2 months ago
Alexa Tate and Ethan Waldrop, students at Mendenhall High School and Addison Barry of Simpson Academy recently had the opportunity to serve as a page for the Mississippi House of Representatives, gaining firsthand experience in state government.
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2 months ago
The Simpson County Road Department has announced the relocation of its primary public office to the Chancery Building in Mendenhall. The move is aimed at improving convenience, accessibility, and safety for county residents.
Officials said the new location provides a centralized place for the public to address questions, concerns, or service needs without having to travel to multiple sites. The relocation also enhances public safety, as heavy equipment was frequently in operation at the department’s former office, creating potential hazards for visitors.
By Marlan Jones on
2 months ago
D’Lo Waterpark will host a community tree planting event on Saturday, Feb. 7, as part of an effort to restore the natural habitat along the Strong River and give back to the environment.
The event is a collabortion between Simpson County Soil and Water Conservation, D’Lo Waterpark, and the Simpson County Board of Supervisors. Organizers say the focus of the initiative is to rebuild and renew areas of the park that have lost trees due to flooding and historic environmental damage over the years.
By Marlan Jones on
2 months ago
Several department updates and approvals were presented during the Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting on January 20.
Police Chief Denis Borges requested approval to pursue a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) grant to purchase new firearms for the department. The grant requires a 50 percent city match, which Borges plans to cover by selling seized firearms. Two bids were received: Simpson Outdoors at $14,000 and Southern Connection at $11,548.75. The board approved pursuing the grant, noting the application deadline is January 31, 2026.
By Beth Pudas on
2 months ago
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Infrastructure and public works issues were a major focus of the Magee Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting held on Tuesday, January 20.
Two local businessmen, Joey Boyles and Odell Gray, owners of septic system companies in Magee, appeared before the board to discuss a sewage dumping agreement with the city. Boyles spoke on behalf of both men, with Gray expressing agreement. After extended discussion, the board tabled the matter for further review.
By Beth Pudas on
2 months 1 week ago
The Simpson County School Board met Jan. 15 for its regular monthly meeting, electing new officers for the 2026 calendar year and receiving updates on major facility renovations, academic progress, and district operations.
During the organizational portion of the meeting, Stacey Herrin was elected board president, Terra Mallette was chosen as vice president, and Ralph Walker will serve as board secretary for 2026.
By Marlan Jones on
2 months 1 week ago
Following the call to order for the January 15, 2026, meeting, the Simpson County Board of Supervisors President Wayne Womack opened meeting, presenting a list of business items to discuss.
The first order of business was the opening of bids for a surplus 2003 Jaguar. Board Attorney Danny Welch opened the bids, which ranged from $750 to $3,500, with Wade Underwood submitting the winning bid of $3,500.
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2 months 1 week ago
Penny Aguirre, former zoning director with the City of Magee
Penny Aguirre, former zoning director for the City of Magee, agreed to an interview recently about her termination from that position on December 5, 2025.
Aguirre was only made aware of the decision after receiving a phone call from former Building Inspector Duane Simmons in which he stated that he had just received a call from Mayor Mark Grubbs informing him that he was terminated. In turn Aguirre phoned the mayor and was told that yes, she had been terminated.
By Beth Pudas on
2 months 2 weeks ago
IRS announces first day of 2026 filing season; online tools and resources help with tax filing
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced Monday, January 26, 2026, as the opening of the nation’s 2026 filing season. This year, several new tax law provisions of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill become effective, which could impact federal taxes, credits and deductions.
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2 months 2 weeks ago
Simpson County School District proudly recognizes the classroom winner of this year’s Toys for Tots Toy Challenge, Simpson Central Through the generosity and teamwork of students, teachers, and families, Simpson Central School collected monetary donations and also collected 185 toys to support children in need throughout the community.
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2 months 2 weeks ago
Dr. Robert Sanders, Superintendent of Education for Simpson County, was a guest at the Magee Lions Club and shared planned renovations and upgrades to our schools. He also responded to questions on attendance and school choice initiatives. Dr. Sanders was the guest of Lion Marlan Jones.
