As the Secretary of State's office continues to certify 2020 General Election results, voters across the state should prepare for several runoff elections set for today, Tuesday, November 24. The following 17 counties in Mississippi will be holding runoff elections in all or parts of the county: Benton, Bolivar, Chickasaw, Forrest, Harrison, Hinds, Jefferson, Jones, Lafayette, Lamar, Madison, Marshall, Noxubee, Smith, Tishomingo, Walthall, and Yalobusha. Click here to review what voters can expect to see on the ballot. Problems at the polls observed by State observers or otherwise reported to the Elections Division will be referred to the authorities, including the Attorney General’s Office or appropriate District Attorney’s Office, as the Secretary of State’s Office has no statutory authority to punish violations of election law. Runoff Election Day Reminders: Polling Place Hours: Polling places open at 7:00 a.m. and will remain open until 7:00 p.m. However, any person who is in line at the time polls close will be allowed to vote. Polling Place Location: Please contact your county Circuit Clerk’s Office for directions to your polling place. Several counties have changed polling places due to COVID-19. Click here for a list of polling place changes reported to our office. Voter Photo ID: Voters are required to show photo identification at the polls. A voter without an acceptable form of photo identification is entitled to cast an affidavit ballot. An affidavit ballot may be counted if the voter provides an acceptable form of photo identification to the Circuit Clerk’s Office within five business days after the election. Click here for more information. Campaigning: It is unlawful to campaign for any candidate within 150 feet of any entrance to a polling place, unless on private property. Loitering: The polling places should be clear for 30 feet from every entrance of all people except elections officials, voters waiting to vote, or authorized poll watchers. Camera Phones: Voters are prohibited from taking pictures of their marked ballot. COVID-19: Voters are encouraged to practice good hygiene and follow CDC guidelines at the polls.

Historically, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel holidays in America. Although COVID-19 is predicted to take a bite out of travel this year, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) will monitor road conditions and suspend highway construction which could cause traffic delays. MDOT actively monitors highways statewide through its Traffic Management Center (TMC). Information is gathered by roadway devices deployed throughout the state. The devices such as cameras, speed detectors and weather sensors feed data to the TMC about real-time road conditions. A network of over 1,000 cameras gives operators live views of highways. The TMC shares information through MDOTtraffic.com and the MDOT Traffic mobile app. Users can sign up for email or text alerts and also access live highway camera feeds. The resources are available free to the public. Major alerts are also posted on the @MississippiDOT Twitter account. “Travelers can know before they go about traffic along their routes,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “MDOT Traffic can help you avoid frustration by alerting you of upcoming congestion or crashes.” In addition to the MDOT Traffic website and mobile app, real-time road conditions will also be posted on overhead digital message signs along state highways. “Using these communication channels, MDOT is able to quickly and effectively notify travelers of concerns that may affect their plans,” McGrath said. “MDOT wants everyone to enjoy the holiday season with loved ones by making it to their destinations safely.” To help keep traffic moving, MDOT crews and contractors will limit road construction requiring lane closures beginning the afternoon of Wednesday, November 25, through the morning Monday, November 30. All construction will halt Thursday, November 26. This will provide maximum travel capacity and minimal construction delays to motorists traveling throughout the state during the holiday weekend. “Even though most highway construction will halt across the state, motorists should be aware that some lane closures will remain in place,” said McGrath. “Lane closures are there to protect motorists, and MDOT urges drivers to treat these areas as active work zones.” For the most current travel and traffic information, visit MDOTTraffic.com, download the free MDOT Traffic app.

At the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), safety is, and always will be, our top priority. As 2020 winds down, MDOT reminds the public not to get complacent regarding all safety measures—on state highways, at home and in public. For the protection of all Mississippians, it is important to think about safety both inside and outside of your vehicle. Buckling up and avoiding distractions are equally as important as wearing a mask and social distancing. Following these simple safety steps could save the life of a loved one.

