$15 million to fund four restoration projects on Mississippi Coast
Governor Tate Reeves has announced $15 million in funding for restoration projects on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The ‘Mississippi Trustee Implementation Group’ has approved four projects that will address “injuries to coastal habitats and to oysters” caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill back in 2010. “This is a great day for Mississippi and our coastal communities. With over $15 million in restoration projects, we will be able to ensure the vitality and longevity of our precious natural beauty and resources along the Gulf Coast,” Governor Tate Reeves said. “We are truly grateful for our ongoing partnership with MS TIG and their commitment to protecting the people and local economies on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.” According to the governor’s office, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) serves as a Trustee on the MS TIG and will administer the projects, working closely with the project partners to implement them. “The approval of this plan has been a long process, and I am pleased we can move forward into implementation of these important projects,” said Interim Executive Director Chris Wells. “These projects are crucial components of the efforts to improve the health of natural resources and the oyster population on the Coast.” The four projects contained in the plan are: Wolf River Coastal Preserve Habitat Management – Dupont and Bell’s Ferry Tracts ($3.1 million) The Wolf River Coastal Preserve is a 2,500-acre area located near the confluence of the Wolf River with St. Louis Bay. Management activities will include prescribed fire, chemical treatment, mechanical treatment, hydrologic restoration, road repair, culvert replacement, and prescribed grazing. Hancock County Coastal Preserve Habitat Management – Wachovia Tract ($1.76 million) The Hancock County Coastal Preserve-Wachovia Tract is a 1,203-acre area located south of I-10 and east of the Pearl River. Management activities will include a combination of mechanical, chemical, and prescribed fire treatments to help restore habitat in Mississippi. Oyster Spawning Reefs in Mississippi ($10 million) The project will include the restoration and/or creation of a minimum of 100 acres and a maximum of approximately 400 acres of high-relief cultch placements in up to six locations in the Mississippi Sound and areas including St. Louis Bay, Heron Bay, Back Bay/Biloxi Bay, Graveline Bay, Pascagoula Bay, and Grand Bay in Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson Counties. Mississippi Oyster Gardening Program ($500,000) The Mississippi Oyster Gardening Program is a continuation of a Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund project over a five-year period utilizing volunteers along the Mississippi Gulf Coast to grow sub-adult oysters in gardens that hang from waterfront piers, wharves, and docks at suitable locations in the Mississippi Sound including associated bays and estuaries. The MS TIG, comprised of MDEQ, the Department of the Interior, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency, works jointly to implement restoration projects in the Mississippi Restoration Area. More information about the plan and the projects can be found here. The post $15 million to fund four restoration projects on Mississippi Coast appeared first on News Mississippi.
Hyde-Smith says bill to avoid government shutdown must help farmers and ranchers
Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith warns key agriculture and conservation programs will “come to a screeching halt” on October 1st if Congress fails to include a key provision in legislation to avoid a federal government shutdown. Hyde-Smith and fellow Senate Agriculture Committee and Agriculture Appropriation Subcommittee members delivered speeches Thursday to stress the need for Congress to replenish the USDA Commodity Credit Corporation and continue 2018 Farm Bill safety net programs before the end of the month. “This is not a situation to be taken lightly. In recent years, America’s farmers and ranchers have experienced unfair foreign tariffs, depressed prices, catastrophic flooding and other natural disasters, market disruptions, and now COVID-19,” Hyde-Smith said. “With the end of the fiscal year fast approaching, we must act to ensure important agriculture and conservation programs administered by the Department of Agriculture do not come to a screeching halt on October 1st,” she said. “Failure to include such a provision would pose a serious risk to America’s farmers and ranchers in these already challenging times. It would cause harmful delays in program funding and benefits, at a time when many producers across the country cannot afford to wait months to receive cover for their losses.” Negotiations are underway on a continuing resolution that Congress must pass to prevent a government shutdown on Oct. 1. A year ago, Hyde-Smith was also part of an effort to keep House