• Electromechanical repair company creating 14 jobs
• Project represents corporate investment of over $3.5 million

Jackson, Miss. (November 25, 2024) – Burford Electric Service is expanding in Columbus. The project is a $3.55 million corporate investment and will create 14 jobs.

Founded in 1959, Burford Electric Service is a third-generation family-owned Mississippi business that specializes in electromechanical repair and replacement solutions, including electric motor repair and pump repair, for customers in the Southeast. For the expansion, the company is constructing 15,000 square feet of additional manufacturing space with larger crane capacity to meet an increase in customer demand for large industrial needs.

Mississippi Development Authority is providing assistance through the Mississippi Flexible Tax Incentive, or MFLEX, program. Lowndes County and the city of Columbus also are assisting with the project.

Burford Electric Service expects to fill the 14 new jobs over the next five years.

QUOTES

“It is always exciting to see long-standing Mississippi companies grow right here at home. Burford Electric Service’s expansion is another example of how Mississippi’s business climate and pro-business policies encourage companies not only to remain in Mississippi, but also to invest in our state and in our people. I wish the Burford Electric team another 65 years of success in Lowndes County.” – Gov. Tate Reeves

“In Mississippi, we are committed to maintaining a favorable and supportive business environment that empowers our homegrown businesses to grow. Burford Electric’s expansion exemplifies that commitment. Mississippi has had a tremendous year for economic development, with billions of dollars invested and thousands of jobs created in our communities. Burford Electric’s growth in Columbus continues that trend while letting other companies know Mississippi is a top place for business.”  – Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork

 “We’re honored to expand our footprint in Columbus and build on the foundation my grandparents Tolbert and Margaret Burford established in 1959. As a third-generation family-owned business, this $3.55 million investment reflects both our commitment to serving the Southeast and our dedication to carrying forward the values that have sustained us for over 60 years. The additional 15,000 square feet of manufacturing space and increased crane capacity will allow us to meet the growing needs of our industrial customers while creating 14 new jobs in the community. We’re grateful for the support from the Mississippi Development Authority, Golden Triangle Development LINK and the city of Columbus, which has made this expansion possible. This is an exciting step forward for Burford Electric, our family and the communities we’re proud to serve.” – Burford Electric Service President/Owner Jonathan Robinson

 “It’s great to see a family-owned, local business like Burford Electric Service expanding right here in Lowndes County. Their growth is a direct response to the increase in industrial activity in our area, and it shows how our local companies are rising to meet new demand. Burford’s investment in Columbus is a testament to the strength of our community and workforce. We’re excited to see the impact this expansion will have.” – Joe Max Higgins, CEO, Golden Triangle Development LINK

For a second-straight season, Mississippi State’s soccer team found itself in position to make more history with a trip to the Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament.

Unfortunately for the Bulldogs, the season ended right there again.

Notre Dame’s offensive attack overwhelmed one of the country’s best defenses on Sunday night with two goals in the first 30 minutes of action on the way to a 2-0 win. It ended what was the best season in Bulldog history.

“Every single player was just so skilled on the ball. Their movement was sophisticated and they’re a physical team as well,” coach James Armstrong said. “I was thoroughly impressed with them (Sunday). We knew they were a special team but seeing them live is different. They’re a special team and I think they’ll go a long way throughout the tournament.”

From early on, the Irish were the aggressors. State was on its heels in the early going and began to see things go heavily into Notre Dame’s favor at the 24^th minute. Izzy Engle got a breakaway and sent it through the left side of the goal past Maddy Anderson for a 1-0 lead.

Just a couple of possessions later, Grace Restovich scored off the top right of the goal from the left foot to quickly put State in a hole. Both goals were scored by freshmen and continued what’s been an amazing year for coach Nate Norman’s squad. A large portion of the contributors were freshmen with 13 on the roster.

After being dominated 11-1 with shots on the offensive end, State had to find some aggression on the offensive side in the second half. The Bulldogs still couldn’t find the openings with seven shots in the final 45 minutes and Notre Dame would hold that lead.

The loss was a disappointing cap on the year, but Armstrong’s team left with heads held high. State finished 19-3 as the team set the school record for wins and had a perfect 10-0 SEC record. The squad won the first SEC Championship in program history and were 12-1 in games at the MSU Soccer Stadium.

State fans came out in droves to support this team as the Bulldogs had eight of the top 10 crowds in school history. The last two set the school record, including Friday night’s largest attended game at over 4,000. It was a season to remember but those inside the program believe it’s just the beginning.

“It’s amazing to have been a part of,” Hodge said. “From the first year to now, the sisterhood to now and I truly think that it translates. I think it’s special having that belief and love translate to the community and become a part of that inner circle. It’s been as rewarding as being on the field has been.