Rise and shine with an individually boxed breakfast on the museum’s patio! Then, head inside to the museum’s Rotwein Theater where you will meet live turkeys. Our ushers will safely escort you to your “bubble seating” area. FREEDOM RANCH’s wildlife educators will introduce you to their turkeys, a turkey vulture, and a special mystery guest animal to bring holiday cheer. After the program you will have an opportunity to snap a turkey selfie. Ticket holders will also have all-day access to the museum, including: * “Talkin’ Turkey” activities throughout the museum * “Story Trail Stroll” on the museum’s Green Trail * “Monster Fish: In Search of the Last River Giants” exhibit BOXED BREAKFAST INCLUDES: * Breakfast biscuits (with meat) * Fruit * Danimals yogurt * Orange Juice, Coffee, and Water TIME: Session I: 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. (turkey program at 9 a.m.) Session II: 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. (turkey program at 10 a.m.) *SPACE IS LIMITED *RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: DEADLINE is November 23 at Noon COST: *Non-MMNSF Members: Adults $25.00 / Youth (ages 3-18) $20.00 - includes museum admission *MS Museum of Natural Science Foundation Members: Adults $20.00 / Youth (ages 3-18) $15.00 MAKE YOUR RESERVATION: Email Nicole Smith at nicole.smith@mmns.ms.gov with your name, phone number, and the session you are interested in attending. You will be contacted in the order that your email is received to confirm the number of guests in your party and to make payment. Your reservation is not confirmed until payment is received. SPACE IS LIMITED. Due to covid-19, this event is being handled in a way sensitive to keeping people safe, while providing a quality educational experience. Social distancing and mask wearing is required except when eating. Note: MONSTER FISH is developed and traveled by the National Geographic Society and is sponsored locally by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation, Nissan, Regions Bank, The Taylor Group, and other generous sponsors.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, scammers have increased calls, texts, emails, and in-person contact with utility customers, fraudulently asking for immediate payment to avoid termination of service. Thankfully, through its own work and with the help of customer feedback, Utilities United Against Scams (UUAS) has eliminated nearly 9,500 toll-free numbers that had been used by scammers to dupe utility customers. “Atmos Energy is committed to providing exceptional customer service, and we strive to protect our customers from the harmful effects of a utility impostor scam,” said Jeff Martinez, Atmos Energy vice president of customer service. “Scams often begin with a call, text message, or email pretending to be from a trusted contact asking to send money or share personal information. We are thankful to join UUAS and utility companies across North America to reveal crooked scammer tactics so our customers can better shield their financial and personal data.” Atmos Energy will never send a lone notification to customers within one hour of a service disconnection and will never ask customers to make payments with a pre-paid debit card, gift card, any form of cryptocurrency, or a third-party mobile payment application. Customers who receive a suspicious email, phone call, text, or knock at the door should remember the following tips: Slow down. Scammers typically try to rush customers and will ask for personal information and immediate payment. Verify. Scammers often pose as utility company employees. Always ask for an employee’s identification badge, which displays name, photograph, and Atmos Energy logo. If you suspect an impostor, call the Atmos Energy customer service number at 888.286.6700 immediately to verify the employee's identity and contact local authorities. Stop before you act. Think about the information the caller or potential scammer is asking of you. If it seems unsafe or incorrect, rethink the situation and ask questions. “Customers need to be on high alert as we continue to see impostor utility scams rise across North America,” said Monica Martinez, UUAS executive director. “Scammers demand money or personal information on the spot—usually with threatening language—and indicate that service will be disconnected immediately. Anyone and everyone, from senior households to small business owners, is at risk of being targeted.” UUAS continues to create awareness of common scams and new tactics being used during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It is no surprise that scammers have been seeking to exploit the heightened anxiety of people coping with the pandemic,” said Jared Lawrence, UUAS founder and executive committee chairman. “I am proud to report that UUAS’ education efforts and utilities’ well-publicized customer testimonials have prevented a drastic increase in victims. However, the relentless attempts by these criminals make it clear that we must continue to actively work to protect our customers and to keep scammers from casting confusion on our pandemic recovery messages.” Customers who suspect fraud or who feel threatened during contact with a scammer should contact local law enforcement authorities and the Atmos Energy customer service team at 888.286.6700, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CST. For more information and tips to protect against impostor utility scams: Visit Atmos Energy’s website at https://www.atmosenergy.com/customer-service/beware-utility-scams. Visit the UUAS website at www.utilitiesunited.org. Follow UUAS on Twitter and Facebook. Visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website at https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/.