Democrats from intentionally omitting USDA program provisions in a CR. Mississippi farmers and ranchers are among the more than 1.7 million farmers and ranchers enrolled in the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs, which the 2018 Farm Bill authorized to help the American agriculture sector weather financial and market disruptions. The following is the text of Hyde-Smith’s floor speech: Mr. President, as the former Commissioner of Agriculture in Mississippi, this is issue is so vital and so important. In Mississippi, agriculture is the number one industry. One in every four jobs is related to agriculture, so this is very vital to my state. With the end of the fiscal year fast approaching, we must act to ensure important agriculture and conservation programs administered by the Department of Agriculture do not come to a screeching halt on October 1st. The 2018 Farm Bill, which was supported by 87 members of the Senate, authorized important safety-net programs to: Protect producers against sharp price and revenue declines; Provide short-term loans and interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs; Assist dairy producers affected by low milk prices and high feed costs; Compensate landowners for taking fragile land out of production and implementing conservation improvements to help the environment; and Assist producers when natural disasters destroy feed for livestock, cause above-average livestock mortality, or damage commercial orchards and fruit trees. Current law requires many of these program payments to be made annually after October 1st, which highlights the importance of this matter. As Congress discusses measures to keep the government open and federal programs operating beyond the current fiscal year, it is essential for any continuing resolution include a provision allowing the USDA Commodity Credit Corporation to continue financing these programs. Failure to include such a provision would pose a serious risk to America’s farmers and ranchers in these already challenging times. It would cause harmful delays in program funding and benefits, at a time when many producers across the country cannot afford to wait months to receive cover for their losses. Mr. President, this issue is not just about supporting American agriculture, it is about Congress living up to its promises. More than 1.7 million producers signed contracts for the Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs. Millions of private landowners have signed conservation contracts to take their land out of production. These are contracts, and the terms of those contracts must be met. I remind my colleagues that this is not a situation to be taken lightly. In recent years, America’s farmers and ranchers have experienced unfair foreign tariffs, depressed prices, catastrophic flooding and other natural disasters, market disruptions, and now COVID-19. I applaud my fellow Republican colleagues on the Appropriations Committee and the Senate Agriculture Committee for raising awareness on this issue. The post Hyde-Smith says bill to avoid government shutdown must help farmers and ranchers appeared first on News Mississippi.
Operation Pheonecia: Combating domestic violence
Named in honor of Pheonecia Ratliff of Canton, Mississippi, who lost her life due to domestic violence, “Operation Pheonecia” is a new initiative launched to directly combat domestic violence with the intent to prevent harm and loss of life before they occur. Ratliff was a senior at Jackson State University, a mother, and was working two jobs. On May 14, 2020, the 23-year-old was kidnapped and murdered by her ex-boyfriend who then turned the gun on himself. Sadly, Ratliff had filed domestic violence and stalking charges against Jamariquis Black the week before the murder-suicide. Southern District of Mississippi, U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst says, “The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%, and with intimate partner violence accounting for 15% of all violent crime and with almost 20% of domestic violence incidents involving a weapon.” Hurst said, “Under this initiative, and by working with federal, state, and local law enforcement and nonprofit entities, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is making the investigation and prosecution of federal domestic violence crimes a priority. “ “In addition, “Operation Pheonecia” will involve a campaign to put domestic abusers on notice of their prohibition to possessing firearms, train law enforcement on how to investigate federal domestic violence crimes, provide education for local judges as to the impact of their orders on potential federal criminal prosecutions, and bring awareness to local bar associations and the public on how to report domestic violence crimes to and work with federal authorities, with the overarching goal to reduce domestic violence, save lives and assist victims,” said Hurst. The post Operation Pheonecia: Combating domestic violence appeared first on News Mississippi.
