member of a local business or social group or trade association. The policies were usually marketed as “affordable” – whatever that meant in those days. Sometimes, though, certain kinds of organizations that offered association insurance became insolvent or engaged in fraudulent activities and left policyholders with few options.

When the Affordable Care Act came along, association policies had to conform to the new Obamacare rules. For one thing, they could no longer consider gender when setting the price of a policy. In the old days insurers could charge women more because they said they were more likely than men to file claims.

The ACA also outlawed occupational underwriting: that is, considering a person’s job in deciding to issue a policy.

Last year, however, the Trump Administration changed the rules to allow more employer groups and associations based on common industries or geography to offer health insurance plans. The goal is to provide a cheaper option than an ACA policy, at least for some people.

According to Kevin Coleman who has founded associationhealthplans.com to provide facts and figures about the new market, 28 plans are now being offered in 13 states. Coleman says if there are 50 in 16 states by the end of the year, he would consider that a successful result.

Time will tell in the next few years whether the updated versions of association health insurance will actually have solved the problems the old ones presented and, indeed, offer policyholders a cheaper option.

Coleman says so far plan sponsors claim they typically pay between 23 and 29 percent less to cover those insured than before.

How do sponsors achieve the savings they are claiming?

The new association plans don’t have to offer the same benefits as Obamacare plans. Coleman says he is finding that while many plans do offer mental health coverage like the ACA policies, they do not cover pediatric dental and vision services that you would find in an ACA plan.

While ACA plans can use only a few of the so-called rating factors like smoking, age, and where a person applying for coverage lives, association plans have much more leeway. They can use occupation in determining whether to insure someone and, ultimately, what a policy costs.

If an insurer doesn’t want to insure rodeo performers, for instance, they can refuse to insure them.

By excluding certain people who are likely to generate lots of claims – like ballet dancers or young women who have babies – the sponsor can save money and, theoretically, pass the savings on to policyholders.

One of the things that Coleman found in his survey is that the deductibles are still very high. As an example, Coleman noted that in one plan deductibles ranged from $4,500 to $10,000 for a family plan and from $1,500 to $5,000 for individual coverage. That’s the amount of medical bills the insured person will have to pay in a year before the insurance even kicks in.

A shopper might expect to find those kinds of deductibles in many of the Affordable Care Act policies and in other individual market insurance as well.

Remember, it’s the interplay among four factors that determines how much your health insurance really costs: the deductible; coinsurance, the percentage of the price of a medical service you pay yourself; copayment, a flat amount you pay for a service; and the premium. Too often people look only at the premium.

Sellers of the newly fashioned association policies also have more opportunity to charge higher premiums for some people, says Sabrina Corlette, a research professor at Georgetown University’s Center on Health Insurance Reforms.

Federal law does not prohibit using age as a factor in determining premiums, although some state laws might.

“Promoting easy fixes is creating new winners and losers without addressing the real problem,” Corlette says. “I caution policymakers there’s no magic bullet to affordability. AHPs do nothing to tackle the core problem of hospital costs, doctor and drug costs. The price of health care is too damn high.”

What has been your experience in choosing health insurance for this year? Write to Trudy at trudy.lieberman@gmail.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/maybe-the-u-s-is-finally-serious-about-lowering-drug-prices 61ae6d0d13b61100160708a5 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

THINKING ABOUT HEALTH

By Trudy Lieberman, Rural Health News Service

David Mitchell is a man with a mission. He is determined to stitch together a movement that will finally smash the power of the pharmaceutical industry and bring pocketbook relief to millions of Americans who need expensive drugs.

Mitchell, a 68-year-old former Washington, D.C., communications executive, was diagnosed eight years ago with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer. Until recently, the disease has been held in check by drugs costing $325,000 a year. Medicare and a good Medigap policy have covered most of the expense.

In 2016 Mitchell said he began to think about others who had sky-high drug expenses but struggled to pay for them. “I had an epiphany,” he told me. “Why can’t I do something?

“Drugs don’t work if people can’t afford them,” he says.

So began his organization, Patients for Affordable Drugs Now, which collects stories about patients having trouble paying for their medicines and is building a patient advocacy community to make their voices heard. His group has collected some 15,000 patient stories, more than 100,000 emails, and has trained patients to be advocates to testify in state legislatures and lobby Congress.

Unlike most other patient groups that work on pharmaceutical issues, Mitchell’s group takes no money from the drug industry. He says money comes from foundations, friends, family, and patients, but not from anyone who profits from making pharmaceuticals. This gives his group independence and credibility that others might not have.

Mitchell and I talked about various proposals floating around to deal with the high price of medicines. At the outset, he noted that list prices for drugs are still going up 6 to 9 percent a year, net prices are up 2 to 4 percent, and drug companies are spending record amounts lobbying legislators not to make any significant changes.

Shortly before the president’s State of the Union message, the administration proposed to eliminate some of the rebates drug makers pay to insurance companies in the Medicare program. Pharmacy benefit managers, middlemen in the drug supply chain who accept drug company rebates, usually for brand-name drugs under the Medicare and Medicaid programs, would lose legal protections under the proposal.

Drug makers use rebates to secure preferred placement for their drugs on an insurer’s formulary tiers.

The Trump administration claims eliminating that practice would save significant amounts for older people who have been paying high out of pocket costs. Whether the rule will be adopted is not clear, nor are the amounts of any projected savings for consumers.

Juliana Keeping, a spokesperson for Patients for Affordable Drugs Now, says the administration’s proposal “won’t lower sole source drug pricing for biologic drugs because there aren’t many biosimilars.” Those are drugs extracted from or semi synthesized from biological sources, and biosimilars are almost identical.

Mitchell’s organization would prefer to see Medicare use the International Pricing Index to decide how much to pay for Part B drugs – those administered in physicians’ offices and in hospital outpatient departments. Medicare has proposed such an index that it says would allow it to pay prices more in line with those in similar countries.

Two other remedies are gathering interest among members of Congress and policy makers. Both have been around a long time, but the new push to do something about the high price of drugs may finally result in some movement toward passage.

One is to allow Medicare to negotiate prices for Part D drugs. Recall that the 2003 law that gave seniors a drug benefit said that Medicare could not negotiate prices with the drug companies. It’s a provision that has no doubt helped big PhRMA companies but increasingly has hurt beneficiaries.

The other is to limit patent protection, which would allow low-cost generics to come to market more quickly. That remedy has been kicked around for years, but perhaps public ire over high drug prices will make a difference this time.

Even though there’s a patient backlash against high drug prices right now, we will still see a bruising battle to enact some of the changes Mitchell’s group and others are advocating.

“PhRMA companies determine both what their list prices are and the size of the rebates they are willing to pay to obtain market access,” says Dr. Peter Bach, a physician and epidemiologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.

The drug industry will fight hard to keep it that way.

If you want to share your story with Mitchell’s group write to him at david@p4adnow.org.

What do you do to save drug costs? Write to Trudy at trudy.lieberman@gmail.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/new-group-aims-to-protect-fairness-and-stability-in-mississippi-s-courts 61ae6d0d13b61100160708a4 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The newly formed Mississippi Civil Justice Alliance (MCJA) will act as a watchdog for fairness and stability in the Mississippi judiciary. The MCJA is a statewide, nonpartisan alliance of organizations and individuals representing businesses, professional and trade associations, health care providers, nonprofit entities, taxpayers and other perspectives. The Alliance is affiliated with the Business and Industry Political Education Committee (BIPEC).

“The MCJA was formed to bring attention to judicial decisions that are back-tracking on the gains from tort reform,” commented Derek Easley, President and CEO of BIPEC. “Legal reform has been a significant factor in business expansion and economic growth in Mississippi. The MCJA recognizes that adverse court decisions can undermine or reverse hard-won legislative successes, and we stand ready to highlight rulings that both restrain liability or expand liability.”

“Mississippi leaders need to be aware of how the judiciary impacts business and jobs in Mississippi,” continued Easley. “The MCJA is working to protect the economic gains for all Mississippians as a result of maintaining equity and balance in our legal system.”

The Mississippi Civil Justice Alliance (MCJA) is committed to protecting Mississippi’s tort reform laws, promoting additional reforms for a healthier legal climate, and monitoring the rulings and opinions of our trial court, Court of Appeals, Supreme Court and the U. S. Supreme Court. The MCJA will also monitor and educate Mississippians regarding litigation filed and opinions given by the state’s chief legal officer, the Attorney General.

The alliance closely monitors litigation trends in Mississippi courts, participates actively as amicus in important appellate matters at the state level and comments extensively on proposed rules of civil procedure and evidence.

Additionally, the MCJA provides administrative and logistical support for coordinated efforts by business, trade, and professional associations on issues of common interest. If an issue relates to an essential legal policy matter that affects the Mississippi business community, the alliance will act as the voice for the business community’s response

For more information about the Mississippi Civil Justice Alliance (MCJA), visit https://www.msciviljustice.org visit or call (601) 259-7689.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/another-former-eagle-to-play-in-super-bowl-liii 61ae6d0d13b61100160708a3 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Former Hinds Eagle football standout and current wide receiver for the Los Angeles Rams, KhaDarel Hodge (D'Lo), is set to make his Super Bowl debut Sunday, February 3 when the Rams take on the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII.

Hodge makes his first Super Bowl appearance in his rookie campaign following a regular season where his Rams went 11-3 overall to earn a first place seed and a buy in the NFL Playoffs. So far the Rams have gone a perfect 2-0 in the playoffs defeating the Dallas Cowboys (30-22) and the New Orleans Saints (26-23). This marks the first time the Rams have reached the Super Bowl since 2002 when they also took on the Patriots.

Hodge played one season at Hinds (2014) where he made the transition from quarterback to wide receiver. From Hinds, Hodge transferred to Prairie View A&M where he started for three seasons and racked up 104 receptions, 1,797 yards and 21 touchdowns in 30 games played. As a senior in 2017, Hodge earned first-team All-SWAC honors. Hodge was signed on July 24, 2018 by the Los Angeles Rams and currently on their playoff roster at wide receiver.

The last Eagle alumni to play in the Super Bowl was Malcolm Butler in 2015 in Super Bowl XLIX. Butler played for the New England Patriots and made one of the greatest plays in Super Bowl history when with just 26 seconds remaining he intercepted Russell Wilson's pass from the one-yard line in the end zone to save the game and seal a 28-24 victory for the Patriots over the Seahawks.

You can watch Hodge and the Rams as the take on the Patriots (Feb. 3) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. The game will be televised on CBS.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/amr-and-restaurant-association-advise-on-preventing-super-bowl-dui-crashes 61ae6d0d13b61100160708a2 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Drunk driving crashes skyrocket after Super Bowl games, so AMR paramedics and the Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association (MHRA) are urging party hosts to prevent DUI.

In a joint statement, AMR spokesman Jim Pollard and MHRA executive director Pat Fontaine said, “Super Bowl Sunday is one of the biggest days for drinking beer and liquor. Parties can start long before kickoff and last beyond the game’s end. Those facts can be a recipe for tragedy.”

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has found that men ages 21 to 34 are most likely to be involved in DUI crashes, less likely to use seat belts and very likely to speed. Young men are also the core audience for major sporting events. The Fatal Accident Reporting System has shown Sunday Bowl Sundays are among the worst days of the year for DUI-related deaths.

BACtrack, a maker of personal breathalyzers, has studied the level of alcohol in the blood measured by law enforcement testing for each day of the year. BACtrack found, in some years, DUI offenders on Super Bowl Sunday had on average the second- or third-highest blood alcohol content of all days of the year. New Year’s Eve is perennially the worst. In short, DUI offenders on Super Bowl Sunday are among the most intoxicated on the road any day of the year.

AMR and MHRA urges party hosts to make certain guests don’t get drunk and drive. Fontaine and Pollard said, “Party hosts, bartenders and servers have a legal and moral responsibility to help keep drunk drivers off the road. If a guest has a DUI crash, the host may face an expensive lawsuit, not to mention the lifelong emotional pain resulting from the crash. By keeping drunk drivers off the road you’ll possibly save a guest’s life and the lives of others.”

Fontaine said the restaurant association has trained hundreds of bartenders and wait staff statewide on serving alcohol responsibly. “Hospitality professionals who have taken our course are well-schooled on helping prevent DUI,” he said.

MHRA and AMR advised the hosts of private parties:

Never invite guests by saying your group plans to drink a great deal.

Limit your own alcohol intake so you can determine whether guests are fit to drive and take steps to stop impaired guests from driving.

As couples or groups arrive, immediately identify the designated driver. Remind them: A designated driver isn’t one who drinks the least alcohol, but one who drinks zero alcohol.

Reward designated drivers by giving them a choice seat in front the TV or first pass at the buffet. Take the keys from all those who aren’t driving.

If a guest comes alone and is known to drink alcohol, determine at the start of the party who will take him or her home.

Do not pressure guests to drink. There’s a big difference between “Would you like something to drink?” compared to “Come on, have a drink!”

Provide a bartender so guests don’t over-serve themselves. Limit servings of alcohol by keeping glasses filled with ice. Don’t rush to refill guests’ glasses with alcohol.

Put non-alcoholic drinks in the same place as the alcohol, displayed just as prominently.

Serve lots of food. Provide water and juice plus “mocktails.” Mocktails are mixed drinks without alcohol in them. A “virgin” Bloody Mary looks and tastes much like the real thing. Visit www.allrecipes.com has dozens for mocktail recipes.

Serve all beverages in the same size and shape glass. That way, those who aren’t drinking alcohol won’t feel or look different.

Do not allow drinking contests. Ask your guests who are drinking to pace themselves, eat plenty of food and alternate alcohol with non-alcoholic drinks.

Never serve alcohol to anyone less than 21 years of age. It’s illegal and has big penalties.

If someone shows up drunk or gets drunk, tell the guest he or she has drunk too much and alcohol is off limits. Take the guest aside and offer a place to sleep it off. If another guest is a close friend of the intoxicated person, ask that other guest to help.

Prevent falls by clearing walkways and stairs and by providing adequate lighting. WUI (walking under the influence) can also lead to serious injury.

Follow the example of numerous NFL stadiums and stop serving alcohol when the second half starts. Begin serving coffee and dessert. Remember, coffee does not restore sobriety.

Never let anyone drive who has drunk any alcohol at all, no matter how little. Take the keys. Call a cab. Encourage the guest to stay overnight. Don’t let drunk guests out of your sight.

As guests leave, help the designated drivers buckle up every passenger. Buckling up protects occupants from other drivers who may be intoxicated.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/gov-phil-bryant-delivers-state-of-the-address 61ae6d0d13b61100160708a1 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

STATE OF THE STATE

2019

Thank you Mr. Lieutenant Governor. As always I appreciate your introduction, but more importantly, I am thankful for your support and friendship over these last seven years. Governor, you and Speaker Gunn have and continue to be exceptional leaders. I can only hope history will properly record your collective achievements for the people of Mississippi. I expect the members of each chamber will join me tonight in thanking you for your dedication and service.