The Senate just confirmed Mississippi’s first Solicitor General Kristi Johnson to become a federal judge for Mississippi’s Southern District. The United States District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi is in the Fifth Circuit with offices in Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Natchez, and Jackson. “This is a significant day for Mississippi as Kristi makes history for the second time this year,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “I am so proud to have appointed Kristi Johnson to serve as Mississippi’s first Solicitor General. She has made tremendous contributions to this Office and brought our appellate advocacy to new heights. I am confident she will represent Mississippi well in her new role as Mississippi’s first female federal judge for the Southern District.” Johnson is the 221st federal judge nominated by President Trump for a lifetime appointment and confirmed by the Republican Senate majority. The Senate confirmed Kristi Johnson by a vote of 53-43.

Unattended cooking has caused six fire deaths so far this year statewide. That’s up slightly from four cooking fire related deaths in 2019. However, the numbers are down from 12 cooking fire related deaths in 2018. “Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires,” said State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney. “Pay attention while cooking and never leave cooking food unattended. Make your home safer by installing multiple smoke alarms and ask your local fire department for help if you need smoke alarms.” Use these safety tips from the State Fire Marshal’s Office when preparing your Thanksgiving meal: Be on alert. If you are sleepy or have consumed alcohol, don’t use the stovetop or oven. Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, baking, or broiling food. Always stand by your pan. If you must leave the kitchen for even a short amount of time, turn off the stove. If you are simmering, baking, boiling or roasting food, check it regularly, remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that the stove or oven is on. Avoid wearing loose clothing or dangling sleeves while cooking. Loose clothing can catch fire if it gets too close to a gas flame or electric burner. No kids allowed Keep kids away from cooking areas by enforcing a "kid-free zone" of 3 feet around the stove. If you have young children, use the stove's back burners whenever possible. Turn pot handles inward to reduce the risk that pots will be knocked over. Never hold a small child while cooking. Keep it clean Keep anything that can catch fire—pot holders, oven mitts, wooden utensils, paper or plastic bags, food packaging, towels or curtains—away from your stovetop. Clean up food and grease from burners and the stovetop. If you have a fire Just get out! When you leave, close the door behind you to help contain the fire. Call 911 after you leave. Be sure others are getting out and you have a clear way out. Keep a lid nearby to smother small grease fires, pan and pot fires. Smother the fire by sliding the lid over the pan and turn off the stovetop. Leave the pan covered until it is completely cooled. For an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed. If using a turkey fryer Fryers should be used outdoors, a safe distance from buildings and any other flammable materials. Some turkey fryers are designed for indoor use. If you use one of these, follow manufacturer directions carefully. Never use a fryer in a garage or on a wooden deck. Make sure fryers are used on a flat surface to reduce accidental tipping. Never leave the fryer unattended. If you do not watch the fryer carefully, the oil will continue to heat until it catches fire. Never let children or pets near the fryer even if it is not in use. The oil inside can remain dangerously hot hours after use. To avoid oil spillover, do not overfill the fryer. Use well-insulated potholders or oven mitts when touching pot or lid handles. If possible, wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from oil splatter. Make sure the turkey is completely thawed and dried before cooking. Be careful with marinades, because oil and water do not mix, and water causes oil to spill over causing a fire or even an explosion hazard. The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture recommends you thaw a turkey 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds. Keep an all-purpose fire extinguisher nearby. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire. The Mississippi State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends, when using a propane fryer, using a hose at least 6 feet long to distance the propane tank from the fryers flame.

