Thursday in Tippah County comes down to four things: rain finally on the way after a dry, hot stretch, a county still under a burn ban, a full night of volleyball, and a voter registration deadline that arrives Monday. There is also good news from the North Tippah school cafeterias.
Rain Arrives Friday, but the Burn Ban Stays
Today is the last hot, sunny day, with highs near 91. Our own Tippah County rain forecast story says showers and thunderstorms should move in Friday and linger into early Sunday, with 1 to 1.5 inches possible. Friday carries about a 70% chance of rain, with another quarter to half an inch possible Friday night. Saturday turns much cooler, with a high near 79, and early next week stays in the 70s to around 80 with lows in the 50s.
The rain is badly needed. That report cites the U.S. Drought Monitor, which has all of Tippah County in at least moderate drought and roughly 45% of the county in severe drought. Don’t put away the burn ban paperwork yet. Our September 28 roundup reported the county ban runs September 18 through October 18 and covers campfires, burn barrels and brush piles, while gas and charcoal grills are still allowed. The National Weather Service cautioned that one rain event won’t cancel a burn ban by itself, so check before you light anything.
Plan on wet roads Friday morning, and the first rain after a dry spell can make pavement slick. DeSoto County News is also tracking the system and expects Friday morning showers and storms there. Alcorn County is under its own emergency burn ban through October 12, according to Alcorn News.
Voter Registration Deadline Is Monday
If you aren’t registered for the November 3 election, Monday, October 5 is the deadline. Tippah County residents can reach Circuit Clerk Phil Koon’s office in Ripley at 662-837-7370. Neighbors in Alcorn County have extended Saturday hours at the Corinth circuit clerk’s office, 8 a.m. to noon on October 3, according to Alcorn News.
County Supervisors Meet Friday and Monday
The Tippah County Board of Supervisors meets Friday, October 2, and Monday, October 5, both at 10 a.m., with another meeting October 15. Meetings are in the second-floor board room at 101 E. Spring St. in Ripley. No agenda had been posted as of September 27. To address the board, notify the Board Office (662-837-3655) or County Administrator Melinda Crum (662-837-1053) beforehand and bring any supporting documents ahead of time.
North Tippah Cafeterias Earn A Ratings
Four North Tippah School District cafeterias earned A ratings after a surprise state health inspection, as we reported in North Tippah School Cafeterias Earn A Health Ratings. The schools are Chalybeate Elementary, Falkner Elementary, Falkner High School and Walnut Attendance Center. An A means inspectors found no critical violations. The district thanked cafeteria managers and staff, and Child Nutrition Director Tina Dowdy’s office can be reached at 662-837-8450.
Volleyball Night, and Where the Teams Stand
According to Tippah Sports, three home matches start at 6 p.m. tonight: Ripley hosts Clarksdale, Pine Grove hosts Saltillo, and Falkner hosts Biggersville. Ripley comes in as region champion. Our Tuesday sports roundup has the details: the Tigers beat Senatobia 3-0 to win a second straight Class 4A Region 3 title and finished 6-0 in district play. Walnut beat Baldwyn 25-11, 25-12, 25-12 for its ninth straight win and stands 28-4 overall and 8-0 in Class 2A Region 1. Walnut’s boys also won the New Site Invitational in cross-country.
Spirit of Ripley Is Coming
Mark Friday, October 30, 5:30 to 9 p.m. on the Square for the Spirit of Ripley festival, covered in our festival story. Chili cook-off entries are $25 ($15 for members), and trunk-or-treat spaces are $15 ($5 for members), with limited member-priced spots. Ripley Main Street can be reached at 662-512-0226.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
