Area News

By Lora Delhom A prototype automated polypipe hole-punching system turned heads during the National Center for Alluvial Aquifer Research’s Irrigation Field Day on June 12 in Leland. Nearly sixty farmers, researchers and ag professionals gathered to see the machine in action. Designed by Wes Lowe, assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering and a scientist…

David Kuhn began his tenure as the new athletic director and sports information director, effective July 7, 2025. The highly respected collegiate coach and MDCC alumnus brings more than two decades of leadership experience and over 800 career coaching wins to his new role. A native of Greenville, Mississippi, Kuhn is returning to the Delta…

On June 26, Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) held its Law Enforcement Training Academy (LETA) Commencement in the J.T. Hall Coliseum on the Moorhead campus. During the ceremony, the 22 cadets of Class 25-B80 became law enforcement officers. The event began with Leonard Pegues of Olive Branch Police Department (P.D.) retiring the guidon. Charles Wilkins…

  DSU is proud to share that alumnus Rory Doyle has received a James Beard Foundation Award in narrative photography. His powerful images tell the story of Chuck’s Dairy Bar in Rolling Fork, Mississippi — a story of resilience, community, and hope in the face of hardship. Congratulations on this incredible achievement and for shining…

Delta State University is proud to share that the school’s beloved mascot was honored by the Mississippi Main Street Association for the spirit, energy, and community connection the Okra brings to Cleveland and beyond. From cheering on students to supporting events downtown, the Fighting Okra continues to be a symbol of pride and positivity in…

  The Leland-Deer Creek Garden Club was honored with two national awards from National Garden Clubs, Inc., recognizing the club’s Sensory Garden project and its gardening television segments. The awards were presented June 10 during the River Road District meeting. Patti Livingston, club president, accepted the honors on behalf of the club. Garden Clubs of…

The Washington County 8U All-Stars recently won runner up at the Dizzy Dean North State Tournament in Horn Lake. Pictured (l to r) are, front row: John Paul Davis, III, James Rutledge, Jackson Maddox, Lane Nipper, Robert New, John Martin Frankel, Cam Palasini, Ahmad Hawkins, Daniel Smythe, Colt Palasini, Major Winters and William Cadenhead; and…

The Leland Garden Club congratulates the most recent recipients of its Yard of the Week award, part of a twelve-week summer tradition celebrating outstanding home gardens and curb appeal. Lelanders are encouraged to keep an eye out for the Yard of the Week signs around town and to offer congratulations to neighbors for helping make…

John Lee was elected mayor of Leland, defeating Lisa Bush in the City’s general election held June 3. Lee succeeds Mayor Kenny Thomas, who served as Mayor for 2 nonconsecutive terms since 2005, with service as an alderman between those terms. In addition to Lee’s victory, voters elected the following alderpersons: Barbara Rose Brooks in Ward…