Local News Briefs

Ida B. Wells celebration July 15-17 in Holly Springs
The Family Festival Weekend at the Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum is just around the corner.

The birthday celebration, July 15-17, will feature arts and crafts, music, creative dance, soul food and a walk through history. Artist and vendor booth space is available for $10-$15. The theme this year is “Building on the Past – Focusing on the Future.”

Registration begins at 8 a.m. Friday, July 15. The grand opening celebration starts at noon. Lots of other activities are set for the weekend, including a barbecue dinner Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Spring Hollow Park, and the banquet Saturday at 7 p.m. at Hudsonville Family Life Center.

The Ida B. Wells-Barnett Museum has undergone extensive remodeling and repairs, thanks to private donations and a grant from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History.

For more information, call 662-252-3232. The museum is located at 220 North Randolph Street in Holly Springs.

Marshall County CDC to get $60,000 for shelter
State Representative Kelvin Buck said he has received a legislative notice that the Marshall County Community Development Corporation will receive $60,000 for the operation of New Hope Village.

Board member Alfred Moore, who was responsible for putting the grant together, said it is a blessing to receive this good news.

Director Shirley Dillard said even though MCCDC was cut $15,000, it will have enough funds to operate for a year. She said MCCDC was able to operate for one year without federal funds due to the help and assistance from many friends, agencies and the City of Holly Springs.

Mayor Andre’ DeBerry was able to get the board of aldermen to donate the first $5,000 to keep the doors open, MCCDC officials said, and he encouraged the Utility Department to work with MCCDC on the utility payment.

Dillard also said Dr. Kenneth Williams and the American Legion stepped up to the plate and raised money and gave some $33,000 in support of the shelter.

Unemployment rate rises in state, Marshall, Benton
The state’s unemployment rate rose by a full point to 7.3 percent, the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDEC) announced last week.

The number of employed Mississippians rose by 3,700, while the number of unemployed rose by 14,500.

Twenty-seven counties reported unemployment rates equal to or less than Mississippi’s 7.3 rate with DeSoto’s 4.6 the only one under 5.0.

Fourteen of the 82 counties posted double-digit unemployment, with Jefferson leading at 14.7.

Marshall County’s unemployment rate was 9.5, up from 8.0 in April. Benton County’s rate was 10.0, up from 8.7 a month ago.

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