Area News

Washington School second graders and Deer Creek School seniors pose after delivering their generous food donations to the Leland Food Pantry as part of their annual school-wide food drives. The two schools partner each year to help support local families during the holiday season.                      

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced a $12 billion bridge-aid package for American farmers to help offset continued market volatility, high input costs, and temporary trade disruptions affecting the 2025 crop year. The aid, announced Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, by President Donald J. Trump alongside USDA and congressional leaders, will be issued as one-time…

Sometimes hope comes wrapped in eggshells — fragile, but strong enough to hold good. Cal-Maine Foods, Inc., the nation’s largest producer and marketer of shell eggs, has donated 10,800 dozen eggs to the Mississippi Food Network and Extra Table, with part of the shipment headed to food pantries serving the Mississippi Delta — including both…

Kelley Williams Chair Bigger Pie Forum November 18, 2025 Not Albert, his son Hans.  As far as we know, Albert was right about his General Theory of Relativity and other natural laws. Hans was not as famous as his father.  But he was the world expert on river sediments.  He advised the Corps of Engineers…

The Leland Deacon Alliance joined the Leland Optimist Club during its November meeting to discuss community collaborations and festivities. Founded in 1998 by two local residents, the nonprofit Leland Deacon Alliance provides assistance to community members in need in many ways including helping with emergency groceries, utility bills and funeral costs. Representatives Harry Williams and…

By Lora Delhom Christmas on Deer Creek delivered a picture-perfect sunny December day this year — bigger in scale, yet still holding tight to the small-town charm that draws visitors from near and far. For this 61st celebration, Broad Street was arranged in a long, straight line, almost like a pocket-sized state fair. The layout…

We all need a little Christmas right now. After a hard fall season, the candles in the windows and the cocoa on the stove feel less like decorations and more like healing. Christmas on Deer Creek has become one of Leland’s ways of stitching itself back together. Sherry Smythe’s magic, along with Diane Burchfield, the…

As part of a community-informed healthcare story, I’m gathering anonymous feedback directly from readers and residents. The survey takes about four minutes and helps meet Press Forward standards for inclusive, community-driven reporting. Participation is open to all, with a special call for Delta voices. Thank you –  Lora Click To Take The Survey  

by Lora Delhom Leland gathered on Sunday night , Nov. 23, for a Community Thanksgiving Service that felt less like a program and more like a deep breath. More than eight of Leland’s twenty-two churches were represented — an extraordinary thing — and the sanctuary of St. Johns Episcopal felt full in all the right…

By Lora Delhom Delta native Erica Spivey Bruton brings faith, family tradition, and gentle holiday beauty to life in her debut picture book. On Saturday afternoon, Nov. 15, Lagniappe was one of the places to be, as Cocktails and Candy Canes festivities spread across Leland and Washington County. Third Street bustled with shoppers carrying bags…