JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI | City With Soul

[vetteking]

MS. Baptist Hospital, North State St., Jackson, MS. (first photo dates back to 1947 and second one possibly in 1960s)

[vetteking]

Upscale gas station slated for Ridgeland, MS

The latest in gas-station elegance is on the way and will be ready by the end of the year in the Jackson metro area.

Despite multiple delays, the C Store at Colony Park Boulevard and U.S. 51 in Ridgeland is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

The C Store is much more than a gas station, according to developer Rav Bedi, who has multiple developments in the works throughout Central Mississippi.

The C Store is a 9,200-square-foot building that will be anchored by a Shell gas station as well as other amenities.

It will also house a 1,600-square-foot space for what he said could be a fast-food or breakfast restaurant. On the east side of the building will be two other 1,500-square-foot retail spaces.

Bedi said it will be the same concept as the two-story upscale convenience area, called the Old Towne Markert, at the intersection of Old Agency Road and Sunnybrook Road in Ridgeland near I-55. There, the anchor is also a Shell gas station, which is flanked by a Red Samurai restaurant as well as other commercial retail space.

As for the space on Colony Park Boulevard, Bedi said there are still a few details to be worked out.

"As for the restaurant that will go there, we are talking to one pizza chain, and we have a local donut franchise that is looking at it," he said. "But nothing has been committed yet."

The project has been going on for some time, but Bedi said there have been some bumps in the road as far as getting to the finish line.

"The end of the year is the goal," he said. "We are getting there, though. We have had some supply chain issues, and a lot of our sub contractors have been backed up due to a lot of work and not enough employees to get the work done. So, there have been some challenges. But we feel good about where we are and are definitely shooting for the end of the year."

In Gluckstadt

Bedi said he is hoping to break ground on a similar project in the next few months just up the road at the intersection of U.S. 51 and Sowell Road in Gluckstadt.

"This will be a similar concept. It's not your regular gas station, for sure," he said.
https://www.clarionledger.com/story/...s/74994484007/

Plan for new Clinton development disturbs neighbors, including nature center

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CLINTON, Miss. —

Neighbors are speaking out against plans in the works for a new development in Clinton.

The Clinton Community Nature Center has been described as a hidden jewel in the middle of the city, where visitors come to the flora and fauna, plus the Old Natchez Trace Trail.

“We have 32 acres of forest. We have a building that we educate the public for free in,” said nature center co-director Claire Floyd. “Not only did the Old Natchez Trace serve for early settlers, we have trail markers here and things we believe indigenous people used.”

Floyd believes the unique beauty at the nature center could be forever tarnished if the city gives a developer the green light to build a residential development next to the center’s property, putting walking trails in peril.

“We’re worried that it’s going to flood the parkway and make those trails where they’re no longer able to walk,” Floyd said.


The city’s Planning and Zoning Board approved the project. A public hearing on the issue is Thursday at the Old Train Depot. On Tuesday, the Clinton Board of Aldermen could vote on whether to rezone the 40 acres from residential to mixed use. That would allow Ridgeland developer Kirkland Properties to build Olde Town Village, which would include dozens of starter homes costing $300,000, as well as space for businesses.

“Which is great. We want more houses. We want more businesses, but how are they going to protect Kentwood?” William Twiner said.

Twiner lives in Kentwood subdivision which butts up to the proposed development which he believes could make flooding at his home worse. He blames the current flooding problems on previous commercial development.

“My neighbor’s house has flooded,” Twiner said. “The place that we’re standing is underwater whenever it rains really heavily because of the cover they put in to fix the problem,” Twiner said.

“The property owners can have concerns,” Mayor Phil Fisher said. “For example, water, runoff and those (things) are legitimate concerns that we need to answer.”

Fisher said if the project is approved, the city will do everything they can to ensure the new development won’t damage existing properties. That would include adding nets to prevent erosion at the Nature Center.

