As parts of northern and central Mississippi recover from the recent severe winter weather, in recognition of Spring Severe Weather Preparedness Week, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is encouraging the public to not let their guards down and prepare for the dangers of spring severe weather conditions.

“As we approach the spring season, it is important to prioritize preparedness for severe weather. We must be proactive to maximize the safety of our communities,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “Spring storms can be unpredictable. By staying informed, having a plan and knowing what to do when it strikes, we empower ourselves to face the challenges of severe weather.”

MDOT crews understand whether it is flash flooding, tornados or thunderstorms with dangerous, high-speed winds, severe weather can develop quickly in our state. During severe weather events, these crews monitor and respond to issues that arise on state roadways. Vehicles are gassed up and chainsaw blades are sharpened ahead of severe weather. MDOT is asking the public to do their part to prepare.

It is important for Mississippians to be able to receive severe weather alerts in multiple forms. MDOT encourages the public to utilize resources such as the free MDOT Traffic mobile app, MDOTtraffic.com as well as alerts offered by other agencies. For detailed preparedness information, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has useful tips and information at msema.org. Local weather information and alerts are available through the National Weather Service (NWS) at weather.gov. If there is an immediate, life-threatening emergency, call 911 right away.

MDOT offers the following tips for encountering severe weather while on the road:

For more information about severe weather preparedness, visit GoMDOT.com/DriveSmartMS and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook, Instagram and X.

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As part of Career and Technical Education Month, the Kosciusko Attala Career Tech Center welcomed members of the Kosciusko Rotary Club and Lions Club for a guided tour of the facility this week.

During the visit, students and instructors showcased each program, emphasizing hands-on learning opportunities, industry-recognized certifications, and potential career pathways. Guests toured the various program areas and observed student demonstrations, offering a firsthand look at how the center prepares students for both the workforce and continued education.

Center officials said the visit highlighted the importance of community partnerships in supporting student achievement and strengthening local workforce development.

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On this week’s edition of the Baptist Memorial Hospital Attala Coaches Show – Kosciusko Whippets head baseball coach Cole McBride discusses the start to the 2026 season and introduces this year’s coaching staff.

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Mississippi’s statewide flu rate continues edging upward and now only seven states are seeing more flu than we are.   At the same time, there’s been a dramatic decrease in cases in the public health district which historically has been Mississippi’s flu hotspot.

The State Health Department says doctors reported almost 700 cases of flu-like illness among the almost 14,000 patients they saw during the week ending January 31st.  That translates into a flu rate of five per cent which is up slightly from the week before but slightly below the peak we saw just after Christmas.   Two of the local health districts followed the statewide trend with the district which includes Leake and Neshoba counties increasing to a flu rate of 7.5 per cent while the district which includes Winston and Choctaw counties seeing a smaller jump to just over 4.5 per cent.  But in the district which includes Attala, Holmes, Carroll and Montgomery counties and much of the Delta, the flu rate has gone from 15 per cent to under 5 per cent in a week’s time.

The CDC continues to classify Mississippi as having a “high” amount of flu activity, the same as Alabama.  But there’s more flu in Louisiana, Tennessee and Arkansas with those states at the “very high” level.

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The Attala County Library will host a special live performance of Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus on Friday, Feb. 27, featuring a musical adaptation presented by New Stage Theatre.

Inspired by the popular children’s book by Mo Willems, the production promises a high-energy, whimsical experience filled with laughter and audience-friendly fun for young viewers and families.

The performances will take place at the Attala County Coliseum, with showtimes scheduled for 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

The event is part of the Attala County Library’s ongoing efforts to provide engaging educational and cultural programming for the community.

For more information about library programs and upcoming events, visit the Attala County Library’s website or follow the library on social media.

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Area high school basketball teams turned in strong performances in district tournament action on Tuesday.