Report: Deion Sanders set to become Jackson State’s new head coach
Photo courtesy of JSU Athletics ‘Prime Time’ is coming to Jackson State as reports indicate that NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders is set to become the new head coach of the Tigers. First reported by HBCUsports.com‘s Kendrick Marshall, the all-time great defensive back will replace John Hendrick after he was abruptly let go in late August. According to SI’s Ross Dellinger, the deal is close to being done with the exception of one slight hang-up. NEWS: Multiple Jackson State sources tell @SINow the school is finalizing a deal with Deion Sanders to make him their next head coach, despite the university refuting @KennRashad‘s report. A hangup getting smoothed out: Sanders is under contract with Under Armour. JSU is Nike. — Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) September 17, 2020 This would be Sanders’ first college coaching job, although he is not a complete stranger to the sideline or to Mississippi. In addition to his extensive media presence, Sanders currently serves as the offensive coordinator for his son’s high school team, Trinity Christian (TX), which recently dropped its season opener to Madison-Ridgeland Academy located in the Jackson metro area. The two-sport legend has been vocal about his desire to become a head coach dating back to an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show ahead of this year’s Super Bowl when he stated “I’m going to be a head coach in college football next year.” HBCUsports.com is reporting that an introductory press conference is set for 10 a.m. Monday. Sanders joins one of the most interesting landscapes in college football with Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss and Mike Leach at Mississippi State. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait until the spring to see Deion Sanders’ Tigers in action after the SWAC voted to postpone fall sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The post Report: Deion Sanders set to become Jackson State’s new head coach appeared first on News Mississippi.
Gulfport shipbuilder will hire 200 new employees
Photo courtesy of Edison Chouest A new contract will lead to the creation of hundreds of shipbuilding jobs on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Gulf Ship, a specialty shipbuilder and supply company, will hire 200 new employees at its 38-care shipyard in Gulfport to aid in the construction of new tugboats that will assist offshore oil operations. “For the second time in less than a month, Mississippi is leading in the nation’s shipbuilding and maritime industries, as Gulf Ship plans to create hundreds of new jobs to fulfill a contract for state-of-the-art tugboats that will service offshore oil operations. That’s hundreds of Mississipians now able to provide for themselves and their families while boosting our Gulf Coast economy thanks to these skilled, good-paying jobs,” Governor Tate Reeves said announcing the expansion. “We are grateful for our partnership with the Edison Chouest team and are excited for the continued success of Gulf Ship and its skilled workers in Harrison County.” An Edison Chouest Offshore company, Gulf Ship was founded in Gulfport back in 2006 and in addition to new hires, it will retrofit a portion of its facility and make improvements to the boat launching system and waterfront area. The Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance for improvements to the launching system and waterfront area. “Gulf Ship’s new contract to build some of the best tugboats in the world from the Mississippi Gulf Coast once again shines a spotlight on the many advantages of doing business in our state, as well as the skilled shipbuilders that keep companies like Gulf Ship competitive in this fierce industry,” said MDA Interim Director John Rounsaville. “We appreciate the hard work and collaboration of the Harrison County Development Commission and Harrison County, which, together with the MDA team, is bringing exciting job opportunities to the Gulf Coast region.” According to MDA, Gulf Ship has been recognized by Harrison County and the state of Mississippi for its positive economic impact on the region following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. If you’re interested in applying for one of the newly created positions, visit chouest.com/employment. The post Gulfport shipbuilder will hire 200 new employees appeared first on News Mississippi.
