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Poplarville High School Team Places First in Ocean Sciences Bowl

A different type of hurricane warning was in effect when a team of Poplarville High School students blew away its competition in the annual Hurricane Bowl contest at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) in Ocean Springs, Miss.

Poplarville High School Team A, (left to right) Becky Starke, Justin Williams, Shelby Ramming, coach Elizabeth Jones and Nigel Simmons, took first place at the annual Hurricane Bowl held at The University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory in Ocean Springs. (Not photographed, team member Rob Merrell.) The team heads to Galveston, Texas in April to compete in the National Ocean Sciences Bowl. (GCRL photo, Martha Duvall)

Coached by Mel Hall and Elizabeth Jones, Poplarville “Team A” was comprised of captain Justin Williams, Becky Starke, Shelby Ramming, Nigel Simmons and Rob Merrell. The GCRL regional competition is part of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB®), which is a program of the Consortium for Ocean Leadership headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Poplarville winners, as well as winners from 24 other regional sites, will compete at the National Ocean Sciences Bowl in Galveston, Texas, April 29-May 1, 2011.

Each year GCRL’s Marine Education Center plays host to 18 teams of high school students from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. The Hurricane Bowl is the central Gulf Coast competition and is a rapid-fire, question-and-answer contest focusing on ocean sciences.

Coastal Mississippi teams were big winners in the Hurricane Bowl with Long Beach High School “Team A” earning second place, Bay High School of Bay St. Louis coming in third, Ocean Springs High School taking fourth place, and Long Beach High School “Team B” in fifth place.
Whites Creek High School of Whites Creek, Tenn., took home the Sportsmanship Award.

The Hurricane Bowl, as well as the national competition, includes question-and-answer “buzzer” rounds, team-challenge questions, educational field trips and social activities that encourage interaction among student peers and marine scientists. For more information on the competition or to view sample quiz questions, visit www.nosb.org.

GCRL’s Marine Education Center is the lab’s public education and outreach arm. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, GCRL focuses on sustainable coastal and marine resources, development of new marine technologies and the education of future scientists and citizens. The GCRL is home to the Department of Coastal Sciences, the Marine Education Center, the Center for Fisheries Research and Development and the Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center. It is in the university’s School of Ocean and Earth Sciences, College of Science and Technology. More information can be found at www.usm.edu/gcrl.

Filed under: Featured, K-12, USM, GCRL’s Marine Education Center, mississippi, National Ocean Sciences Bowl, Ocean Springs High School, Poplarville High School, Poplarville Mississippi, University of Southern Mississippi

USM Closed in Hattiesburg Until Noon Monday

Due to a winter weather system that has the potential to cause hazardous conditions in the Pine Belt area overnight, The University of Southern Mississippi’s Hattiesburg campus will be closed untilnoon tomorrow, Monday, Jan. 10.

Southern Miss Gulf Coast operations will continue on their regular schedule tomorrow.

Students, faculty and staff are asked to monitor news about weather conditions on local radio and television and through the Internet. For updates about the weather’s impact on the Hattiesburg campus visit www.usm.edu/news

Filed under: Breaking News, Covington County, Featured, Forrest County, Hattiesburg, Jones County, Lamar County, Marion County, USM, education, Hattiesburg campus, Hattiesburg Mississippi, mississippi, University of Southern Mississippi, Weather

Weather and Road Conditions Continue to Worsen in Central and North Mississippi

…Conditions very hazardous across southeast Arkansas and
Mississippi along US Highway 82…

At 240 PM CST…National Weather Service radar indicated a large
band of snow and sleet…mixed with freezing rain…along and north
of US Highway 82. The activity was lifting slowly north.

Road conditions are reported as extremely hazardous along this band
of precipitation…particulary bridges and overpasses. This area
will continue to have snow and sleet through the evening hours with
poor travel conditions. Areas farther southeast into east central
Mississippi have had icing of bridges and overpasses from earlier
precipitation…and may continue to have some slick spots.