“Engineers are going to be looking at this,” Fisher said. “The builders and the city engineers will be looking at it, making sure these things are being done like they should.”

https://www.wapt.com/article/meteor-...olina/62017922

[vetteking]

Ole Miss is ready to make a run for the BCS College Football Championship. Good luck on the season guys. Here is photos of Vaught - Hemingway Stadium, University of Mississippi ahead of tomorrow's game:

Ole Miss Football
is at Vaught - Hemingway Stadium, University of Mississippi.
odteSonspr816197f9itci4024ua5u993t5ihca21hulh19a72it4166c6l2 · Oxford ·
College Football is back! ������
#HottyToddy

https://www.facebook.com/OleMissFoot...8uVRMALks5GA3l

[meh]

the City Compilations sub-forum is for urban development updates (buildings under construction, under rehab, business openings, transit projects, etc.). random images that are not related to development (existing football stadiums, closed highway exits, photos of highway trash collection, conference advertisements, photos of cool paintings, postcard images, etc.) should be posted in the My City Photos or Found City Photos threads. thanks.

[vetteking]

Originally Posted by meh

the City Compilations sub-forum is for urban development updates (buildings under construction, under rehab, business openings, transit projects, etc.). random images that are not related to development (existing football stadiums, closed highway exits, photos of highway trash collection, conference advertisements, photos of cool paintings, postcard images, etc.) should be posted in the My City Photos or Found City Photos threads. thanks.

We will have to disagree because until a moderator tells me to knock it off and post specifically building construction, under rehab, transit projects, etc. I will continue to post what I'm posting because this thread title is City with Soul, how can I convey the title without showcasing everything my community has to offer. I also want to influence potential people who may be thinking about moving to Jackson. I hate that I can't post these things without push back but I'm just going to have enemies on here because a lot people say they enjoy this thread and say they learn something new about the area with each post. Hopefully you can change your mind and come to enjoy this thread.

[vetteking]

Celebrate the 2nd birthday of Briarwood Arts Center

Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership

Celebrate the 2nd birthday of Briarwood Arts Center with a fun-filled bash full of art, music, and creativity!
Join BAC for a lively gathering as they mark their second year. There will be food trucks, art exhibits, music, games, and interactive activities for all ages. Meet local artists and mingle with fellow art enthusiasts. It'll be a fun-filled day worth sharing!
Date: Sunday, September 8th
Time: 2pm-7pm
Location: 614 Briarwood Dr. Jackson, MS 39211
https://www.facebook.com/GreaterJack...MBHRWpSJ4tautl

JXN Football Media Day

City of Jackson - Planning & Development
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Get ready for JXN Football Media Day, sponsored by Visit Jackson! Join the celebration on Tuesday, September 3 at 6:30 PM at Fondren Yard as we celebrate the city’s dynamic collegiate football scene supporting Belhaven University, Jackson State University, and Millsaps College. Our local football teams are set to energize Jackson and boost the local economy. Don't miss this chance to unite and cheer on our teams while supporting local businesses! #JXNFootball #VisitJackson #GameOn #JacksonMississippi
https://www.facebook.com/jxnplanning...U34rYuabLhjjMl

ZaZa Rooftop Sky Lounge's Labor Day Wkd Kickoff: “A Brunch/ Day Party

ZaZa Rooftop Sky Lounge
espntoSdroif2h8h44ta8ca22t6mt2t191gc401488115hi276ga6109748u ·
Labor Day Wkd Kickoff: “A Brunch/ Day Party like no other! ✨”Enjoy our All New Rooftop Experience each and every Sunday starting Labor Day Weekend, September 1st!
������Day Party Specialty Menu
������All New Brunch Cocktail Menu
������Featuring Bottomless Mimosas������
������ 1pm-until
������ Featuring Trio Triple Flavor Mimosa Towers
������Trio Brunch Taste Bar ������������️
������Classic Mimosa Pitchers
������All New Brunch Cocktail Menu
������1pm-until
Reservations at www.triojxn.com to reserve your section
#Zazarooftopskylounge #rooftopbar #jacksonms #jacksonmsevents #daybrunch #daybrunchparty #tigernation #jsufootball #footballseason #rooftoplounge #jsu #jacksonstateuniversity #jxnms #jxn
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.p...61561297912095