For the past seven years, another leader has sat upon this stage and endured one grand speech after another—a leader who exemplifies what it means to work not in ambition or conceit, but in humility and service. In the many days between each of these annual addresses, she has gone about her remarkable work being Mississippi’s First Lady: visiting the children of Blair Batson and working to build the most frail among them a forever home; reading to students in each and every county in the state and embracing them all.

She has welcomed countless visitors to Mississippi’s historic Governor’s Mansion while directing its renovation and recovery from decades of erosion and decay. She has comforted storm survivors and has helped rebuild their homes. Many responsibilities fell upon her heart seven years ago. She has accepted them all with grace and the loving spirit of one who knows her Christian duty, to treat each person she meets with the dignity endowed upon them by their Creator. Her acts have not been completed for compensation, but rather given with a heart of love. She has been a caring mother and now a joyous grandmother, and for 42 years I have had the honor and privilege of having her as my First Lady. I am so very thankful for all she has done for Mississippi. Ladies and gentlemen, the First Lady of Mississippi, Deborah Bryant.

Seven years ago, I stood before this joint session in unrestrained optimism for our state. I proposed that night we set aside our petty political differences and work for the good of all Mississippians. In doing so I believed we could then dedicate ourselves to the proposition that we fail separately, but collectively we can accomplish great things. I proposed that night we all Rise Together.

Tonight, we can reflect on that theme as more than just a hopeful phrase or a wishful possibility. I assure you it was not used simply for effect but for purpose. I purposely called on each of you, and indeed all Mississippians, to join this administration not for merely another term of office, but an amazing journey. One that would see dramatic improvements in the lives of Mississippians and the national status of our beloved state among those of this united Republic.

The question of the ages for Mississippi has been and must continue to be ever simple but profound—can we here, in this our Beulah Land, possibly Rise Together? Can a land woven within the depths of tremendous suffering and sorrow be propelled to soaring heights by the world’s great writers, musicians, and entrepreneurs and indeed chart a path to a new tomorrow? A tomorrow that forever casts aside our past of failure and self-doubt to instead accept the crown of achievement? A tomorrow where the world understands a place like Mississippi is a land of promise and possibility for all its people?

My fellow Mississippians, I am pleased to say we have disappointed the doubters. Together, we have proven that Mississippi can harness our inherent goodness to achieve greatness. Tonight, allow me to show you how we are truly becoming the Great State of Mississippi.

First, we have embraced the idea that effective public education is the most certain way to see a collective and universal improvement in the lives of all Mississippians. For every single year before our work began in 2012, the children of this state had suffered from an all-too-often failing educational system. Now let me be clear, our schools did not falter or fail from lack of teacher dedication. No one throughout our state’s history has sacrificed more to better the lives of Mississippi children than our teachers. That includes, I would suggest, all of the officials who have served in either the House, Senate, or Governor’s Office. Of all the educational reforms proposed by politicians and all the public posturing by those wanting to be the education champion, none has done more than the teachers. They alone have been there in the classroom, often challenged and overwhelmed by circumstances beyond their control, teaching still, inspiring still, and leading children to rise together.

Our gratitude to these classroom heroes and the essential value of public education are why we passed a $100 million teacher pay raise in 2014 and why I now call on the members of this body to join me in giving teachers their second pay raise in five years. Send me a bill to authorize a pay raise for these most critical guardians of Mississippi’s future, and I will sign it.

At the beginning of this administration, we knew equipping teachers with outstanding training would create historic results for students. That is why we have supported teachers to achieve National Board Certification. We now have nearly 4,200 National Board Certified Teachers, who earn an additional $6,000 per year as a result of this certification. Our support has placed Mississippi fourth in the nation for the number of National Board Certified Teachers.

I am prouder still of the exceptional work of Mississippi’s students. For too long, too many people assumed our students were just not destined for success – that they could not or would not achieve. But we knew better. We understood the innate ability of all children to learn and grow and unlock their own potential if only given the opportunity.

We also knew literacy to be the foundation of success. That is why we worked so hard together to pass the Literacy Based Promotion Act in 2013. The concept of the bill was basic but revolutionary. It required reading proficiency by the third grade in order to ensure the opportunity for continued learning and achievement both in the classroom and in life beyond the schoolhouse door. My fellow Mississippians, the numbers show us the policy is working—and to great effect. In 2011, only 54 percent of Mississippi third graders were reading with proficiency. With the implementation of the third grade literacy policy, we have dramatically improved student opportunity and thus the future of our state. In the last testing cycle, 93 percent of Mississippi’s third graders were reading proficiently. I believe that time and results will record your passage of this act as the single most successful reform to public education in Mississippi history.

Further testament to the effectiveness of this policy is displayed by Mississippi’s third and fourth grade students who are performing so well we are now second in the nation for reading improvement.

Older students are also improving their performance and are becoming better prepared to enter the workforce or further their education. As National Chairman of Jobs for America’s Graduates, I saw not just Mississippi but an entire nation struggling with high school dropout rates. When we first met here in 2012, our graduation rate was 75 percent. Today, 83 percent of our high school students are graduating--the highest percentage in Mississippi history.

Moreover, our work in education hasn’t been limited to K-12 classrooms. Early childhood learning in Mississippi is becoming a national model. The majority of children across this state are in childcare, and for far too long there was little improvement in educating our youngest children. Each year, Mississippi spends $98 million on federally funded daycare to, all too often, simply house these children. The absence of any learning component in most of these childcare centers, especially in low-income communities, was unacceptable. Following the passage of the Early Learning Collaborative Act in 2013, we put the State Early Childhood Advisory Council to work. We implemented high quality standards for early education. We expanded on the good work of Mississippi Building Blocks and began to instruct childcare workers on a basic curriculum that was compatible with early childhood learning programs across the state.

Today, community colleges throughout Mississippi are teaching child care workers, at no cost to the centers, a curriculum that was designed to support the skills young children need when entering kindergarten. This concept will ensure children begin to learn very early in life when their capacity to process information is at its greatest. We all realize that children learn early and retain those lessons and skills throughout their lives. Now Mississippi’s youngest students will be better prepared for school and successful careers by learning the soft skills necessary for any vocation. Mississippi’s workforce of tomorrow is in daycare today. Together, we can help them become the best in America.

By 2015, Mississippi was going a step further in helping to restore and support the entire family. Implementing a holistic system to provide more than just early learning, we began to interview parents of children in publicly-funded day care programs in order to match families with other needed services like Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. We also began to offer additional education and workforce training opportunities for parents. This Families First platform has become a model of success for thousands of Mississippians and one that is being emulated all across America.

There is little doubt that our education system is far better than it has ever been and headed in the right direction. We now have a more robust system of education opportunities for all Mississippi children including: public charter schools, dyslexia management programs, advanced distance learning, and now even a special needs scholarship program serving the most vulnerable of our children. I thank you for making that possible and challenge each member of this body to continue to support policies that will help us keep all our children rising together.

Unfortunately, a problem exists in our schools today that threatens children of all ages. It has become commonly known as the active shooter. Our schools, which once were a haven of security, have become a place of potential violence. To help protect our students and those who teach them, I will ask you to pass a comprehensive plan to keep our school children safe. The recommendations come from a year-long study for effective results. If you will pass and fund the Mississippi Safe School Act, our parents, teachers and administrators will be allowed to care for our children in a safe and protected environment.

Since 2012 when this administration began, thousands of Mississippi’s high school graduates had begun college and left without completing their degrees. The challenges of life caused these students to leave higher education before receiving their diploma. In 2017, with the help of our community colleges and universities, we launched Complete to Compete. This innovative program encourages students to return to higher education and complete their college degrees. Thus far, more than 13,000 former students have responded, and almost 1,600 have returned to college to complete what they started.

With us in the gallery tonight is one of many completers. A husband and a father of three who took up the call and has earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State University. He is the Director of Transportation for the Starkville Oktibbeha School District. Please help me welcome Mr. Kelvin Gibson.

Of course, the ultimate goal of these education reforms is to nurture prosperity in generations of young Mississippians. A wise man once said that, “the best social program is a job.” The simple dignity of work is transformational, and I have long proposed that a good job for all Mississippians would become a signpost to success. For that reason, we have assisted the private sector in creating more jobs in a shorter period of time than any in our state’s history.

In January of 2012, our state’s unemployment rate was 9.4 percent. In 2017, we broke a record by dropping below 5 percent to the lowest unemployment number ever recorded. Today, it is 4.7 percent.

The better news is the unemployment rate has been at or below 4.8 percent for 12 months in a row, and real median household income has risen by 8.4 percent since 2011. And just in case you’re not tired of winning yet, we have 80,000 more Mississippians working today than the day I took office.

Our success in growing the economy is demanding that our focus on workforce be sharpened like never before. Workforce development must be and has now become our highest priority. Dr. Laurie Smith, who has spearheaded most of the early learning innovations in our state, has now, along with Dr. Andrea Mayfield, Executive Director of our Community College Board, begun to transform our workforce development efforts. Under their leadership, Mississippi was first in the nation to have a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act approved by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Our plan utilizes every community college as a Workforce Center of Excellence. Apprenticeship programs couple students with private companies to help them launch careers in targeted industries in their communities. These partnerships are keeping Mississippi industries like auto, aerospace, the furniture industry, medicine, and shipbuilding strong. Younger workers are growing where they are planted and living the American Dream right here in their own back yards. These young workers have more opportunity than ever before now. Today, in Mississippi we have over 44,000 job openings just waiting to be filled.

The opportunities created by our economic developers in Mississippi are impossible to describe in the limited time I have with you tonight. The work of the Mississippi Development Authority, with your help and support, has been nothing short of unprecedented. In the past seven years, your MDA team has competed with the nation and the world, and more often than not we have won.

Your support in job creation and business expansion has been fruitful and has a clear and definable return on investment. In the past seven years, MDA has helped create 35,000 new jobs and attracted more than $7 billion of private investment to Mississippi. Ladies and gentlemen, help me thank the architect of Mississippi’s marketing and recruitment success, the Executive Director of the Mississippi Development Authority, Mr. Glenn McCullough.

Once again, the constraint of time will not allow me to provide the extensive list of companies and corporations that have chosen Mississippi as their home or the number of local companies that have expanded. However, please allow me to remind you of some of the most recent.

As we gather here tonight, Continental Tire Corporation continues to construct the largest plant in their universe right here in Hinds County. At its completion, this plant will employ twenty-five hundred Mississippians, with a corporate investment of $1.45 billion dollars.

And, as you also know by now, Amazon will open its new goods fulfillment center in Marshall County and employ 850 Mississippians. This innovative company has changed the way the world shops, and its fulfillment center could have gone anywhere in America. I am proud to say Amazon chose Mississippi. Tonight we have with us in the gallery, Amazon’s Manager of Economic Development, Mr. Will Cowsert.

I have assured presidents and prime ministers and chief executive officers that Mississippi works and they have listened. From Tel Aviv to Tokyo, we have traveled the globe seeking investment in Mississippi, and our efforts are paying dividends. More than 155 international corporations now have a presence in our state.

Our exports have increased by more than 259 percent in the last decade, and over the last several years we have shown world leaders that Mississippi is more than just a river. The results of these missions produce foreign direct investment and build international business relationships, allowing Mississippi to be a part of the global market. With your support we have shown the entire world that Mississippi works.

From the outset, this administration identified the value of healthcare for the wellbeing of Mississippians as well as our economy, and our effort to identify healthcare as an economic driver continues. Understanding that access to care must be the beginning of any good healthcare plan. Embracing the fact that a doctor generates a $2 million economic impact to the community, we endeavored to increase the number of physicians in our state. That is why we have put $12 million into badly needed primary care in the most medically underserved areas in our state with Rural Physician Scholarships. This has placed 33 practicing physicians in rural Mississippi, and that number will nearly double by 2020.

By 2013, the need for an updated, expanded medical school was obvious. With your help, the University of Mississippi Medical Center opened a new state-of-the art medical school, increasing each graduating class to 165 physicians. This expanded campus anchors a growing medical corridor that stretches from the Jackson Medical Mall to Rankin County, and it is my hope that medical innovation within the corridor will continue to flourish now and for generations to come.

In the piney woods of Harrison County, another medical community is emerging. It now includes a new William Carey University pharmacy school and a Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College nursing and simulation center. The presence of a National Obesity and Diabetes Research Center in partnership with the Cleveland Clinic is also a testament to our collective determination in making Mississippi’s own medical city.

The visionary who has invested much of his personal and corporate achievement into this growing medical city at Tradition is with us tonight. His father was a Biloxi physician, and he has returned to help build this medical miracle in Harrison County. Please welcome with me one of America’s great entrepreneurs, Mr. Joe Canizaro.

As I reflect on where we have dedicated our time and resources, I am happy to remind Mississippians the state of our state is financially sound and better than we could have ever imagined. State revenues are reflective of an economy that is gaining and expanding. Adhering to conservative budgeting principles, we have reserved nearly $350 million in rainy day savings. Revenue collections have already exceeded estimates by $90 million and corporate income tax is out-performing year-to-date estimates by nearly 16 percent.

You will also be encouraged to know we have dramatically cut the cost of government by reducing the number of state employees in the last seven years by nearly 5,000. This effort has resulted in a savings of more than $64 million for the taxpayers of Mississippi.

The 2018 special legislative session was the most successful in modern history. A state investment of more than $1 billion over the next five years will fund infrastructure improvements around the state, and a $38 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation will help complete previously unfunded projects in Desoto and Neshoba counties. Thanks to your actions, $50 million appropriated for local bridge repair is available to counties across the state. This Legislature has given them what they need to replace and repair bridges today and has established a funding mechanism to do so into tomorrow.

I am proud to announce tonight that, along with our other 14 ports, the Mississippi State Port at Gulfport is finally complete. This $570 million recovery project was the largest and most complex recovery challenge remaining from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, and it is now open for business.

Last year marked Mississippi’s 200th year of statehood in this great Nation. We celebrated with vibrant local festivities and hundreds of events but also with the profoundly important opening of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Mississippi History. Within these buildings lies the story of our state’s rich, and at times dark history, there for us all to examine with clear eyes and hearts turned, full of hope, towards our future. Already more than 250,000 visitors have come to see and learn the true story of Mississippi. Our creativity and our strength; our sorrows and our joys; our richness and our perseverance are there for the world to see. But on this occasion, Mississippi would tell our own story.

The young lady who has been the driving force behind these outstanding achievements is with us tonight. She has been a tireless advocate of the two museums and of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Her passion for preservation and for Mississippi set her apart, and we are so very grateful for her efforts. Ladies and gentlemen, the executive director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Mrs. Katie Blount.

Mississippi is recognized the world-over as the birth place of America’s Music, from the Grammy Museum to the MAX in Meridian, we continue to showcase the rich history of the Arts in Mississippi. In 2014, we celebrated a year-long recognition of our artists by declaring it as The Year of the Creative Economy. From the birthplace of the King of Rock-n-Roll in Tupelo to the final resting place of the King of the Blues in Indianola, we placed our marker at the center point of America’s music. Your dedication to the arts and entertainment in Mississippi helped draw more than 24 million visitors and brought in more than $6.5 billion in the last year alone.

