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JW “Buddy” Channell, 86, passed away peacefully and went home to be with our Lord and savior on June 21, 2026. He was born on Nov. 8, 1939, to Johnnie W. and Febie L. Breeden Channell in Hazlehurst. He lived a full life and touched the lives of many through his welding abilities and love…

By Treasurer David McRae John Adams once predicted that Americans would celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence with “games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations.” That said, he probably never imagined we’d still be doing it 250 years later. And yet, here we are. A strong and vibrant United States was never guaranteed.…

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced Flo Rida as the headliner of the 2026 Mississippi State Fair, which runs Oct. 8-18, as well as several new and special, patriotic attractions fairgoers can expect as part of this year’s theme, “Let Freedom Ring!” at the State Fair. Gipson was joined by Paige Robertson, executive…

By Bonnie Coblentz, MSU Extension Service Pollution and the litter problem in Mississippi is being addressed by a lot of people in a lot of important ways, and some think art has a part to play in the effort. Art Doing Its Part is a statewide art and slogan competition aimed at personalizing the issue…

By Eddie Smith, MSU Extension Service Certain plants earn a permanent place in gardens not just for their beauty, but for the way they show up year after year without fuss. Echinacea coneflowers fall squarely into that category for me. They bring a dependable splash of color, attract pollinators by the dozens and carry an…

In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the Mississippi Department of Transportation is inviting the public to put their creativity on display with the Star-Spangled Digital Message Sign (DMS) Contest by submitting their patriotic, America-themed, safe-driving messages to run during the Fourth of July holiday week. “We’re excited to celebrate America 250 while reminding travelers that…

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks invites you to celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week, running from June 6 to 14. This nationwide celebration is an invitation for all fishing and boating enthusiasts to come together and enjoy the outdoors. In Mississippi, June 6 and 7 have been designated as “Free Fishing Days,”…

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks announced a record harvest for the 2026 spring turkey season, with Mississippi hunters reporting 17,907 birds through Game Check. This surpassed the previous record of 15,498 birds set in 2024 and is the highest number that has been reported since the state implemented mandatory harvest reporting in…

As May comes to an end, and with it, the formal recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Department of Mental Health reminds Mississippians that there are more services and supports available than ever before, and help is only a phone call, a mouse click, or a screen tap away. There is more than one…

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…