Local News

The Disaster Service Centers said they will be closed Saturday, Sept. 5, through Monday, Sept. 7, and will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 8, at noon. The centers said applicants may apply online, via the FEMA app, or by calling 1-800-621-FEMA and should use disaster number DR-4930.

State Auditor Shad White said an analysis begun in January found Mississippi has the second-highest car tag fees in the nation and his office has identified more than $400 million in waste.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation highlighted Daniel Ducote, P.E., saying his lab testing helps ensure materials used in transportation projects meet specifications.

Forecasters say the Mid-South will remain unusually warm through at least mid-September. A forecast map labels conditions there as “Above.”

Luther Russell, former Laurel Public Works Director, has pleaded guilty to embezzlement, admitting to using city equipment for personal projects. He was sentenced to house arrest and probation.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety said on social media that Elvis the Pony, Beth Loftin, Officer Thurman Jones and Pamela McAfee are its September employees of the month.

Demaro R. Hubbard, 28, was arrested Aug. 30 and charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit burglary of a vehicle, police said. A judge ordered a $10,000 bond and the charges will be presented to a Lee County grand jury.

Kirk Chism, NEMCC paramedic director, spoke with students about his journey in emergency medical services and introduced the college’s new paramedic program, the college said.

Blue Mountain Christian University will hold a Gratitude Day event on Sept. 9 on the central campus lawn, offering free food, thank-you cards and prize drawings, the university said.

MS LIFT said it held an open house and ribbon cutting at its Resource and Referral Center in Amory, Mississippi, and invited visitors to stop by at 215 N. Main St. The organization said the center offers lending libraries, child-care resources and training supports.