PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) – Pine needle blight is becoming more prevalent, not only in the Pine Belt, but across the greater Southeastern United States.

Experts believe the blight is a type of pathogen that affects multiple types of pine trees.

The blight came to light after its increasing presence, and entomologists said that this could pose a problem for trees, both big and small.

Dr. John Riggins, Mississippi State University Forest Entomology professor, and other researchers have said the needle blight is a developing problem.

“Historically, it was only a problem in the seedling stages of Longleaf Pine,” Riggins said. “And now the reason it’s becoming a new issue as an emerging threat is because we’re seeing it impact Loblolly Pine, including mature Loblolly Pine, which is the primary tree that we grow right here in Mississippi.”

Pine needle blight can be spotted when brown patches make a tree or group of trees appear unhealthy, but that does not mean necessarily that the tree is dead. Experts say that this brown leaf period can happen during the springtime months around March or April.

The blight is believed to be affecting pine species in nearby states like Louisiana, Alabama, and Arkansas. Pine trees will typically become green again after a few weeks, but it is not guaranteed.

“It appears that, for the most part, most of the impacted trees are going to recover to some degree within a few weeks,” Riggins said. “But that repeated defoliation, year after year, is a repeated stress on the impacted trees.

“Eventually, it does affect tree health and you start to see additional mortality.”

Experts say that arborists, the Mississippi Forestry Commission and local Mississippi State University extension offices all offer good resources to better understand how the pine needle blight is affecting the region.

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A mother of three children was struck and killed by a car near a restaurant in Mississippi on Saturday, July 20, authorities said.

The incident occurred on MS-43 near the Sunset Grill restaurant in Rankin County and is under investigation, the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) said in a news release shared with PEOPLE on Friday, July 26.  

The pedestrian, Marcie Errington, 41, of Crystal Spring, Miss., was hit by a Chevrolet Silverado traveling northbound. She died at the scene from her injuries, the MHP added.

The driver of the Silverado, identified by authorities as Donnie Taylor, 67, of Brandon, Miss., was unhurt in the collision. 

No additional details were offered from the MHP. 

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According to a GoFundMe set up on behalf of her family, Errington was a nurse and a devoted mother to her three sons. 

“We are truly heartbroken at the loss of our sweet Marcie,” read the fundraiser description. “She was such a radiant gypsy soul who loved nature, animals and children… Her sons were the center of her universe, and her every action was a testament to the profound love she had for them.”

The GoFundMe described Errington as “thoughtful, selfless, compassionate, and genuinely caring – everything that made her such an amazing momma and nurse.”

“Marcie’s impact on our lives is immeasurable,” the description continued. “She taught us the true meaning of love, empathy, and perseverance. Her legacy of kindness will live on through the countless lives she touched, both human and animal. We are devastated by her loss,  but we celebrate the beautiful person she was and the extraordinary life she lived.”

Kelly Johnson, a friend of Errington’s, remembered her as outgoing. “When you think of a Gypsy Soul, that’s what you think of as Marcy, she loved anything that breathed,” Johnson said, NBC affiliate WLBT reported. 

Errington was employed at Pedicare Nursing Agency. The news of her death sent a shock to Errington’s colleagues, said Melissa Flanagin, the agency’s founder. 

“There was a time of denial where we didn’t want to believe that that had really happened to our Marcy,” Flanigan told CBS affiliate WJTV. “When we learned, and it was confirmed that it was her, we were just heartbroken.”

Johnson told WLBT that the GoFundMe will help Errington’s children.

“There’s a lot of bills and things that have, you know, accrued and you know, just life,” Johnson said. “It’s mainly to take care of those children to make sure they have what they need.”

Contact: Mary Pollitz

STARKVILLE, Miss.—On Thursday afternoon [July 25], Mississippi State alumnus Andrew Rendon, the university’s executive director for Veterans and Military Affairs, was promoted from colonel to brigadier general in the Mississippi National Guard. Less than one-half of 1% of officers in the Army achieve the rank of a general officer.

The first action Gen. Rendon took after his promotion was to present his daughter Sarah and wife Hilary with flowers while thanking the three institutions he credited with his success—MSU, the Mississippi National Guard and his family.

“Not once have those institutions left me alone. Not once have they let me down. Not once have those institutions not cared for me,” he said. “In every instance, as I asked for help support or assistance, they have been there for me.”

MSU President Mark E. Keenum commended Rendon with his leadership supporting the armed forces, military students and his country. Rendon’s service and commitment to others—along with Bulldogs, cowbells and Edam cheese—is what the university is known for, Keenum added.

“We’re also known for our values. Our core values that define who we are at MSU: integrity, strong work ethic and respect for others,” Keenum said. “Gen. Rendon embodies all of these values, and he lives them every single day. So, it’s an honor to recognize him and his achievements this afternoon as he begins this new chapter of service to our state and our nation.”

The promotion ceremony for the Guard’s commander of the 66th Troop Command took place in Wingo Auditorium of the university’s Old Main Academic Center. The event was officiated by MSU alumnus Maj. Gen. Janson D. Boyles, Adjutant General of Mississippi.

Rendon began his military career nearly 30 years ago as an Army Aviator. After spending nine years on active duty, with assignments in Germany and Alabama, Rendon joined the MSNG in 2004 serving in various aviation roles throughout the state, from logistics officer and platoon leader to his current role as troop commander and MSNG director of Joint Staff. 

Rendon holds both a Ph.D. and Master of Public Policy and Administration degree from MSU. He also has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Mississippi and a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College.

His military awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, six Meritorious Service Medals, the Senior Army Aviator Badge, U.S. Army Parachutist Badge, and numerous other federal and state awards.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.