Randy Bell, Author at Kicks96news.com - Central Mississippi News 24/7

Choctaw Firefighters Graduate From Academy

Wednesday, September 21 by Randy Bell

Two members of the Choctaw Fire Department are graduating from the State Fire Academy Thursday. Peyton Bell and Cobi B John are among 17 members of Firefighter Class 198. They completed an intense seven-week course including online, classroom, and hands-on instruction in the areas... Read More.

Two More Local COVID Deaths Reported

Wednesday, September 21 by Randy Bell

COVID-19 is being blamed for the deaths of two more people in this part of central Mississippi. The State Health Department is reporting that a Leake County resident and another from Neshoba County died during the last two weeks. The number of new infections... Read More.

Monkeypox Update: State Numbers Climb, No Change in This Area

Tuesday, September 20 by Randy Bell

Mississippi is now reporting 65 cases of monkeypox. The State Health Department says over half of those are in and around the Jackson area, mostly among men between the ages of 18 and 34. The public health districts which include Attala, Leake and Neshoba... Read More.

AAA: Gas Price Decline in MS Slowing

Tuesday, September 20 by Randy Bell

Montgomery County has joined the Under 3 Dollars Club. AAA says it’s now one of nine counties in Mississippi with an average gas price below 3 bucks. Most of those are south of I-20 but in this part of the state, there’s Montgomery at... Read More.

The Hunger Problem: Less Food Coming In Means Less Going Out

Friday, September 16 by Randy Bell

A new analysis shows children in this part of central Mississippi rank high in terms of food insecurity. The USDA defines food insecurity as "the lack of consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life." The list from Stacker.com is based on... Read More.

AAA: Mississippi’s Gas Prices Are the Cheapest

Thursday, September 15 by Randy Bell

The average price for gas in Mississippi is now the lowest in the country-- even though it's still more than 30 cents higher than what we were paying a year ago. AAA says the statewide average of $3.13 is about a nickel lower than... Read More.

Entergy to Provide $3.2 Million in Power Bill Assistance

Wednesday, September 14 by Randy Bell

The $80 rebates that Entergy Mississippi customers are getting this month won't be the only assistance the company provides to help with the high cost of electricity. Wednesday, it announced Operation Bill Assist, a $3.2 million shareholder-funded program which focuses mainly on low and... Read More.

Local COVID Update: Numbers Down in the Past Week

Wednesday, September 14 by Randy Bell

The COVID-19 numbers are looking better in this part of central Mississippi. The State Health Department says there were only 26 new cases reported in the past week in Neshoba County, 20 in Leake County and 11 in Attala County. The total of 57... Read More.

Gas Price Drop in Mississippi Forecast to Continue, Unless….

Wednesday, September 14 by Randy Bell

Montgomery County could become the next in Mississippi-- and the only county in this part of the state-- to see gas prices averaging less than $3 a gallon soon. And it may not be too much longer before the average price statewide drops below... Read More.

Health Department Recommending New COVID Booster

Tuesday, September 13 by Randy Bell

The State Health Department is urging Mississippians to get the new and improved COVID-19 booster shot. And county health departments are now offering free vaccinations by appointment. The bivalent vaccine provides better protection against the original COVID strain and the omicron variants responsible for... Read More.

Hyde-Smith Wants Relief Funds Used for Scholarships

Tuesday, September 13 by Randy Bell

Mississippi Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith wants to make sure that federal COVID relief money sent to the schools doesn't go to waste. She's cosponsoring legislation in Washington allowing states and school districts to use their leftover funds for scholarships for students from low-income families-- who... Read More.

Monkeypox Cases Up Statewide, Area Numbers Stable

Tuesday, September 13 by Randy Bell

While the number of monkeypox cases in Mississippi continues to grow, there haven't been any additional cases in this part of the state. The Health Department says the statewide total is now 52. Most of those are in and around the Jackson area. The... Read More.