Mississippi News
Jackson water crisis: Reeves asks SBA to open loans to businesses affected
Governor asks SBA to open loans to businesses affected by water crisis
Gov. Tate Reeves asked the U.S. Small Business Administration to open low-interest disaster loans to Hinds County businesses hurt by the Jackson water crisis in a formal letter Monday.
“Jackson businesses have been hit incredibly hard by the ongoing water crisis,” Reeves said in a statement. “They have shown their resilience and their commitment to this city throughout the years, and my administration will continue to do everything it can to support them during this difficult time.”
In his letter to the program's director, Reeves outlined how businesses from daycares to restaurants had to shut down when they lost water pressure. Restaurants that have been open have had a major loss of customers while harboring extra expenses to buy clean water to keep their doors open.
READ MORE: As Jackson water crisis persists, restaurateurs worry customers are scared to dine out
Some businesses also took on the costs of portable toilets when their own could not flush. Hotels, the governor mentioned, also have had a sharp decline in overnight stays.
“Overall, with little to no running water throughout the city, businesses could not serve, clean, cool, or sanitize, forcing them to either suffer losses or temporarily shut down,” the letter says.
In order to prove the county could qualify for the loan program, the governor's office had to survey local businesses and show at least five small businesses “suffered substantial economic injury.”
Restaurants and other affected businesses filled out paperwork about their costs and losses to Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, giving the governor the data needed to apply to the program.
If activated, individual businesses could receive up to $2 million in SBA loans under the disaster program to help with expenses and obligations that could have been met had the water crisis not occurred. The loan amount a business can receive will be based on its economic injury and the company's financial needs.
The program's interest rate does not exceed 4%.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Mississippi State baseball tops Ole Miss to win Governor’s Cup
SUMMARY: Mississippi State baseball defeated Ole Miss in the Governor's Cup with a 5-1 win, splitting the season series. Pico Kohn had a strong start for the Bulldogs, and Judd Utermark and Hunter Hines contributed offensively. Mississippi State scored four runs in the eighth inning to secure the win. Tyson Hardin closed the game in the ninth. The Bulldogs will face Alabama next, while Ole Miss will play against Auburn. Mississippi State secured their second straight Governor's Cup win and showcased a strong performance both on the mound and at the plate.
The post Mississippi State baseball tops Ole Miss to win Governor's Cup appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
High grocery costs have many seeking alternative options
SUMMARY: Families are turning to local farms like Native Son Farm to source produce, combating rising grocery prices. Native Son Farm provides local, certified naturally grown, chemical-free produce through community-supported agriculture programs. Eating organic, locally grown produce is budget-friendly compared to commercial stores. Cooking healthy meals doesn't have to sacrifice taste, as shown by certified nutrition coach Julie Gibens. She encourages people to check ingredients in foods they buy and offers classes on making healthy choices. Large quantities of food are cooked in bulk and frozen in small portions for convenience. Overall, the trend towards farm-to-table and healthy eating is growing.
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Mississippi News
Houston police search for park vandals
SUMMARY: The Joe Brigance Memorial Park in Houston was vandalized by at least two individuals with the nicknames “Spooky” and “Draco.” The Houston Police Department is looking for the culprits responsible for tagging most of the playground equipment with a paint marker. The park is located across from Houston High School and authorities are urging anyone with information to contact them. The police want those responsible to clean up their mess and are seeking community assistance in identifying the vandals. Images of the vandalism were shared on social media in hopes of generating leads.
The post Houston police search for park vandals appeared first on www.wcbi.com
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