[vetteking]

Check out Fat Albert's restaurant in Jackson

615 Beasley Rd Jackson, MS 39206
776 people like this
776 people follow this
414 people checked in here
http://www.menupix.com/jackson/resta...rts-Jackson-MS
(601) 398-3071
Price range · $$
Closed now
New American Restaurant · American Restaurant
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php...52J7Qq2U4&_rdr

[vetteking]

City approves rezoning from commercial to multi-family apartments

Ridgewood Road properties rezoned for apartments


An office building on Ridgewood Road with a façade that already looks like it could be apartments is expected to be converted to multi-family apartments. The Jackson City Council gave the go-ahead for the project on Aug. 19. The council on a 5-0 vote granted Capitol Magnolia LLC a use permit to convert the office building at 2625-2639 Ridgewood Road into up to 20…
https://www.northsidesun.com/city-ap...ily-apartments

Judge dismisses case between City of Jackson and Metrocenter Mall office space owners

A lawsuit against the City of Jackson surrounding the Metrocenter Mall was dismissed by a federal judge Thursday, according to City Attorney Drew Martin.

Last year, Retro Metro LLC, which owned office space in the mall the city was leasing for various departments, filed a breach of contract suit after the Jackson City Council voted to terminate the lease with the company. In 2011, the city signed a 20-year lease with Retro Metro. The council approved ending the lease after hearing from department heads and city employees who described the Metrocenter's working conditions as "inhumane."

"We've had sewage coming out of the floors, water leaking down the walls in the building and toilets inoperable," said Toya Martin at the council's July 18, 2023 meeting. Martin also described employees experiencing mold, rats, pests, dead vermin, no ventilation and a parking lot that is filled with potholes.

Retro Metro then filed a separate discrimination complaint in September 2023. Along with suing the city and the entire city council, the complaint named Jackson Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Ward 4 Councilman Brian Grizzell, Ward 5 Councilman Vernon Hartley and Ward 7 Councilwoman Virgi Lindsay individually. Lumumba supported the termination of the lease, while Grizzell, Hartley and Lindsay supplied the votes to make it happen.

Socrates Garrett, Howard Catchings and Leroy Walker, three Black businessmen in Jackson, filed both suits and are the owners of Retro Metro LLC. They were seeking an additional 10 years of payment in the breach-of-contract suit. For the discrimination complaint, they claimed the city's decision to move to new office space, owned by white majority companies, is discrimination.

The City's "practice of treating white owned companies more favorably than minority African-American is an unlawful practice," the discrimination complaint states.

On Thursday, U.S. District Judge Tom Lee dismissed both claims, Martin said in a press release.

"Last year, the City of Jackson vacated office space it had been using at the Metrocenter mall because of deplorable conditions which endangered city employees working there," Martin said. "The space was owned by Retro Metro LLC, which then sued the city for breach of lease, seeking an additional ten years of payments which would have totaled over $4.5 million."

"This outcome supports our ongoing commitment to protect the health and safety of our city employees and the public," Martin said.

After leaving the space at the Metrocenter, city employees moved to 633 North State Street, which is the old Mississippi Department of Corrections building.
https://www.clarionledger.com/story/...d/75014104007/

Raymond Chamber of Commerce spotlights local business The McGee Firm

Raymond Chamber of Commerce added a new photo to the album: Raymond Chamber Members.

