www.youtube.com – WTVA 9 News – 2024-07-04 13:26:33

SUMMARY: The Miss Mississippi Volunteer pageant, part of the Miss Volunteer America program founded by Alison Demarcus, is in its fourth year, emphasizing volunteerism. Forty-seven women from across Mississippi are competing over the July 4th weekend, with the winner to be crowned this weekend. The participants advocate for critical issues and engage with communities, including partnering with the Mississippi Highway Patrol to address teenage driving fatalities. The event significantly benefits Tupelo's local economy, with contestants and their families staying in local hotels and frequenting restaurants. The pageant takes place at Tupelo High School Performing Arts Center, with tickets available online and at the door.

Preliminaries for the Miss Mississippi Volunteer pageant begin July 4.

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www.youtube.com – WTVA 9 News – 2024-07-04 13:26:30

SUMMARY: If you're headed to the coast this holiday weekend, consider stopping by the Mississippi Aquarium in Gulfport. The aquarium is celebrating the Fourth of July with a special event featuring fireworks, food trucks, and reduced-price admission. Additionally, there's a fundraising effort to build a permanent habitat for their endangered African penguins. Public Relations Manager Nicole Marts and Senior Animal Care Specialist Amanda Westerland introduced viewers to Pumpkin, one of their eleven penguins. They aim to raise $3 million of their $9 million goal to support the penguins. The aquarium offers an evening event and a “Pancakes for Penguins” breakfast fundraiser.

Interview: Mississippi Aquarium hosting fundraiser for penguin preservation

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www.youtube.com – WTVA 9 News – 2024-07-04 13:26:21

SUMMARY: A fire broke out at the Sunnyside Restaurant on Highway 341 in Ponito County around 3:00 AM, according to fire coordinator Adam Patton. The blaze caused significant damage to the popular restaurant, although firefighters were able to extinguish it. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Firefighters in Pontotoc County responded to an early morning fire at a popular restaurant.

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