SUMMARY: Laurel Upper Elementary School has unveiled a new facility that will house about 130 students, addressing overcrowding issues. With the help of Esser funds, the school has created new classrooms with bathrooms and water fountains, providing a better quality learning environment. The new wing is a separate, u-shaped addition to the original building, allowing for more engagement between teachers and students. The school will decide which grade levels will utilize the new facility over the summer, with plans to start using it in the next school year. This development reflects the school's commitment to improving facilities for a better overall learning experience.

Laurel Upper Elementary sees new addition.

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SUMMARY: Tonight's weather forecast predicts temperatures in the 80s with showers and thunderstorms moving in. There's a potential for severe weather between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Friday, with damaging winds, hail, and flooding as major concerns. Rainfall totals could reach 2 to 4 inches, leading to potential flooding issues. The weekend will still have lingering showers and thunderstorms, but Sunday should bring sunshine. Temperatures will warm back up into the low 90s next week. Stay weather aware and be prepared for potential severe weather conditions.

Patrick's Thursday PM Forecast 5/16

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SUMMARY: The Mississippi collaborative response to mental health Act, signed into law in 2023, requires law enforcement agencies to receive crisis intervention training. Delaney Dukes reports on WD7 and Pine Grove Behavioral Health partnering to raise mental health awareness. With Crisis Intervention training, officers can identify and deescalate mental health crises, rather than automatically arresting individuals. Lamar County Sheriff Regal acknowledges increased awareness and plans to certify all officers in CIT. The establishment of a crisis stabilization unit in partnership with Forest County and Hattisburg is underway. This new approach aims to provide neutral, non-jail settings for those in crisis, benefiting the community. The Old National Guard building is set to be remodeled for this purpose, starting next month.

Lamar County creating ‘crisis crisis stabilization unit' in Purvis.

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