News

At its first meeting of 2024, the Mississippi Transportation Commission named Commissioner Willie Simmons, Central Transportation District, as chairman. “It is such an honor to be elected chairman of the Mississippi Transportation Commission at this pivotal time in our state’s transportation history,” said Simmons. “I look forward to ensuring this commission continues to move our…

The annual energy bill for a typical single-family home is $2,060 in the United States.  Have you ever wondered just where that money goes? Well, for the average family, a whopping 42% of that is made up of heating and cooling costs combined. Water heating is another 13% of the total cost.  Electronics account for…

By Eddie Smith MSU Extension Service I find it challenging to keep the landscape vibrant and colorful during winter, but incorporating plants with vibrant berries can add a pop of color to the winter scenery. The Savannah holly, which is a hybrid of the native American holly, is one of the best options to bring…

The Mississippi Department of Transportation officials are gearing up for potential winter weather in parts of Mississippi next week as a blast of artic air moves south. Forecasts predict hard freezes with morning lows in the single-digits in parts the northern part of the state and daytime highs in the 30s with precipitation ranging from…

By Eddie Smith MSU Extension Service As we embark on a new year, gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike are gearing up for a fresh season of growth, color, and the promise of a bountiful harvest. Whether you’re a seasoned green-thumb gardener or a novice with dreams of a flourishing garden, the new year is the…

A physically active lifestyle has been linked to a host of health benefits, including a reduced risk for various chronic diseases and a longer, healthier life. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services notes that moving more and sitting less benefits people regardless of their age, sex, race, ethnicity, or even current fitness levels.…

By Eddie Smith MSU Extension Service While I take time to be with loved ones, the garden is not far from my mind. I’m dreaming of a winter wonderland with enchanting, cold-hardy plants. As the new season settles in, casting its chilly embrace over gardens and landscapes, many plants surrender to the frosty grip, leaving…

By Eddie Smith MSU Extension Service Snapdragons are some of the most beautiful plants that grow in cold weather. They may not seem like holiday plants, but their festive colors make them a great selection. These annuals love the cold fall, winter, and spring weather we have in the South. Their colorful flower spikes brighten…

On Dec. 20, the Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) named Dr. Lance Evans, the superintendent of the New Albany School District, the next state superintendent of education. The SBE selected Evans after conducting a national search. He will assume the position on July 1, 2024, succeeding Dr. Ray Morgigno, who was appointed to serve…

In collaboration with Mississippi State University Extension, the Mississippi Tourism Association, and the Mississippi Main Street Association, the Mississippi Hills Heritage National Area has launched a culinary adventure, the Farm to Fork Foodie Trail, which features locally- and regionally-grown and chef-curated foods from cultivation to presentation. The project’s mission is to connect people to the…