LHA receives $488,000 grant to repair homes in Laurel

Posted on: January 23, 2018

A $488,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) and member institution, The First, A National Banking Association (The First), will rehabilitate 72 homes in Laurel, Mississippi. A check presentation ceremony was held at the office of Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee to award the funds.

“Laurel is a small town with a rich history,” said Mayor Magee. “While it’s known as the town that timber built, I’d also like to recognize the partnerships that sustain this city. Thanks to this grant, 72 families will enjoy greater quality of life and for that we thank all parties involved, especially the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas and The First.”

Laurel Housing Authority Executive Director Ailrick D. Young said the AHP means a great deal to community-based organizations and communities. Without the grant, the repairs most likely would not be possible.

“I cannot emphasize enough how vitally important public-private partnerships and grants like this are,” said Mr. Young. “When organizations work together like this and take the lead in providing funding, it’s a huge asset to the communities.”

Mayor Magee said there is a tremendous need for the AHP in the Laurel community.

“We are always looking to partner with organizations and people to improve the lives of our citizens,” he said. “We are just so appreciative to be a part of this.”

Residents of the Laurel Housing Authority will be able to apply for grant money with a maximum amount of $6,777. The grants will go toward improvements including siding replacement, doors and windows, mold remediation, kitchen facilities. In addition, work to improve interior and exterior sealing, plumbing and electrical code compliance will be eligible under the grant. To be eligible for funds, the homeowner’s name must appear on the deed of trust, meet income criteria and the house must be located in the city limits of Laurel and occupied by the owner.

Give Your Feedback | Laurel Dog Park

Posted on: November 3, 2016

The City of Laurel is seeking public input to determine the level of interest in a dog park of its own. The input will be used to help identify and assess how to help dog lovers enjoy their fun-loving barking pets outdoors and to determine design options and recommendations.

“This survey, which takes only a couple minutes to complete, is a chance for residents and visitors to Laurel to take part in the planning process,” said Anicia Hill, Public Relations director. “The input from the general public will help the City better understand the level of interest and the results can assist efforts to bring a dog park to Laurel in the future.”

Take the survey

Dog parks, or off-leash dog areas, have quickly become a leading feature in communities and parks across the country. Although they have been around for almost three decades, dog parks are currently the fastest-growing segment of city/town parks. There are an estimated 1,200 dog parks in operation in the United States. Dog parks vary in size and design, but all provide a fun activity space with numerous benefits for dogs, their owners and the communities in which they live. Dog parks are a great addition to any open public space, as they encourage socialization between neighbors and their cherished pets. Most importantly,they provide a place where dogs can exercise and play freely with other dogs.

There are several benefits of a community dog park:
Allows dogs to exercise and socialize safely. Puppies and adult dogs need room to run, and enclosed play areas permit them to do so while preventing them from endangering themselves and others (for example, by running into the path of an oncoming vehicle). In addition, dogs who are accustomed to playing with animals and people other than their owners are more likely to be well socialized and react well toward strangers.

Promotes responsible dog ownership. Dog parks prevent off-leash animals from infringing on the rights of other community residents and park users such as joggers, small children, and those who may be fearful of dogs.

Provides an outlet for dog owners to socialize. Dog parks are a great place for owners to meet other people with common interests. The love people share for their dogs reaches beyond economic and social barriers and helps foster a sense of community. Park users also benefit from the opportunity to ask questions of other owners and find solutions to problems they might be having with their pet.

Take the survey

Americana in Mississippi Tour

Posted on: March 1, 2016

Blues. Country. Gospel. Rock. It all started right here in Mississippi. The Americana in Mississippi Music Tour will be stopping in Laurel at The Gatherings at Studio5fifty on Tuesday, March 8 from 6-9pm. Bring the family for this free concert featuring Cary Hudson and Rambling Steve Gardner & The Jericho Road Show. Check out the tour’s official website, including the entire schedule with locations, interviews with Mississippi artists and itineraries for each community on the tour! Presented by Visit Mississippi and Laurel Main Street.

