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Choctaw tribe receives $5.8 million grant to fund new job training center

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Choctaw tribe receives $5.8 million grant to fund new job training center

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has received a $5.8 million federal grant to build a new workforce center to the tribe up-skill members and combat labor shortages for ranging from IT to care.ย 

The U.S. Economic Administration funded the grant through the American Rescue Plan Act’s Indigenous Communities program. Choctaw economic development director John Hendrix said the new 50,000-square- Advanced Workforce Training Center will open in the Pearl River community in about a year, complete with hands-on equipment and computer labs covering skills from electrical work to phlebotomy.ย 

โ€œIt’s a changer for the next generation,โ€ Hendrix said.ย 

The tribe currently has a small center with a few classrooms, but Hendrix said the doesn’t meet the growing demand for new trade skills. The reservation alone supports about 5,000 workers.

โ€œWe’ve got several vacancies,โ€ Hendrix said. โ€œWe need health care workers and IT professionals. We have 3-million-square-feet of buildings and need vocational technicians.โ€ย 

The facility will offer new skill training and partner with a nearby community college for required certifications. It will also help current reservation employees learn new skills, like management.ย 

The center will also have a makerspace for advanced manufacturing skills and access to technology such as 3D printers. It will also entrepreneurs and small businesses as an incubator for start-ups.ย 

โ€œWe have undertaken many projects to help our community members prepare to face a challenging and ever-evolving job market,โ€ Chief Cyrus Ben said in a statement. โ€œThis Workforce Training Center is a key component of our strategy to increase the skills of our Tribal members, whether they choose a career on or outside of our Tribal lands.”

The Choctaw are the only federally recognized tribe in Mississippi with more than 11,000 members across 34,000 acres in 10 counties.ย 

Hendrix said more on-site training for in-demand jobs will give tribal members who aren’t interested in four-year colleges other options. The center will keep tabs on skills needed for jobs on the reservation as well as what is in-demand at nearby private companies.ย 

โ€œThis brings it closer to home,โ€ he said, โ€œand then after a 12-to-16-month program, they can have immediate employment opportunities.โ€

This article first appeared on Mississippi Today and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

Mississippi News

Dollar General vehicle theft leads to two arrests in Tupelo

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www.wcbi.com – Aundrea Self – 2024-11-04 16:10:00

SUMMARY: In , Mississippi, 19-year-old Joshua James and a juvenile face charges related to a pursuit and the of a police car. James is charged with Directing a Felony to Be Committed by a Person Under Seventeen, Grand Larceny, and Felony Fleeing, with a bond set at $100,000. The incident began on November 1 when police responded to a of a stolen vehicle. After a chase that ended when the stolen truck crashed south of Verona, James was apprehended, while his juvenile passenger fled in a police car, which was later found wrecked. The juvenile’s case will be handled in Youth Court.

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Categories: Crime, Local News


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Mississippi News

Lowndes Co. Supervisors talk storm safety for certain areas

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www.wcbi.com – Marcus Hunter – 2024-11-04 15:59:00

SUMMARY: The Lowndes County Board of Supervisors has secured to construct storm shelters in Crawford, Artesia, and Plum Grove, lacking local shelter during severe weather. Each community will four FEMA-funded shelters, accommodating up to 20 people each, on property at a total cost of $103,692, with FEMA contributing $93,000. The supervisors anticipate these shelters will significantly enhance safety for during storms. Vice President Jeff Smith highlighted their importance, expressing relief for community members who have long awaited a secure refuge. While installation timelines remain unclear, the is expected to proceed soon.

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News anchor dropped after social media post telling Trump-haters supporting Harris: ‘Stay home, donโ€™t vote’

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www.foxnews.com – – 2024-11-04 11:51:00

SUMMARY: David “Dave” Elliott, a anchor for in for nearly 40 years, was fired after expressing political views on social . He revealed on Facebook that his termination was due to his political opinions, specifically mentioning a where he advised people not to vote out of hatred for Donald Trump. Elliott characterized his social media posts as satire, distinguishing them from his professional work. He noted that the discussion with his station’s general about his dismissal was brief, and the topic of social media was raised. WLOX’s management declined to comment on the matter.

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