More wintry precipitation will be moving into the region from west
and southwest this afternoon. Precipitation has been expanding in
coverage and intensity across east central through southeast
Louisiana and southwest Mississippi. This activity will be
overspread much of the area along and east of the Mississippi River
this evening…and result in a several hour period of
sleet…freezing rain and some snow.

Temperatures are at or below freezing along an northwest of a line
from Bastrop Louisiana…to Vicksburg…to Quitman. As this
precipitation overspreads this area…travel conditions will
deteriorate throught the evening hours. Farther south…periods of
sleet will cause temperatures to drop close to freezing along the
Highway 84 corridor and may result in slick spots on bridges and
overpasses…particularly in any areas of heavier sleet.

Filed under: Breaking News, Featured, Weather, mississippi, National Weather Service, travel conditions, Weather

MDOT Road Update for Mississippi | NWS Predictions of Accumulations in the State

JACKSON, MISS., Sunday, January 9, 2011— As the wintry weather continues across the state, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT)would like to announce roadway conditions for motorists traveling through the state. More information can also be found at www.mstraffic.com

Icy accumulation has been reported on the following:

  • Bridges and roadways in Carroll County; bridges and roadways in Winston County;
  • bridges and roadways in Noxubee County;
  • bridges and roadways in Tallahatchie County;
  • bridges and roadways in Montgomery County;
  • bridges and roadways in Attala County; ice on bridge at I-20 in Meridian;
  • bridges and roads on Highway 45 and Highway 145 between Clarke and Lauderdale County;
  • U.S. Highway 61 in Bolivar County;
  • bridges and roads in Leflore County;
  • bridges and roadways in Neshoba County;
  • bridges and roadways in Kemper County;
  • ice on bridges and roadways south to north of U.S. Highway 82 in Washington County moving into Sunflower County;
  • bridges in Holmes and Humphreys counties beginning at Belzoni to Thornton and to Goodman, Miss. which includes Highway 49, Highway 49 West, Highway 49 East and U.S. Highway 51;
  • bridges in Newton County;
  • the overpass on Highway 49 at Magee
  • the I-20 bridge at Highway 13 in Scott County.
  • Other locations that has been affected by the wintry mix includes I-220/U.S. Highway 80 in Jackson;
  • I-20 bridge at Highway 15 in Newton County;
  • the bridge over the railroad tracks at Highway 80 at King Lumber and Highway 35 just south of the Highway 80 intersection in Scott County
  • and the I-20 bridge at Exit 100 eastbound in Newton County.

Filed under: Breaking News, Featured, Weather, Department of Transportation, ice, jackson, mississippi, Mississippi Department of Transportation, Storm, traffic, Weather

Significant Winter Storm Expected to Impact Much of Mississippi | MDOT Wants Motorists to Stay Safe

MDOT personnel throughout the state will be monitoring the weather and will take whatever measures necessary to keep Mississippi roadways safe. If precipitation occurs, freezing rain may accumulate on bridges and overpasses. MDOT road crews across the state will be placing de-icing materials on roadways to keep them clear and safe for travel.

MDOT encourages motorists to buckle up for safety and drive carefully when traveling in wintry winter.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) offers the following safety tips for motorists:

  • Drive according to current road and weather conditions.
  • Please pay close attention to the roadway and don’t text while driving.
  • Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
  • Avoid situations where you may have to brake suddenly on a slippery surface.
  • Have tires and tire pressure checked. Tire pressure decreases in colder weather.
  • Give yourself extra time for travel or wait until conditions improve. Also, log on to www.MSTraffic.com for real-time traffic information.
  • Tune in to your local television station for local weather reports and always keep your weather radio handy.
  • Make sure you travel with at least half a tank of gas and have sufficient windshield washer fluid in the reservoir.