Kosciusko continued its dominant run, with the boys defeating Louisville 68-41 to advance to the championship game against Yazoo City Friday night. The Kosciusko girls also pulled out a tight 40-39 win over Yazoo City and will face Louisville for the district title Friday. Both teams’ victories guarantee home games in the first round of the state playoffs.

McAdams also had a successful night, as the boys beat Ethel 84-55 and the girls topped Leake County 48-34. Meanwhile, the Sebastopol girls defeated Ethel 64-47.

Both McAdams team advance to the District Tournament Championship games where the boys will face top-seeded Leake County and the girls match up with No. 2 seed Sebastopol.

Meanwhile, both Ethel teams will play in the Consolation Games, with the boys facing Sebastopol and the girls playing Leake County.

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The City of Kosciusko is launching a new community forestry initiative aimed at expanding tree coverage, improving public spaces, and providing long-term environmental and economic benefits.

The city recently hosted a Trees MS Open House at the Jason Niles Park Community Center, giving residents the opportunity to learn about the Trees Mississippi Assistance Program and provide input on future planting projects.

Misty Booth, community forester with the Green Infrastructure Center, said Kosciusko is one of just six cities statewide selected for the competitive program, which is funded through the Mississippi Forestry Commission.

The program includes a planning phase to assess current tree canopy and set goals, followed by an implementation phase focused on designing projects and planting trees throughout the community. Kosciusko is expected to receive approximately $200,000 in program benefits, including about 200 new trees next year.

A black gum tree was planted Tuesday as part of the effort.

Booth said trees provide environmental, economic, and social benefits, including cleaner air and water, lower energy costs, and improved quality of life.

Plans also include planting native species, such as Eastern red bud trees, a nod to Kosciusko’s original name, Red Bud Springs, with potential plantings in downtown areas and city parks.

City leaders say the program will help create a healthier, greener, and more resilient community.

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Shelby Henderson has opened a new jewelry store in the former location of Evon’s Jewelry. Shelby brings multiple years of experience to the new store. Pearl River Jewelers will offer jewelry repairs, from replacing watch batteries to resetting gemstones in their sockets. Shelby’s services also include appraisals, permanent jewelry, and earrings. She also plans to provide laser engravings, embossings, and trophy-making services.

For Shelby, one of the best aspects of her occupation is the people she meets. Being a part of a profession that requires trust going both ways, she hopes to gain the same amount of trust from her customers that Mrs. Evon had while running Evon’s Jewelry.

Pearl River Jewelers is planned to be open weekdays between 10 and 6, as well as this Valentine’s Day between 10 and 5.

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PHILADELPHIA, Miss. — A Philadelphia man has been sentenced to more than 17 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a methamphetamine distribution charge.

According to court records, 67-year-old Billy Thomas Pike Jr. was sentenced to 210 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.

Pike was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2025 following an investigation into meth distribution in the area. He later pleaded guilty to the charge on October 15, 2025.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Trails Task Force, which includes officers from the FBI, the Choctaw Police Department, the Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department, and other state and local agencies.

Federal prosecutors handled the case in U.S. District Court.

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The Attala County School District has announced that pre-registration for Pre-K and Kindergarten students at Greenlee and Long Creek Elementary Schools is now open. Parents and guardians can register their children from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the school office.

To be eligible:

Pre-K students must be four years old by September 1st.

Kindergarten students must be five years old by September 1st.

All children to be enrolled—including transfer students—must meet the age requirements and present the following documentation:

Certified birth certificate and Social Security card

Proof of immunization

Two current proofs of residency (P.O. Boxes will not be accepted). Examples include a utility bill (water or electric), homestead exemption application, rent or lease agreement, automobile registration (tag or title), or guardianship decree issued by a court. Other documentation may be approved by the school district.

All documents must be no older than 60 days, as required by the Mississippi Department of Education and the State Auditor’s Office.

Because the Pre-K program has a limited number of spaces, pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Students will not be considered enrolled without providing all required documentation.

For more information, contact the school office directly.

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