Florence News

06/12/2026

Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced Flo Rida as the headliner of the 2026 Mississippi State Fair, which runs October 8-18, as well as several new and special, patriotic attractions fairgoers can expect as part of this year’s theme, “Let Freedom Ring!” at the State Fair.

To read more, see link in comments.

06/11/2026

06/11/2026

Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Jayda Brantley, our new Director of Special Programs and Dyslexia Therapist at Discovery Christian School!

Mrs. Brantley brings a wealth of experience and expertise to DCS. She joins us from RCSD, where she served as a special education teacher, dyslexia therapist, reading and math interventionist, and classroom teacher. She holds certifications in Elementary Education, Special Education (K–12), and Dyslexia Therapy (K–12).

As a Certified Academic Language Therapist, Mrs. Brantley currently serves as the secretary of the Mississippi ALTA chapter. In addition to her classroom experience, she worked with the Mississippi Department of Education as an Intervention Specialist, supporting school districts across the state in the areas of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Dyslexia.

Mrs. Brantley met her husband, Marty, while they were students at Mississippi State University, and together they are the proud parents of three children.

We are excited to welcome Mrs. Brantley to the Discovery Christian School family and look forward to the knowledge, compassion, and leadership she will bring as she serves our students and families. We are grateful for the knowledge she brings to our school community and know she will help students grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually as they discover their potential.

06/11/2026

Building strong connections between elementary and secondary education is key to long-term student success! 🎓

Kristen Langerman, Principal of McLaurin Elementary, and Dr. Jennifer Sanders, Assistant Principal of McLaurin Elementary, presented What We Wish Each Other Knew: Practical Ways to Align Elementary and Secondary for Student Success at the Mississippi Association of Secondary School Principals Summer Conference.

Their session focused on strengthening PK-12 alignment, improving student transitions, and creating shared expectations for academic success, behavior, and independence. By working together as one system, schools can better prepare students for success at every stage of their educational journey.
A special thank you to McLaurin High School Principal Russ Granberry, who contributed to the development of this presentation, as well as Assistant Principals Bo Hust and Dr. Katie Nelson, who are pictured and continue to support this important work.

06/11/2026

Christy Blue woke up Monday morning to what sounded like tapping on her window.

It was the crackling of wood burning.

Blue walked through her kitchen to her back door and found her first home engulfed in flames. She ran out through the garage, flagged down neighbors and asked for help. A neighbor called 911.

Florence Fire Chief Richard Wilson called it a total loss.

06/10/2026

Kenzie Hearn was honored as the Florence High School Star Student. Pictured (l to r) are: Eddie Grimes, The Rotary's Executive Secretary; Hearn; and Bradley Bianca, Rotary Club of South Rankin President.

06/10/2026

Alert from Southwest Rankin Water Association: Boil Water Notice

A boil water notice is in effect starting now, June 10, 2026 for W. Mt Creek East of Hickory Hill Cir., Collier Ln, Morris Rd and Andrews Rd. This boil water notice will be in effect until noon, Monday, June 15, 2026.

06/10/2026

Alert from Southwest Rankin Water Association: Water Outage Advisory

Our crews are currently working on a leak that effects W. Mt Creek East of Hickory Hill Cir., Collier Ln, Morris Rd and Andrews Rd. A water outage will be in effect starting now June 10, 2026.

06/10/2026

The countdown is almost over! The Mississippi Pickle Fest 2026 is set for June 13-14, 2026, at the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum, promising two days of delicious pickle and food vendors, pickle-inspired family-friendly fun, contests, canning and culinary demos, and live music.