ASSOCIATED PRESS
April Mississippi jobless rate falls as labor force dips
JACKSON — Mississippi’s jobless rate dropped in April, mainly because fewer people are looking for jobs. The state’s unemployment rate fell to 8.7 percent in April from 9 percent in March, according to seasonally adjusted figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That’s the lowest level since March 2009, and significantly below the state’s 10.6 [...]
Commission again rejects plans for proposed Coast casino
GULFPORT — The Mississippi Gaming Commission has asked casino developer Rotate Black to try again. The commission, in a 3-0 vote, again rejected the company’s plan for the Harbor Town Casino on the waterfront in Gulfport. In April, the commission asked developers to add more to their proposal, hoping the additional investment would bolster coast [...]
Board to name House interim state superintendent of education
JACKSON — The Mississippi Board of Education plans to name Lynn House as interim state superintendent today. The board chose House, now deputy superintendent for instructional enhancement and internal operations, following a closed meeting yesterday. It will formally ratify the choice today. House, 60, will replace Tom Burnham, who announced earlier this month that he [...]
Schools want to re-negotiate 16th Section lease agreement with MDWFP
HANCOCK COUNTY — The Bay-Waveland School District is hoping to re-negotiate a 40-year-old lease in hopes of bringing in more money for the schools. According to public records, the district in conjunction with the Hancock County School District agreed to a 99-year lease of 16th Section land with the state Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Department [...]
Trustmark chief Host named new chairman of MEC
JACKSON — Jerry Host, president and CEO of Trustmark Corporation and Trustmark National Bank in Jackson, has been elected chairman of the Mississippi Economic Council for the coming year. Host served as MEC’s treasurer from 2008-2010. He joined Trustmark’s Investment Department in 1984 and since then has worked in a variety of positions for the [...]
PSC review of Pontotoc Gas System results in reduced bills
PONTOTOC — Customers of Pontotoc Gas System will see their bills drop after a Mississippi Public Service Commission review found them too high. Starting immediately, residential rates will decrease from $9.56 per million metric British thermal units (mmbtu) to $7.14 per mmbtu. The utility wasn’t intentionally overcharging customers, said Pontotoc Mayor Jeff Stafford. It had [...]
Man gets prison for oil-spill fraud
GULFPORT — A 28-year-old Gulfport man has been sentenced to prison for 37 months and ordered to make restitution of $27,000 for fraud involving an oil-spill recovery claim. Moses W. Keys was sentenced Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola Jr. also ordered three years of probation. Keys had received an emergency check for $23,200 on [...]
Officials announce Caterpillar expansion
CORINTH — Officials say a new facility for Caterpillar will house warehouse and logistics operations and create 35 jobs over the next three years. Gov. Phil Bryant joined Corinth Mayor Tommy Irwin and other local officials for Thursday’s announcement. Caterpillar also says another 80 workers will transfer to the new $34.5 million engine recycling facility. [...]
Gulfport casino development denied
JACKSON — The Mississippi Gaming Commission has asked casino developer Rotate Black to try again. The commission, in a 3-0 vote Thursday, again rejected the company’s plan for the Harbor Town Casino on the waterfront in Gulfport. In April, the commission asked developers to add more to their proposal, hoping the additional investment would bolster [...]
Buffett attends certification meeting for Magaritaville Casino
JACKSON — Jimmy Buffett says creating jobs on the Gulf Coast is a rewarding part of his new Margaritaville Casino and Resort in Mississippi. Buffett was in Jackson today when the Mississippi Gaming Commission signed off the certification for the casino, set to open next Tuesday in Biloxi. The meeting was a formality. Gaming Commission [...]