Alexander Moraski

Gifted students from Roseland Park Elementary are organizing a community event to promote awareness of regenerative agriculture. The newly-formed “Ground Up!” club has scheduled a screening of the film Kiss the Ground at Crosby Commons on Sept. 26.

Picayune Item

DOJ Awards Over $3 Million in Grants to Support Law Enforcement in Southern Mississippi Published 5:15 pm Monday, September 16, 2024 The University of Southern Mississippi received $3 million to implement a rural digital forensics initiative. The program aims to address the digital forensics needs of rural communities, provide forensic services, and develop social media educational tools to assist in training law enforcement officers in digital forensic investigations. The University of Mississippi Medical Center was awarded $380,000 to enhance its security infrastructure by upgrading its existing CCTV system. Sign up for our daily email newsletter Copiah-Lincoln Community College received $20,000 to fund training for new and current law enforcement officers. These grants are part of the 2024 Office of Justice Programs Byrne Discretionary Community Project Grants, named in honor of New York City Police Officer Edward R. Byrne, who was killed in the line of duty in 1988. Sports Plus Jose Altuve and Fernando Tatis Jr. will hit the field when the Houston Astros and San Diego Padres… When the San Diego Padres (85-65) take on the Houston Astros (81-68) at PETCO Park on Monday, Sept.… The Philadelphia Phillies versus the Milwaukee Brewers is one of many solid options on today's MLB slate. Wager… At Tiger Stadium on Saturday, September 21, 2024, the UCLA Bruins will visit the No. 16 LSU Tigers… On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the Tulane Green Wave will visit the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns at Cajun Field.… Calendar

By: Alexander Moraski

The U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs has awarded more than $3 million in grants to support law enforcement and public safety projects in the Southern District of Mississippi, U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee announced.

Picayune Item

City Council Approves 2024-2025 Budget with Employee Raises and Tax Cut Proposal Published 5:43 pm Monday, September 16, 2024 The budget passed with the support of most council members, Lynn Bumpers was absent from the meeting, and Councilman Frank Ford cast the lone dissenting vote. Ford explained his decision, stating that he had requested additional information about the budget but did not receive it in time. Ford said he couldn't vote on the budget without the necessary details. Despite the disagreement, the budget's approval signals the council's commitment to increasing employee compensation and maintaining essential services while offering some tax relief to residents. Sign up for our daily email newsletter Sports Plus Jose Altuve and Fernando Tatis Jr. will hit the field when the Houston Astros and San Diego Padres… When the San Diego Padres (85-65) take on the Houston Astros (81-68) at PETCO Park on Monday, Sept.… The Philadelphia Phillies versus the Milwaukee Brewers is one of many solid options on today's MLB slate. Wager… At Tiger Stadium on Saturday, September 21, 2024, the UCLA Bruins will visit the No. 16 LSU Tigers… On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the Tulane Green Wave will visit the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns at Cajun Field.… Calendar

By: Alexander Moraski

On Thursday, the City Council approved the 2024-2025 budget, including a 3% raise for city employees, level funding for all departments, and preserving healthcare benefits. All council members were present for the vote. The budget also featured a proposal by Councilman Albritton to reduce the millage rate by 1.9 million compared to last year. This reduction would provide a $225,000 tax cut for residents.

Picayune Item

Picayune Maroon Tide Rallies in Second Half to Defeat D'Iberville Warriors 28-19 Published 5:59 pm Monday, September 16, 2024 The Tide struggled in the first half, falling behind 19-6 due to turnovers and penalties that stalled their drives deep in their territory. D'Iberville capitalized on the mistakes, repeatedly gaining a solid field position and controlling the momentum. After halftime, Picayune looked like a different team. The defense tightened, holding the Warriors scoreless in the second half, while the offense found its rhythm. The Tide executed sustained drives and made big plays, gradually chipping away at the deficit. A combination of effective running and key passes propelled Picayune to score 22 unanswered points, securing a 28-19 victory. Sign up for our daily email newsletter Picayune continues to build on its early-season success with the win, showcasing resilience and determination to turn the game around after a shaky start. The Tide will take on Gulfport this Friday at 7 p.m. Sports Plus Jose Altuve and Fernando Tatis Jr. will hit the field when the Houston Astros and San Diego Padres… When the San Diego Padres (85-65) take on the Houston Astros (81-68) at PETCO Park on Monday, Sept.… The Philadelphia Phillies versus the Milwaukee Brewers is one of many solid options on today's MLB slate. Wager… At Tiger Stadium on Saturday, September 21, 2024, the UCLA Bruins will visit the No. 16 LSU Tigers… On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the Tulane Green Wave will visit the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns at Cajun Field.… Calendar

By: Alexander Moraski

On Friday night, the Picayune Maroon Tide overcame a slow start to defeat the D'Iberville Warriors 28-19, marking their second win of the season.

