News

By Eddie Smith, MSU Extension Service My friends, Ben and Kelly Boerner, have a charming home and gardens nestled in the picturesque countryside of Carriere. When I visited them, I found myself immersed in the beauty of their meticulously curated landscape, which features eye-catching wildflowers. These beautiful wildflowers not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of…

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 John Carney Paperwork and plans are underway for water and sewer upgrades in the Town of Monticello. Aldermen approved paperwork that will keep progress on a $595,000 Community Development Block Grant for water and sewer upgrades in the New Town neighborhood moving forward. The grant, administered by the governor’s office, will pay for line…

By John Carney Lawrence County will most likely not receive any extra help footing the bill for storm damage cleanup in the aftermath of a strong storm system that came through the county recently. According to Lawrence County Emergency Management Director Tony Norwood, state or federal assistance with storm damage is not expected. At the…

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…

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…