Connect with us

Mississippi

Hollywood brings smiles to patients as Children's of Mississippi's first facility dog – SuperTalk Mississippi

Published

on

Hollywood brings smiles to patients as Children's of Mississippi's first facility dog – SuperTalk Mississippi


Children’s of Mississippi has welcomed an adorable furry friend as the hospital’s first facility dog.

Hollywood, a 67-pound male golden retriever, is embarking on a journey to bring joy and comfort to patients. Born and educated at Canine Assistants in Milton, Ga., Hollywood has been on the job at the state’s only children’s hospital since September 24.

According to a press release from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, the newest Children’s of Mississippi team member can help stabilize blood pressure and reduce anxiety, pain, and fear.

“Hollywood isn’t just a dog – he’s a vital part of our Child Life team,” said Cara Williams, child life manager and Hollywood’s handler “He truly is the best dog. His demeanor is so calm, and the way he loves patients, families, and staff is something that can’t be replicated. He is so gentle and truly wants to be with people. He loves a good belly rub and will lean all the way in for a pet.”

Advertisement

Williams further added that Hollywood’s bedside manner can sometimes be the best form of medication for patients and their families.

“Hollywood meets patients where they are. He doesn’t expect anything from them and simply loves them,” the golden retriever’s handler said. “He allows them to be distracted from whatever is happening and gives them a sense of normalcy.”

Photo courtesy of the University of Mississippi Medical

Hospital facility dogs like Hollywood are similar to therapy dogs, experts say, but have the skills to react to the emotions of patients and their families and bring them a sense of calm. These dogs work with handlers throughout the day and go home with them at night.

Hollywood gets his name from the Hollywood Bowl since his litter’s naming inspiration was iconic music venues. His litter mates are named Fillmore, Red, Radio, Sydney, Bluebird, and Opry.

Before heading to the children’s hospital for a day of hospitality, Hollywood starts things off with a walk or a backyard game of fetch before breakfast. He then is brushed and takes a nap before it’s time to put smiles on the faces of young people and their families.

Advertisement

Once in the workplace, the friendly canine is sure to greet staff and patients as he heads up to his handler’s office. From there, Williams makes note of those who would benefit greatest from Hollywood’s warm presence.

“Having Hollywood simply adds an extra layer of goodness,” Williams said. “Everyone he meets or even just walks by smiles a little bigger. The reactions are priceless and have only been positive. Animals can reach people in a way that sometimes staff can’t. The experience here at Children’s will continue to be brighter with Hollywood here.”

Patients and their parents have especially raved about Hollywood, adding that the service dog brings about an air of glee to hospital stays and grueling recovery exercises that would otherwise be dreadful.

Stay up to date with all of Mississippi’s latest news by signing up for our free newsletter here

Advertisement

Copyright 2024 SuperTalk Mississippi Media. All rights reserved.



Source link

Mississippi

14-year-old girl arrested for shooting 8-year-old in Mississippi

Published

on

14-year-old girl arrested for shooting 8-year-old in Mississippi


WARREN COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – Deputies in Warren County, Mississippi, arrested a 14-year-old girl for allegedly shooting an 8-year-old.

Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said the shooting happened on Abraham Drive just before 4:00 p.m. on April 13, 2026.

According to the sheriff, the female victim was transported to a Jackson hospital for treatment. He said deputies recovered a handgun at the scene.

There’s no motive for the shooting, and the investigation is ongoing.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Mississippi

A potential opportunity to lower car tag costs across Mississippi

Published

on

A potential opportunity to lower car tag costs across Mississippi


A follow-up on high car tag costs in Mississippi shows major differences in what drivers pay depending on where they live, even across the street, according to new data from the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office.The data highlights large price gaps across the metro area, with some residents paying hundreds of dollars more based solely on location and county lines.The State Auditor’s Office data shows that at Ridgeland Ranch Apartments, a car tag costs $571.64. At Trails at Northpointe Apartments directly across the street, the same tag rises to $1,490.48.The highest cost in the region is $1,676.30 at Yazoo Estates, while the lowest is $343.30 in the Oakfield neighborhood.Resident Keith Bush said he has experienced the difference firsthand.“When I lived in Hinds County, my car tag started at $1,500,” Bush said. Now living at Ridgeland Ranch Apartments, Bush said his cost is significantly lower.Bush said, “I don’t want to tell you the exact price, but it is under $200.”State Rep. Ronnie Crudup Jr. of District 71 says the high costs in Hinds County are an ongoing issue tied to local financial obligations, including school infrastructure.Crudup said, “We all know that we got the highest tags. I think even in Hans County, and uh, you know, a lot of that is due to, I guess, our, our, our population in, in our school building.”He added that part of the cost comes from maintaining unused school buildings in the Jackson Public Schools system.Crudup said, “You know, some of the schools are closed. The schools are still on their books right now, because they’re still responsible for the buildings and the maintenance and all that type of thing. I think as they come off their books. I think there’s a chance then that we’ll be able to reduce the price of the car tags.”Bush said, “That would be great. I think a lot of people will have some ideas of where they want to move.”Lawmakers are considering House Bill 1395, which has already passed both chambers. The bill would speed up the sale of unused school buildings, which supporters say could reduce costs, limit delays, and open the door for redevelopment.In a statement, Jackson Public Schools said, “Jackson Public Schools is committed to the strategic repurposing of surplus properties to strengthen communities and improve the district’s financial position, guided by thoughtful planning, stakeholder engagement, and a focus on long-term impact for our scholars and families.We are also grateful to the Mississippi Legislature, and especially the Hinds County Delegation, for their advocacy and support of this legislative change, which provides school districts with greater flexibility to better serve our scholars and community.”Officials said if the bill is signed into law, it could help reduce long-term costs. For now, the data shows that where you live still plays a major role in how much you pay for a car tag.