Seven years of work and dedication, and the resulting successes, are behind us, but our work is far from finished. One of our most pressing tasks is caring for Mississippi children in the foster care system. We can and must do more to support the foster children of this state by providing the necessary funding to the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services and ending the Olivia Y legal action against the State of Mississippi once and for all.

Three years ago, you joined me in seeing the need to establish Child Protection Services as its own agency, accountable directly to the governor. This move has allowed CPS to focus on a single mission: providing foster children with safe, nurturing care while either working to reunite them with their families or placing them with a loving forever family through adoption.

I can report to you tonight that CPS is making great progress. When Justice Jess Dickinson courageously agreed to lead Child Protection Services 6,100 Mississippi children were in the foster system. Today, that number is fewer than 4,900 all thanks to improved efficiencies in the adoption process and tireless work in healing and uniting families. We have much more work to do, but what a difference for these 1,200 children to be safe at home, whether with their parents, relatives, or with their adopted families. For those families who are reunited, CPS is working in proactive ways to better assist them, such as developing new methods to help parents released from incarceration better support their children. Perhaps the most incredible success has occurred with adopted families. The number of adoptions has more than doubled in just one year.

CPS also works closely with the Mississippi Department of Human Services. This year, child support collections are higher than they have ever been—more than $370 million, an $11 million increase over last year. By privatizing this critical service in 2016, we have assured those who owe child support in this state pay it.

If we continue to show our collective support for the neglected and abused children of our state, I believe the federal courts will find favor with our actions. More importantly, so will God Almighty.

Imagine, I asked in 2016, if we all worked together to better public education, from childcare to college. Imagine what we could do together if we took the economy to record highs and unemployment to record lows. Imagine if we had a new medical school, a medical city for research and healing and led the nation in telemedicine. Imagine if we could fund more infrastructure improvements and have another world-class port to ship our products around the globe. Imagine if we could help lead the nation in criminal justice reform, while reducing our prison population and saving more than $40 million for Mississippi taxpayers.

Much work remains in this critical area, and this session I will ask you to take the next step in criminal justice reform. As a former law enforcement officer, I realize some believe our innovations will somehow be soft on crime. Nothing could be further from reality. If we hope to ever lower our crime rate, we must start with the 33 percent that leave our correctional system only to return within three years. If President Donald J. Trump can pass nationwide criminal justice reform through a gridlocked and hyper-partisan congress, surely we can do so right here in Mississippi.

Working together we have accomplished these things and so much more. We have enhanced our beautiful state seal with America’s national motto. For this time and all time the world will know in no uncertain terms that in Mississippi, “In God We Trust.” Thanks to the leadership of the Speaker and Lieutenant Governor and many of you in this chamber, we have protected Mississippi’s religious freedom while not harming one individual or community.

Our right to keep and bear arms, as assured by the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, remains firm and steadfastly defended here in the State of Mississippi. And with your unwavering support, we will continue to make Mississippi the safest place in America for an unborn child.

I can assure you all, this administration will not cease its efforts to rise to new levels of greatness, and before 2020 sees its beginning, we will have more accomplishments and more transformative change. We will go into a new decade filled with even brighter tomorrows. Tonight’s address is not meant to be a point of victory or final accomplishment, but another step, together, toward triumph. As President Ronald Reagan said, “the goal for all of us should be that one day, things will be done neither because of, nor in spite of, any of the differences between us.” Therefore I say to each of you, continue to work together to do the things that are best for Mississippi.

As you know, this will be my last time to address this joint session. This is a special place to me. I began my life in public service in this House chamber in 1992.

I started as a young man, and I will finish as a grandfather. Over these many years I have seen Mississippi make incredible progress. It may not have always been perfect, but the march of improvement and advancement in our people’s lives over the last 30 years is undeniable. None of us can accept credit for all of it, but we can all claim the honor of toiling and striving to make our home a better place.

Each of us gets only a finite amount of time to lead – a time determined by our conscience or by our constituents. My time in leadership will be ending this year, but for many of you your journey has just begun. Let us join hands and finish this year, and this decade, with a spirit of action and an eye toward the future.

Tonight, I reflect on the wisdom of St. Paul. I can only hope that, like him, “I have fought the good fight, I have run the race, and always keeping my eyes on the prize, I will press on towards the mark.”

God bless each of you; God bless the people of Mississippi, and God bless the United States of America.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/district-court-ruling-against-the-aca-would-end-popular-benefits 61ae6d0d13b61100160708a0 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Right before Christmas a U.S. District Court Judge in Texas ruled the Affordable Care Act, also called Obamacare, was unconstitutional. What’s more the judge didn’t just throw out the controversial provision that nearly every American is required to carry health insurance, he tossed out the entire law with its myriad provisions.

“Nearly everyone would be affected in some way if the Texas judge’s ruling that the entire ACA is unconstitutional is upheld,” says Larry Levitt, senior vice president of the Kaiser Family Foundation. “It would also be a big deal if only the ACA’s preexisting conditions were thrown out as the Trump administration has argued.”

Indeed, it would. Although I’ve argued there are many flaws in the Affordable Care Act, its greatest contribution may be that it opened the door for sick people to get insurance. Until the ACA came along, anyone who needed to buy coverage in the individual insurance market had to pass tough medical scrutiny by insurers. Even a seemingly minor condition like ear infections could disqualify someone from getting a policy.

There’s no going back to the past on this one. The principle that everyone needs health insurance, whether sick or well, and has a right to get it is now becoming more firmly planted in American health insurance. As proof, we have to look no further than the public outcry that surfaced when Congress tried to repeal the law in 2017 and the importance it took on all over the country in the November midterm elections when candidates who were on record as opposing the ACA tried to convince voters they really were for letting sick people buy health insurance after all.

The law also established that people with lower incomes needed subsidies to help buy health insurance. Families and individuals with incomes below 400 percent of the federal poverty level get help that would disappear should the ACA be struck down.

Perhaps its most far-reaching and arguably most humane benefit was to expand Medicaid benefits to nearly 13 million Americans with very low incomes. The 2012 Supreme Court decision that allowed the ACA to take effect gave states the option of expanding Medicaid to cover exactly those people. Many did not, and that battle is still being fought in many states.

A lot of other provisions would go away, too. There are no lifetime limits on coverage meaning that a family with a catastrophic illness won’t have to worry about their insurance disappearing if their spending exceeds a certain threshold as was the case in the bad old days. And it allowed young adults up to age 26 to stay on their parents’ insurance. That has helped a lot of young people starting their careers.

The ACA also established required minimum benefits that included coverage for mental health, prescription drugs, and maternity care that were often missing from individual market policies before the ACA was passed. While some of those coverages were controversial because they added to the cost of a policy, they’ve provided needed help to many families.

Medicare beneficiaries, too, have benefited in ways that might not be obvious. The financing deal that the Obama administration made with the country’s hospitals also has helped shore up the Medicare Part A trust fund, which pays for hospital charges, and prolong its solvency for more years. That arrangement could unravel if the law ultimately is struck down.

And, as part of the final deal, pharmaceutical companies agreed to pay part of the cost of brand name prescription drugs for seniors with high drug expenses when they reached the so-called donut hole of Medicare’s drug benefit. Once they reach the donut hole amount, seniors must pay for their drugs until they reach the catastrophic limit of coverage. Provisions of the ACA allow them to pay a lower percentage of their drug expenses while in the donut hole.

We don’t know how the courts will rule when the Texas judge’s decision is appealed, although liberal and conservative legal experts predicted the decision will be overturned and law will ultimately be upheld. One thing is for sure. The Affordable Care Act has had nine lives. It’s possible it will have a tenth. The law has proven to be more durable than many predicted. That speaks to the great need that the law, even with its many imperfections, has addressed.

Has the ACA helped you? Write to Trudy at trudy.lieberman@gmail.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/the-mississippi-future-caucus-to-host-1st-bi-annual-gensummit-on-college-voting 61ae6d0d13b611001607089f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT The Mississippi Future Caucus (MFC) is hosting a summit for college-age voters to talk about the voting process: what worked, what didn’t and how to improve college students’ access to voting. The GENSummit on College Voting will be held at the Mississippi State Capitol on Saturday, January 12, 2019 from 9 am to 4 pm. “Our hopes for this summit are two-fold. We want to provide an opportunity for our college students who participated or tried to participate in our election process to share their experiences, grievances, and ideas about the process. We plan to make the summit a bi-annual event so that we can continue to stay engaged with young voters and keep them engaged in the political process” explains Rep. Jeramey Anderson of Moss Point “We are very excited about bringing the next generation of leaders to our Capitol to discuss ways for them to make an impact. I firmly believe that if we give millennials a stronger voice in the direction of our state, they will be more likely to stay here, work here, and raise their families here”, said Rep. Roun McNeal of Leakesville. The Mississippi Future Caucus and the GENSummit is supported by the Millennial Action Project. The caucus is a bipartisan group of state legislators under age 40. Their goal is to work together to develop legislation and to break partisan stalemates on issues that affect every day Mississippians. They hope the summit will draw students from different political affiliations and backgrounds in order to gain a diverse understanding of the voting process in college. Registration is free but is limited to the first 100 students who register. Lunch will be provided. Register now at www.jerameyanderson.com under the GENSummit tab. If you have any questions, please reach out to Representative Anderson’s office at 228.206.2129. Members of the Mississippi Future Caucus ● Rep. Jeramey Anderson (D) - Co-Chair ● Rep. Roun McNeal (R) - Co-Chair ● Rep. Shane Barnett (R) - Secretary Rep. Joel Bomgar, Rep. Jarvis Dortch, Rep. Robert Foster, Rep. Lataisha Jackson, Rep. Chris Johnson, Rep. Trey Lamar, Rep. Orlando Paden, Rep. Noah Sanford, Sen. Jenifer Branning, Sen. Neil Whaley

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mdeq-promotes-a-green-holiday-season 61ae6d0d13b611001607089e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) encourages Mississippians to remember the environment this holiday season through waste reduction, reuse, and recycling practices to “green up” the holiday season. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the amount of household trash increases by 25 percent between Thanksgiving and the New Year. MDEQ recommends considering the following “green” practices during the holiday season: Decorating IdeasConsider having a potted Christmas tree that can be replanted in the wild, in the yard, or kept and re-used the next year.Recycle Christmas trees or consider using an artificial tree that can be used every year. Discarded Christmas trees can be used for fish spawning habitats, for mulch for public landscaping projects and homeowner use, for boiler fuel, and for lake, river, and beach front stabilization. Local governments can provide information about the recycling of Christmas trees.Use trimmed branches from Christmas trees for wreaths or hearth or table decorations rather than discarding them immediately.Decorate with holly, cedar, berries, cranberries, popcorn, fruits and nuts–some which can be consumed and all of which can be composted. Gift Shopping and WrappingTake re-usable canvas tote bags for shopping and avoid using plastic bags–particularly for just one item.Consider re-using wrapping or other reusable paper when wrapping Christmas gifts. If every American family wrapped just three presents in re-used materials that would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields.Have children make their own wrapping paper by designing and coloring brown paper grocery bags, using old homework pages, old Christmas Cards, or hand drawn pictures. Grandparents will appreciate the special touch of a grandchild to any gift.Consider using commonly discarded paper items for wrapping gifts—Sunday comics, old posters, maps, discarded sheet music, and wallpaper scraps for wrapping paper.Use and re-use gift bags instead of wrapping paper.Avoid using metallic gift wrapping paper because this paper is generally not recyclable.Give gifts in canvas re-usable shopping tote bags rather than gift bags.Choose products that use less packaging material.Look for products with the U.S. EPA’s Energy Star logo. These items have been evaluated and rated for their energy efficiency. Gift IdeasGive gifts that will be consumed or used such as home-baked cookies, bread, or jams or a plant or tree that can be planted in the recipient’s yard.Consider gifts that keep on giving such as a compost bin, rain barrel, battery charger, rechargeable batteries, LED light bulbs, a perpetual calendar, or an erasable message board.Give two gifts in one by using baskets, scarves, or pillowcases to wrap gifts.Give gifts that don’t create waste such as passes to the zoo or an amusement park, music lessons, tennis, golf, or other sports lessons, memberships to an organization, tickets to a concert or movie, dinner at a restaurant, a subscription to an online magazine or newspaper, or an IOU to help rake leaves or repair a leaky faucet.Give gifts that get “used up” such as candles, soap, or seeds for the garden.Give durable toys for gifts that are made from wood or metal so that they can be passed down, even becoming collectible items.If purchasing electronic items such as a computer, television, cell phone or gaming station, find a retailer that will take back and recycle the outdated or obsolete item being replaced.Recycle obsolete electronic devices through local community recycling programs or donate computers or televisions that have useful life to community groups, local schools, or nonprofit organizations. After The HolidaysClean out the closets and donate used toys, clothing and household items to charitable organizations.Save wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons to re-use the next holiday season. Recycle as much of the leftover wrapping paper, gift boxes, bags, and gift packaging materials as possible.Make a New Year’s resolution to start a recycling program at home or at work. Contact local officials about recycling opportunities.Contact catalogs and other similar mail order circulars about removal from their mailing lists. Most of these catalogs and retail items can be found and ordered from the retailers’ websites.Compost leftovers. For more information on waste reduction, re-use and recycling programs or green holiday ideas, contact a local solid waste department, Keep Mississippi Beautiful affiliate, County Extension Service agent, or MDEQ. Mississippi residents seeking recycling opportunities and services in their area are also encouraged to use MDEQ’s newly-updated State Recycling Directory now available on the agency’s website. Simple, common sense steps can provide an inexpensive and enduring gift to the nation’s natural resources as well as personal savings.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/sw-rankin-christmas-related-events 61ae6d0d13b611001607089d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Pearl Library Country Christmas with Dancin' Dan the Banjo Man

Tuesday, December 11 at 6 p.m.

Come have yourself a hootin' and hollerin' holiday season with Dancin' Dan the Banjo Man and, of course, Santa Claus! Dancin' Dan the Banjo Man will play holiday hits and country classics, and Santa will be arriving in his sleigh at the end of the evening to take pictures with the kids. They are serving up holiday cheer and yummy refreshments. Y'all come on down now, ya hear!

Florence Library Preschool Story Time

Wednesday, December 12 at 10 a.m.

Holiday story time on this date features “Gingerbread Men.”

Richland Library Ornament Painting

Thursday, December 13 at 6 p.m.

The Richland Library will help participants take glass ornaments and swirl acrylic paint on the inside to make beautiful decorations to enjoy for years to come. Reservations are required. To register, call the library at 601-932-1846.

Christmas in the (Pearl) Park

Friday, December 14 at 6:30 p.m.

Christmas in the Park features hot chocolate, cookies, inflatables, Christmas movies, Christmas games, a petting zoo, Disney characters, and pictures with Santa. It is a totally free event sponsored by The Exchange for families to come and hang out in a safe environment and enjoy some Christmas fun.

Florence Library YA Bad Art Night

Saturday, December 15 at 10 a.m.

Come and create something dreadful! It’s art celebrating the untalented and the wannabe

untalented! Prize for the worst art imaginable!

