News

Gov. Tate Reeves announced June 18 that the Office of Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM) recently approved 24 broadband infrastructure projects to be funded by the Capital Projects Fund (CPF). BEAM anticipates additional CPF projects to be approved on a rolling basis throughout the summer. “We’re working hard to expand broadband infrastructure to…

By Tricia Nelson Students are enjoying time off during the summer, which means the Crystal Springs Police Department has beefed up its enforcement of the city curfew. The board asked that citizens be reminded that a 10 p.m. curfew exists Sunday through Thursday nights and a midnight curfew exists for Friday and Saturday nights for…

By Leah Roberson Citizen Robert Cawthorn attended the June 10 meeting of Copiah County supervisors to alert the board of issues he has had with the Sheriff’s Office in the past 10 months. After two separate incidents of theft, Cawthorn stated that while attempting to file a police report, he had felt harassed when he…

By Susan Collins-Smith, MSU Extension Service As hurricane season begins, older adults should be sure their disaster plan is up to date and reflects their current situation. David Buys, health specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service, said everyone needs to review their disaster plan periodically, but older adults will want to make sure…

By Sid Salter In the rural South, we are conditioned to a self-image of small communities like fictional Mayberry where crime and violence are almost non-existent and the real dangers from gun violence lurk on the streets and back alleys of Chicago, New York, Detroit, and Los Angeles. However, the mean streets are not limited…

There will be a Juneteenth Community Celebration in Crystal Springs starting at 6 p.m., Wednesday, June 19, at the Packing Shed. The evening will include music, vendors, food, booths, African American art, speakers, and more. All community organizations are invited to attend and set up booths. For more information, contact Rev. L Fitzgerald Lovett or…

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, Secretary of State Michael Watson urges Mississippians to educate themselves on the increasing occurrences of elder financial exploitation and the steps to identify possible warning signs. Financial exploitation on the elderly (aged 60+) is recognized as one of the fastest-growing forms of elder abuse.…

by James L. Cummins The next time you snack on almonds, add blueberries to your smoothie, or eat pumpkin pie, thank a pollinator; and thank farmers, ranchers, and private forestland owners who work hard to create and maintain their habitat. Pollinators, such as honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, birds, bats, flies, and many others, play a critical…

The Mississippi Farmers Market Summer Kick-Off is a come-and-go event from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, June 15. The market will feature an antique car display in the market parking lot (weather permitting), blueberry lemonade beverages from Genuine MS member J&D Blueberry Farm, gourmet popsicles, and other summer-themed items from the market’s weekly vendor…