SUMMARY: This Fourth of July weekend in the Golden Triangle Region of Mississippi features several events and reunions, including the 19th annual Southside Blues Festival in Columbus. Ward 1 Councilwoman Ethel Stewart notes the festival provides a venue for families to enhance their holiday gatherings. Co-creator Jeff Smith shares that the event was started to offer something enjoyable for returning families. Additionally, the Oktibbeha County Training School reunion in Starkville and the Hunt High School First Historic Reunion are also taking place, aiming to bring the community together and raise scholarship funds. These events foster communal bonding and celebration.

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SUMMARY: North Mississippi and West Alabama face a dry summer, impacting gardens and farms. Melvin Ellis, the owner of Mayhew Tomato Farm, rates this year's crop environment severity as 7 or 8 out of 10 due to minimal rainfall. April, May, and June were especially dry and cool, hampering plant growth. Ellis notes consistent watering is crucial, especially for crops like tomatoes, squash, and melons, which suffer from irregular water patterns. Peas are more drought-resistant, though. Despite daily watering efforts, Ellis hopes for more rainfall events in August. The lack of consistent rain threatens crop yields and plant health.

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SUMMARY: During the Fourth of July and the following week, humane societies receive many lost pets due to the holiday's sights, sounds, and smells, which can scare animals. Outdoor pets, in particular, may run off or slip out when guests arrive. Brandy Johnson of the Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society notes that both July 4th and New Year's Day are peak times for lost pets at shelters. She advises people who find strays to post on social media and suggests getting pets microchipped and tagged with the owner's information to ease recovery. For updates, the community is encouraged to follow on Facebook and X.

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