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Thompson, Wicker to host listening session on Delta flooding

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Thompson, Wicker to host listening session on Delta flooding

Sen. Roger Wicker and Rep. Bennie Thompson are hosting federal agency officials in Rolling Fork on Wednesday for a listening session to discuss the area’s regular flooding.

The event comes months after the Environmental Protection Agency decided to reinstate its veto of the Yazoo Pumps project, a long-debated flood control proposal that the agency revisited under the Trump administration. The EPA originally vetoed the project — which has the support of top Mississippi politicians including Wicker, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Gov. Tate Reeves — in 2008 due to its potential effects on wetlands in the South Delta.

Since the decision to reinstate the veto last November, both Wicker and Hyde-Smith have pressed the EPA to reconsider the project during congressional committee meetings. In May, Wicker argued that the high rate of poverty in the South Delta makes flood control in the area a suitable project for President Biden’s focus on environmental justice.

Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality Brenda Mallory — along with officials from the EPA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Federal Emergency Management Agency — will appear at Wednesday’s roundtable discussion, according to an invitation to the event local community organizer and attorney Ty Pinkins shared with Mississippi Today.

Thompson, who represents the South Delta in Congress, has expressed cautious support for the pumps project in recent years, citing an estimated $500 million price tag and suggesting that alternatives should be on the table as well.

Thompson also questioned the EPA’s decision to reverse the 2008 veto during the Trump administration, and last year requested that the agency investigate the matter after reports that officials had ignored scientists’ concerns about the Yazoo Pumps.

Opponents of the project point to other solutions with federal funding available, such as buyouts and elevating structures.

The event will take place at 5:30 p.m. at South Delta High School in Rolling Fork.

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

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Longtime Flowood mayor announces retirement

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www.wjtv.com – Kristopher White – 2024-11-12 16:08:00

SUMMARY: Flowood Mayor Gary Rhoads has announced his retirement after nearly 40 years of public service, including 34 years as mayor since his election in 1989 and eight years as the chief of police prior. He expressed gratitude for serving the community and highlighted key projects completed during his tenure, such as the Dogwood Festival and healthcare facilities. As he prepares to step down at the end of his current term, Rhoads looks forward to spending more quality time with his family, stating, “It’s time to slow down and enjoy life with my family.”

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Mississippi News

International Press presents annual grant and lunch for Columbus

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www.wcbi.com – Joey Barnes – 2024-11-12 15:21:00

SUMMARY: International Paper’s Columbus Mill recently held its annual Grant Presentation and Luncheon, distributing $57,000 across 18 local non-profits and educational organizations. The event aims to recognize and support community leadership addressing local issues. Kellum Hawk, Communications Manager of the Columbus Mill, highlighted the importance of celebrating the organizations’ contributions to community resilience. Since 2017, the company has donated $550,000 in grant funding and continues to engage in volunteerism and product donations. The initiative underscores International Paper’s commitment to enhancing the community’s well-being.

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Mississippi News

West Point church honors veterans

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www.wcbi.com – Charity Johnson – 2024-11-12 10:17:00

SUMMARY: On Veterans Day, Northside Christian Church in West Point, Mississippi, held a “Veterans Appreciation” service, honoring those who served in the military. Robert Lee Young, a veteran who served from 1978 to 1981, expressed gratitude for returning home safely, reflecting on the loss of fellow soldiers. Denvil Clark, a Vietnam War veteran, shared his motivation for volunteering and the joy of returning to participate in community activities. The event also honored National Guard member Staff Sgt. Crystal Lane, who values serving her hometown. Following the service, the church provided a meal for the veterans, emphasizing appreciation for their sacrifices.

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