A follow-up on high car tag costs in Mississippi shows major differences in what drivers pay depending on where they live, even across the street, according to new data from the Mississippi State Auditor’s Office.

The data highlights large price gaps across the metro area, with some residents paying hundreds of dollars more based solely on location and county lines.

Advertisement

The State Auditor’s Office data shows that at Ridgeland Ranch Apartments, a car tag costs $571.64. At Trails at Northpointe Apartments directly across the street, the same tag rises to $1,490.48.

The highest cost in the region is $1,676.30 at Yazoo Estates, while the lowest is $343.30 in the Oakfield neighborhood.

Resident Keith Bush said he has experienced the difference firsthand.

“When I lived in Hinds County, my car tag started at $1,500,” Bush said.

Advertisement

Now living at Ridgeland Ranch Apartments, Bush said his cost is significantly lower.

Bush said, “I don’t want to tell you the exact price, but it is under $200.”

State Rep. Ronnie Crudup Jr. of District 71 says the high costs in Hinds County are an ongoing issue tied to local financial obligations, including school infrastructure.

Crudup said, “We all know that we got the highest tags. I think even in Hans County, and uh, you know, a lot of that is due to, I guess, our, our, our population in, in our school building.”

He added that part of the cost comes from maintaining unused school buildings in the Jackson Public Schools system.

Advertisement

Crudup said, “You know, some of the schools are closed. The schools are still on their books right now, because they’re still responsible for the buildings and the maintenance and all that type of thing. I think as they come off their books. I think there’s a chance then that we’ll be able to reduce the price of the car tags.”

Bush said, “That would be great. I think a lot of people will have some ideas of where they want to move.”

Lawmakers are considering House Bill 1395, which has already passed both chambers. The bill would speed up the sale of unused school buildings, which supporters say could reduce costs, limit delays, and open the door for redevelopment.

In a statement, Jackson Public Schools said, “Jackson Public Schools is committed to the strategic repurposing of surplus properties to strengthen communities and improve the district’s financial position, guided by thoughtful planning, stakeholder engagement, and a focus on long-term impact for our scholars and families.

We are also grateful to the Mississippi Legislature, and especially the Hinds County Delegation, for their advocacy and support of this legislative change, which provides school districts with greater flexibility to better serve our scholars and community.”

Advertisement

Officials said if the bill is signed into law, it could help reduce long-term costs. For now, the data shows that where you live still plays a major role in how much you pay for a car tag.



Source link

Continue Reading

Mississippi

IRS owes Mississippi residents $9.9 million. Are you missing free money?

Published

on

IRS owes Mississippi residents .9 million. Are you missing free money?


play

Are you missing out on free money? The IRS estimates that 1.3 million Americans are missing out on their 2022 income tax refunds because they haven’t filed their taxes. That totals about $1.2 billion in unclaimed money.

Many taxpayers are missing out on income tax returns because they haven’t filed. Some are years late.

Advertisement

The final deadline to be eligible is April 15. If people miss it, the money becomes property of the U.S. Treasury.

How many people in Mississippi could get a check?

According to the IRS, Mississippi taxpayers are owed about $9.9 million.

Approximately 11,800 people who haven’t filed their 2022 taxes could get a refund. The median amount is $635, so half of refunds could be more than that.

What if I didn’t file my 2022 taxes? When is the deadline?

You have until April 15, 2026, to file back-year returns.

The IRS said you might still be eligible for the check, but only people who have filed their taxes will get one.

Advertisement

If you owe money or haven’t filed for 2023 or 2024 tax years, your check could be held. The money could also be garnished for unpaid child support or federal student loans.

People also have to file their 2025 taxes to get any refunds that might be owed.

Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY NETWORK. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending