Resurrected: One of the oldest newspapers in Mississippi
My name is Keri Baldwin. I am a lifelong resident of Leland, where I live with my husband, Robert, and our two children, Prestin and Elizabeth. My family has been here since 1942, when Henry and Helen Hemphill moved to the Delta from Akerman, MS. They built their farm and raised their family right south of Leland. My children are the fourth generation to live on the Hemphill homestead. I love my community, and I am proud to call Leland home.
By Keri Baldwin, Editor, The Leland Progress
The Leland Progress is one of the oldest newspapers in the state of Mississippi. What makes our newspaper special? Our community.
Without the small – but mighty – community of Leland, it would be nothing but a wasted rag. It is a touchstone, showing us where
we have been, are currently and where we are going.
When I learned that our paper was closing, it felt like a vital piece of our community was fading away. What was I going to do without Daryl Lewis’ “Recollections” column? I so enjoyed reading about my family through the times and learning about events that shaped and molded Leland into what it is today.
During a meeting, I learned that The Leland Progress was coming back. Sherry Smythe made eye contact with me, while informing us there were editor recommendations submitted, and she held that contact for a few seconds too long. Then she smiled. At that point, I knew that my life as I knew it was about to change; I just did not know in what capacity.
Shortly thereafter, I was approached about being the new editor of the paper. It was such an honor to be considered and selected. Did I ever think that my path would be one of journalism? Never, but the good Lord had other plans.
I hope to continue with the momentum set by my predecessors, and to maintain one of the most important, but oh-so-rare, qualities of news: positivity. That is what The Leland Progress is to me.
We are such a special and unique community, with so much to offer each other and the world. We let our mighty light shine through our festivals, community stewardship, resiliency and much more. I am looking forward to diving deeper into my community!
I lived in a very small community Tribbett, Ms. Family of six us kids went to Leland schools. Everytime I come back to Mississippi I always ride through Leland remembering all the good times!
Hey Keri! May have a story for you. Give me a call. 662-820-1474
Delighted you will continue. A recent visit confirmed what I know is true. Leland is a wonderful town and is my hometown wherever I live which is Abilene, Tx
How do I subscribe?
Thank You! We hope to keep bringing good news to Leland. Please see our Subscribe page listed on the website.
Fantastic!
Like a lot of small Mississippi towns, the “little” news is our BIG news.
Many thanks for jumping into the saddle with this.
Leland is one of those places where to grow up there is such a wonderful experience that it plants tap roots of everlasting love in our hearts .
Yeah you!
And … I would like to get a subscription… mailed to me in Starkville.
Marcia Flood
— Resident in 1951 at Leland Hospital (Dr. Spaulding)
— LHS Class of 1969
Thank you so much for your comment! Please see our subscription page listed on the website.
I live in San Jose, California. A long way from Leland. I graduated from Leland High School in 1976. I left or I’ll say I moved from Leland about 45 years ago. I’ve travelled back to Leland several times to visit and to say my final goodbyes to relatives. Most of my relatives and friends also have moved away. I have fond memories of Leland. I’ve kept up with the Leland School District and the neighborhoods. Seems like not much has changed except the people are younger, much younger. I’m a 66-year-old man now. One day i would like to move back to Leland.