Today's member spotlight is silver member The McGee Firm conveniently located at 504 Jackson Street in Edwards, providing expert guidance and legal services in Family Law, Divorce, Estate Planning, Personal Injury and more. Follow on Facebook: McGee Legal Firm Telephone: 601-812-7541. Website https://McGee.Legal, Instagram @mcgeelegal
#LawFirm #LegalCounsel #FamilyLaw #EstatePlanning #PersonalInjury #Attorney #Divorce #McGeeLegal #RaymondChamber #EdwardsMS
https://www.facebook.com/RaymondMsCh...1mn3ovqqaQ466l

Clinton Chamber of Commerce spotlights local business Newk's Eatery

Clinton Chamber of Commerce

Today's Chamber Business of the Day is Newk's Eatery, located at 455 Hwy 80 E. Newk's is an express casual dining experience in a refreshing and stylish atmosphere. Serving fresh tossed salads, oven baked sandwiches, California style pizzas and homemade cakes from Newk's open kitchen. http://newks.com
https://www.facebook.com/ClintonCham...t8zi7CjPf1L2Nl

[vetteking]

Sonic Boom of the South presents J-Settes 2024 vs ULM highlights (this past weekend's game)
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Here's the halftime show performance
• Video Link

[vetteking]

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers in now open in Flowood Mississippi

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers (Flowood, MS)

Flowood, we are now open and ready to serve you The Freddy’s Way! Stop by and see us!

Page · Fast food restaurant
421 W. Pineview Dr., Flowood, MS, United States, Mississippi
(601) 383-6174
Price Range · $

https://www.facebook.com/FreddysUSAFlowoodMS

[vetteking]

Tru by Hilton being built in Ridgeland

If you're driving down I-55 in Ridgeland and are wondering what all of the dirt work is about, there is more construction being prepped.

Just next to the Holiday Inn Express near the north frontage road, there will be a Tru by Hilton Hotel.

The 98-room hotel, which will be completed by the Fall of 2025 is being built by Wealth Hospitality of Ridgeland.

"This will be a great addition to the hotel family in Ridgeland and we believe everyone will enjoy it," Chico Patel, CEO of Wealth Hospitality said of the $12 million investment.

This will be the 10th Tru by Hilton for Wealth Hospitality across the country, with seven having already been completed and three more, including the Ridgeland location, on the way.

"This is a hotel that caters to the millennials as well as the business traveler," Patel said. "It is one of the latest Hilton concepts to come out in the last couple of years and we are developing several of them across America."

Patel and Wealth Hospitality also own and developed the 108-room Holiday Inn Express next door, which was completed in the Spring of 2024 at a cost of $16 million.

So, the two hotels will combine for 206 rooms and a total $28 million investment along short strip of property in Ridgeland.

"The Holiday Inn Express has taken off and been very successful to this point," Patel said.

Wealth Hospitality mainly works with Hilton, Hyatt and IHG for development.



New headquarters

Another addition coming to the same general footprint is a $6 million development that will house the headquarters of Wealth Hospitality.

Patel said that, when opened, the facility will employ "about 50 people" and will be where the operation headquarters is for all of the company's hotels throughout the southeast. It will also house the company's construction company that works hand in hand with Wealth Hospitality to build its hotels.

The north-bound frontage road off I-55 in Ridgeland is stocked full of new projects. In addition to the Tru By Hilton and the Holiday Inn Express, there is a new Porsche dealership that is being built nearby. There is also the new Topgolf that is near completion just a block off of the frontage road.

Patel said his company has built more than 70 hotels nationwide the last 10 years and has another 40, including the one in Ridgeland and a couple of more in the Jackson Metro area in the pipeline to be built in the next 24 months.
How is Amazon a factor?

Patel said development for hotels along the frontage road was an easy decision, especially after Amazon Web Services made big news in January when it announced it will occupy two Madison County locations for the historic buildout for hyperscale development centers.

"There are several thousand workers that will be needed over the next several years for those projects, and they will need places to stay," Patel said. "We haven't felt that impact just yet, but it is coming."
https://www.clarionledger.com/story/...d/75002162007/

[vetteking]

Originally Posted by RHINO

So as an out sider, not a lot of actual construction going on though...