NCAA announces new start date for upcoming college basketball season
As a return to competition continues across the world of sports, the NCAA announced Wednesday that the college basketball season will officially begin on November 25th. The NCAA explained that with the new start date—pushed back from November 10th—around 75% of D-1 schools will have finished their fall semester or transitioned into online exams, creating “a more controlled and less populated campus environment that may reduce the risk of COVID-19 that can occur between student-athletes and the broader student body population.” Teams in men’s basketball can schedule a maximum of 25 games — a four-game reduction—with that dropping down to 24 if a team chooses to compete in a tournament-style event. “In men’s basketball, teams can schedule 24 regular-season games and participate in one multiple-team event that includes up to three games; 25 regular-season games and participate in one multiple-team event that includes up to two games; or 25 regular-season games if a team does not participate in a multiple-team event.” – NCAA A similar system is in place for women’s basketball scheduling. “In women’s basketball, teams can schedule 23 regular-season games and participate in one multiple-team event that includes up to four games or schedule 25 regular-season games if a team does not compete in a multiple-team event.” – NCAA No exhibition games will be allowed before the beginning of the season. The NCAA is recommending a minimum of four non-conference games and all teams must play a minimum of 13 games against a D-1 opponent to be considered for the NCAA Tournament. Nothing has been announced in terms of the 2021 edition of March Madness following its cancellation earlier this year at the onset of the pandemic. Ahead of the 2020-21 season, preseason practice can begin on October 14th with a transition period consisting of strength and conditioning activities only occurring from September 21st through October 13th. Revised schedules for both the Ole Miss and Mississippi State men & women’s teams will likely be released in the coming weeks. As for attendance, during a press conference Tuesday morning, Ole Miss head coach Kermit Davis expressed his desire to see at least a 25% capacity allowance — similar to what is currently allowed at college & high school football stadiums in Mississippi. The post NCAA announces new start date for upcoming college basketball season appeared first on News Mississippi.
Mississippi leads the nation in K-12 progress
The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) praised Mississippi for its achievements in education from early childhood through college in its 2020 report on the progress of education in the south. Mississippi: A Turning Point details where Mississippi stands in education, highlighting how the effective implementation of education policy has improved student achievement statewide and made Mississippi the leader in the South for college persistence. SREB report highlights for Mississippi: Mississippi is the only state in the region in which the first-year persistence rate of first-time, full-time students at public, 4-year colleges and universities increased from 2012 to 2017, indicating that more first-time, full-time college students returned to college for a second year. The high school graduation rate outpaced the region in growth. The average state Pell Grant award exceeded the nation and was the highest average award in the region. Fourth graders outpaced the region and nation in gains in reading and math achievement at both the Basic and Proficient levels on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). For the first time, fourth-graders in the state outperformed the nation in reading and math achievement on NAEP at the Basic level or above. Eighth graders outpaced the region and nation in gains in reading and math achievement at both the Basic and Proficient levels on NAEP. The ninth-grade enrollment increase shrank, indicating that more eighth-graders are prepared to make transitions to ninth and then 10th grade. The Early Learning Collaboratives meet all 10 quality standards for pre-K, according to the National Institute of Early Education Research (NIEER). Mississippi is one of only four states that meet all NIEER quality standards. “The 2020 SREB report shows how Mississippi’s research-based education policies are improving student achievement from pre-K through college,” said Dr. Carey Wright, state superintendent of education. “I am incredibly proud of all the hardworking students, educators, and school leaders who have made Mississippi a national leader for advancing public education.” SREB works to improve public education through proven policy and practice in 16 southern states including Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. SREB’s annual state progress reports evaluate how well states are educating students and them for the workforce. The 2020 report detailed challenges to SREB states’ efforts to increase the educational attainment of working-age adults in the South, including the large number who lack the credentials they need for success in the workplace. According to SREB, rapid advancements in automation and artificial intelligence may increasingly displace adults with low levels of education, transforming some positions while eliminating others. Most new jobs — especially ones that pay well — will require education beyond high school. SREB estimates that by 2030, 18 million workers and their children in the South will be unemployable or stuck in low-wage jobs, and in a perpetual cycle of poverty. The reports urge southern states to take aggressive action to prepare students and adults for the higher-skilled positions of the future so they can remain employed, earn higher incomes, and support the educational progress of future generations. The post Mississippi leads the nation in K-12 progress appeared first on News Mississippi.