Pearl Library Ugly Sweater Christmas Party

Monday, December 17 at 5:30 p.m.

Got what it takes to make the most hideous of all Christmas Sweaters? Bring an old sweater or long-sleeved shirt and create your very own Christmas sweater full of ugly holly-jolly spirit. Already have an ugly Christmas sweater? Great! Wear it!

City of Richland Christmas Open House

Tuesday, December 18 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. City Hall

3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Parks & Recreation, Community Center

3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Police Department, Fire Station #2

Richland Library Preschool Story Time

Wednesday, December 19 at 10:30 a.m.

Storytime includes songs, stories and a craft designed from birth to preschool age. Guess who is coming to town is featured on this Wednesday.

Florence Library Preschool Story Time

Wednesday, December 19 at 10 a.m.

Holiday story time on this date features “Christmas.”

Pearl Library How-To Tuesday

December 18 at 6 p.m.

Learn something fun every third Tuesday at How-To Tuesday! Get into the holiday spirit by making your own handprint snowman ornament keepsake. This program is FREE for all interested adults.

Pearl Library Third Thursday Flicks

Thursday, December 20 at 5:30 p.m.

Relax, and enjoy the big screen, popcorn, and drinks. The Pearl Library will be showing a holiday classic, "White Christmas," not rated, Paramount Pictures, 120 minutes.

Richland Library Preschool Story Time

Wednesday, December 26 at 10:30 a.m.

Storytime includes songs, stories and a craft designed from birth to preschool age. “Run, Run Rudolph” is featured.

Florence Library Preschool Story Time

Wednesday, December 26 at 10 a.m.

Holiday story time on this date features and “Cookies.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/pearl-municipal-broadcasting-serving-the-community 61ae6d0d13b611001607089c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Pearl Municipal Broadcasting (PMB) is its tenth season of producing and distributing educational, governmental, and local programming serving the City of Pearl and the surrounding areas. Pearl is the first Mississippi city to own a radio station and one of only a few to operate a television station that keeps citizens informed, broadcasts City events, and offers Pearl High and Hinds Community College students hands-on experience in its state-of-the-art studio at 2422 Old Brandon Road or in its Mobile Production Unit.

“We strive to provide positive entertainment programming, respond to community needs, address local government issues, and help bring education into the home,” said Frank Hutton, City of Pearl IT and Communications Director. “Our goal is to foster a sense of community in the City of Pearl and its neighboring communities through the use of our cable channel along with our low power FM radio station, WPBP 104.5 FM.”

In addition to keeping the City’s 300 employees’ computers up and running, Hutton along with his two-person crew, Greg Cupstid and Josh Hamby, a student at Hinds, cover regular board meetings, every ribbon cutting, parades, plays and high school athletics. Also, they manage 24/7 online streaming at www.cityofpearl.com.

PMBtv20 is carried locally on Comcast Cable channel 20 and on channel 99 on AT&T Uverse. Founded in 1998, PMBtv started as an information only channel running multiple VCR's and PowerPoints listing current events inside the City of Pearl. Since, PMBtv has evolved into a fully functioning television station broadcasting live events, Pearl High School sports, as well as professionally-produced programs. Similar to Mississippi Educational Television, the Pearl station offers underwriting instead of advertising.

Pearl is the first Mississippi city to own a radio station. WPAP radio station is broadcast on channel 104.5 on the FM dial. "The Pirate," celebrated its first year in operation in May of 2012, reaches from Jackson, Ridgeland, Castlewoods, and Brandon to Florence. Broadcasting high atop our tower located at Center City, the station broadcasts a variety of music from yesterday’s favorites to today's biggest hits. It is the home for all Pearl High School Athletic events to include football, baseball, basketball, and more.

“The Pirate,” which has the slogan “we play everything, well almost,” plays every genre of music including Top 40, classic rock, contemporary country, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and alternative rock. Weekly shows include the Frank Hutton Radio Show broadcast Wednesday at 4 p.m. for two hours; Defining Moments with Larry Nix, Thursday 11-12; Retro in the Metro Rob Vanzant plays 80s hairband music Thursday at 4 p.m.; Dirty House of Rock with Crash featuring local rock musicians; The Underground contemporary Christian rock and roll Saturday 9 p.m. to midnight; and After Dark, overnight every night.

According to Hutton, PMB has the same equipment and studio as tier one network television stations like CBS, ESPN or Fox, just on a smaller scale. Despite their size, they have been set the bar for school broadcasts, being the first station in the State of Mississippi to broadcast live on television, the internet and Facebook. Tune in to find out what’s coming next.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mdcps-initiatives-proving-successful-for-mississippi-s-children 61ae6d0d13b611001607089b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Mississippi has dramatically decreased the number of children in state custody thanks to a successful three-pronged “Safe at Home” effort to reunify families, eliminate obstacles to adoption and avoid traumatic removal of children from their birth parents – all while keeping the safety and protection of these children as a primary focus.

For the first time since July 2015, the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services now has less than 5,000 infants, children and youth in state foster care – 1,113 less children than the highest count recorded in early 2017.

As of December 1, 2018, the number of Mississippi children in foster care has been safely reduced to 4,981.

“Our professional staff, frontline workers, and supervisors have contributed to this substantial reduction in the number of children in state custody without any compromise to the safety and well-being of the children, whether those reunified with their birth parents, those placed in guardianships with relatives, or those adopted into their new forever homes,” said MDCPS Commissioner Jess H. Dickinson.

In April 2017, the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services had custody of 6,094 foster children who had been removed from their homes by the courts because of neglect, abuse or exploitation. The number of children in state custody began increasing in 2014 and 2015 – and steadily increased until it peaked in 2017. At that point, MDCPS leadership launched a concerted “Safe at Home” effort to reduce the trauma caused to children and families by removal into foster care. MDCPS, the courts and private agency partners together increased efforts to provide in-home services to parents and families to address problems and issues which otherwise would force removal of children from their homes and placing them into state custody. By safely maintaining children in their homes, significant and long-lasting trauma to more than a thousand Mississippi families and their children has been avoided.

“We are grateful to our excellent youth court judges, guardians ad litem, parent representatives, and other youth court staff for their careful attention to the needs of the children, and their willingness to work alongside MDCPS to accomplish this significant milestone.”

Tonya Rogillio, deputy commissioner for child welfare, said MDCPS’s priority is to “ensure the safety and protection of every child. Our goal is to move these children, safely and prudently, into permanency whether that be reunification with their birth parent or other family members -- or through adoption, if it is determined by the courts it will not be possible to return them to their homes.”

“Ensuring the safety and protection of Mississippi’s children is the single most important determination for every action we take regarding the care of these children.”

To avoid taking children into custody whenever safely possible, MDCPS is working with private partners statewide to provide intensive, in-home services to at-risk children and their families. The goal is to resolve issues which, if left unaddressed, could deteriorate to the point that children would not be safe in the home and must be removed and taken into state custody.

Children who come into state custody are placed by court order into licensed foster care - either with a relative (emergency placement) or with a licensed foster family, therapeutic foster homes, group homes, or residential treatment facilities. A child’s placement is determined by what level of care best meets each child’s individual needs.

“At best, foster care is intended to be a temporary intervention for children who need the safety and security of an out-of-home placement. It was never intended to be a long-term or permanent solution to the problem,” Dickinson said.

“We operate on the conviction that children develop best when raised in families and that all children and youth both deserve and deserve a permanent and loving family,” Rogillio added.

Under Dickinson’s leadership, MDCPS has also emphasized the recruitment and licensure of additional foster care homes in all Mississippi counties to provide safe and caring temporary placements for children in custody. Thus far in 2018, Mississippi has licensed more than 331 new foster homes in 67 Mississippi counties. Currently, MDCPS is actively recruiting families statewide to foster and provide care for children who are in the agency’s custody.

“Whenever we take a child into custody, it is critical for us to maintain as much normalcy in their lives as possible. For this reason, we need licensed foster families in every Mississippi county who are available to take care of these children until they can either be reunited with their birth families or adopted,” said Dr. Jaworski Davenport, deputy commissioner for child safety. “Having sufficient numbers of safe and licensed local foster homes allows our children to maintain connections to their communities, their schools and other activities.”

For the past 18 months, MDCPS has also focused on finalizing adoption procedures for children whose parental rights have been terminated, allowing them to be placed with new “forever” families. MDCPS staff work hand-in-hand with the Office of the Attorney General to address legal obstacles which may be delaying the adoptions. As a result, MDCPS more than doubled the number of adoptions finalized in fiscal year 2018 as compared to previous year adoptions.

“Everything we do works together to keep children safe and protected,” Dickinson concluded. “Each day we show up to work, we see a success story.”

In November, MDCPS hosted a statewide celebration to recognize the 647 adoptions of former foster children finalized in Mississippi during SFY 2018. In the previous fiscal year, there were 301 finalized adoptions.

“So many wonderful people work hard every day and night to protect these children and find them safe homes. I am so grateful to be a part of this celebration,” Dickinson said.

In SFY 2018, which ended June 30, MDCPS worked to reunify more than 2,500 children with their birth families. A statewide celebration was held in May.

“You have proven to yourselves and to your families that you are willing to do what it takes to succeed, because your children and your families are worth it,” Dickinson told the parents and family members gathered for the event. “Everyone has family problems. Many run away from them but you had the courage and the will and determination to face them, and to fix them.”

Adoption

In 2016, MDCPS identified more than 1,500 children in state custody who had a permanent plan for adoption but whose case progress had stalled. Working in tandem with the Office of the Attorney General and the court system, MDCPS began in July/August 2017 to examine each case to identify obstacles to adoptions being finalized. A new director was promoted to manage the Permanency Support Services Unit. The changes implemented have significantly decreased processing times for all adoption documentation, tasks and submissions.

MDCPS has also made it a priority to move children as quickly as possible from state custody to a successful adoption whenever adoption is the child’s permanent plan and reunification with the birth family is not possible or recommended. In partnership with Casey Family Programs, MDCPS began a process of Rapid Permanency Reviews in Spring 2017. This has resulted in a significant increase in finalized adoptions.

In fiscal year 2017, there were 302 adoptions finalized. In fiscal year 2018, the agency finalized 647 adoptions.

Reunification

In 2017, MDCPS facilitated the safe reunification of 2,272 foster children and youth with their birth families. The agency has increased efforts in 2018 to make sure safety and neglect issues are resolved by working closely with families and parents to address and resolve problems so children can be safely reunited in as short a time as possible.

“Reunification takes work, commitment and a huge investment of time and resources by parents, family members, family service specialists, foster parents, service providers, attorney, courts and the community at-large,” Dickinson said. “These families work hard to overcome an array of challenges to reunify safely.”

Safe at Home

MDCPS has adopted a comprehensive plan of work which focuses all staff efforts to identify and implement measures to keep families intact whenever safely possible. This includes: strengthening initial safety assessment tools and protocols, providing expanded and more intensive in-home services; ensuring all reasonable efforts have been made before recommending removal of a child from the home; strengthening family plans to resolve safety/risk issues as expeditiously as possible; and maximizing use of all federal funding to supplement state-funded child protection efforts.

In January 2018, MDCPS launched statewide an intensive, in-home services program “in-CIRCLE” which provides at least 10 hours of in-home services to at-risk families. The goal is to resolve issues which, if left unaddressed, could deteriorate to the point that children would not be safe and must be taken into state custody. MDCPS staff, along with two non-profit subcontractors, work with the children and families to reduce/prevent trauma caused by removing children from their birth parent’s custody. In-Circle is provided through a contract with Canopy Children’s Services and Youth Villages.

Of the families receiving these services, 89 percent report the overall safety of their child or children has “significantly” improved; 78 percent say they are “very confident” they will use the skills they have learned to ensure their child stays in their home and 75% say the relationship with their child has “significantly improved.”

###

NOTE: As of 12/6/2018, there are 4,969 children in state custody. The number fluctuates daily.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/nearly-half-of-christmas-tree-fires-involve-lighting 61ae6d0d13b611001607089a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Holiday decorations are appearing across the Magnolia State and communities are gearing up for annual Christmas parades and other holiday events. Between now and New Year’s Day, homes across Mississippi are lit for the season’s celebrations.

Along with the coziness of holiday lights, candles and fireplaces, there are also dangers. According to the National Fire Protection Association, between 2012 and 2016 U.S. fire departments responded to an average 170 home fires that started with Christmas trees per year. These fires caused an average of four deaths, 15 injuries and $12 million in direct property damage each year. Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in 43 percent of home Christmas tree fires.

Put safety first this holiday season with a few simple reminders and precautions.

Inside lighting:

· If using a live tree, make sure it is fresh and green with needles that are hard to pull from the branches.

· Place the tree in a stand with water, well away from heaters or the fireplace. Check water daily.

· Examine all lights before putting them on the tree or using them in other home decorations. Do not use lights with frayed wiring or loose sockets, and make sure they have been tested for safety by an independent testing laboratory.

· For greater efficiency and safety, use smaller, cool-burning LED lights.

· Make sure all light sockets have bulbs in them. Children are fascinated by lights and could put their fingers in empty sockets.

· Keep bulbs from touching tree branches. Never burn candles on or near the tree and never use flammable decorations.

· Never use lights on a metallic tree. If the lights become faulty, the entire tree could be electrified.

· Be careful not to overload extension cords, outlets or even whole circuits in the house.

· Turn off decorative lighting when you leave the room.

· Place wires where they cannot trip anyone. Do not run them under rugs.

Outside lighting:

· Make sure the lights used are designated for outdoor use.

· Use a non-conducting fiberglass or wooden ladder when working with strings of lights. Also, stay clear of all overhead wires.

· Do not replace bulbs when the electricity is on.

· Never let light bulbs touch flammable materials such as plastic or dry grass and leaves.

· For outside use, work only with three-wire grounded extension cords.

· Use rubber gaskets in light sockets or hang sockets downward to keep water out.

· Keep connections and lights off the ground by hanging them over wooden stakes. Turn outside holiday lights off when away from home or asleep.

Entergy Mississippi, LLC provides electricity to approximately 449,000 customers in 45 counties. Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, including nearly 9,000 megawatts of nuclear power. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.9 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of approximately $11 billion and more than 13,000 employees.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xr6b9b8FYKk ]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-churches-unite-together-on-orphan-sunday-and-stand-sunday-november-11th 61ae6d0d13b6110016070899 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Mississippi churches unite together on Orphan Sunday and Stand Sunday, November 11th

On Orphan Sunday, 201 churches in all 82 counties of Mississippi will come together to pray for orphans around the world and for each foster child in every county of Mississippi.

Since 2002, churches around the world have been uniting on one day with one voice and one purpose for vulnerable children. With 400,000+ children in US foster care and 15+ million orphans worldwide who’ve lost both parents, hundreds of churches will echo a united message across 85 nations on Orphan Sunday, November 11th, 2018. On this day, Christians worldwide and here in Mississippi will celebrate God’s special love for orphaned and foster children – and what ordinary people can do to put that love into action.

