Local News Briefs

Marshall unemployment 8.5; DeSoto at 4.3, state’s lowest
The state’s unemployment rate inched upward by only one-tenth of a point, leaving the rate for March at 7.0 percent, the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) announced.

The number of employed persons rose by 600 while the number of unemployed Mississippians rose by 1,400.

Job gains were reported in non-farm employment with a net gain of 2,500 jobs.

Twenty-seven counties reported unemployment rates equal or less than Mississippi’s rate, with DeSoto being the lowest at 4.3, followed by Rankin County with 4.5.

Marshall County’s unemployment rate was 8.5 and Benton’s was 9.9. Marshall ranked 51st among the state’s 82 counties, while Benton ranked 65th.

Sixteen counties posted double-digit unemployment rates, with the highest rates posting at 13.8 and 13.5 percent in Issaquena and Sharkey counties.

“Inclement weather conditions across the state may have put a damper on outdoor economic endeavors for March, but with better weather conditions in April, and based on historical documentation, April’s rate should improve,” said Liz Barnett, public information director.

Citizens’ input requested on Hazard Mitigation Plan
The public is invited to attend a meeting of the Marshall County Hazard Mitigation Task Force on Monday, June 6, at 2 p.m. at the Marshall County Emergency Management Agency, 103-B, Market Street, Holly Springs.

The purpose of the meeting is to obtain citizen input into the development of the Marshall County Hazard Mitigation Plan.

All communities are vulnerable when it comes to natural and man-made disasters. Each year, severe weather threatens the lives and property of citizens within northeast Mississippi regions. Other types of disasters, including floods, wildfires, winter storms, explosions and hazardous material spills, are dangers a community could face.

Both public and private sector organizations can make a valuable contribution to the local plan. For more information, call Lisa Stevens, Northeast Mississippi Planning and Development District, 662-728-6248.

Byhalia officers respond to disturbances, theft, more
The Byhalia Police Department responded to 28 calls during the past week.

Chief Mike Novay released the following report – 12 alarm calls, eight miscellaneous, four escorts, two disturbances, one motor vehicle accident and one theft. Officers wrote 36 citations.

Chief Novay said his department made five arrests on the following charges – driving while license suspended, expired tag; contempt of court warrant; contempt of court warrant; driving while license suspended, loud music, no insurance, switched tag, no seat belt; DUI, no proof of insurance, fail to signal.

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