Mississippi

Mississippi Forestry Commission supports winter storm recovery, begins damage assessments

Published

1 month ago

January 31, 2026

Mississippi Forestry Commission supports winter storm recovery, begins damage assessments

PEARL, Miss. (WLBT) – The Mississippi Forestry Commission is assisting counties affected by the recent winter storm and will begin evaluating tree damage across the Magnolia State.

According to officials, MFC has deployed dozers and saw crews, totaling 37 personnel, as part of its response efforts supporting the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.

These crews are providing road-clearing assistance in Tippah County, Holmes County, and Carroll County, officials added.

“The Mississippi Forestry Commission stands ready to assist our local partners during significant weather events,” Randy Giachelli, MFC’s Fire Chief, said in a statement. “Our crews are doing our best to help communities recover safely.”

MFC officials said the agency plans to conduct both aerial surveys and on-the-ground evaluations in order to determine the extent of the damage caused by the winter storm on Mississippi’s forests.

Not only does ice accumulation on trees – causing limbs or entire trees to break and fall – pose a serious threat to public safety, but it also increases the amount of debris and can even elevate wildfire risks when the weather conditions dry out.

“Studying the impact of this ice storm is critical to understanding both the immediate damage and the long-term effects on Mississippi’s forests,” stated Garron Hicks, MFC Assistant Forest Management Chief. “Many of these trees were already under stress from the 2023 drought and pine beetle activity. Ice damage compounds those issues, increasing tree mortality and limiting future management options. These assessments help us provide landowners with accurate information and guide decisions related to salvage, reforestation, and long-term forest recovery.”

MFC encourages the public to contact their local forester for forestry-related questions or assistance or visit the MFC website for more general information.

“Our mission doesn’t end when the storm passes,” Hicks added. “We will continue working to understand the impacts, support recovery, and help keep Mississippi’s forests and communities safe.”

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Mississippi

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

Published

7 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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