“I think we’ve set the standard and every year it’s gone higher and higher. The younger girls know what’s expected and I’m sure they’re going to keep it trending in the right direction.”

Hyde Smith not interested in US Sec. of Ag, and US Rep. Michael Guest once again in national spotlight last week.

Ever since Donald Trump won a lopsided victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, many have been researching how she lost by a worse margin than sitting President Joe Biden. 

The answer might be as simple as this: Some Democrats simply didn’t vote, and that trend was true in Mississippi. 

Analyzing election data from Mississippi and the nation, turnout was low across the board, but the GOP won by a larger percentage of ballots cast in the state than in some previous presidential elections.  

According to Dallas Breen, the Stennis Institute’s executive director, many Democratic voters in swing counties did not see enough of a separation between Harris and Biden.

Trump wins more counties than in 2020: This week in politics: Trump wins Mississippi by higher margin than in 2020. See details

Not wanting to vote for Trump but also not seeing a reformer in Harris, many Mississippi Democrats just decided to stay home on Election Day, Breen said. 

“From what we are seeing, you just had a lot of 50/50 counties, and there was a bigger drop off of Democrats not coming to vote than Republicans,” Breen said. “In years past, Democratic candidates were typically disconnected from that because they were senators, secretaries of state, etc.” 

That theory is also illustrated by the fact that Trump won six Mississippi counties that went for Biden in 2020, including some in the Delta.

Hyde-Smith throws cold water on Sec. of Agriculture rumors

 Early last week, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, a Republican, finally spoke on what state politicos had been wondering for weeks: Will she become the next U.S. Secretary of Agriculture? 

Her answer may not have a huge ripple effect, but it did reaffirm her bid for reelection in 2026.

“It’s an honor to be mentioned as a potential nominee for Secretary of Agriculture, but my plans are to remain in the Senate and continue to deliver for the people of Mississippi,” Hyde-Smith wrote in a press release. “As a former state agriculture commissioner and with my current committee assignments, I remain wholeheartedly committed to the ag community, its growth, and its success.” 

With Hyde-Smith out, the question remains if any Mississippi politician will get a seat at Trump’s table. Whether that comes through an appointment or semi-regular trips to the White House over the next four years remains to be seen.  

Mississippi US House Rep. at center of AG pick drama

For the second time since taking office, U.S. House Rep. Michael Guest, R-Dist. 3, took the national spotlight, though it was likely unwanted.

Guest, who chairs the House Ethics Committee, told reporters Wednesday afternoon that a report on Trump’s now-former U.S. Attorney General pick Matt Gaetz’ alleged sexual misconduct and drug abuse was not going to be released.  

Over the last week, many had called on the committee to release the report to the Senate so when Gaetz came before an appointment committee, it would have all the facts. Others called on the Senate not to approve of the pick altogether.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, had said since Gaetz resigned from Congress when Trump appointed him, the report could not be released. Gaetz bowed out of the appointment on Thursday.

Guest did not respond to requests for comment on the Gaetz report. Nor did Sen. Roger Wicker or Hyde-Smith respond to whether they would vote to approve Gaetz’ appointment if it came before the full Senate. 

“Democrats would have never nominated a candidate like Gaetz to anything,” U.S. House Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Dist.3, said in a statement to the Clarion ledger about the former AG pick. “(Gaetz) demeans the office of Attorney General. Shame on the Republicans for embarrassing themselves.” 

Branning sues election commissioners to pressure on-time ballot counting

As of the afternoon on Nov. 15, the Hinds County Election Commission had yet to send its final tally of absentee and affidavit ballots to the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office.  

When it appeared that the commissioners might be pushing the count to the 5 p.m. deadline to submit them to, Mississippi Supreme Court Central District candidate and State Sen. Jenifer Branning’s attorney Spencer Ritchie filed a lawsuit in Hinds County Circuit Court to pressure them into finishing on time, he said.

Judicial runoff elections: Mississippi Supreme court, Court of Appeals races heading to runoffs on Nov. 26

Branning, a Republican from Philadelphia, has been on the record saying she is a constitutional conservative and would not “legislate from the bench. She has also been endorsed by the Mississippi GOP.  

MSOS Communications Director Elizabeth Jonson confirmed after 6 p.m. on Nov. 15 that Hinds County had sent in its finalized results. The lawsuit was then dismissed, Ritchie told the Clarion Ledger in a text message.  

Grant McLaughlin covers the Legislature state government for the Clarion Ledger. He can be reached at gmclaughlin@gannett.com or 972-571-2335