Congress approves Hills heritage area

From Congressman Travis Childers:

Washington, DC – Congressman Travis Childers (D-MS) today voted for the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 (H.R. 146), which establishes the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area, as well the Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area. This language originated in the House from legislation cosponsored by Congressman Childers. The Omnibus Public Lands bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support by a vote of 285 to 140.

“The Mississippi Hills Region is a unique area that contributes significantly to the state’s tourism industry, culture, and history,” said Congressman Childers. “Designating the Hills as a National Heritage Area will help bolster economic development in North Mississippi and throughout the state by preserving and promoting the Hill’s rich cultural landscape and traditions.”

The National Park Service began designating National Heritage Areas in 1984 to encourage economic growth through tourism, preserve and promote cultural and natural resources, and provide educational opportunities about a region’s cultural and physical landscape. There are currently only 37 National Heritage Areas in the country.

And here’s another spin from Noxubee County:

NeMiss Fuel Prices 5/18

Here’s the regional roundup of gas prices that ran in the Sunday Daily Journal. Click on the graphic for a bigger version.

Check back Friday for more gas prices.

Drought conditions intensify

The new U.S. Drought Monitor is out and — surprise, surprise — more of Mississippi is considered to be under a D4 exceptional drought, the most severe drought classification available.

As of June 19, 18.8 percent of the state is under an exceptional drought. The number jumped way up from 8.6 percent the previous week.

Now, the D4 drought includes 19 counties instead of six. The counties now under a D4 drought are Itawamba, Monroe, Chickasaw, Clay, Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Choctaw, Noxubee, Winston, Attala, Kemper, Neshoba, Leake, Lauderdale, Newton, Scott, Clarke, Jasper and Smith.

Lee County and its neighors are in a D3 extreme drought. Check out the map for more details.

However, our neighbor state to the east is really feeling the pinch. While 18.8 percent of our state is in an exceptional drought, 42.7 percent of Alabama is considered to be under the most severe drought possible.