Churches of every denomination across every county of Mississippi will join together through prayer, sermons and various other activities to bring awareness to the plight of orphan and foster children. These special events, prayers, and activities on Orphan/Stand Sunday invite families and individuals of all ages to consider adoption, foster care, and support for orphaned and foster children around the world and here in Mississippi.

Bethel Baptist Church (Senior Pastor, Darby Combs) in Brandon MS is joining the celebration on Sunday, November 11th by having Chris Gray, Founder and Executive Director, of Zacchaeus’ Tree Orphan and Adoption Ministry to bring a message on adoption and what the church can do to support orphans, adoptees, foster children and their families. Jerri Strickland, a social worker with 20+ years of adoption experience, with New Beginnings Adoption Agency, will be on hand to answer questions from families about how to begin the process of domestic and international adoptions. Also, a representative from Mississippi Child Protection Services will also be available to answer questions about how individuals and families can begin the foster process here in Mississippi.

The Impact of Growing Up Without a Family

Every day 39,000 orphans age out of the system that they are in without a mother, a father, a family, or place to call home. These orphans and foster children who age out of the organization they are in, are far more vulnerable to sex and human trafficking, prostitution, and homelessness. Children in orphanages are subject to human and sex trafficking 10x more than other children. Globally, an estimated 15+ million orphan children have lost both parents, and countless others on the streets due to abandonment.

Hundreds of events worldwide

The Orphan Sunday campaign, led by the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO), and Chris Gray, regional coordinator, in Mississippi has helped grow the vision of Orphan and Stand Sunday around the world. Currently, there are over 1,560 churches participating in the 2018 Orphan Sunday/Stand Sunday campaign. Gray says, “Those numbers will continue to grow both nationally and here in Mississippi with engaged churches supporting the movement.” Gray had one goal and dream in mind for the 2018 OS/SS campaign. Gray’s dream was to have at least one church represented in all 82 counties of Mississippi to join collectively to pray orphans and every foster child in Mississippi on Orphan Sunday/Stand Sunday!

In 2017, Gray organized 30 Mississippi churches to pray and hold services on Orphan Sunday. Gray states that four families came forward during the 2017 Orphan & Stand Sunday campaign to begin the adoption and foster care process. In 2018, Gray and his team at Zacchaeus’ Tree Orphan & Adoption Ministry along with the help of, Sabrea Smith and Samantha Crimm, at Rescue 100, as well as many other family and friends have organized 201+ churches of all denominations in all 82 counties to pray for and hold adoption services remembering these vulnerable children. As of July 2018, there were 5,243 children in the custody of MS Department of Child Protection Services.

The Orphan/Stand Sunday campaign propels hundreds of events across America on the second weekend of each November. A list of registered Orphan Sunday churches and events is available here: https://cafo.org/orphansunday/check-in/.

“The size and depth of the orphan crisis around the world and the foster care need here in Mississippi is of a gigantic size but I also know my God once used a small boy to take down a giant named, Goliath and I believe that God can do it again by using any family here in Mississippi who will make themselves available to make a difference in the life of these children, especially for each Mississippi foster child. My ultimate dream would be to flip flop these numbers to 5,243 waiting families here in Mississippi.”

The website www.orphansunday.org serves as a hub for the Orphan Sunday campaign, offering event ideas, downloadable materials and ways individuals can partner with orphan-serving organizations to hold local events. The first Orphan Sunday was held in a small church in Zambia, Africa, where the local pastor urged his church to share what little they had with local children who had been orphaned by AIDS. The church responded with immense generosity, and some even removed their own shoes as gifts for orphans.

In February 2009, Gray organized his first Orphan Sunday service at his father’s church, Dr. Ricky Gray, in Flowood MS. While living in Knoxville TN, leading churches in adoption awareness was constantly on Gray’s mind; however, it wasn’t until Gray and his family moved back to Mississippi in that things began to fall into place to put his dream into action. In November 2015 a speaking engagement at the Flowood Kiwanis’ Club ignited Gray’s vision. The Kiwanis’ Club speaking engagement prompted Gray to start, “Zacchaeus’ Tree Orphan and Adoption Ministry” to bring awareness to adoption, orphans, and foster care. Gray has spoken to over 75+ churches and civic clubs throughout Mississippi about adoption and orphan care.

Gray says, “Walking alongside families throughout their adoption journey has been one of the greatest privileges and blessing that our family gets to be a part of. Adoption and foster care is a total “faith journey” and my wife, Andrea, and I along with Hannah Claire and Ava want to help as many families as we can to experience the joy of adoption as much as we have.”

The Gray’s offer adoption grants via Zacchaeus’ Tree to Mississippi families through LifeSong for Orphans, which is 501c3 organization that manages their adoption fund. All donations are tax deductible and can be mailed to: LifeSong for Orphans, Attn: Rich Metcalf, P.O. Box 40, Gridley, IL 61744 and one will need to write in the memo line: Zacchaeus’ Tree Adoption Fund or Account Number: P562.

LifeSong for Orphans has helped establish and manage adoption funds for over 440+ churches across the United States free of charge and they manage five adoption funds here in Mississippi including “Hearts of Compassion” at Colonial Heights Baptist Church in Ridgeland, MS who will be hosting their annual 5K adoption race on Saturday, November 3rd.

Gray and his team at Zacchaeus’ Tree would appreciate your financial support to help other Mississippians be able to afford and experience the joy of adoption. If your church would like to be a part of Orphan Sunday & Stand Sunday, please contact Gray by phone on at Christopher.Gray1@yahoo.com. Gray would also love the opportunity to come speak at your church about adoption, foster care, and what your church can do to make an impact in the life of fatherless children. More information about Gray can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/zacchaeustreeadoptionministry/.

Here is a comprehensive list of churches and organizations participating in the 2018 Orphan Sunday/Stand Sunday campaign:

County Breakdown Adams 2 Alcorn 4 Amite 3 Attala 2 Benton 2 Bolivar 2 Calhoun 2 Carroll 1 Chickasaw 3 Choctaw 2 Claiborne 1 Clarke 2 Clay 1 Coahoma 1 Copiah 6 Covington 3 De Soto 2 Forrest 5 Franklin 3 George 1 Greene 1 Grenada 3 Hancock 1 Harrison 4 Hinds 2 Holmes 5 Humphreys 2 Issaquena 1 Itawamba 1 Jackson 2 Jasper 2 Jefferson 1 Jefferson Davis 5 Jones 5 Kemper 4 Lafayette 2 Lamar 4 Lauderdale 2 Lawrence 6 Leake 1 Lee 5 Leflore 2 Lincoln 4 Lowndes 2 Madison 7 Marion 3 Marshall 1 Monroe 1 Montgomery 1 Neshoba 3 Newton 4 Noxubee 1 Oktibbeha 1 Panola 1 Pearl River 2 Perry 1 Pike 5 Pontotoc 4 Prentiss 2 Quitman 1 Rankin 11 Scott 3 Sharkey 1 Simpson 7 Smith 2 Stone 2 Sunflower 3 Tallahatchie 1 Tate 2 Tippah 1 Tishomingo 1 Tunica 1 Union 5 Walthall 2 Warren 3 Washington 2 Wayne 3 Webster 2 Wilkinson 1 Winston 1 Yalobusha 1 Yazoo 1

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/havard-real-estate-growing-in-pearl 61ae6d0d13b6110016070898 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Derek Havard grew up in Pearl wanting to own his own business. He graduated from Pearl High School in 2009, and attended Hinds Community College, Rankin Campus, before earning his degree in business administration from Mississippi College in 2013. He began working with McIntosh & Associates Real Estate in 2011.

“I’ve always been interested in real estate,” said Havard. “MC prepared me to open my own business,” which he did in March 2018. He now has eleven agents working with him to help people buy or sell their home in Central Mississippi. One of his agents is his father, Don Havard.

The 27-year-old Havard is ranked in the Top 3% of all agents in Central Mississippi in residential sales production. He has been the number one real estate agent for Pearl (39208) out of all area MLS agents in sale volume for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017 and so far in 2018, and he was the Overall Top Producer for McIntosh & Associates in 2014, 2015 and 2016 out of 20+ agents in both Rankin and Madison locations.

In addition to being a member of the National, Mississippi and Central Mississippi Association of Realtors [put circle R here], Havard also serves as a board member of the Pearl Chamber of Commerce Board and the Pearl Educational Foundation for Excellence Board.

He said his goal for his agency is to continue to grow by being selective in choosing agents for his firm. “I want this company to be known for caring about our clients and working hard.” That’s what Don and Jill Havard taught Derek and his sister Laura, to work hard and do your best.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/gov-phil-bryant-appoints-mississippi-lottery-corporation-board-of-directors 61ae6d0d13b6110016070897 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Gov. Phil Bryant appointed five members today to the Mississippi Lottery Corporation Board of Directors. The members include Dr. Cass Pennington, Philip A. Chamblee, Dr. Mike McGrevey, Kimberly LaRosa, and Gerard Gibert.

The Mississippi Lottery Corporation was created during the Mississippi Legislature 2018 First Extraordinary Session upon passage of Senate Bill 2001. The affairs of the Corporation shall be administered by the Mississippi Lottery Corporation Board of Directors composed of five members appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Mississippi Senate.

“I am grateful these five highly-qualified individuals have agreed to take on the responsibility of the Mississippi Lottery Corporation Board of Directors by accepting these appointments,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. “This group has exceptional experience in diverse sectors of public and private business, and I know they will carry out the affairs of the board effectively.”

Gibert is currently the CEO of Venture Technologies, a Technology Solutions Provider headquartered in Ridgeland, Miss. Founded in 1986, Venture delivers a variety of IT infrastructure solutions to thousands of private and public sector customers across the United States.

Venture has completed four acquisitions since 2014, increasing annual revenues to $215 million with a staff of 276 across 11 states. Gibert worked as a senior consultant in the Management Information Consulting Division of Arthur Andersen & Co., the division that eventually became Accenture, prior to Venture Technologies.

He is currently Chairman of the Board of Empower Mississippi and an At-Large Board Member of the Madison County Economic Development Authority.

He holds a Bachelor of Accountancy from the University of Mississippi and is married to the former Julie Gill of Biloxi, Miss. They have two children, and their family attends St. Francis of Assisi Church in Madison, MS.

Pennington is a retired educator and former superintendent of both the Indianola and West

Tallahatchie School Districts. Prior to that he was the Indianola Junior High School principal, teacher, and coach.

Pennington served as Executive Director of Delta Health Alliance from 2004 to 2008 and currently sits on its board. He’s a former member of the Mississippi Board of Trustees of the Institutions of Higher Learning, the Mississippi Instructional Management Task Force, and the South Sunflower County Hospital. He is a former president of the Delta Council. Additionally, Pennington has served on the Mississippi State Health Board and as Administrative Assistant to the President at Delta State University.

He and his wife, Carolyn, reside in Indianola and have one child.

LaRosa currently serves as the President/CEO of Renaissance Community Loan Fund and has been in the role since 2008. She is responsible for providing direction and leadership in the formation of a team and framework. She performs executive, supervisory, and management functions and duties as assigned by the chairman and board of directors and has general charge of the business, affairs and property of the Corporation.

LaRosa’s experience includes the oversight of loan origination, servicing, funding, investing in real estate mortgage loans, commercial lending, overseeing the company’s majority share of a 118-unit independent senior living facility and meeting the demand for the organization’s capital needs.

In her role, she has overseen the management of $62.5 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for various programs and is proficient in Securities and Exchange Commission reports, and mergers and acquisitions.

Prior to becoming President/CEO she was the Chief Financial Officer for Renaissance Community Loan Fund. Additionally, LaRosa was the Senior Director of Property Finance for Isle Of Capri Casinos, Inc. in Biloxi, Miss., for 12 years.

She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants.

LaRosa holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from William Carey College and is also a Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Graduate.

She lives in Pass Christian, Miss., with her husband, Carl, and they have two children.

McGrevey is currently the Deputy Director of Mississippi Development Authority (MDA).

Prior to going to the MDA, he was the City of Meridian’s Chief Administrative Officer. There he was responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the city, including economic development and working to improve the city’s infrastructure.

McGrevey’s financial management background within the military, government and private sector is extensive. As a career military officer, he served as a financial officer at many stateside and overseas locations. At Mississippi State University he served as the Chief of Staff, Chief Financial Officer, and Vice President of Finance and Administration.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Southern Mississippi and a Ph.D. in Education from Mississippi State University. McGrevey and his wife, Ada, reside in Decatur, Miss. They have two adult children and two grandchildren.

Chamblee is currently the Executive Director/CEO of the Mississippi Petroleum Marketers & Convenience Stores Association and the Mississippi Propane Gas Association. He manages two large trade associations providing vital business services to the membership, while successfully working with numerous federal and state regulatory agencies and the Mississippi Legislature to improve the overall business environment for the member industries.

Chamblee has 28 years of experience in progressively challenging sales and management positions, expertise in public relations, business development, operations, purchasing, human resources and budgeting.

Prior to his current roles he was the Executive Director of the Mississippi Funeral Directors Association from 2008-2010 and was Vice President of the Heritage Agency Insurance & Investments from 1994-2008.

Chamblee holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Mississippi State University and industry certification from University of Mississippi School of Banking. He lives in Madison, Miss.

The Commissioner of Revenue and the State Treasurer shall also serve as ex officio, nonvoting members of the Mississippi Lottery Corporation.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/jack-tullos-remembered-at-pearl-stadium 61ae6d0d13b6110016070896 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

At the Pearl Pirate Stadium, Row 24, Seats 9 and 10 were dedicated in memory of Jack Tullos on September 21. Tullos, who passed away in June, was described as “the ultimate Pirate fan.” Pictured (l to r) are his children Kristy and Shane Tullos.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/sherlock-named-rhs-august-teacher-of-the-month 61ae6d0d13b6110016070895 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Richland High School (RHS) Principal Dr. Scott Rimes and RCSD School Board Member Kym Jamison congratulate Katherine Sherlock on being chosen as the Teacher of the Month for August. Sherlock teaches in the RHS SPED Department, specifically with the self-contained students. She received a gift from Red Wagon Boutique.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/discovery-christian-school-introduces-move-to-learn-initiative 61ae6d0d13b6110016070894 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Coach Larry Calhoun, the star of the Move to Learn exercise break videos, was at the Discovery Christian School campus on September 20 to introduce administrators, teachers and students to the Move to Learn Initiative.

A team from The Bower Foundation and the Mississippi Department of Education’s (MDE) Office of Healthy Schools accompanied Calhoun to present a live demonstration of the Move to Learn videos.

“Improving nutrition and physical activity levels for Mississippi school children is a priority; healthy children are more likely to be academically successful,” said Anne Travis, CEO of The Bower Foundation. The foundation is partnering with the MDE OHS to improve the health of students statewide through the program. “Brief physical activity and increased fitness improve learning and test scores. With this in mind, Move to Learn was designed to be fun for students, improve learning, and assist teachers with classroom management,” said Scott Clements, Director of MDE’s Office of Healthy Schools.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/six-spectacular-american-singers-to-headline-alexander-awards-concert 61ae6d0d13b6110016070893 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

If you love fabulous singing, you’re going to love Mississippi Opera’s Alexander Awards Concert on Monday, October 15, at 7:30 p.m. at Duling Hall in Jackson, MS.