Picayune Item

City Council Recognizes Longtime Employee, Discusses New Projects Published 10:02 am Wednesday, September 18, 2024 The Picayune City Council held its regular meeting on Sept. 17, with all members present except Mayor Jim Luke. The council recognized James Broom for his 28 years of service with the Public Works Department. Broom, who began his work in 1979, is set to retire at the end of the month. “What I'll miss most is the people I see every day,” Broom said. Sign up for our daily email newsletter City Manager Harvey Miller requested the establishment of a Safe Haven Baby Box at the South Loftin Fire Department under new business. The box would serve as a secure drop-off location for newborns. The council also approved an application for the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) Solid Waste Assistance grant, worth up to $25,000. These funds can be used for illegal dump cleanups, collection and recycling programs, local solid waste enforcement, illegal dumping prevention, and public education programs. Sports Plus Yordan Alvarez and the Houston Astros match up with Manny Machado and the San Diego Padres on Wednesday… The San Diego Padres (86-66) and the Houston Astros (82-69) will go head to head in the series… The MLB lineup today, which includes the Philadelphia Phillies taking on the Milwaukee Brewers, is sure to please.… Wondering about the best against-the-spread bet among all 16 NFL games in Week 3? Our pick, in terms… If you're looking for the best wager to make among the 16 NFL matchups in Week 3, we're… Calendar

By: Alexander Moraski

Picayune Item

Rouses Market Opens in Picayune, Adding Jobs and Expanding Services Published 1:30 pm Thursday, September 19, 2024 1 of 5 Mayor Jim Luke (Left) with Donny Rouse cutting the ribbon for the new rouses market. (Alex Moraski/Picayune Item) Rouses Markets purchased the River Ridge Shopping Center in 2022, bringing the store closer to Picayune and Pearl River County residents who previously traveled to Slidell for shopping. CEO Donny Rouse explained the decision to open the store. “We receive requests from customers to build in their neighborhoods, but we can only open a few stores each year. Our customers in Picayune and Pearl River County have been shopping with us in Slidell, so we wanted to offer a closer option,” Rouse said. Sign up for our daily email newsletter The store will employ up to 150 people, providing both full- and part-time positions. Departments include a full-service seafood section, butcher shop with in-house steak aging, bakery, deli, and hot food options, along with sushi, poke bowls, and a Mongolian grill. The store also offers online shopping and curbside pickup. Rouse acknowledged the role of local government in the store's development, thanking Picayune Mayor Jim Luke for his involvement. “I want to thank Mayor Jim Luke for his support throughout the process,” Rouse said. Mayor Luke commented on the economic impact of the new store. “This new store provides 150 jobs and adds to our local economy. It also offers a new grocery option for our residents,” said Luke. Councilwoman Ana Turnage, who represents the district where the store is located, noted the potential economic benefits. “Hiring this many people may encourage them to shop locally and possibly settle in Picayune, which could further boost the community. It's also an additional shopping option for our citizens,” said Turnage. Sports Plus Houston Astros (82-70) will go head to head against the Los Angeles Angels (62-90) at Minute Maid Park… The Los Angeles Angels and Nolan Schanuel take the field in the first game of a four-game series… There are six matchups on today's WNBA schedule, including the Atlanta Dream against the New York Liberty. The… The MLB schedule today is not one to miss. The contests include the Arizona Diamondbacks playing the Milwaukee… Need help with your bets on today's WNBA slate? Don't worry. You'll find computer projections for the spread… Calendar

By: Alexander Moraski

A new Rouses Market opened in Picayune yesterday, introducing a 40,000-square-foot supermarket at 1701 Highway 43 North in the River Ridge Shopping Center. This location is the fourth Rouses store in Mississippi, with a fifth planned for Biloxi in October.

Picayune Item

Local Schools Respond to Social Media Threats

By: Alexander Moraski

Pearl River Central and Picayune school districts have responded to social media threats made towards their schools, increasing law enforcement presence to ensure the safety of students and staff. The threats circulated on Snapchat have prompted concern among parents, though no credible threat has been confirmed. Pearl River Central (PRC) School District released a statement […]

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