Business

Mississippi Black Caucus pushes for more minority contracts

JACKSON, Mississippi (AP) — Mississippi government agencies needs to make a stronger effort to buy more goods and services from businesses owned by minorities and women, leaders of the Legislative Black Caucus say. “We allocate […]

Business

Phillips Lighting expanding, adding 50 jobs in Tupelo

TUPELO, Mississippi (AP) — Philips Lighting Co. will add 50 new jobs in a $2 million expansion of operations at its facility in Tupelo. The company says in a news release that it is expanding […]

Business

2 more Mississippi malls approved for sales tax subsidy

JACKSON, Mississippi (AP) — Mississippi taxpayers could help pay for two more malls that squeezed in approvals before a law allowing sales tax subsidies expired June 30 The Mississippi Development Authority approved applications in June […]

Entertainment

Songwriter Johnny Russell gets country music marker in Moorhead

Country music singer-songwriter Johnny Russell was the latest recipient honored with a marker on the Mississippi Country Music Trail. The marker unveiling was at 101 East Delta Avenue in Moorhead.

Governor Phil Bryant, who was born in Moorhead, offered remarks during the ceremony.

John Bright “Johnny” Russell (1940-2001) was born and raised in Moorhead and went on to become a star of the Grand Ole Opry and a popular country recording artist, with such hits as “Catfish John” and “Rednecks, White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer.” […]

Entertainment

It’s time for authentic festivals and fairs in ‘The True South’

One of the great traditions of summer in the True South is to attend an outdoor festival or fair for a taste of the diverse cultural heritage displayed across Mississippi.

Many of these are annual events that draw locals and visitors alike to enjoy long-standing traditions.

“Throughout the summer, there are so many unique festivals and fairs taking place in communities across Mississippi that showcase the authentic sights and sounds of our state’s Southern culture.” said Malcolm White, director of the Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism Division.“ Now is a great time to plan a trip and experience the True South’s most interesting events of the summer.” […]

Business

Hankins Lumber Company re-opening in Grenada

Officials from Hankins Lumber Company announced this week that the company is reopening its facility in Grenada following a 15-month closure due to the downturn in the economy.

The project represents a $1.5 million investment and is creating 120 jobs, many of which will be filled by former employees working at the facility when it closed.

A producer of southern yellow pine products, Hankins Lumber Company produces and supplies a variety of lumber and related products for commercial and residential clients throughout Mississippi, as well as the country’s retail and wholesale markets. […]

News

Preacher charged with sexual battery

Authorities have charged an Alcorn County preacher with sexual battery. The Alcorn County Sheriff’s Department told WTVA that Timothy D. Nall, 57, has been charged based on a grand jury indictment.

Authorities said a report was filed against Nall in April 2013. They said Nall has been a preacher at Farmington Baptist Church. […]

Business

CertainTeed restarting production in Meridian

CertainTeed joined local and state officials Monday to announce the company is restarting its ceiling tile manufacturing operations in Meridian, in the same facility it purchased in 2005.

The project represents a $24 million company investment and will create 110 new jobs by 2016.

Production is expected to resume during the second quarter of 2014. Once operational, the facility will produce a range of ceiling tiles and acoustical wall panels used in commercial construction applications. […]

Education

Kid-Friendly fun in the ‘True South’

Mississippi is the perfect place to let your children explore and discover all the fun of the True South this spring and summer. It’s also the right location for a memorable and affordable family getaway.

“With beautiful weather from the hills to the Gulf Coast, Mississippi offers a diverse and fun-filled array of activities for children this spring and summer,” said Malcolm White, director of the Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism Division. “Being centrally located between Memphis and New Orleans, Birmingham and Baton Rouge, and Atlanta and Dallas makes Mississippi a great choice for an affordable family vacation within easy driving distance of many major cities. Our kid-friendly attractions and events – like interactive museums and food festivals – are easy to access from most parts of the country.” […]