Six spectacular singers were chosen as winners of the John Alexander National Vocal Competition. Sarah Stembel (Mobile, AL), Christopher Plaas (Johnson City, TN), Kimberly Milton (Houston, TX), Elizabeth Lewis (Chicago, IL), Samantha Long (Valdosta, GA), and Margaret Ann Zentner (Baton Rouge, LA) will perform the concert with members of the Mississippi Opera Orchestra conducted by Artistic Director, Jay Dean.

On Saturday, September 29, 2018, Mississippi Opera hosted the 2018 John Alexander National Vocal Competition, which is sponsored by the Robert M. Hearrin Foundation. Within a seven-hour window, over 70 singers from all around the United States, 4 guest adjudicators (Jerome Shannon of Pensacola Opera, Keith Wolfe of Opera Birmingham, Bruce Earnest of the International Performing Arts Institute/University of Mobile and Dorothy Savage of The Everblue Festival) and 3 pianists (Richard Nechamkin of New York City, Daniel Ley of Northwestern State University and Tyler Kemp of Mississippi College) and members of the Mississippi Opera staff and Opera Guild convened for a full day of competitive singing. At the conclusion of the day adjudicators chose the top six performers.

The John Alexander National Vocal Competition is one of the fastest growing competitions in the nation. Sponsored by Mississippi Opera, the competition was named in honor of Metropolitan Opera star and Meridian, Mississippi native John Alexander. Tickets are available at the door, by phone at 601-960-2300 or online at msopera.org.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/nationwide-emergency-alert-test-planned-for-oct-3-test-messages-will-be-sent-to-cell-phones-tv-an 61ae6d0d13b6110016070892 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission, will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018. The WEA portion of the test, which will be sent to consumer cell phones, will begin at 2:18 p.m. EDT. The EAS portion of the test, which will be sent to radio and television, will follow at 2:20 p.m. EDT. This will be the fourth nationwide EAS test and the first nationwide WEA test. In light of the upcoming test, the agencies share the following key informational points:

THE BASICS

• WHY: The purpose of the test is to ensure that EAS and WEA are both effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. Periodic testing of public alert and warning systems helps to assess the operational readiness of alerting infrastructure and to identify any needed technological and administrative improvements.
• HOW: The EAS and WEA test messages will be sent using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), a centralized Internet-based system administered by FEMA that enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communications networks.
• WHO: FEMA will administer the test, in cooperation with the FCC and the National Weather Service, and with the participation of the communications industry.
• WHEN: October 3, 2018, beginning at 2:18 p.m. EDT on cell phones and 2:20 p.m. EDT on TV and radio. (This is the test back-up date; the test was previously postponed due to response efforts to Hurricane Florence.)

NATIONWIDE ALERT TEST TO CELL PHONES

• THE WIRELESS ALERT TEST MESSAGE: The WEA test message will appear on consumers’ phones and read, “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” Phones will display this national test using the header “Presidential Alert.” These nationwide alerts, established pursuant to the WARN Act of 2006, are meant for use in a national emergency and are the only type of alert that can be sent simultaneously nationwide by FEMA.
• RECIPIENTS: Many members of the public will receive the WEA test message on their cell phones. Specifically, beginning at 2:18 p.m. EDT, cell towers will broadcast the WEA test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message. Wireless phones should receive the message only once.
• BACKGROUND ON SYSTEM: The WEA system, launched in 2012, is used to warn the public about dangerous weather, missing children, and other critical situations through alerts on cell phones. Alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governmental agencies through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which deliver the alerts to compatible handsets in geo-targeted areas. To help ensure that WEA alerts are accessible to the entire public, including people with disabilities, WEA alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration. The national WEA test will use the same special tone and vibration. In the event of a national emergency, a Presidential WEA alert would be issued at the direction of the President and/or his/her designee, and activated by FEMA.

NATIONWIDE TV AND RADIO ALERT TEST

• TV & RADIO ALERT TEST: The EAS portion of the test is scheduled to last approximately one minute and will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers, and wireline video providers (“EAS participants”).
• THE TV & RADIO TEST MESSAGE: The EAS test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Emergency Alert System. This system was developed by broadcast and cable operators in voluntary cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Communications Commission, and local authorities to keep you informed in the event of an emergency. If this had been an actual emergency an official message would have followed the tone alert you heard at the start of this message. A similar wireless emergency alert test message has been sent to all cell phones nationwide. Some cell phones will receive the message; others will not. No action is required.”
• BILINGUAL: The EAS test message will be transmitted in both English and Spanish, with EAS participants deciding which version to use for their communities.
• BACKGROUND ON SYSTEM: Emergency alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies. EAS participants receive the alerts through IPAWS or through local “over the air” monitoring sources. EAS participants then disseminate the emergency alerts to affected communities. The FCC prescribes technical and procedural rules for communications providers’ participation in this process.

FEMA and the FCC have engaged in significant coordination with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers, and other stakeholders in preparation for this EAS-WEA national test to minimize confusion and to maximize the public safety value of the test. The test is intended to ensure public safety officials have the methods and systems that will deliver urgent alerts and warnings to the public in times of an emergency or disaster, including requirements to help ensure that televised EAS messages are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/smithhart-named-certified-athletic-administrator 61ae6d0d13b6110016070891 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) recently announced that Richard Smithhart, Pearl Public School District athletic director, has been recognized by this association as a Certified Athletic Administrator.

To earn this distinction, Smithhart demonstrated the highest level of knowledge and expertise in the field of interscholastic athletic administration. The voluntary certification process included a thorough evaluation of the candidate's educational background, experience and professional contributions, as well as a rigorous, comprehensive written examination.

Smithhart is one of an elite group of interscholastic athletic administrators nationwide to attain this level of professionalism.

The NIAAA is a national professional organization consisting of all 50 state athletic administrator associations and more than 10,000 individual members. It is dedicated to promoting the professional growth of high school athletic administrators and preserving the educational nature of interscholastic athletics and the place of these programs in the secondary school curriculum.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/crozart-agency-donates-to-the-big-fix-clinic 61ae6d0d13b6110016070890 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Allstate and The Cozart Agency donated $1,000 to The Big Fix Clinic Mississippi Spay and Neuter. The Big Fix Clinic addresses the following needs: during a 24-hour period, there are more than 910 puppies and kittens born in Mississippi; one female cat and her offspring can produce 420,000 cats in just seven years; One female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 dogs in just six years; and 73,000 pets, maybe more, are euthanized in MS animal shelters each year.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/florence-mayor-s-youth-council-donates-to-hands-up 61ae6d0d13b611001607088f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

City of Florence Mayor's Youth Council donated notebooks and calculators to Hands UP Outreach of Rankin County. The 2018-19 Florence Mayor's Youth Council members are, ninth grade: Landon Cresap, Shelley Gipson, Bradley Lewis, Ashton Tate, Raegan West, Andrew White, and Ethan Woods; tenth grade: Emma Adcock, Mallory Gipson, Connor May, and Will Whatley; eleventh grade: Cannon Craft, Layla Green, Hope Gutierrez, Abby Martin, Kyle Michel, and Shelby Register; and twelfth grade: Jordan Craft, Lydia Edmonson, Lindsey Huffman, Candace Jackson, Jaylon Johnson, Olivia Knight, Anna Katherine Lindsey, Elizabeth Smith, Johnna Stingley, Mary Beth Vanlandingham, Kimberlee Vaughn, and Taylor Young.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mdot-traffic-helps-motorists-navigate-mississippi-highways-with-new-mobile-app 61ae6d0d13b611001607088e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

As football season kicks off, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has relaunched a free mobile app with new and updated features to help fans get their game on.

MDOT Traffic gives users real-time access to tools that show road conditions and traffic alerts.

“We’re excited to leverage the latest technology to help travelers navigate Mississippi highways,” said Ben Cohen, MDOT Chief Information Officer. “Think of it as an interactive atlas for the state. The map allows users to customize their view to see traffic and construction impacts. Users can access cameras, digital message signs and weather sensors to find information about where they are going.”

Alerts are displayed for crashes, road work and road closures. The alert pins are interactive, providing users with more information at the touch of finger. Users can also find rest area and welcome center locations.

The new app uses geolocation services to automatically send nearby alerts and notifications to users. This feature is especially useful for travelers carpooling to a football game or any other destination, said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT executive director.

“For instance, if you are traveling north on Interstate 55 and a wreck is reported a few miles ahead, MDOT Traffic will warn users of the hazard. A passenger can help the driver make an informed decision about whether to continue on their route or take a detour,” she said.

The app comes with a clean, intuitive user interface for easy navigation. Log-in has been streamlined to allow users to login with their social media credentials.

“There’s no need to remember a new password. We tried to make MDOT Traffic as user friendly as possible,” Cohen said.

In addition to traffic alerts and road conditions, MDOT Traffic has a new Inbox feature. Users can receive notifications containing safety tips and emergency notifications for major closures or road impacts. The feature is especially useful during hurricanes and severe weather events.

Users are also able to send messages directly to MDOT. If a user sees a crash or traffic hazard, they can report the issue to MDOT who can then alert other users and take action to correct the hazard.

“MDOT is committed to the safety of the traveling public. MDOT Traffic is another tool to help keep motorists safe by alerting them to problems before they get behind the wheel,” McGrath said.

The free app is available for both iOS and Android in the App Store and on Google Play.

For computer users, traffic conditions are also available at MDOTtraffic.com. The website has been updated to match the modern look and feel of the new app.

For updates on projects and other information, visit GoMDOT.com, or like and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/er-treatment-can-lead-to-surprise-medical-bills 61ae6d0d13b611001607088d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Having good insurance doesn’t always mean that you won’t be caught with a huge surprise medical bill you didn’t expect and won’t know where to turn. But politics and self-interest on the part of insurers and health care providers have gotten in the way of a workable solution.

Such bills result when someone goes to the emergency room and the physicians treating them – primarily ER doctors, anesthesiologists and radiologists – don’t belong to a patient’s insurer’s network of providers. In other words, those providers are out-of-network and can bill what they please. And they do.

What happens is that the patient’s insurer pays the in-network negotiated rate, and soon afterwards the patient receives a surprise bill from an out-of-network doctor for the balance of his or her fee. Sometimes these are large like the $109,000 bill a 44-year-old Texas schoolteacher received for care after a heart attack. His insurance carrier paid nearly $56,000, and the out-of network hospital offered to accept a $782 payment after the teacher’s story appeared as part of a Bill of the Month feature on the Kaiser Health News website. After national publicity, the hospital offered to slash the bill even more – to $332, which the teacher paid.

But most cases don’t receive such publicity, and consumers are at the mercy of inadequate state protections against such practices. In nearly all states, it’s patient beware!

Recently David Bordewyk, executive director of the South Dakota Newspaper Association, called me to complain about a CBS This Morning segment, which gave advice for dealing with surprise bills. Bordewyk thought the advice fell way short.

The program’s advice suggested patients negotiate with their hospital before writing a check, a tactic that has worked for some people. But as the first line strategy for solving this problem, Bordewyk believed it was not workable. “That advice seemed useless to me and insufficient,” he said. “It seemed so lacking; it was frustrating.”

CBS reported that 21 states have surprise billing laws, which don’t work very well. Still it advised viewers to check the laws in their state, check with their health plan, and always fight back.

Most people who followed that advice would be hard-pressed to find some useful protections against surprise bills. Checking your state’s laws is not much of a solution.

Last year The Commonwealth Fund, a philanthropic organization in New York City, studied surprise bills and found that many states “typically rely on market forces to minimize surprise bills.” The hope is that if a few doctors are not engaging in the practice, then maybe market competition would prevent others from using it.

Among the 21 states with some kind of regulation, only six – New York, California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, and Florida – have comprehensive statutes, according to the Fund.

In those states, protections apply to consumers who belong to HMOs (health maintenance organizations) and PPOs (preferred provider organizations) and extend protection to emergency room patients as well as those who are hospital inpatients. They also free the patients caught in the middle from paying the extra provider charges and may have a process for resolving disputes.

But in other states with some regulations, protections may be limited. For example, they may apply only if their cases involve emergency room treatment but not hospital inpatient care.

Furthermore, surprise billing protections apply only to consumers who are in what are called “fully-insured” health plans that are subject to state regulation. Those in self-insured plans, generally through large employers, have no protections.

The answer to this inadequate patchwork of state laws is federal legislation. But according to Chuck Bell, program director for Consumers Union, it’s tough to craft a bill acceptable both to insurers who still want to drive hard bargains with doctors and to physicians who want to make as much money as they can.

Insurers are getting pickier in setting up their networks. That means there may be fewer doctors who will accept the fees an insurer is willing to pay and, potentially, more surprise billing.

Michele Kimball, president and CEO of Physicians for Fair Coverage, a group of doctors who are lobbying for state legislation, calls insurer practices “strong arming” physicians. She says the doctors are “willing to accept a ban on balance billing. They just want to be fairly and adequately reimbursed.”

A bipartisan group of six senators has just released a discussion draft with proposals to fix the problem. Whether anything comes of it next year is anyone’s guess. Says Bell, “Congress has to find a solution that will be accepted by both providers and insurance companies at the national level where their lobbying power is the strongest. That’s tricky from a political point of view.”

What has been your experience with surprise bills? Write to Trudy at trudy. lieberman@gmail.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/zoo-party-expedition 61ae6d0d13b611001607088c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT The staff of the Jackson Zoo invites the Metro to join them at this year's Zoo Party Expedition on Thursday, September 27th, from 6 to 9 PM, at 2918 West Capitol Street. The annual "unleashed" party for 2018 is a casual after-hours event for adults 21 years of age and older, featuring special keeper chats, animal encounters, and the sale of zoo themed artwork to raise money for the Jackson Zoo. Guests will be greeted by the Ambassador Animals of the Jackson Zoo Education Department and the costumed students of Magnolia College of Cosmetology. Before the zoo animals go into their night houses at dusk, visitors will be able to talk with the animal care staff, one on one, in special Keeper Chats and training demonstrations at some of the larger exhibits. Guests will be able to learn more about each animal, and why their species is so important to our community and planet. Supporters will then be able to dance with local R&B favorites the Time To Move Band, enjoy drinks from Capital City Beverages and Pepsi, and snacks from restaurants like the Iron Horse Grill, Broad Street Café, and Brick Street Pops. David Jackson of Profile Art 116 will also be on hand sketch guests in real time. The artists of the Jackson Watercolor Group will be capturing the beauty of the zoo during the event, and have also donated pieces of their art to raise money for the zoo. Other zoo-themed works of acrylics and oils donated in 2018 will be on display and for sale in the Jackson Zoo Trading Post Gift Shop. Guests who purchase a twelve-month sponsorship of one of the nearly 400 animals that live in the park as part of the Adopt-An-Animal program will receive a special plush basket, while supplies last. Zoo Party Expedition 2018 is sponsored by Capital City Beverages, Lady Luck Casino, BKD & Associates, St. Dominic Health Services, and Brown Bottling. All money received from the evening builds the Jackson Zoo General Fund, which supports daily operations and future events like Boo at the Zoo in October, Cookies with Santa in December, plus Zoo Brew and Ice Cream Safari in 2019. Individual ticket prices are $30 per person, or couples for $50, and IDs will be checked at the door. Tickets are on sale now at the Admissions/Gift Shop at the zoo during regular business hours, 9 AM to 4 PM, seven days a week, or online at http://jacksonzoo.org/admission. Sponsorships and restaurant donations are still being accepted. Event details are updated regularly at http://facebook.com/JacksonZoo.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/i-do-bridal-expo-coming-nov-4 61ae6d0d13b611001607088b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Dear Business Owner/Manager,

The Richland Economic Development Association is putting together the ‘I Do’ Bridal Expo and we would like for you to consider partnering with us to make this a successful event. We feel certain that showcasing your products and/or services at this expo would be beneficial to you as you network with other local businesses while building your customer base with some newly engaged couples and their families. We have enclosed a vendor application with this letter and certainly hope that you will join us in our endeavor to put together, what we hope to be, a spectacular show.