MSDH confirms 701 new COVID-19 cases, 24 additional deaths
The Mississippi State Department of Health is reporting 701 new cases of COVID-19. Today’s report — the second straight day over 700 new cases — brings the state’s total up to 91,935. With the confirmation of *24 additional deaths, 2,780 Mississippians have now passed away from the virus. MSDH Note: 10 COVID-19 related deaths occurred between August 19 and September 6, identified from death certificate reports. Earlier this week, Governor Tate Reeves extended the statewide mask mandate through the end of the month and commended Mississippians for their role in driving overall hospitalizations down. This graph tells the story of what you’ve accomplished. It hasn’t been easy or pleasant, but you’ve gotten us out of a terrible COVID-19 situation. It’s only because the people stepped up. We did it without closing any business and while opening schools. Thank you and God bless. pic.twitter.com/Jt2oHQEAae — Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) September 16, 2020 As of Monday, the MSDH is able to estimate that 78,971 Mississippians have recovered from COVID-19. To date, 696,801 Mississippians have been tested for the virus. The post MSDH confirms 701 new COVID-19 cases, 24 additional deaths appeared first on News Mississippi.
Four arrested after giving toddler marijuana
Four people in Pike County have been arrested after a viral video, recorded by Kalie Green, circulated of a 3-year-old boy smoking marijuana when it was given to him by William Albright. The investigation began with the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics McComb office, and MDWFP after someone sent the video of the child that was posted to the popular social media app, Snapchat. Mississippi Department of Child Protective Services was also made aware of this incident and has since removed the child from the home and now has custody of the toddler. The investigation led to police finding out the mother of the child, Anna Waldron, and others would allow the child to smoke on more than one occasion. Agents seized approximately 50 dosage units of a Schedule V Controlled Substance and multiple paraphernalia items. Anna Waldron, 26 of McComb, has been charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana. Kalie Green, 24 of Summit, has been charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. William Albright, 46 of McComb, has been charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, Distribution of Marijuana, Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia. Samantha Dykes was Albright’s live-in girlfriend. Dykes, 51 of McComb, who does not have a photograph, was charged with a misdemeanor Possession of a Controlled Substance. The post Four arrested after giving toddler marijuana appeared first on News Mississippi.
Oxford Police warn against dangers of fentanyl as overdoses rise
After a recent social media post regarding a sharp rise in overdoses in Oxford went viral, the Oxford Police Department issued a warning about the dangers of drugs and where people are getting them from. The post, which was originally shared in a private group before being shared publicly, states that “dirty drugs” are the source of several recent overdoses in the city. A lengthy statement from Police Chief Jeff McCutchen states that recent investigations have revealed that street-level drugs are being cut and processed with the deadly substance known as fentanyl, which according to the DEA, is 80-100 times more potent than morphine. “Drugs are being cut and processed with Fentanyl so that the dealer can produce more of the drug,” McCutchen said. “The human body can only withstand a small microgram dose of Fentanyl. Cross-contamination of any drug laced with Fentanyl can be deadly and that’s a risk not worth taking!” As for the source, McCutchen explained that the use of the internet is making it more difficult to track where the drugs are coming from. “We know that many people are accessing drugs through the dark net and receiving narcotics through the mail. Our agents have also traced these drugs back to our surrounding states through their investigations. When drugs are accessed through these means, we know two things happen, the user does not know what they are getting or where it is coming from and it diminishes law enforcement’s ability to track and locate the source. We implore our community to never take drugs! Taking an unknown substance can have life-altering results,” he said. So far, OPD has investigated 11 overdoses in 2020, two of which were fatal. If you end up in a situation where an overdose occurs, the department wants you to be aware of Mississippi’s ‘Good Samaritan Law.’ “Mississippi’s Good Samaritan Law protects someone from prosecution when they call 911 for themselves or a friend when medical attention is requested. We ask our community to contact us if you have any information about narcotic use or distribution in the Lafayette, Oxford or University communities. You can reach our Metro Narcotics Unit at 662-236-3900.” The original social media post can be seen below: The post Oxford Police warn against dangers of fentanyl as overdoses rise appeared first on News Mississippi.