Mississippi

Effects of last year’s drought still impacting Mississippi landscape

Published

2 years ago

July 23, 2024

Effects of last year’s drought still impacting Mississippi landscape

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – It’s been nearly a year since Mississippi was dried out by a record-breaking drought, but the state’s farmers and timber landscape are still feeling the aftermath.

“No one has been exempt from the effects of that drought last fall,” said Russell Bozeman, State Forester for the Mississippi Forestry Commission.

As of Tuesday, Mississippi’s drought conditions are very similar to what they were this time last year. The difference is that rainfall has been much more common.

Right now, Bozeman says conditions for trees to recover from last year’s drought are optimal, but the damage left behind will be felt for years to come.

“Even if we keep moisture moving through the state,” he said. “These trees are still going to be seeing the effects of that drought for three to five years.”

In several areas of Central Mississippi, WLBT 3 On Your Side has seen contracting crews cutting down dead trees and removing stumps.

Bozeman says that’s going to be a familiar sight for a while, as all of that dead timber could be future fuel for more widespread wildfires.

“Those are big fuels, and when they ignite, it takes them a while to burn out,” he said. “So, we are a little concerned about fall fire season and next spring fire season as these trees make their way to the forest floor.”

While the amount of rainfall we’ve seen this year may help prevent a widespread drought later this year, Mike McCormick with the Mississippi Farm Bureau says it has prevented several farmers from getting specific crops planted before they wash out.

“We got a lot of rain earlier in the year, which was much needed to put down some sub-moisture, but it also caused some of the crops to be delayed,” said McCormick.

He says in order for farmers to ensure a substantial crop yield this fall, there needs to be steady rainfall, and not too much at one time.

“Rain is important to get when you need it, but it’s kind of important to go away when we need to get the crops or the hay in,” he said.

McCormick says farmers are planning to harvest their crops within the next two to three weeks, and he expects this to be an “average year” for crop yield.

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Mississippi

Mississippi House of Representatives passes bill to make NIL earnings non-taxable

Published

4 hours ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Mississippi House of Representatives passes bill to make NIL earnings non-taxable

NIL money comes with a price. More specifically, a tax bill.

The Mississippi legislature is trying to reduce that burden for college athletes who play there.

Via Bea Anhuci of the Mississippi Clarion Ledger, the Mississippi House of Representatives has passed a bill that would exempt NIL earnings from state income tax.

It’s a recruiting tool for Ole Miss and Mississippi State, one that would put the Mississippi schools on equal footing with other states that host SEC universities. Florida, Tennessee, and Texas have no state income tax, and Arkansas carved out NIL earnings from the state’s income tax burden in 2025.

Mississippi currently charges a four-percent tax on anyone making more than $10,000 per year.

NIL earnings remain subject to federal income tax.

The bill will have to also pass the Mississippi Senate, and the governor would then be required to sign it into law.

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Mississippi

Why Rebels are keeping pace for Mississippi State CB commit Brandon Allen Jr

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

Why Rebels are keeping pace for Mississippi State CB commit Brandon Allen Jr

Ole Miss is working to eventually flip Mississippi State cornerback commit Brandon Allen Jr. (Atlanta, Ga.). Ahead of a packed spring travel schedule, visiting multiple programs, Allen speaks on his current recruitment with Rebels247.com.

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Mississippi

Carpenter Pole and Piling invests $5M in Mississippi, creating 10 jobs

Published

2 days ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Carpenter Pole and Piling invests M in Mississippi, creating 10 jobs

Staff
| Mississippi Clarion Ledger

A Mississippi wood products manufacturer is investing nearly $5 million in an expansion.
Carpenter Pole and Piling’s project is expected to create 10 new jobs in Wiggins.
The expansion includes a new treatment plant and an additional 20 acres for storage.
Construction is anticipated to be completed by September 2026.

A wood products manufacturer is set to create new jobs as part of a major expansion.

Carpenter Pole and Piling is investing nearly $5 million into its Wiggins, Mississippi, operation.

The expansion will add 10 new positions and support long-term growth in the region.

“Carpenter Pole and Piling is a true Mississippi success story, and we’re proud to see the company continue investing right here at home,” Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said.

“This expansion in Stone County is creating new opportunities for hardworking Mississippians while strengthening a company that has long contributed to our state’s economy,” Reeves said. “When Mississippi businesses grow, our communities grow with them, and we remain committed to fostering a business environment where companies can thrive.”

Carpenter Pole and Piling produces utility poles and pilings for marine and foundation use.

The project includes construction of a new treatment plant, investment in a 2,600-cubic-foot autoclave and an alternative treatment option to improve production capacity.

The company is also clearing and preparing an additional 20 acres for a new pole storage yard.

Stone County is also contributing to the project.

The company expects to complete construction by September 2026.

The new roles are expected to be filled by January 2027.

Carpenter Pole and Piling specializes in the production of utility poles. It also manufactures foundation and marine pilings.

The new autoclave will increase production and add an alternative treatment option.

This story was created by business and development writer Ross Reily, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more.

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