Not much inside Jackson unfortunately but the suburbs is booming with construction check my previous post. But I’m praying for a miracle that they actually get the convention center hotel approved and built in 2 years

[vetteking]

2024 Festival Art Revealed!

Each year, the festival honors the work of an artist with Mississippi roots. This year, John Caleb Grenn was selected to create the 10th-anniversary

festival art, and we are pleased to present “No Going Home” as the 2024 official artwork. Commemorative posters and signed and numbered fine art prints will be available for purchase at the festival merchandise tent on September 14th.

“No Going Home”

When we are young, books are full of pictures. Suddenly (graphic novels aside), they’re gone. That’s harder on all of us than we realize, losing the illustrated aspect of reading a book. Growing up is hard enough on its own, isn’t it? Natasha Trethewey says in my favorite poem of hers: “You can get there from here, though there’s no going home.” We can’t go back to when books had pictures, can we?

This piece celebrates the childlike visual art of cartoons. It attempts to bring a bright feeling of carefree whimsy back to something already extraordinary, mostly focused on bringing those images to life with words. What would your favorite novel look like if it were a children’s book?

It’s also a celebration (and an abstract map of sorts) of Mississippi and the Mississippi Book Festival, which represents the best of all of us. It’s to honor as many artists and authors as possible in a meaningful way.

Books all stick with us in different ways: sometimes, a whole novel stands out, and other times, it’s just one character. Sometimes, it’s a quote or imagery painted with words; other times, it’s a poem or the cover art.

Some of the works represented here are represented by something, I think, obvious. We can easily share that symbol as a representation of the work. Others, you’d have to be inside my head or have read the book (or maybe even written it!) to know what represents one of these works to me.

Were each of us to attempt to illustrate our favorite novel, to bring back that childlike wonder of experiencing words and cartoons together, every book would look different. A conglomerate of multiple works like this is? Even more so. In that way, this work celebrates both the symbols we share as a group when we read a book and the personal, private things books allow us to have on our own. We can have all of that from words on a page! That’s magic. That’s books.

Join the Literary Lawn Party | 9.14.24

FREE and open to the public, the Mississippi Book Festival draws thousands to its annual “literary lawn party” held in and around the State Capitol Building each year. Since its debut in 2015, this non-profit has celebrated writing, reading, and our literary heritage, as well as connected readers with hundreds of contemporary authors.

https://themississippilink.com/enter...-art-revealed/

Supper on the ‘Sip 2024 tickets are now live

VICKSBURG, Miss. – The United Way of West Central Mississippi’s Supper on the ‘Sip 2024 will return September 19 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. The event, now in it’s fifth year, combine two local favorites: Vicksburg’s classic eateries and the Old Mississippi River Bridge. Only 800 tickets are available for Supper on the ‘Sip 2024, and can be purchased here.

“Supper on the Sip has been a fantastic event for Vicksburg! The opportunity to show off the majestic views of the Mississippi River while showcasing the wonderful food of our many restaurants has become one of Vicksburg’s signature events of the year. Residents and visitors look forward to it every year and it has truly become a staple in our community,” said Laura Beth Strickland, Executive Director of the Vicksburg Convention & Visitors Bureau.

According to a press release released on Monday, August 19, last years tickets sold out within 36 hours. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit the United Way of West Central Mississippi’s programs and initiatives, which aim to address critical needs and improve the quality of life for individuals and families in our community.