Yours Truly,

Kristina Jordan

Event Coordinator

City of Richland

Sponsored By:

The Bridal Path, REDA,

Red Wagon Boutique and

Willow Blu Florist

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/altrusa-club-starting-in-rankin-county 61ae6d0d13b611001607088a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Altrusa is an international organization seeking to better their communities by addressing local needs. Founded in 1917, Altrusans give over a million volunteer hours a year around the world, including clubs in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, England, Bermuda, Ireland, India, New Zealand and Russia, according to Pearl resident Marsha Padgett, who was a member of the Tupelo, Mississippi club before moving to Central Mississippi.

She has a handful of interested men and women, who are wanting to develop and apply their leadership abilities, capitalize on Altrusa’s worldwide member network, and find partners to help improve the communities in Rankin County. The group is interested in improving literacy and in supporting the Center for Prevention of Violence located in Pearl.

Beth McCord, a medical advocate at the Center for Violence Prevention is the speaker for the Thursday, September 20 meeting to be held at 6:30 p.m. at Panera Bread in Flowood. For more information, contact Padgett at 662-871-6640 or email to marshapadgett@comcast.net.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/vsa-mississippi-and-bravo-restaurant-join-forces 61ae6d0d13b6110016070889 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

VSA Mississippi and BRAVO! Restaurant will sponsor a benefit for the Community Art Group on the balconies of BRAVO! at Highland Village Shops in Jackson. There will be over one hundred pieces of art on display, and all are available for purchase.

Thirty plus artists with disabilities from the group will exhibit their works on Saturday, October 6 from 5-7 pm and on Sunday, October 7 from 5-8 pm. Light refreshments will be served.

A special treat will be in store for those attending the reception that wish to eat dinner at Bravo!. Jeff Good has promised some exciting new selections inspired by the art of the Old Masters.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mississippi-governor-and-first-lady-bryant-present-national-children-s-alliance-award-to-nucor-steel 61ae6d0d13b6110016070888 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Mississippi Governor and First Lady Bryant along with members of the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi Board presented Nucor Steel of Jackson with the National Children’s Alliance Community Philanthropy Leadership Award. “Nucor is doing amazing things for the abused children of Mississippi through their partnership with CACM,” First Lady Bryant commented, “It was a true honor to present this award from the National Children’s Alliance to them today.”

The Community Philanthropy Leadership Award is 1 of 6 awards presented to outstanding individuals and/or groups that have demonstrated their dedication to children and families through their local Children’s Advocacy Centers at the annual National Children’s Alliance conference. “The importance of local businesses and corporations taking an active role in their communities is immeasurable,” said Governor Bryant. “Nucor Steel of Jackson’s dedication to supporting the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi is a perfect example of how we all should strive to serve,” he continued.

In 2014, Nucor Steel of Jackson, a division of Nucor Corporation’s Bar Mill Group, selected CACM as one of their causes to embrace. According to Shannon Phillips, the Vice President and General Manager of Nucor Steel’s Jackson location, the decision of partnering with CACM was an easy one. “Supporting our communities, where we live and work, is part of the foundation of Nucor, and there is a greater benefit in working together,” Phillips said, “Partnering with CACM aligned perfectly with our desire to help multiply the efforts of an organization already doing tremendous work.”

With Nucor’s commitment and generosity, CACM has had the ability to partner with the National Children’s Alliance in the first Mental Health Evidenced Based Assessment project as well as open the Nucor Training Facility. “The Nucor team has given us more than we could have imagined, so submitting their nomination for the award was an effortless decision,” says Karla Tye the Executive Director of CACM.

Children’s Advocacy Centers of Mississippi (CACM) was developed by a group of CAC directors that recognized the need to provide consistent and quality services to the entire state. CACM is a non-profit organization, and is an accredited chapter of the National Children’s Alliance. CACM operates within the meaning of 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/allow-for-opportunities-to-be-refreshed-by-barbara-taylor-pastor-at-richland-first-umc 61ae6d0d13b6110016070887 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT ]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/msu-mississippi-national-guard-announce-bulldog-free-tuition-program-for-service-members 61ae6d0d13b6110016070886 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Mississippi State University and the Mississippi National Guard announced a new program Tuesday [Aug. 7] that will ensure free tuition for Mississippi National Guard service members enrolled full-time at MSU.

MSU President Mark E. Keenum and Maj. Gen. Janson D. “Durr” Boyles, Adjutant General of Mississippi, both signed a memorandum of agreement establishing the Bulldog Free Tuition program during a ceremony at MSU’s G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans at Nusz Hall. The Bulldog Free Tuition Program builds on current National Guard education benefits to create a unique opportunity for eligible Mississippi Air and Army National Guard service members.

“Readiness is our force’s top priority and this tuition program will help to attract personnel who will staff our future state and federal missions,” Boyles said. “The students receiving this tuition benefit will contribute tremendously towards our preparedness and be among those ready to answer the call during state emergencies and overseas contingency operations.”

“We have a long, proud history as one of the nation’s most military-friendly college campuses,” Keenum said. “Among our alumni are the late U.S. Sen. John C. Stennis, father of the modern nuclear Navy, and the late U.S. Rep. G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery, author of the modern G.I. Bill. This innovative tuition program we launch today with the Mississippi National Guard continues MSU’s pro-soldier legacy and directly invests in those brave, bright men and women who serve and protect our great nation.”

Over 12,000 service members are in the Mississippi Army and Air National Guard’s ranks. For the Guard, higher education is a critical component of efforts to improve service members’ ability to solve complex problems at home and abroad. While the National Guard has a beneficial tuition program for eligible service members at all Mississippi colleges and universities, MSU support through the Bulldog Free Tuition program will make MSU the only state university where Mississippi National Guard soldiers can attend college without paying tuition.

To be eligible for the Bulldog Free Tuition program, service members must be full-time undergraduate students, in good standing with their unit and cannot be within a year of their expiration of term of service.

Through its Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans and university faculty and staff, MSU supports National Guard service members as they navigate classes, basic training, drill and deployments. Approximately 650 U.S. Armed Forces veterans and service members attend MSU, a population that increases to more than 2,600 when including dependents.

MSU is nationally recognized for its support of veterans, service members and their dependents. In 2015, MSU was designated as a “Purple Heart University” by the Military Order of the Purple Heart for its support of the military community. For more on MSU’s services available to veterans, service members and their dependents, visit www.veterans.msstate.edu.

The Mississippi National Guard is a relevant and ready force that stands ready to deploy for any contingency in Mississippi and overseas. Since 9/11, the force has one Silver Star recipient and approximately 1,400 Bronze Stars have been awarded to its Soldiers and Airmen. For more information, contact Col. Rodney Harris at 601-313-6215.

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at www.msstate.edu.

MSU Photo ID: Maj. Gen. Janson D. “Durr” Boyles, Adjutant General of Mississippi, and Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum celebrate after signing a memorandum of agreement between MSU and the Mississippi National Guard to establish the Bulldog Free Tuition Program. The new program ensures free tuition for eligible Mississippi National Guard service members enrolled full-time at MSU. (Photo by Megan Bean)

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/two-gun-tactical-is-homegrown-indoor-shooting-range 61ae6d0d13b6110016070885 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The only indoor shooting range and training facility in Central Mississippi, Two Gun Tactical is co-owned by Rankin Countians John White, a retired Mississippi Air National Guard Lieutenant Colonel Senior Intelligence Officer, and Dr. Steven Zachow, a Flowood oncologist. The state of the art range opened last November with the Governor in attendance.

The 1300 square foot facility, named from a quote in White’s favorite Western Tombstone, sells firearms, accessories and ammunition, features 10 lanes for shooting, contains three classrooms and offers educational classes taught by seven instructors. They also offer individual and group training and are able to accommodate corporate events or company retreats, according to Business Manager Emily Frederick. They have memberships, but non-members can also use the range for $20 per lane.

According to White, who teaches active shooter training and home defense, 90 percent of first-time gun owners are senior adults and women. He said, “We saw a need not only for an indoor gun range, but also for a place that residents can learn and train.”

Personal firearms instruction is available for $35 an hour. Group classes include the Mississippi Enhanced Permit Class, an 8-hour course curriculum designed to teach students how to safely use a handgun. It also covers different types of pistols and revolvers, how they operate, the pros and cons of each type, and the proper ammunition for each. This course covers the importance of being aware of your surroundings (situational awareness), introduces defensive firearms concepts, and covers the legal and ethical aspects of carrying and using a firearm in defense of yourself and/or others, and includes an hour of personal instruction on the range. The completion of this $175 course qualifies students for the Enhanced Endorsement to the Mississippi Firearms Permit.

The Two Gun Tactical Beginner Pistol Class is a three-hour class designed to help familiarize new shooters with the safe operation and handling of handguns. At the completion of the $75 course, attendees will be able to safely load, unload, fire and clean their handguns. No prerequisite is required, and range time is included in the fee.

White and Zachow are both Shooting Sports Directors for Boy Scouts of America and are both Eagle Scouts themselves. They have assisted Scouts with work on rifle shooting and shotgun shooting merit badges and with the pistol safety and marksmanship program. White is an NRA-certified training counselor that retired from the Mississippi Air National Guard with 32 years counter-terrorism experience. He teaches active shooter training to churches and security firms.

Two Gun Tactical offers individual, family, group and lifetime memberships. The Flowood facility at 667 Casey’s Lane is open Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Sunday 1-6 p.m.

For more information on classes, visit www.2guntactical.com , email info@2guntactical.com, or call 601-790-2486

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mugshots-building-in-tinseltown-parking-lot 61ae6d0d13b6110016070884 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Mugshots opening in Tinseltown parking lot

Flowood Mugshots owners, Cliff and Hunter Russum, were looking for a new Mugshots location in Pearl and having no luck. They asked the realtor about space in the Tinseltown parking lot, and the rest is history. A new 7,000 sq. ft., 225-seat prototype Mugshots restaurant is being built in that exact location, set to open later this year.

According to Cliff Russum, owner/manager, they will be starting a Facebook page in 30-60 days to provide construction and hiring updates. He plans to hire 60-75 employees.

Mugshots was founded in 2008 by Ron Savell and Chris McDonald. After splitting for many years, the brand and company are now owned solely by Savell, with the Russum brothers owning two franchises at Airport Road and the newest store in Pearl, which will be the eighteenth Mugshots location in Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.

There is now consistency in all Mugshots with the same menus and same products, according to Russum. And, they are looking to build more restaurants, possibly in the Metro Area.

Russum also said that the franchise has changed their famous burger, which has been named “Best Burger in Mississippi” for the last ten years by Mississippi Magazine. Instead of using a frozen patty, they now use a 100% fresh patty, certified Angus beef.

“We are excited to offer something different for Pearl,” he said. “This is a place where you can take your family and your children.”

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/libraries-under-new-management 61ae6d0d13b6110016070883 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Two Central Mississippi Regional Library System (CMRLS) libraries in SW Rankin County have new branch managers. Each will now serve their home towns. Morgan Lee moved from the Florence Library to become branch manager at the Pearl Library, and Jill Owens Hodges is now the Florence Library branch manager.

Lee is a Pearl native who was formerly an elementary librarian in Leland, Mississippi and a high school English teacher at Provine High School in Jackson. The graduate in public relations at the University of Alabama also has a master’s degree in library science from the University of Southern Mississippi.

The third generation Pearl High School graduate is the daughter of Mark and Angela Lee and granddaughter of Donald and Glenna Dennis of Pearl. She supervises a 12-person staff including Carolyn Anderson, circulation supervisor, Amy Lee, reference supervisor, and Kristen Hillman, children’s supervisor.

Lee enjoys meeting people and learning new things. Her favorite authors are Stephen King and Ian McEwan.

Hodges, a Florence native, became the Florence Library’s branch manager June 1 after working at the library for almost four years. A graduate of Florence High School, she said she most enjoys interacting with her patrons. She likes to hear what they are reading.

She and her husband, Steve, have two sons, Tyler, 20, and Jacob, 16, a junior at Florence High School. Tyler and Courtney have Waylon, a six-month old.