For the most up-to-date information in your area, please visit www.MSTraffic.comand sign up for your traffic alerts.  Also, visit http://www.mstraffic.com/mobile to get the latest traffic information from MSTraffic.com on your mobile device.MDOT advises the public to pull off the road to a safe location if you need to check the MSTraffic.com website while driving. MDOT’s number one concern is the safety of the traveling public.

Filed under: Breaking News, Featured, Weather, mississippi, Mississippi Department of Transportation, traffic, Weather

WINTER PRECIPITATION POSSIBLE IN JONES COUNTY

A significant winter precipitation event is forecast to occur in Mississippi on Sunday as a cold front interacts with a developing low pressure system.  Areas along Hwy. 82 in north-central Mississippi could see 4-8 inches of snow, while areas along the Interstate 20 corridor extending south to northern Jones County could see 1-4 inches of snow, sleet and freezing rain.  Areas along the Hwy. 84 corridor could see a trace amount to ¼” of sleet and freezing rain which would include the balance of Jones County.  Bridges will freeze before roadways and roadways could become very slippery if ice, freezing rain and snow occur.  Residents planning travel in Jones County should exercise extreme caution when driving as a result.

The potential exists for the winter weather to either be a cold rain event or a snow, sleet and freezing rain event for Jones County depending upon the track of the low pressure system and the degree to which the cold front extends southward.  As a result, there is a large degree of uncertainty as to which type or types of winter weather precipitation, if any, will impact Jones County.  In addition, temperatures during the period from Monday thru Thursday of next week are expected to be 10-15 degrees below normal.   It is likely that Jones County will see low temperatures in the upper teens to low 20’s at night with daytime temperatures only reaching the upper 30’s to low 40’s.   The National Weather Service is expected to issue a Winter Storm Watch later today which may include parts of the Pine Belt.

Residents are urged to pay attention to weather forecasts tonight and on Saturday for additional information and updates on predicted weather for the area.  With the extended cold weather forecast, residents should take precautions to protect plants, pets and livestock.  In addition, residents planning travel to areas north of Jones County are encouraged to check on highway conditions prior to traveling as roadways in north and central Mississippi will be impacted by the snow, sleet and freezing rain.

Filed under: Ellisville, Jones County, Laurel, Jones County, Meteorology, mississippi, Precipitation, Weather

Laurel S-Curve Reconstruction Project Wins People's Choice Award

JACKSON, MISS., Sunday, October 31, 2010—The Laurel S-Curve reconstruction project has been named winner of the People’s Choice Award in the national America’s Transportation Award competition, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced today.

The project received more than 270,000 votes by people of Mississippi, who delivered a landslide victory in the contest, sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). The Laurel S-Curve was named a regional winner of the America’s Transportation Award in August,, and competed for other regional winners across the U.S. for the People’s Choice Award.

“The purpose of this competition was to increase awareness and support of transportation, and Mississippi has demonstrated a keen appreciation for the role of highways and bridges in our everyday life,” said Larry L. “Butch” Brown, MDOT Executive Director and former President of AASHTO. “Thank you to all who voted, and a special thank you to the men and women who were on the front lines of this project, guiding it through a long development process to successful completion.”

MDOT reconstructed and realigned a 3,700-foot segment of I-59 through Laurel, Mississippi, eliminating the notorious Laurel S-curve, which had one of the highest crash rates in the state. The reconstructed segment crosses six local streets and the Norfolk Southern Railroad, requiring a 1,980-foot-long, six-lane bridge, along with a total of 1,350 feet of elevated ramp structures, two on-ramps, and one off-ramp.

Reconstruction of the Laurel S-curve began in July 2006 and was completed in September 2009. The project dramatically improved safety, smoothed traffic flow, was responsive to the needs of the community, and ultimately was delivered under budget. In fact, design changes, proactive coordination, and innovative financing produced a budget surplus of $6 million, which is being used to widen five additional I-59 bridges and two additional miles of roadway north of the S-curve.