Supper on the ‘Sip 2024 Eateries
HannMade Cakes
Triple J’s Tacos
McDonald’s
Fox’s Pizza

Southern Sister’s Café

Riverwalk Casino

Rusty’s Riverfront Grill

10 South

Billy’s Italian

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Helen Abraham Catering

Solly’s Hot Tamales

Anchuca

Macarons by AK

Merit Health River Region

Tommy’s BBQ

Japanese Express/Sun Poke/Sun Izakaya

The Bistro of Vicksburg

Brick Street Market

B&D BBQ

Cocktails 101

Pink Sugar Bakery

Mulberry Bistro

Don Ho’s BBQ

Vicksburg Catholic Schools Cafeteria

Ameristar Casino

The Tomato Place



The United Way of West Central Mississippi would also like to thank the generous sponsors for Supper on the ‘Sip 2024: May and Company, 
City of Vicksburg, 
Magnolia Estates, 
Donna and Paul Ingram
, Dr. Paul and Jill Pierce
, Bally’s Casino
, International Paper, 
Entergy, Grand Gulf, 
Harcros Chemical
, The Ivy Place
, and The Flower Center
.

For more details, to purchase tickets, or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit their website here, or contact Alyssa Lick at 601-636-1733.



https://vicksburgnews.com/supper-on-...oogle_vignette

[vetteking]

Jackson church donates shoes, gift cards to students

• Video Link

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Cade Chapel Missionary Baptist Church surprised 100 Jackson Public Schools (JPS) students with new shoes and gift cards on Friday.

The initiative is part of the church’s ongoing partnership with Walton Elementary School to provide incentives for Jackson families who registered early for the new school year.

“Cade Chapel Baptist Church has been a long time adopter of Walton Elementary School. They have provided amazing support, a lot of time spent with the scholars, supporting teachers and just a number of things,” said Thea Faulkner, director of Partners and Education with JPS.

This is the church’s second shoe giveaway for Walton Elementary.

https://www.wjtv.com/news/education/...s-to-students/

Mississippi Aquarium welcomes one millionth guest

WXXV (https://www.wxxv25.com/mississippi-a...llionth-guest/) reports that the Mississippi Aquariumin Gulfport has welcomed its one millionth guest since opening its doors.

“Sophia Neves and the Powers family found out about their fame during what they thought would be a regular visit to the aquarium,” WXXV reported. “It’s been a week of milestones at the Mississippi Aquarium as they celebrate their millionth guest during their four-year anniversary.”

https://www.wxxv25.com/mississippi-a...llionth-guest/

Mississippi College to open season at Shorter

The Mississippi College Choctaws will kick off the 2024 season on Wednesday, taking the field against the Shorter Hawks at Barron Stadium in Rome, Georgia.

MC is marking the beginning of a new era for the Choctaws under first-year head coach Mike Kershaw, who brings a fast-tempo offense that has generated significant buzz during the preseason.

Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. CT, and fans can catch the action live on multiple platforms. The game will be streamed live on Shorter University’s YouTube channel here, and live radio coverage will be available through the Choctaw Sports Network here. Live stats will also be provided via the Shorter athletics website here https://goshorterhawks.com/sidearmst...otball/summary

Alcorn loses to UAB, heads to Vanderbilt next

The Alcorn State University Braves dropped their season opener to AAC opponent University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) by a score of 40-3 on Thursday evening at Protective Stadium in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Braves travel to Nashville, Tennessee for a match-up against SEC team Vanderbilt University at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 7.

https://magnoliatribune.com/2024/09/...tember-3-2024/

[vetteking]

Boutique hotel slated for Fondren in Jackson

Business is booming in the Fondren district of Jackson, and the newest development in the hip and funky area proves the point.

Ground is expected to be broken on a $25 million 111-room boutique-style Hampton Inn with first-floor retail and dining space along State Street between the Station pizza restaurant and Pig and Pint BBQ during the first quarter of 2025.

The development was originally slated to get off the ground a couple of years ago, but the Jackson water crisis was a factor in the delay.

Chico Patel, CEO of Wealth Hospitality, which is spearheading the project, also built the 125-room Homewood Suites, just down the street and also in the Fondren District. There, he said the hotel was having issues with getting water pressure to the top floor.

"We just wanted to wait and make sure," Patel said.

Now, he said they are full steam ahead on the Hampton project and he loves the Fondren area to build the hotel.

