Be BearWise this summer
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is reminding residents to be bear aware, understand typical bear behavior, and take simple precautions to safely coexist with these native wildlife residents. Each year in early summer, young black bears, especially males, cover long distances looking for a new place to call home. Black bears typically…
Read MoreRefined white flowers bring gardens together
By Eddie Smith, MSU Extension Service In the middle of long, humid seasons when bold colors can feel a little intense, I find myself stopped in my tracks by soft, luminous white blooms in the landscape. Early in the morning, white blooms catch the first light and almost sparkle with dew. In the evening, they…
Read MoreMargie Faye White
A celebration of life will be held for Margie Faye Collins White at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Bethel Baptist Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will start at 9 a.m. until time of service at the church. Margie Faye Collins White passed away peacefully on May 24. She will…
Read MoreMildred Maher
Mildred Elizabeth Grantham Maher, 84, of Hazlehurst, passed away on May 20, 2026. A funeral service was held on May 22 at Stringer Family Chapel in Hazlehurst, with burial at Union Church Cemetery. Mrs. Maher was born on July 25, 1941, in Coushatta, La. She owned Brandywine Store and loved helping people. She was preceded…
Read MoreCelebrate Memorial Day close to home without breaking the bank
By Kara Kimbrough Filling up the car with gas in advance of a road trip during the long Memorial Day weekend ahead was not a problem in previous years. But this year…well, that’s a different story. Without dwelling on the pain we’re all feeling at the pump, I decided to share a few tips to…
Read MoreJames Ferrell
James “Mitch” Ferrell, of Hazlehurst, was born on Nov. 24, 1945, in Oxford and went to his heavenly home on May 15, 2026. He loved Jesus, his family, and his church. Mitch never met a stranger and always found something in common with everyone he met. He was preceded in death by his parents, Baker…
Read MoreTake action now to prevent stroke
Strokes are one of the top five causes of death in Mississippi, and the state has the second highest mortality rate (52.1 per 100,000) in the United States, accounting for 1,925 deaths in 2024. During May, National Stroke Awareness Month, the Mississippi State Department of Health is stressing the importance of taking meaningful steps to…
Read MoreRussell James Hebert
A graveside service will be held for Russell James Hebert on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Poplar Springs Cemetery in Hazlehurst. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Riverwood Family. Russell James Hebert, 77, of Wesson, passed away on May 13 at his home surrounded by all his girls. He was born on…
Read MoreScott Dear
Scott Dear, 61, passed away on May 9, 2026, at St. Dominic’s Hospital. He was born on Nov. 17, 1964, in Hazlehurst. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 16, at New Zion Baptist Church, followed by a memorial service at 11. Interment will be at Crystal Springs Cemetery. Scott worked…
Read MoreMental Health Awareness Month recognized; new resource launched
The Mississippi Department of Mental Health joins the nation in observing Mental Health Awareness Month this May, reaffirming its commitment to expanding access to quality behavioral health services for all Mississippians. First observed in 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise public understanding of mental health conditions, reduce stigma, and connect individuals…
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