Local News

Northeast Mississippi Community College will hold commencement ceremonies May 14-18, 2026, at the Bonner Arnold Coliseum on its Booneville campus, the college said.

The Mississippi State Department of Health said it will provide free Tdap vaccinations and birth certificates to residents affected by recent tornadoes in Lincoln, Lamar and Franklin counties.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said it and partners are assessing damage and providing relief after severe weather on May 6 and 7, 2026. The agency posted the latest updates on its website.

Ripley Main Street said it is selling a limited number of $75 pre-order VIP wristbands for the Burnside Music Fest on June 6 in historic downtown Ripley. The wristbands include a festival shirt, signed poster, meet-and-greet and other perks.

Gathering Porch will offer fresh lemonade and dirty sodas at the Burnside Music Fest on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Historic Downtown Ripley, organizers said.

BMCU said its School of Education received accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, recognizing the quality of its educator preparation programs.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation said May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and urged motorists to know blind spots, leave extra space and drive defensively.

Jordan T. Ivy, 34, was arrested May 7 after investigators say he repeatedly stole merchandise from a Walmart on West Main Street, police said.

The Tupelo Police Department said in a social media post that it hosted North Pontotoc Schools’ Life Skills students for a visit that included a live drone demonstration and a tour of the Criminal Investigation Division.

Northeast Mississippi Community College’s Adult Education program said graduation preparations are underway, with graduates assisting a Booneville teacher in decorating and organizing for the ceremony.