Historically, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel holidays in America. Although COVID-19 is predicted to take a bite out of travel this year, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) reminds motorists avoid distractions and buckle up. “Thanksgiving travel may be on the lighter side this year,” said Melinda McGrath, P.E., MDOT Executive Director. “That doesn’t mean motorists should exceed speed limits or ignore safety precautions on the way to their holiday destinations.” According to AAA estimates, 10% fewer travelers will take to the highways this year compared to last year. Health concerns and unemployment are driving AAA’s estimates. No matter how many vehicles are on Mississippi highways, drivers should avoid driving distracted. Research shows sending or receiving text messages takes a driver’s eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds, the equivalent – at 55 miles per hour – of traveling the length of a football field blind. Drivers who use a hand-held device are four times more likely to get into a serious crash. “Drivers have one job when they are behind the wheel: just drive,” McGrath said. “Don’t let text messages and phone calls take your attention. They can wait. If it’s urgent, find a safe place to stop or have a passenger assist.” No matter your Thanksgiving destination, safety should be your top priority. MDOT offers these tips for safe driving this Thanksgiving: Plan ahead. The MDOT Traffic mobile app shows real-time road conditions along your travel route. Get plenty of rest before driving. Remember to plan frequent stops if traveling long distances. Remain patient. With more vehicles on the road, delays are possible along your regular routes. Buckle up. Seat belt use is one of the easiest and most effective ways to save lives and reduce injuries from a possible crash. Always use caution in work zones. Road workers also want to make it home safely to their families for the holidays. Watch out for wildlife. Cooler temperatures mean deer and other wildlife are more active near highways. Use extra caution if traveling during the times of dusk and dawn. Do not drive impaired. If you do plan to drink, make sure you have a designated driver. MDOT also encourages you to know before you go. Check your destination for any local regulations related to the COVID-19 pandemic. To help keep traffic moving, MDOT crews and contractors will limit road construction requiring lane closures beginning the afternoon of Wednesday, November 25, through the morning Monday, November 30. All construction will halt Thursday, November 26. This will provide maximum travel capacity and minimal construction delays to motorists traveling throughout the state during the holiday weekend. “Even though most highway construction will halt across the state, motorists should be aware that some lane closures will remain in place,” said McGrath. “Lane closures are there to protect motorists, and MDOT urges drivers to treat these areas as active work zones.” Oversize and overweight hauling will also be restricted beginning at noon on Wednesday, November 25, and may resume normal travel on Friday, November 27. This does not apply to permitted loads that have 24-hour movement. For more tips on traveling safe this holiday season, visit GoMDOT.com/drivesmartms. For the most current travel and traffic information, visit MDOTTraffic.com and download the free MDOT Traffic app.

The American Red Cross Southwest Mississippi Chapter will host a Holiday Blood Drive on Thursday, December 3, 2020. The drive will take place between 10AM until 3PM in the Main Conference Room at 9 River Bend Pl. in Flowood, MS. When you give the gift of life, your donation will be tested for the COVID-19 antibodies. The antibody test is authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and may indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to the coronavirus, regardless of whether an individual developed symptoms. For the next few months, Red Cross blood, platelet and plasma donations will be tested using samples obtained at the time of donation and sent to a testing laboratory, where the samples will also undergo routine screening and infectious disease testing. Should you test positive for the COVID antibodies, your plasma may be used to help a current critical COVID patient. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity. American Red Cross is practicing all COVID protocols, prescreening donor temperatures prior to entry to the blood drive, providing masks and hand sanitizer and extended cleaning between each donor. The safety and confidence of all donors, volunteers and our staff is very important. For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org Use sponsor code: ARCSOUTHWESTMS (you can click on the sponsor code for a direct link to the appointment site) Or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Wesson News Wesson area residents and businesses are demonstrating their compassion and generosity in the wake of a two-vehicle accident that claimed the life of ten-year-old Lilly Ann Durr and seriously injured her younger sister Mallory and foster father Calvin Fisk. Local donors have contributed more than $20,000 online through a gofundme initiative organized by Heidi Green of Hazlehurst on behalf of Rebecca Fisk, the child's foster mother, who faces major expenses, with her husband and other foster daughter recovering from their injuries at the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Batson's Children Hospital in Jackson. Her husband may not be able to return to work during an extended recovery period, Green said. Wesson Police Chief Chad O'Quinn said speed was a factor in what he called a "horrific" accident, which, he reported occurred at the intersection of Sylvarena Road and Highway 51 when a vehicle driven by Matthew Miller of Wesson rear-ended the vehicle driven by Calvin Fisk in which his foster daughters were passengers. Police said Miller sped off following the accident, crashed into a nearby house, abandoned his vehicle, stole the parked car of a good samaritan, who was assisting at the accident scene, and continued to flee. Officers from the Wesson Police Department and Copiah County Sheriff's Office finally took Miller into custody after he was in another accident on Bahala Road, and charged him with vehicular manslaughter and felonious hit and run, car theft and the aggravated assault of a police officer. Miller was treated for injuries at a Jackson hospital and his case is scheduled to be presented to the Copiah County Grand Jury, O'Quinn said. The Fisks, who are the aunt and uncle of the deceased child and her sister, have been in the process of adopting t hem, Kimberly Douglas, another aunt, said. She described the accident victim, a fourth grader, as an "energetic, loving empathetic little girl" who "had so much life and the biggest smile that could light up a room." In a letter she wrote to her foster parents just days before the crash, she expressed her love for them and signed it "Lilly Fisk," Douglas said. Services were held for Lilly Durr on Saturday, October 31, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Hazlehurst and at graveside at Clear Branch Baptist Church. Donors can make contributions to support Rebecca Fisk online at gofundme (https://www.gofundme.com/f/eywquu-lilly?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp%20share-sheet&fbclid=IwAR01Xp3UowSLITTZvMUYVXqu2NI0hlwDxXFR0UxzDwhAT3H49trCmVwisHI).