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2 months 2 weeks ago
Belinda Berry was a recent guest at the Magee Lions Club. She shared an upcoming opportunity for Grief Sharing and asked the club to invite persons who had experienced loss. Grief Share meets at First Baptist Church. Interested persons can call 601-849-3304 for more information.
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2 months 2 weeks ago
Forrest Dungan with Clearpoint Engineering addresses the Magee Board.
Magee Mayor Mark Grubbs and the Board of Aldermen held their first regular meeting of 2026 on Tuesday, January 6.
Grubbs reported that Well #4 is up and running. He also proposed that the board approve advertisement of an RFP for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) administrator and engineer services for the year 2026. There is no cost in the proposal process and the position is funded by the grant. The board passed the motion.
By Beth Pudas on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Andy Gipson, State Ag Commissioner and 2027 gubernatorial candidate, comments on RHT funding.
, Gregg Gibbes, hospital CEO
, Newly renovated surgical suite at MGH
, Stan Bulger, former MGH board member.
On July 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed into law his One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). It passed by narrow margins in both chambers of Congress.
Part of the OBBBA is a program called Rural Health Transformation (RHT), promising $50B to states approved for distribution of program funds for which Mississippi qualifies. According to www.cms.gov the monies will be allocated over a period of five years, $10B each year from 2026 through 2030. All 50 states received funding this year.
By Beth Pudas on
2 months 2 weeks ago
The Mendenhall Mayor and Board of Aldermen met on January 6 to address a range of city business, including zoning concerns, law enforcement matters, and city operations.
By Marlan Jones on
2 months 3 weeks ago
Standing from left to right Headmaster John Shows, Josh McNulty, Jayda Smith, Linda Dear, and Chaucer Funches.
Simpson Academy celebrated a major milestone as Lady Cougars standout Jayda Smith scored the 1,000th point of her high school basketball career. Smith was honored prior to the game for an achievement that reflects years of dedication, perseverance, and consistent excellence on the court.Reaching the 1,000-point mark is a significant accomplishment for any player, and Smith’s journey to the milestone has been marked by hard work and a strong commitment to her team.
By Marlan Jones on
2 months 3 weeks ago
Mendenhall Tiger standout Henry Funches has been selected to represent his school and community as a member of the Mississippi Association of Players (MAP) All-Star Team. Funches will compete in the prestigious All-Star game on January 18 at Rice-Totten Stadium on the campus of Mississippi Valley State University.
By Marlan Jones on
2 months 3 weeks ago
The Mississippi Association of Supervisors (MAS) is now accepting applications for the 2026 County Employee Scholarship Program, which provides financial assistance to eligible county employees and their families who are pursuing higher education in Mississippi.
By Marlan Jones on
2 months 3 weeks ago
Randall Coleman retired from his dutites of Constable Post 1 and was recognized by the Simpson County Board of Supervisors for his 26 years of service to the community. Honoring Coleman at their meeting, are, from left, Supervisors Charles Westmoreland, Donny Welch, Danny Craft, Coleman, Wayne Womack, and Mitchell Chatman.
, Evan Sellers was joined by his family and friends as he was appointed to serve as Interim Constable for Post 1. Sellers will fufill the duties as interim until the general election in November.
After more than a quarter-century of dedicated service to Simpson County, William R. “Randall” Coleman has officially retired from his role as Constable of Post 1, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism, steady leadership, and community commitment.
Coleman, a long-time resident of Mendenhall, stepped down at the end of 2025 after 26 years in office — a tenure marked by respect from colleagues, community members, and local officials alike.
By Marlan Jones on
2 months 4 weeks ago
Renowned singer Marian Anderson performing in DAR Constitution Hall in 1943. Students studying music can apply for a one-time $5,000 scholarship honoring her legacy through Jan. 31.
Undergraduate and graduate students studying music can apply for the DAR Marian Anderson Legacy Scholarship through January 31, 2026. Sponsored by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the scholarship provides a one-time $5,000 award to one student annually who is pursuing undergraduate or graduate study in music.
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2 days 2 hours ago
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