Mississippi News
Governor announces programs to help military families, expand installations
Governor announces programs to help military families, expand installations
Gov. Tate Reeves on Monday announced two executive orders aimed at helping children of military families, and helping protect and expand the state's military installations and supporting industries.
“As long as I am governor, Mississippi will do everything in our power to support our military members and their families,” Reeves said at a press conference, flanked by state military leaders.
One order Reeves signed creates the Military Star Schools Program, to help military family school children who have to frequently change schools when their parents receive new postings and who deal with other issues such as parents being away for deployments. Reeves said there are about 7,300 school-aged children of active duty military families in Mississippi.
Col. Cynthia Smith, commander of the 186th Air Refueling Wing at Key Field Air National Guard Base in Meridian, said that statistics show children in military families switch school six to nine times K-12. She said her family knows firsthand how difficult that can be for children and spouses of military members.
The new program, administered by the state Department of Education, would require schools to apply for the Military Star designation. The schools would have to designate a staff member as an ambassador to military families and maintain a web page on the school's website with resources for military families. They would have to have peer-to-peer programs to help students coming in to the school and would have to offer training for staff on issues military children and their families face.
State Superintendent Carey Wright said many Mississippi schools already provide support to military families and she expects “our schools and districts will jump at the chance to join this program.”
Reeves also signed an order creating the Mississippi Defense Communities Development Council — overhauling a council that has worked for years to prevent military base closures in Mississippi during federal cutbacks and realignments.
Reeves appointed Tom Williams, president of the Meridian Airport Authority, to chair the new council. Williams said the new organization aims to be “proactive, rather than reactive” in expanding, improving and protecting the state's military installations, which Williams said account for 6.5% of the state's economy.
The MDCDC will be overseen by the Governor's Office of Military Affairs in the Mississippi Development Authority, and each of the state's 12 active duty, Guard or shipbuilding installations will be represented.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: May 3-5
SUMMARY: A list of events happening around Mississippi this weekend includes food truck gatherings, family-friendly concerts, film screenings, art exhibits, pickleball tournaments, wine festivals, tea events, live music performances, farmers markets, and more. In Central Mississippi, events are being held in Jackson, Natchez, Ridgeland, Clinton, and Vicksburg. In the Pine Belt region, events are happening in Hattiesburg, Petal, and Laurel. Activities range from concerts and art shows to races, markets, and tea parties. There is something for everyone to enjoy, whether it's exploring local culture, trying new foods, or participating in recreational activities.
The post Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: May 3-5 appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Scattered rain and storms for the weekend – Home – WCBI TV
SUMMARY: Scattered showers and storms are expected this weekend into next week in Columbus, Mississippi. Friday will be mostly cloudy with showers and thunderstorms possible in the afternoon and evening. Saturday will be clearer with isolated showers and some sun. Sunday has a higher chance of showers and storms with temperatures in the mid 80s. Next week will see a warming trend, with highs in the upper 80s and possibly lower 90s by midweek. Rain totals are expected to be around a quarter of an inch with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
The post Scattered rain and storms for the weekend – Home – WCBI TV appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Lafayette softball shuts out New Hope in game one of 5A quarterfinals
SUMMARY: Lafayette softball defeated New Hope 3-0 in game one of the 5A quarterfinals, with Mabry Claire Eason pitching a complete game shutout. Tashika Carothers hit a shallow fly ball to center field, scoring Eason and Mary Madison Kelley to get the Commodores' bats rolling early. The two teams will meet again in the next game, where Lafayette can clinch a spot in the semifinals with a win while New Hope is in a win or go home situation. The game is set for Saturday at 6 PM at Lafayette.
The post Lafayette softball shuts out New Hope in game one of 5A quarterfinals appeared first on www.wcbi.com
-
Mississippi Today5 days ago
On this day in 1951
-
SuperTalk FM4 days ago
Festival merger in Leland sets up one major event for Mississippi Delta
-
SuperTalk FM20 hours ago
Driver’s education set to become mandatory in Mississippi as bill passes
-
Mississippi News6 days ago
One injured in Mississippi officer-involved shooting after chase
-
Mississippi Business2 days ago
Geartek expanding operations in Alcorn County
-
SuperTalk FM4 days ago
PERS bill set to phase in employer rate increase heads to governor’s desk
-
Mississippi News3 days ago
Two women accused of shoplifting across southeast captured in Mississippi
-
SuperTalk FM7 days ago
Investigation underway after gun found in backpack of Ridgeland High School student