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.

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SUMMARY: Renovations at Columbus's oldest and largest park, Propst Park, including four baseball fields with new turf and fencing, are expected to be completed by mid-May. The city council, led by Councilman Stephen Jones and Vice Mayor Joseph Mickens, is overseeing the project. Additionally, the city is working on a $7 million annual paving project to improve 119 portions of roads and streets. Progress is also being made on the Columbus Riverwalk Pedestrian Bridge, with engineers aiming for completion in the fall, depending on weather conditions. Weather is a key factor in meeting anticipated completion dates for these projects.

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SUMMARY: The Tupelo City Hall commemorated the 10th anniversary of an EF3 tornado that devastated the city in 2014, with Mayor Jason Shelton and other residents sharing their survival stories. Former fire chief Thomas Walker recalled the terrifying experience and praised the preparedness and response of the fire department. K.C. Grist, the executive director of the American Red Cross North Mississippi Chapter, discussed their role in providing food and shelter during the disaster and how it prepared them for future natural disasters. The event was attended by over 80 people, reflecting on the community's response and resilience in the face of tragedy.

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