She works with Crystal Keene, children’s specialist, and Zoerean Neal, circulation clerk.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/resurrecting-old-insurance-model-may-limit-who-gets-covered-and-how-well 61ae6d0d13b6110016070882 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

A new health insurance option awaits consumers this fall. Proponents say it will offer lower premiums and relief from increasingly expensive Obamacare policies sold in the so-called individual market. That’s the place where people who don’t have employer or government-sponsored insurance turn when they need coverage. It’s no secret that rising premiums have hurt people in that market if they are among those whom the law considers too wealthy for subsidies to help them out - for example, families of four with incomes above $100,400 and single people whose incomes exceed $48,560. So the Trump Administration has approved the return of association policies, called AHPs for short. Fraternal or professional organizations can sponsor one. A single proprietor or sole owner of a business can also set up one of these new arrangements. But these “new” arrangements are not new. They were around for years before the Affordable Care Act was passed, and they’ve been resurrected by the Trump administration to promote a low-cost option for a small slice of the insurance marketplace. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta offers this rationale: “Many of our laws, particularly Obamacare, make health care more expensive for small businesses than large companies. AHPs are about more choice, more access and more coverage.” Once again the individual market may become the Wild, Wild West of insurance as sellers pick and choose what benefits to offer. They can present a shopping nightmare for consumers who try to slog through the market and understand what they’re buying. Many of the protections offered by the ACA are gone, and shoppers are on their own to sort through the fine print that may or may not disclose what they are buying. For example, the Affordable Care Act outlawed the practice of considering a person’s pre-existing health conditions before issuing a policy, one of the most important protections it provided. Under the government’s rules for AHPs, a person’s health still cannot be factored into the decision to issue a policy. But insurers may find a way around this limitation, says Sabrina Corlette, a research professor at Georgetown University’s Center for Health Insurance Reforms. “The way benefits are designed can make a policy very unattractive to certain groups of sick people,” she told me. If an insurance group doesn’t want to cover a lot of people with HIV-AIDS, it could create a network that includes almost no doctors who treat people with that condition. AHPs must still cover the ACA’s preventive services like mammograms and diabetes screening. But other ACA protections are gone. Fewer benefits and ones that are less comprehensive are the trade-offs for cheaper policies. “AHPs will have more flexibility in how they vary premiums and what benefits are covered,” says Cori Uccello, senior health fellow at the American Academy of Actuaries. Here’s where the shopping task gets tricky. AHPs won’t be required to cover any of the ACA’s package of essential benefits - things like mental health, maternity, and prescription drugs. It’s also possible their benefits could come with limitations on hospital stays and doctor visits. Comparing policies with these different combinations of benefits will take some effort. There are other changes, too, that would-be shoppers should be aware of. The “flexibility” touted by the Labor Secretary means that AHPs will now be able to use gender in deciding how much to charge. Women could be forced to pay more than men because insurers say that, especially at younger ages, women have more claims. On the Health Affairs blog Katie Keith of Keith Health Policy Solutions showed what could happen when gender is factored into the pricing decision. Keith pointed to a Blue Cross Blue Shield comment letter that suggested AHPs could rate (determine what to charge) young men more than 40 percent lower than insurers could while young women could be rated more than 30 percent higher. The AHPs could rate engineers nine percent lower than insurers and rate taxi drivers 15 percent higher. Engineers apparently file fewer claims than taxi drivers. That may be the biggest change – that AHPs will be able to consider people’s jobs in the decision to insure them. The ACA had outlawed the practice of occupational underwriting, which had meant that waiters, musicians, models, beauty operators, fry cooks, even doctors and lawyers sometimes couldn’t obtain insurance because insurance stats showed people in those occupations filed more claims. Will people in those occupations be turned down now? Association health plans might look like a panacea for the country’s health care woes. But questionable practices are likely to resurface, and it’s not clear state insurance departments, which had a tough time keeping tabs on fraud and abuse years ago, are up to the job of policing them. AHPs may well throw the individual market into a big mess without addressing the fundamental problem they purport to solve: the underlying high price of American medical care. What would you choose: lower premiums or skimpier benefits? Write to Trudy at trudy.lieberman@gmail.com.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/where-everybody-knows-your-named 61ae6d0d13b6110016070881 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

By Guest Columnist Kevin Jones, pastor First Baptist Church, Richland

The theme to a hit sitcom Cheers (1982-1993), “Where Everybody Knows Your Name” taps into a very visceral need which every person has on this planet—we need to belong to a group where we are loved, accepted and in which we can contribute to something bigger than the drudgery of our hectic lives.

I am not suggesting that you take your quest for community and meaningful relationships to the nearest bar. Instead, I would like to let you know that the God who gave you life, who knows you so intimately that He knows the number of hairs on your head and loves you so much that He sent His Son to die for you and your sin on the cross has provided a refuge and a place for fellowship while you live on this earth. That place is the local church.

Many misconceptions about the church abound. Some people believe that “the church” is a building or a campus where people gather to worship and learn about the Bible. Some believe that “church” is something that people do on particular days of the week and/or year. A few believe that “the church” is a philanthropic or charitable organization that exists to help people, and I could mention some unflattering definitions of the church as well, but I will not do that in this article.

The local church is a group of flawed human beings who have been changed by the grace of God and are part of an imperfect family. The church is called to love the Lord and to love others. The church is God’s instrument to change the world with the Gospel. Everybody in the church may not know your name, but you will be glad you came. It is where you belong.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Kevin Jones has been pastor at First Baptist Church Richland since September 2010. He attended Forest High School, Mississippi College, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and Reformed Theological Seminary. He was ordained in 1992. He and his wife, Renee Thaggard Jones, have two sons, Houston, 22, and Reese, 16.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/libraries-get-new-managers 61ae6d0d13b6110016070880 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Two Central Mississippi Regional Library System (CMRLS) libraries in SW Rankin County have new branch managers. Each will now serve their home towns. Morgan Lee moved from the Florence Library to become branch manager at the Pearl Library, and Jill Owens Hodges is now the Florence Library branch manager.

Lee is a Pearl native who was formerly an elementary librarian in Leland, Mississippi and a high school English teacher at Provine High School in Jackson. The graduate in public relations at the University of Alabama also has a master’s degree in library science from the University of Southern Mississippi.

The third generation Pearl High School graduate is the daughter of Mark and Angela Lee and granddaughter of Donald and Glenna Dennis of Pearl. She supervises a 12-person staff including Carolyn Anderson, circulation supervisor, Amy Lee, reference supervisor, and Kristen Hillman, children’s supervisor.

Lee enjoys meeting people and learning new things. Her favorite authors are Stephen King and Ian McEwan.

Hodges, a Florence native, became the Florence Library’s branch manager June 1 after working at the library for almost four years. A graduate of Florence High School, she said she most enjoys interacting with her patrons. She likes to hear what they are reading.

She and her husband, Steve, have two sons, Tyler, 20, and Jacob, 16, a junior at Florence

High School. Tyler and Courtney have Waylon, a six-month old.

She works with Crystal Keene, children’s specialist, and Zoerean Neal, circulation clerk.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/defining-conservatism-in-mississippi 61ae6d0d13b611001607087f Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Conservatism is a word I’ve heard a lot since moving here to take the position as CEO of Mississippi’s conservative think tank, the Mississippi Center for Public Policy. It seems almost everyone considers himself a conservative. I’m discovering the word has lost some of its meaning, though. It has become interchangeable with the GOP or with one’s views on the Second Amendment or on being pro-life. But those definitions of conservative are not wholly accurate. More importantly, they’re not enough. A conservative is also willing to stand up to encroaching power of all forms of government to the growing corporatism that seeks to govern us from the boardroom, and to the menace to our society that is a progressive culture.

To make Mississippi a leader in economic growth, entrepreneurship, job creation, and prosperity, we have to make progress on the issue of our long-standing dependence on government. We have to change our public policy. We need to value work, remove barriers to risk-taking, free parents to choose the education path that works for their own children, and leverage the power of the private enterprises of faith, family, non-profits, and private organizations. The faith-based and philanthropic generosity of Mississippians is amazing. It can create so much good, but we have to prevent government from competing with this philanthropy. The best solutions in civil society come from local, efficient, effective, temporary actions where a personal relationship ensures mutual accountability. This is how we used to solve the problems in our civil society.

There are far too many Mississippians who seek to petition government to do this work. Worse, too many individuals and companies are looking to the government for a contract, a job, a partner, or protection from competition. When we allow government to become the Holy Grail in this way, we weaken the free market. We create a disincentive to the formation and deployment of capital. We thwart the opportunity for all Mississippians to prosper. What’s more, such reliance on government ensures only those with power have significant influence on Mississippi, including determining who represents us in the legislative and executive branches of our government.

What makes a “conservative” is not a party or allegiance to a particular leader or political campaign, but the power of ideas. As conservatives, our ideas are based on bedrock values and fundamental truths. Freedom is a policy that works. A limited and restrained government is the essence of our system. And the principle of ordered liberty holds it all together. Our goal at the Mississippi Center for Public Policy is to play a leadership role in building a Mississippi where individual liberty, opportunity, and responsibility reign because government is limited. We believe this is the only way nations, states, and cities have ever enjoyed durable prosperity.

If we remain committed to these ideas and work hard to convince others of their value, we can all experience a Magnolia renaissance. And we can say conservatism made it possible. Real conservatism. The kind of which Bill Buckley, Ronald Reagan, and Milton Friedman spoke. The kind where we are free to pursue our individual liberty and speak our minds. The kind where we encourage people to take action and take risks in pursuit of their happiness. The kind where we take personal responsibility for our futures and stop looking for government to solve all of our problems.

There is an important role for government but it must be limited. Government functions best when it is closest to the people and when it is open and transparent. And the states are the best avenue for getting things done. Although our national government continues to grow into an unwieldy and bureaucratic swamp, our country is still federalist. We are a collection of semi-sovereign states. Federalism is a conservative idea. As Reagan stated in his first inaugural address, “The federal government did not create the states; the states created the federal government.” Thanks to our founding fathers, the real political and policy power is supposed to belong to the states.

Though I’ve lived in Mississippi for only a few months now, I’ve come to learn that y’all are not very fond of people telling you what to do, especially not people in Washington, D.C. I admire that. That’s a conservative thing, too. That independence goes to the heart of the conservative movement. It was present at our founding. It was what compelled Bill Buckley to start National Review. It was what gave us Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump. And if we harness it, conservatism will lead us to a prosperous Mississippi—a Mississippi where individual liberty, opportunity, and responsibility reign because government is limited.

Jon L. Pritchett (@tobaccoroadguy) is president and CEO of the Mississippi Center for Public Policy, the state’s non-partisan, free-market think tank. Prior to joining MCPP, Jon was senior vice president of the John Locke Foundation. He also worked as an investment banker, executive, and entrepreneur over a 28-year career in private business.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/dear-begins-second-year-with-music-city-drum-and-bugle-corps 61ae6d0d13b611001607087e Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

This summer, like last, Donnie Dear, 17, of Florence will be part of the Music City Drum and Bugle Corps traveling around the United States performing with the 240-member group that is one of 24 world-class corps. The group will have 22 shows between June 27 and August 11, after their family show on June 23. They reported on Monday, May 28 to begin 12-hour-a-day training.

Dear has liked music since he began playing the piano at age 5. In addition to the piano, he plays the guitar and tuba. He plans to major in music education and minor in worship arts at Belhaven University where he received an almost full band scholarship.

According to his mother, Angie Dear, who volunteers to help feed the band members during the summer, “this is phenomenal experience for him as he prepares to become a band director. He will learn every type of marching imaginable, so he will be able to teach in the future. It’s a dream come true for him.”

As a volunteer for such a large group, Angie has cooked 720 lbs. of hamburger meat at a time. The traveling entourage includes an eighteen-wheeler equipment truck, and eighteen-wheeler food truck and four buses with 60 kids each. With a staff of 37, the group also has two to five parents who volunteer to help out throughout the summer. Angie joined the group June 20 – 24 and will again July 23-29.

Another Florence student has also been involved in this higher level of drum and bugle corps. Cole Smith, who graduated in 2017, played percussion with Southwind Drum and Bugle Corps last year, and is marching with the world-class Spirit of Atlanta Corps this year. Twenty-one is the age limit to participate.

The Music City Drum and Bugle Corps was rated fourth in the open class twenty-fourth in world class in 2017. They are now classified as a world class corps. This year’s show, “Hell On Wheels, The Legend of Casey Jones,” promises to be a great performance. The closest performances will be in Layfayette, Louisiana; Birmingham, Alabama; and Atlanta, Georgia.

Donnie is the son of Angie and Ellis Dear of Florence. They have another son, Walker, who is 13.

For more information or to donate, visit www.musiccitydrumcorps.org.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/donnie-dear-and-the-music-city-drum-and-bugle-corps 61ae6d0d13b611001607087d Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT This summer, like last, Donnie Dear, 17, of Florence will be part of the Music City Drum and Bugle Corps traveling around the United States performing with the 240-member group that is one of 24 world-class corps. The group will have 22 shows between June 27 and August 11, after their family show on June 23. They reported on Monday, May 28 to begin 12-hour-a-day training.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/florence-venture-students-win-competition 61ae6d0d13b611001607087c Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

Florence Elementary's fourth grade Venture students Tyler McGee, Brookley Bledsoe, Maylee Gilmer, and Tak Toyota placed first at Mississippi's Meaningful Economics and Entrepreneurship Competition. The competition was held March 22nd at Millsaps College and sponsored by the MS Council on Economic Education. The students were under the leadership of teacher Marilyn Tullos and were presented their awards by Selena Swartzfager, President of the MS Council on Economic Education.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/maddox-wins-track-scholarship 61ae6d0d13b611001607087b Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Pearl High School senior Aden Maddox signed a track scholarship with Meridian Community College. Pictured (l to r) seated, are: Jeff Maddox, father; Aden; and Renee Maddox, mother; standing, are: Richard Smithhart, athletic director; Chris Barnett, track coach; and Chris Chism, principal.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/richland-officers-promoted 61ae6d0d13b611001607087a Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT At the regular Board Meeting on Tuesday, June 5, Police Officers Michael Williams and Josh Gray, pictured (l to r), were promoted to sergeant.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/fms-baseball-tryouts 61ae6d0d13b6110016070879 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT Students must have a current physical (original only, no copies) before tryouts begin. Free physicals are Saturday, May 12. See a coach for required forms and other info. The Free Physical is for any student entering 7th - 9th grade next year and desiring to participate in any sport for FMS or FHS.

Current students in grades 6 and 7 should report to the middle school gym parking lot by 7:15 Saturday morning. Bus will leave at 7:30 SHARPE. Triplicate forms are available from any coach and the must be completed by a parent and signed. Forms must be complete!!! No exceptions, & signed by a parent - No Exceptions.

Students entering 9th grade will report to the high school (back lot) at 8 am and bus will depart at 8:15. The above rules apply to ALL athletes. No Exceptions.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/rankin-county-criminal-interdiction-team-seizes-115-pounds-of-marijuana-on-interstate-20 61ae6d0d13b6110016070878 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

On Thursday May 10, at approximately 2 p.m. Rankin County Interstate Interdiction Task Force Deputy Decell conducted a stop on a 2004 Cadillac S.U.V. on Interstate 20 in Rankin County for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop the deputy suspected the vehicle was transporting drugs and/or contraband. Rankin County Sheriff’s Department Canine, “Fox”, alerted on the vehicle indicating narcotics were inside. A search of the vehicle revealed 115 pounds of marijuana concealed in three cardboard boxes in the cargo area. Lieutenant Paul Mullins along with other members of the Criminal Interdiction Team assisted with the arrest. The driver Joshua GONZALES was placed under arrest for trafficking of Marijuana and transported to the Rankin County Jail. District Attorney Michael Guest will bring Joshua GONZALES before Rankin County Court Judge Kent McDaniel for an initial appearance. No Bond has been set at this time. This investigation is continuing with the Office of Homeland Security.

]]> https://mansellmedia.wixsite.com/website-3/post/mdeq-awards-solid-waste-assistance-grant-to-rankin-county 61ae6d0d13b6110016070877 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 20:05:32 GMT

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) awarded Rankin County a solid waste assistance grant of $27,128 that will be used by the county for bulky and hazardous waste programs (e-waste and white goods).

“The Solid Waste Assistance Grants support a variety of useful solid waste management activities for cities and counties, and this grant will assist Rankin County’s efforts in improving their management of solid waste,” said Gary Rikard, MDEQ Executive Director. Cities and counties may apply for Solid Waste Assistance Grants through the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality. These grants are used by local communities for programs to prevent and clean up unauthorized dumps; to aid in hiring local solid waste enforcement officers; for public education efforts on solid waste disposal and recycling; and to establish programs for the collection of white goods, bulky wastes and recyclables. Information about this grant program and other initiatives is available at www.mdeq.ms.gov/solid-waste-management-programs

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