
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Community \| Obits \| Editorial & Columnists \| Society \| Sports \| Education \| Classified Ads \| Calendar of Events \| Features \| Newsbriefs \| Legals \| Archives \| Subscriptions \| Photo Gallery

Local News Briefs

Unemployment rate at 7.8 for Marshall County in July

The state’s unemployment rate rose to 7.2 percent for July, mainly due to seasonal layoffs of non-contract school employees, the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) announced.

The rate was 6.9 for June.

The number of employed Mississippians fell by 1,200 while the number of unemployed Mississippians rose by 4,900. Employment totals were up by 6,900 over last year, indicating continued progress in recovery of jobs lost to Hurricane Katrina.

Twenty-eight counties reported unemployment rates equal to or less than Mississippi’s rate. DeSoto and Rankin held the lowest rates at 4.4 percent, while the highest rate of unemployment was reported in Clay County at 19.5, followed by Jefferson County at 18.7 percent.

Marshall County’s unemployment rate for July was 7.8, up slightly from 7.2, while Benton’s was 10.0, up from 8.9.

“August should show improvement in the economy and unemployment rates as students exit the labor force to return to school and as school employees return to work,” said Wayne Gasson, chief of labor market information for MDES.

Hummingbird celebration just one week away

The Hummingbird Migration Celebration is scheduled for September 7-9 at Strawberry Plains Audubon Center in Holly Springs.

The annual event features fun for all ages – such as wildlife demonstrations, hummingbird banding and release, and nature programs and guided walks.

Each fall, thousands of ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate through Mississippi to their winter homes in Central America.

Like a “river,” they are on the move daily through the woods of Strawberry Plains Audubon Center. By maintaining habitats, gardens and sugar-water feeders, the center has become a magnet for hummingbirds.

Everyone is urged to join the staff at Strawberry Plains to witness this spectacular migratory event.

Renowned hummingbird experts Bob and Martha Sargent are real showstoppers. Guests can get a close-up view as they band hummingbirds.

Terry Vandeventer will explore the world of snakes and reptiles – complete with live specimens to touch.

A special preview party, Audubon Under the Stars, will be held Thursday evening, Sept. 6, from 6 until 9 p.m. It is by reservation only and will include live music, a silent auction and talks by naturalists throughout the property.

Call 662-252-1155 for more information on this year’s hummingbird celebration.

Report News: (662) 252-4261 or south@dixie-net.com
Questions, comments, corrections: south@dixie-net.com
©2004, The South Reporter, All Rights Reserved.
No part of this site may be reproduced in any way without permission.
The South Reporter is a member of the Mississippi Press Association.

Web Site managed and maintained by
South Reporter webmasters Linda Jones, Kristian Jones
Web Site Design - The South Reporter

Back | Top of Page