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Filed under: Ellisville, Government, Jones County, Laurel, American Association of State Highway, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Interstate 59, Larry L. "Butch" Brown, mississippi, Mississippi Department of Transportation

Portion of Jones County Now in Severe Drought

Portion of Jones County Now In Severe Drought

While it may not come as a surprise to residents of Jones County that half the county is in a severe drought and the other half of the county is in a moderate drought, today’s report from the U.S. Drought Monitor (http://www.drought.unl.edu/dm/DM_state.htm?MS,S) was nonetheless still sobering.  Compounding matters are winds on Thursday which are gusting to 20 mph with winds on Friday expected to range from 5 to 10 mph which will further help dry out soils and fuels such as grass, pine straw and brush.  Jones County Fire Coordinator Dan McKenna reminds residents that Mississippi is still under a statewide Burn Ban and that conditions are still conducive to rapid and erratic fire spread.  “Some areas of Jones County did receive some much needed rainfall yesterday, but most areas saw less than one-quarter of an inch of rain,” notes McKenna.  He adds, “The fire danger is still high and the potential still exists for fast moving grass, brush and woods fires to threaten lives and property.  Residents are urged to please refrain from conducting any outdoor burning until sufficient rainfall has been received to alleviate the fire danger and the Burn Ban has been lifted.”

Filed under: Ellisville, Jones County, Laurel, Weather, Dan McKenna, Jones County, mississippi, Weather

Wiest Named Moorman Distinguished Alumni Professor

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – Dr. Andrew Wiest, professor of history at The University of Southern Mississippi, has been named the Charles W. Moorman Distinguished Alumni Professor in the Humanities by the College of Arts and Letters.

Dr. Andy Wiest is the eighth recipient of the Charles W. Moorman Distinguished Alumni Professorship in the Humanities. (Submitted photo)

The Professorship is named after Moorman, who was a renowned authority on the work of Geoffrey Chaucer and one of Wiest’s former professors. It is awarded biennially for a two-year term to a senior professor in the departments of English, history, foreign languages, or philosophy. In addition to the award, recipients receive financial support for research in their field of study and must present a public lecture by the end of their term.

“It’s an honor, especially considering who this professorship is named after,” said Wiest, who specializes in the study of World War I and Vietnam.

“As an undergrad at Southern Miss, I heard how great Moorman’s classes were and found him to be an exceptional teacher. It is also quite an honor to have my name associated with the wonderful scholars who have held this professorship in the past.”

As the eighth recipient, Wiest joins the ranks of distinguished Southern Miss humanities faculty who previously held the professorship such as, Dr. Philip Kolin, Dr. Neil McMillen, Dr. William Scarborough, Dr. David Berry, Dr. Gary Stringer and Dr. Maureen Ryan. Moorman was a member of the English faculty from 1954-90 and served as chair of the department then later as vice-president of Academic Affairs for the university.

Wiest plans to use the funds provided by the professorship to attend conferences and complete his current research project which follows the men of Charlie Company, 4th Battalion, 47th Infantry during their tour in the Vietnam War.

Through oral histories and archival sources, Wiest’s study investigates the lives of the members of Charlie Company before they were drafted, during their wartime service, and after they returned from Vietnam and reintegrated into American society. He also interviewed the wives and children of the veterans to understand the personal effects of the VietnamWar.

“These guys were all drafted on the same day in 1967. They trained together and served together.  Unlike most other soldiers during that time, they go to know each other. They went to Vietnam as friends, brothers, comrades and those who came back remained friends, brothers and comrades.”

Wiest has researched Charlie Company for the past 10 years and routinely has veterans come to speak to his class. “I want my students to understand war never ends for the soldiers and their families,” he said. “Toward that end, I plan to have some of their families speak at my roundtable at the end of my term.”

Filed under: Arts, Featured, Forrest County, Hattiesburg, Lamar County, USM, Andrew Wiest, Hattiesburg, mississippi, The University of Southern Mississippi, University of Southern Mississippi, Vietnam