Governor Tate Reeves has announced his Fiscal Year 2022 Executive Budget Recommendation. In the budget documents, Governor Reeves proposes to eliminate the income tax for Mississippians. The elimination of the income tax would save a Mississippian making $40,000 nearly $2,000. As Lt. Governor, Reeves passed the “Taxpayer Pay Raise Act,” that began the phase-out of the 3% income tax. FY 2022 is the first year for the 3% income tax to be completely eliminated and is the right time to begin a complete phase-out of the income tax. “Because this plan is a phased approach, we will be able to ensure adequate funding will be available for education, law enforcement, health care, and transportation priorities,” Governor Reeves said. “It will not be necessary for us to increase other taxes in order to make up for lost revenue from the elimination of the income tax.” The budget summary also highlights funding the police, protecting small businesses, creating a Patriotic Education Fund, supporting quality education, increasing workforce development, funding the Coronavirus response, funding the judiciary, and protecting the integrity of Medicaid. In his budget, Governor Reeves is recommending $2 million to train and prepare teachers across the state in computer science courses to provide K-12 students with coding, cyber training, robotics, and artificial intelligence skills. The Governor is also recommending $3 million to fund more coaches to target math. “We have seen the success of reading coaches as a tool to boost the early learning for our children. We need to accelerate recent successes in results for math – setting children up for success,” Governor Reeves said. Governor Reeves is also proposing $50 million in one-time funds to accelerate workforce growth. Those funds would be used to facilitate six specific goals as listed in the budget: Modernize and expand community college training programs, Provide scholarships or wage assistance to help low-income citizens get into training programs or apprenticeships, Develop the right industry certified credentials or programs in high-school, Grow Mississippi’s path of IT-based skills, Expand dual credit programs in high-schools, and Incentivize career technical courses in high-schools. “I have always promised to be a good steward of the taxpayers’ dollars, and this budget reflects that commitment to each of you,” Governor Tate Reeves said. The full budget and an executive summary of key priorities can be found here.

Many records were broken in the 2020 presidential election as more voters cast ballots for their preferred candidate than ever before in American history. At the heart of it all were a group of unsung heroes – the poll workers who ensured that the process went as smoothly as possible. The League of Women Voters of Mississippi sends our sincere thanks for their hard work and dedication on Nov. 3. On behalf of all Mississippi voters, we are grateful for the monumental task they performed. In Mississippi, nearly 10,000 poll workers manned polling places in communities throughout the state. They managed long lines on Nov. 3 as voters streamed in to cast their ballots. In a news release issued by Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson, there were 1,985,928 registered voters in Mississippi for the 2020 election, an increase of more than 110,000 voters over the total in 2016. During that race, 1.2 million votes were cast, a turnout of a little more than 64%. According to preliminary results from the Washington Post, nearly 1.2 million votes have been counted so far in Mississippi in the 2020 presidential race. Wow! The men and women who facilitated this process attended training and tested equipment. They started early and ended late. They upheld the rules, worked with electronic equipment, tracked data, and this year they also ensured that everyone followed COVID-19 safety precautions. Some took unpaid time off their regular jobs to work at their polling place. And they did it all with a kind heart and a smile. We also thank the county Resolution Board members who, along with counting the absentee ballots this election, worked to resolve any issues resulting from defective ballots rejected by the electronic equipment because of damage or over-voting. This is long, tedious and necessary work. Our gratitude is unbounded. Democracy takes work and we appreciate you for raising your hand and getting involved in this process. Elections simply could not be held without you. We see you, and we thank you.