"(Homewood Suites) is now performing at a high, high level because it is right in the center of the medical district," he said. "You have Millsaps (College), Belhaven (University); the children's hospital sends us a lot of business because that is a an extended-stay hotel. Obviously being close to Veteran's Stadium is a big help with football season now here. There was room to grow."

So there will be two hotels within walking distance that combine for nearly 240 rooms and almost $50 million in investment in the last several years for Fondren.

"There is just a huge demand for hotels in that district," Patel said. "The state capitol is right down the road, and there are so many amenities build right in just in walking distance. It's a natural fit. With the Trade Mart and coliseum not far away, there's events and graduations that people are always in town for. There is a mixture of everything."

Patel said he is hopeful the five-story Hampton with onsite parking can be completed by the end of 2026.

In the retail space on the first floor, Patel expects there to be an "upscale wine bar" with tapas food selections. He said the design of that first-floor project will begin shortly.

Patel and Wealth Hospitality also own and developed the 108-room Holiday Inn Express in Ridgeland, which was completed in the Spring of 2024 at a cost of $16 million.

Wealth Hospitality mainly works with Hilton, Hyatt and IHG for development.

Patel said his company has built more than 70 hotels nationwide the last 10 years and has another 40, including the one in Fondren and a couple of more in the Jackson Metro area in the pipeline to be built in the next 24 months.

Rebecca Garrison, the executive director of the Fondren Renaissance Foundation said the new hotel from Wealth Hospitality is coming at just the right time.

"As our entertainment offerings continue to grow, it’s really important to have more hotel beds strategically located the Fondren Business District," Garrison said. "But’s the need is really much greater than for out-of-towners coming for a concert or a show. We see a strong demand for business travelers who like to stay where they can walk to a wide variety of restaurants. Fondren’s proximity to UMMC and Veterans Memorial Stadium, alone, brings the demand for rooms to a much greater number than we currently have."

Thinking even further down the road, Garrison said the Fondren district hopes to be in the market for small conferences and conventions in the future.

"Currently, we just don’t have the availability of hotel rooms to even think about bringing in an extra group of 30 to 40 people for a couple of days," she said. "That's where this new hotel comes into play. Homewood Suites has been a great neighbor on the south end of Fondren. Having a sister hotel on the north end is going to open up a lot of possibilities for Fondren."
https://www.clarionledger.com/story/...s/75058019007/

Electric aircraft to charge at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport

• Video Link

Rosa Beckett, CEO of the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA), left, and Sam Hobbs, right, with Beta Technologies, open up a press conference to questions regarding a Beta charger for electric aircraft that is now at the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport in Jackson, Miss., Tuesday, Sept 3, 2023. The universal charger is one of four in Mississippi. There are 32 aircraft chargers across the country.


Sam Hobbs, with Beta Technologies, answers questions during a news conference regarding the Beta charger for electric aircraft that is now at the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport in Jackson, Miss., Tuesday, Sept 3, 2023. The universal charger is one of four in Mississippi. There are 32 aircraft chargers across the country.


A Beta charger for electric aircraft is now at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport in Jackson, Miss., seen Tuesday, Sept 3, 2023. The universal charger is one of four in Mississippi. There are 32 aircraft chargers across the country.


Rosa Beckett, CEO of the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA), speaks during a news conference about a Beta charger for electric aircraft that is now at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport in Jackson, Miss., Tuesday, Sept 3, 2023. The universal charger is one of four in Mississippi. There are 32 aircraft chargers across the country. Beta electric aircraft is expected to be operational in 2025.



Sam Hobbs, center left, with Beta Technologies, and Rosa Beckett, CEO of the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA), center right, cut the ribbon for a Beta charger for electric aircraft that is now at the Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport in Jackson, Miss., Tuesday, Sept 3, 2023. The universal charger is one of four in Mississippi. There are 32 aircraft chargers across the country.


