SUMMARY: Mayors across Mississippi gathered on the coast for the Mississippi Municipal League conference. Ocean Springs Mayor Kenny Holloway discussed the conference's highlights, including educational classes and legislative collaborations. Key issues included negotiating a manageable employer match increase for the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and potential impacts of eliminating the grocery tax. Holloway emphasized the importance of strong city-state relationships and the collaborative bond between mayors across the state. Locally, Ocean Springs is addressing projects like the controversial East Beach sidewalk, recent city annexation, and enhancing public safety services, including fire and police operations.

Mayors across the state are converging on the Coast this week for the Mississippi Municipal League.

For more Local News from WLOX: https://www.wlox.com/
For more YouTube Content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQZgBHlQMqHUV_hf4_9jLLQ

Source

SUMMARY: Despite the blazing heat and humidity, people are visiting Ocean Springs to purchase local goods at the Fresh Market, one of 16 certified farmers markets in Mississippi. This certification ensures that actual farmers grow the crops and all non-farm items are made or grown by the vendors. Farmers report that the heat has affected crop growth and business, with this year's crop being shorter due to early onset of high temperatures in June. Everything is ripening quickly and won't last long. Deal Farms from Grand Bay, Alabama, has been participating in the Ocean Springs Fresh Market for seven years.

Despite the blazing heat and humidity, people were still out in Ocean Springs on Saturday buying local goods at the Fresh Market.

For more Local News from WLOX: https://www.wlox.com/
For more YouTube Content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQZgBHlQMqHUV_hf4_9jLLQ

Source

SUMMARY: The city and county collaborated to host the watermelon games, marking the end of the Locale Farmers Market. Destiny Pollster reported that the event featured Olympic-inspired competitions involving at least 100 melons. Started a decade ago with a small group, the games have grown to include seven heats and last about two hours. Participants engaged in an obstacle course and a watermelon eating contest. The event celebrates the significance of watermelon as a major produce and cash crop in George County. Eubanks and Eubanks and Courtney Farms donated all the watermelons. The community greatly enjoyed the festival.

Once a year, the people of Lucedale and George County gather to mark the end of the farmer's market and celebrate a major cash …

Source