Mississippi News
Jackson water: Teachers, restauranteurs call on politicians to work together
Teachers, restaurant owners both call on politicians to work together to fix Jackson water
On the same day, in uncoordinated events, Jackson restaurateurs and public school teachers sent out the same message to local and state political leaders – fix the ongoing water issues in the state's capital city that have led to boil water notices.
The Mississippi Association of Educators said the water crisis impacts the ability of students in the city of Jackson to learn.
“When the water system fails, JPS schools are forced to transition to online learning, destabilizing students' learning environments and putting more economic strain on families who now must choose between taking off work or hiring childcare if that is an option,” a MAE position paper released Monday said. “Moreover, with the unplanned transition to online learning, access to free and reduced breakfast and lunch becomes an additional challenge for students.”
MAE said it “interfaced” with Jackson residents at various locations and through a phone survey and found more than 90% of residents had experienced tap water issues at both home and school. All said they spent funds to purchase bottled water.
MAE urged Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba “to issue a proclamation declaring that fixing the ongoing water crisis and securing safe and reliable water access in Jackson will be made the first priority of the administration.” The local government should develop a plan, detailing cost, to address the problem.
MAE also called for the Legislature and state leaders to devote substantial funds from the $1.8 billion in COVID-19 relief money received from the federal government to address the water crisis.
MAE said “The composition of the system is dangerous. Lead and galvanized and cast-iron pipes make up large portions of the city's infrastructure. These aging pipes composed of dangerous and degraded materials will continue to block Jackson's development efforts if they remain unaddressed.”
Also on Monday, about 45 restaurant owners and managers sent a letter to Gov. Tate Reeves, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, Speaker Philip Gunn, Lumumba, Jackson City Council members and members of the Hinds County Board of Supervisors saying the constant boil water notices and at times interruptions in water supply were unsustainable. They asked the political leaders to put aside any differences and work together. Thus far, state and local leaders have not been able reach an accord on the water woes of the state's largest and capital city.
During a news conference at the Iron Horse Grill, a local restaurant, about 20 restaurateurs raised their hands when asked if they had been contacted about moving out of Jackson to the suburbs.
The speakers said some of the restaurants are having to spend between $500 and $700 daily on ice, bottled water and other items, such as canned or bottled soft drinks to replace the fountain soda that is unavailable without pressurized water.
This is having to be done, said Pat Fontaine, executive director of the Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association, despite very narrow profit margins caused in part by the current level of inflation and labor and supply shortages.
The letter was described “as the first formal attempt to force attention on this crisis.”
The Legislature approved what is expected to be $25 million of the $1.8 billion in federal funds the state received to match $25 million the city of Jackson received in federal funds to deal with water and sewer issues. But those funds have been described as a small fraction of the money needed to deal with an aged water and sewer system. It has been estimated it will cost more than $1 billion to fix the antiquated and worn-out infrastructure system.
In addition, Jackson Mayor Lumumba has said the ongoing boil water notices are being caused by other issues – such as the lack of qualified staff to operate the complex Jackson surface water system.
“As a matter of fairness and practicality, if no solution is imminent, if this is to be the status quo, can restaurant owners expect to be compensated for their additional cost of operation and lost revenue?” the letter asked. They asked if they could get a discount on their City of Jackson water bill or an income tax credit from the state.
This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
Mississippi News
Lions Club members help Monroe Strong with rebuilding Amory
SUMMARY: Monroe Strong in Amory, Mississippi is working to bring the town back by repairing roofs of homes damaged by a tornado last year. They received a $100,000 donation from Lions Club International Foundation to support their efforts. Monroe Strong has formed local partnerships to stretch the grant money and get the work done quickly. They have already replaced roofs of four homes and aim to complete around 20 in total. Residents like Alice Freeman are grateful for the help, calling it a blessing. The organization is making progress in their mission to rebuild Amory one house at a time.
The post Lions Club members help Monroe Strong with rebuilding Amory appeared first on www.wcbi.com
Mississippi News
Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: April 26-28
SUMMARY: Unwind this weekend with a variety of events happening in Mississippi. From concerts to festivals, there is something for everyone. Enjoy The Magic Flute in Jackson, the Natchez Trace Festival in Kosciusko, or the Lynch Street Festival in Jackson. For music lovers, there's Music for the Heart and Soul in Jackson and Dancing on the River in Natchez. Foodies can attend the Pearl Day in The Park BBQ Cook-Off in Pearl or the Wing Competition in Ridgeland. There are also opportunities for art enthusiasts with various exhibits and markets happening throughout the weekend. The options are endless for a fun-filled weekend in Mississippi.
The post Events happening this weekend in Mississippi: April 26-28 appeared first on www.wjtv.com
Mississippi News
Warm and breezy for the weekend – Home – WCBI TV
SUMMARY: Temperatures will be above average in Columbus, Mississippi for late April, reaching the lower to middle 80s. Rain and thunderstorms are expected to return to the forecast on Monday. The weekend will be warm and breezy with highs in the low to mid 80s, although there might be occasional showers. Heading into next week, showers and storms are likely on Monday afternoon and evening, with a potential for locally heavy rain and a risk of severe weather. Scattered showers may continue through Tuesday and Wednesday as a slow-moving front approaches.
The post Warm and breezy for the weekend – Home – WCBI TV appeared first on www.wcbi.com
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