This year marks Riley Earnest’s third at Desoto Central Elementary School in Southaven, where she teaches fifth-grade science and social studies. 

“There are places where a stop sign just does not get the job done,” said Supervisor Michael Lee. 

Among all of the needs facing Mississippi’s fastest-growing county, the supervisors said Monday that widening parts of I-55 is the board’s highest priority. 

Running from Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, to Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, participating DeSoto County restaurants will offer a special deal — such as a percentage off of a dish or a reduced-price menu item — selected by each establishment.

Southaven aldermen unanimously approved an ordinance allowing the city place speed barriers in residential areas. 

The total project, which is being developed by SMJ Enterprise, will span 144 acres with 307 lots east of Tchulahoma Road and north of Nail Road.

So far this year, the Olive Branch Police Department has reported 146 vehicle burglaries.

A recent federal court ruling has put a timetable on part of DeSoto County to disconnect from a Memphis system treating its sewage, while other cities continue to manage their own systems.

The DeSoto County School District made an offer to fund the cost of the officer.

Mayor Darren Musselwhite said the city is considering speed humps instead of speed bumps, which tend to be higher and more abrasive for vehicles to cross. 

Hall’s campaign hinged on meeting as many members of House District 20 as possible, he said, having conversations about the needs of DeSoto County and how they may contrast with the rest of the state. 

North Mississippi’s Crawfish Haven specializes in to-go Cajun food, from etouffee to catfish to boudin.

DeSoto County Dining Week will be open to restaurants in Southaven, Olive Branch, Hernando, Horn Lake, Walls and Nesbit. 

Hernando’s festival with a nod to the Victorian Era will kick off Friday with a Christmas tree lighting.

The Mississippi governor’s race was unusually competitive for this GOP stronghold. But Tate Reeves prevailed with a message focused on job creation, low unemployment and improvements in education. He also cast Presley as a liberal backed by out-of-state donors who were out of step with Mississippi.

Republicans in DeSoto County state legislative seats had a strong showing in Tuesday’s elections, maintaining a strong GOP representation in the county.

Republican incumbents in local DeSoto County races returned to office Tuesday night in Mississippi’s Nov. 7 general election.

Related Stories: 

DeSoto County Republicans have strong showing in state legislative races

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves wins 2nd term

Heading into Tuesday’s general election, Democratic Public Policy Polling had Reeves polling ahead at 46% compared to Presley’s 45%. 

In 2019, 1,048 DeSoto County voters cast absentee ballots, according to DeSoto County Deputy Circuit Clerk Brandi Johnson. 

Mississippi voters head to the polls Tuesday to select candidates in statewide races, along with local offices.

The Southaven chamber has formed a foundation to support local businesses and serve as a mentor to those in the early stages of operation. 

“As soon as we uncovered evidence that he had these images, then obviously we secured a warrant and affected an arrest on him and terminated him that day,” said Chief Deputy Justin Smith.

Tennessee state Rep. Justin J. Pearson traveled to North Mississippi on Wednesday to participate in a joint effort across the two states to enhance voter interest.

The festival’s short films include the premiere of “Grand Larceny,” which was created by students in DeSoto Arts Institutes’ first-ever filmmaking program. 

Mississippi voters go to the polls Nov. 7 to select candidates in several local races for the state legislature.

Related story:

DeSoto County to choose state House representatives