Mississippi News
Choctaw tribe receives $5.8 million grant to fund new job training center
Choctaw tribe receives $5.8 million grant to fund new job training center
The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has received a $5.8 million federal grant to build a new workforce training center to help the tribe up-skill members and combat labor shortages for jobs ranging from IT to health care.
The U.S. Economic Development Administration funded the grant through the American Rescue Plan Act's Indigenous Communities program. Choctaw economic development director John Hendrix said the new 50,000-square-foot Advanced Workforce Training Center will open in the Pearl River community in about a year, complete with hands-on equipment and computer labs covering skills from electrical work to phlebotomy.
“It's a game changer for the next generation,” Hendrix said.
The tribe currently has a small center with a few classrooms, but Hendrix said the space doesn't meet the growing demand for new trade skills. The reservation alone supports about 5,000 workers.
“We've got several vacancies,” Hendrix said. “We need health care workers and IT professionals. We have 3-million-square-feet of buildings and need vocational technicians.”
The facility will offer new skill training and partner with a nearby community college for required certifications. It will also help current reservation employees learn new skills, like management.
The center will also have a makerspace for advanced manufacturing skills and access to technology such as 3D printers. It will also support entrepreneurs and small businesses as an incubator for start-ups.
“We have undertaken many projects to help our community members prepare to face a challenging and ever-evolving job market,” Chief Cyrus Ben said in a statement. “This Workforce Training Center is a key component of our strategy to increase the skills of our Tribal members, whether they choose a career on or outside of our Tribal lands.”
The Choctaw are the only federally recognized tribe in Mississippi with more than 11,000 members across 34,000 acres in 10 counties.
Hendrix said more on-site training for in-demand jobs will give tribal members who aren't interested in four-year colleges other options. The center will keep tabs on skills needed for jobs on the reservation as well as what is in-demand at nearby private companies.
“This brings it closer to home,” he said, “and then after a 12-to-16-month program, they can have immediate employment opportunities.”
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Puppies rescued from Mississippi rest stop dumpster
SUMMARY: Three puppies were rescued from a dumpster at a truck stop along I-55 in Hernando, dehydrated and hungry. Security guard JC Thomas found them and took them to the Tunica Humane Society. The puppies, named Cookie Monster, Oscar, and Grover, were in a bad condition but are now safe and up for adoption. The incident has sparked outrage towards the person who abandoned them and gratitude towards Thomas for rescuing them. The puppies were seen playing at the Humane Society and will soon be available for adoption at Hollywood Feed in Southaven. Thomas, a huge animal lover, is glad he was able to save them.
The post Puppies rescued from Mississippi rest stop dumpster appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Warmer days ahead for mid-week – Home – WCBI TV
SUMMARY: Temperatures in Columbus, Mississippi will be above average through mid-week before returning to normal for the weekend with a chance of rain. Tuesday will see fog and scattered clouds clearing for a mostly sunny afternoon with highs in the low 80s. Tuesday night will bring possible fog near the rivers with lows in the upper 50s. Wednesday and Thursday will be sunny with temperatures in the upper 80s before clouds increase on Thursday afternoon with isolated showers and storms possible in the evening. Friday and the weekend will continue to be warm with highs in the low 80s and isolated to scattered showers and storms in the afternoon and early evening.
The post Warmer days ahead for mid-week – Home – WCBI TV appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
How it’s remembered in Columbus
SUMMARY: Mississippi state employees had a day off for Confederate Memorial Day, a holiday to remember Confederate soldiers. Columbus, MS, has over 2,000 Confederate soldiers buried at Friendship Cemetery, along with Union soldiers. The holiday began in 1866 with the city's ladies honoring both Confederate and Union soldiers. This gesture of reconciliation inspired a national Memorial Day. Representative Kabir Karriem has tried to abolish Confederate Memorial Day, but his bills have not passed. The holiday's unique history in Columbus highlights the theme of reconciliation and unity in honoring all fallen soldiers.
The post How it's remembered in Columbus appeared first on www.wcbi.com
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