Tippah County roundup, Sept. 29, 2026: Ripley bypass on schedule; FEMA awards $3.6 million for storm recovery
The $194 million Ripley Bypass remains on budget and on track for completion in summer 2028, according to a Tippah News report citing the Mississippi Department of Transportation. Coverage published in the past day also includes $3.6 million in federal recovery funding for Tippah Electric Power Association, a Ripley library job opening and a music award with a downtown festival connection.
Featured image: Highway construction (stock photo illustration).
Ripley bypass progressing toward summer 2028
The roughly 10-mile, four-lane highway project began in summer 2024 and is funded with state highway capacity dollars. Plans include 11 bridges and an approximately one-mile Mississippi 2 connector to Blue Mountain. MDOT project engineer Tyler Fields said favorable weather could allow an earlier finish. The bypass is intended to reduce through traffic on Mississippi 15 in Ripley. Read the bypass report.
Federal grant supports Tippah Electric storm recovery
FEMA Region 4 announced Sept. 29 that Tippah Electric Power Association will receive $3.6 million for work related to the January 2026 winter storm, Tippah News reported. The award covers a fiber distribution system, cut-and-toss operations and repairs to damaged poles and transformers. It is the largest individual project in an $8.3 million Mississippi recovery package. Read the recovery funding report.
Ripley library seeks part-time clerk
The Northeast Regional Library system is accepting applications for a part-time clerk at Ripley Public Library, 308 N. Commerce St., until the position is filled. Applicants must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, use computers and the internet, and be available Saturdays. Hours are scheduled as needed. Applications are available through the library system and can be submitted by email, in person or by mail. Read the job announcement and application details.
Ripley celebrates Garry Burnside’s music award
Garry Burnside’s It’s My Time Now won the 2026 Josie Music Awards’ Album of the Year – Instrumental honor, according to Tippah News coverage citing Ripley Main Street and Strolling Bones Records. Ripley Main Street congratulated the guitarist and credited his role in organizing musicians for the annual downtown Burnside Music Festival. Read the award report.
Bolivar senior center receives $50,000
Across the Tennessee line, Bolivar Senior Center received a $50,000 state grant, according to Tippah News coverage citing the Hatchie Press and Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging. The center serves older adults in Hardeman County, including communities near the Tippah County line. The report did not identify specific projects planned for the award. Read the senior center grant report.
This edition covers qualifying Tippah News articles originally published from Sept. 28 at 4:30 p.m. through Sept. 29 at 4:30 p.m. Central. Five identical bypass reports have been consolidated into one section. Publication was delayed beyond the planned 5 p.m. release while WordPress access was restored and editorial checks were completed.