Parks & Recreation Director Attends STMA

Posted on: February 9, 2016

Parks and Recreation Director Elvin Ulmer recently attended the Sports Turf Managers Association’s 27th annual Conference & Exhibition from January 19-22, 2016 in San Diego, CA.
 
Approximately 1,200 leaders in the sports turf industry gathered at the San Diego Convention Center for more than 75 hours of cutting-edge sports turf education, dedicated networking functions and exhibitor demonstrations. Close to 70 educational sessions and panel discussions featured sports turf managers along with academic and commercial representatives from schools, colleges and universities, parks and recreational facilities, and professional sports stadiums. 
 
Sessions included agronomics, pest control, water, professional development, research, facility management, construction/renovation, industry developments and sustainability. 
 
The 2016 Conference & Exhibition in San Diego was the ideal opportunity for Ulmer to learn about the industry’s progression through technology, research and best practices. “This was an amazing conference because I was able to train with the experts in turf management. With everything changing from which herbicide and pesticides to use to technology and weed control, this conference allowed me the learn about how to better manage the city’s resources and bring back that information to share it with the crew,” Ulmer explained.

Be the GIVING Type!

Posted on: February 13, 2015

Mayor Magee is calling on city employees and residents to strengthen our community by giving blood and helping save lives. The City of Laurel is holding a special blood drive in recognition of Black History Month. You can literally help save a life by taking a few moments to donate blood. It’s so easy to do, yet for the person who needs blood, it could literally mean the difference between life and death. You never know whose life you are saving. Although September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, United Blood Services is in desperate need of African American donors today! Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited disease affecting as many as 100,000 people in the United States. Many of these patients will require blood transfusions as part of their treatment and recovery. To best meet the needs of all patients, it is vitally important that the community blood supply reflect diversity of the community. Less than 10 percent of the total eligible donors give blood and only approximately one percent of the African American community donates blood. Some African Americans have rare blood types that are unique to the African American community. It is imperative that blood donors are as diverse as the patients who need their help. WE NEED EVERYONE!

The blood drive will be on Wednesday, February 18 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm in front of City Hall. Will you please consider helping by scheduling an appointment to donate whole blood or double red blood? Our goal is to have a minimum of 24 donors signed up. Walk-ins are welcome, but all eligible donors are asked to make an appointment call Anicia Hill at 601.428.7376 or click here.

Why is it important that African- Americans give blood?

Blood that closely matches a patient’s is less likely to be rejected by the patient and can mean fewer complications after a transfusion. Genetically-similar blood is superior for people who need repeated blood transfusions, for conditions like sickle cell anemia.

Increasing African-American donations is vital because blood types O and B, the blood types of about 70 percent of African-Americans, are the blood types most in demand. Your blood donation can help African-Americans suffering from diseases such as sickle cell anemia, cancer and heart disease. Some patients with complications from severe sickle cell disease receive blood transfusions every month — up to four units at a time.

BE THE GIVING TYPE!

Commemorative Books Have Arrived

Posted on: January 23, 2015

Thank you again residents, visitors and city employees for making our City Hall Centennial celebrations so successful. Hundreds of people visited City Hall, enjoyed the balloon release, speeches, music, time capsule dedication, and the historical marker unveiling ceremony. The Laurel City Hall Centennial Committee is thrilled to announce that the Laurel City Hall Centennial: A Survey History book written by Cleveland Payne with the introduction by Mayor Johnny Magee and featuring the historic edifice from 1914 through 2014 has arrived! The book covers the mayoral administrations from the pre-Depression era through the present with the shadowing of City Hall and how it has helped shaped the history of our beloved city. Our residents have anxiously awaited the completion of this book, and we know you will be as pleased as we are, this unique of piece of history was well worth the wait! For those who pre-ordered the commemorate city hall centennial book, it is available in the City Clerk’s Office, second floor of City Hall, 401 N. Fifth Ave., Monday through Friday, 8a – 5p. If you did not pre-order a commemorative book, but would still like one, there is still time to purchase! Extra copies are $10 and are available for purchase at Laurel City Hall. Anyone with questions, please call 601.428.7376.