News Briefs

Educational Workshops on Neighbors First Program set in Jackson

 

The city of Jackson has launched the educational campaign for the Neighbors First program.

The program is designed to address blight and revitalize underutilized residential properties in Jackson by allowing the city to transfer city-owned lots in a pre-determined planning area to the neighbors of those properties for a designated amount that starts at $10. The program requires the resident to own property in the neighborhood, street or block.

The educational campaign consists of a series of workshops across the community to show residents how to navigate land rolls and inform them of what is expected of those who purchase the property. The informational workshops will be held:

• April 2 from 9-11 a.m. at the Metrocenter Mall Event Room, 3645 U.S. 80.

• April 16 from 9-11 a.m. at the Jackson Police Training Academy, 3000 St. Charles St.

• April 23 from 9-11 a.m. at the Jackson Police Training Academy, 3000 St. Charles St.

The program supports city efforts to help citizens reclaim their communities, and will also help increase revenue for the city as residents continue to pay their property taxes after obtaining the new property. For more information, visit www.jacksonms.gov.

 

Hinds County Board allocates funds for roads

 

The Hinds County Board of Supervisors approved the allocation of $4 million for the paving of roads recently. The allocation was approved March 7, in a 4-1 vote with Supervisor Robert Graham (District 1) making the motion and a second coming from Supervisor Bobbie McGowan (District 5).

The vote earmarked $3 million to be equally divided and designated for road work in Districts 2, 4, and 5 and $500,000 each for Districts 1 and 3.

 

Bryant requests federal disaster declaration

 

Gov. Phil Bryant has requested President Barack Obama issue a major disaster declaration for severe weather and flooding that first struck March 9, and has plagued the state since.

Based on joint preliminary damage assessments by local officials, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Bryant has asked the declaration cover Bolivar, Coahoma and Washington counties.

If the president grants the request, more counties could be added after additional damage assessments.

“This March flooding event has been historic throughout the state, and most people will need federal assistance to help them rebuild and recover,” Gov. Bryant said. “These first three counties I’ve requested were among the hardest hit, and much of the water has receded. I am prepared to request other counties as the joint MEMA and FEMA damage assessment teams are able to access flooded areas.”

Initial damage estimates showed more than 650 homes sustained major damage; in total, more than 1,800 were affected. Several state agencies, along with numerous nonprofits and faith-based groups, have been assisting with recovery and rebuilding since the storms began.

Annual Easter Egg Hunt Set for March 26

 

The city of Jackson Annual Easter Egg Hunt is set for March 26, at the VA Legion Softball Complex, located at 4500 Thomas Catchings Sr. Dr.

The hunt, which begins at noon, is free and open to children ages 4 to 8. The event will feature candy and prizes. Participants are asked to bring a bag, basket or bucket.

The annual hunt is co-sponsored by WJMI/WKXI radio stations.

 

NCBW scholarship deadline nears

 

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Central Mississippi Chapter is accepting scholarship applications from graduating high school seniors. The deadline to submit an application is March 28.

Applications should be available at high school counselors’ offices.

For additional information contact Dr. Dovie Reed at (601) 260-1824 or Dr. LaVerne Gentry at (601) 613-8977 or email ncbwcms.scholars2016@gmail.com.

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