A Beta charger for electric aircraft is now at Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport in Jackson, Miss., seen Tuesday, Sept 3, 2023. The universal charger is one of four in Mississippi. There are 32 aircraft chargers across the country.

https://www.clarionledger.com/pictur...t/75057993007/

Entergy Mississippi to build first new natural gas power station in 50 years

The new station will be located in Greenville and will replace the Gerald Andrus Steam Electric Station.

Entergy Mississippi announced on Tuesday that it was building a new natural gas power station in Greenville.

The company said it plans to retire the Gerald Andrus Steam Electric Station, replacing the older power plant with more advanced and efficient technology once construction is complete and the new station in up and running sometime in 2028.

It is the first new natural gas power station Entergy Mississippi has built in 50 years. It will also be the first combined-cycle combustion turbine power station the company has built from the ground up.

Entergy’s goal is to ensure customers continue to have modern, reliable energy well into the future.

“As our customers’ needs and environmental factors evolve, so must our fleet. We’re investing in cleaner, more efficient power generation now, to help us keep bills lower for customers than they otherwise would be in the future,” said Haley Fisackerly, president and CEO of Entergy Mississippi.

According to a statement from the company, the combined-cycle combustion turbine facility is a dual-fuel technology. While natural gas is the primary resource, the advanced facility will be designed to support blended hydrogen to produce reliable energy.
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Entergy said that over the past two decades, they have bought three natural gas power stations, the most recent of which was Choctaw Energy Facility in French Camp in 2019. The others were Attala Plant in Sallis in 2006 and Hinds Energy Facility in Jackson in 2012.

In addition to the current natural gas units, Entergy said the Sunflower Solar Station near Ruleville and the Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Port Gibson are generating emission-free electricity and contributing to the company’s diverse and reliable power generation mix.

Entergy Mississippi purchased the solar facility in 2022 and owns a portion of the nuclear plant which has been in operation since 1985.

Entergy provides electricity to approximately 459,000 customers in 45 counties in Mississippi.
https://magnoliatribune.com/2024/09/...n-in-50-years/

Newk’s Cares returns for 2024 to raise funds for ovarian cancer research

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Newk’s Eatery announced the return of its annual “Lori’s Day” event, which raises funds for ovarian cancer research.

This year’s “Lori’s Day” will be held on September 24, with 20% of all sales from Newk’s Eatery locations nationwide donated to advancing ovarian cancer research and supporting patients and their families.

Lori Newcomb, the co-founder of Newk’s Cares and the late wife of Newk’s Eatery Founder and Executive Chairman Chris Newcomb, battled with stage IIIC ovarian cancer. Diagnosed in 2013, she passed away in 2019, inspiring the Newk’s Cares initiative that her daughter Madison Newcomb continues to champion.

The company has donated more than $2.5 million to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) over the past 10 years.

“We started Newk’s Cares to honor my mother’s memory by helping those who face the same struggle,” said Madison Newcomb. “I am so proud of all that Newk’s, our team members and our generous guests have done over the last decade and beyond to fund critical research and raise awareness for the importance of ovarian cancer screening for women across the nation. This disease not only affects families but communities as a whole — we are driven to continue supporting those families and communities.”

Throughout September, Newk’s Eatery locations across the country will turn teal to honor the color of ovarian cancer awareness. Special signage, collectible cups and donation ribbons will educate guests about the disease, and patrons will also have the option to contribute to the cause by donating $1, $3 or $5 at checkout. Online, Newk’s customers can purchase Newk’s Cares water bottles, with 10 cents from each bottle going to OCRA.

Newk’s Eatery will also host an Ovarian Cycle spin bike event on September 20 in Jackson with proceeds benefiting OCRA.
https://www.wjtv.com/living-local/fo...ncer-research/

[vetteking]

Jackson Football Media Day

https://x.com/BelhavenFB/status/1831137645180661973

https://x.com/JoeCookSports/status/1831129624216015317