Browsing: People

Shay and Michi Guess from Mantachie, Mississippi, are a dynamic musical duo, known for their diverse sound and spiritually driven lyrics. For three decades, their powerful vocals, soulful melodies, and talented band members have created music that resonates with their community and generation. Even though Shay and Michi were born worlds apart, once connected, they’ve never looked back.

MOSS POINT—Nothing changes if nothing changes.  Read that again and understand the meaning behind those five simple words. These words are part of a monthly post encouraging volunteers to be a positive influence in the Moss Point community.

GULFPORT — What began as a father’s mission to create a place where his daughter could feel included has grown into a thriving nonprofit serving hundreds of individuals with special needs on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. 

I remember the first photo I saw of Markel Bell standing next to my husband, Les George, during his time coaching at Holmes Community College. At 6-foot-9 and approximately 345 pounds, Markel’s size immediately stood out.

Kristi Phelps of Gautier knew at an early age what she would do for her career.

As a child growing up in Pascagoula, Phelps always knew that she would be a pharmacist. She had even written about that goal in a journal in the third grade. This year she will celebrate 30 years in the profession.

The Greater Belhaven Foundation (GBF) is excited to announce this year’s Heart of Belhaven Award winners: John Scarbrough and Sarah Skelton. The Heart of Belhaven Award goes out annually to neighbors who consistently go above and beyond for the Belhaven neighborhood, giving their time, effort, and resources to make Belhaven a better place for residents, business owners, and visitors.

OXFORD, Miss. – When Ole Miss fans boarded a plane in Jackson bound for the Fiesta Bowl in Phoenix, they…

Evan Phelps of Gautier recently participated in and earned three gold medals in the World Martial Arts Games Committee in Oslo, Norway. That in itself is impressive. What makes it even more impressive is that months earlier he had been seriously injured in a car accident and his participation in the Games seemed uncertain.

Clinton, Mississippi native, Jacob Dillard debuted at the Grand Ole Opry in November 2025 as the pedal steel guitarist with Walker Montgomery’s band. While performing during the Opry’s 100th anniversary fulfilled a lifelong dream, it provided a time to reflect on the years of hard work in Mississippi and Nashville that paved the way. Landing the opportunity to play with Walker Montgomery, who is the son of country music star John Michael Montgomery, seems serendipitous.

From the Griswolds to the Grinch, just about every holiday movie features characters cutting, decorating or stealing the perfect Christmas tree. But most people—including moviegoers—don’t consider that Christmas trees take work to cultivate. Like all trees, they are subject to the threats of disease, insects, fungi and other menaces. This is why scientists in Mississippi State’s Forest and Wildlife Research Center have been studying some of the most popular tree species that decorate homes for the holidays.

WIGGINS — What began as a woodturning studio has grown into a coffee shop and gift store that is helping revitalize downtown Wiggins. Southern Turnings, founded by Scott and Jane Ann Maddox, has become a staple for residents and a tourist destination for visitors. 

POPLARVILLE — As Mississippi’s blueberry industry faces a steep decline, one Poplarville farm is finding new ways to keep the state fruit growing — from fresh berries to teas, baked goods and even dog treats. 

The first major museum exhibition devoted to the art and life of L.V. Hull opens March 20, 2026, at the Mississippi Museum of Art (MMA/the Museum). L.V. Hull: Love Is a Sensation is presented in partnership with the L.V. Hull Legacy Center (Legacy Center), a project of the Arts Foundation of Kosciusko in Kosciusko, MS. The Legacy Center, which includes Hull’s preserved home, will also open in March 2026 with a parallel exhibition and related programming.

For Kayla Walker, Lambing Day began not as a book idea, but as a quiet moment of discovery. During Christmas break in 2023, she finally sat down to read The Tower of the Flock: The Christmas Story by Dr. Christine Van Horn—a book that would shift how she understood the nativity story she had known her entire life. What she found were biblical connections and historical details that challenged long-held assumptions and invited deeper reflection.

Queen of Memphis, a family saga novel by Pascagoula writer Martin Hegwood, is on the short list of finalists for Southern Literary Review’s 2025 Book of the Year Award.  The story takes place in Memphis, the north Delta, and Jackson. The editors of Southern Literary Review extend this special recognition each year to a select group of books written by Southern authors and deemed to have lasting value in the Southern literary canon.

When I first moved to McComb, I started noticing Scott Photography appearing all over my Facebook feed. I was immediately drawn to the images and the way they captured the heart of this corner of Mississippi. What stood out most was that everything Manuel Scott photographs is centered around McComb and Summit. It’s clear that he isn’t just documenting events; he’s documenting the life and spirit of this community.