Local Emergency Planning Committee Meeting set for February 23rd

Covington County is required under the Federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) to have an active and functioning Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Due to the Covid Pandemic over the last few years, Covington County LEPC has not had the opportunity to meet but is excited to get the committee back active and going. The activities of this committee include development/maintenance of an emergency response plan for chemical accidents, receiving chemical reports from covered facilities, and making that information available to the public. Representation on the LEPC from the following groups is required by statute: local officials/state/tribal, law enforcement, firefighting, emergency management, health, broadcast/communications media, print media, emergency medical services, transportation, local environmental group, community group, and facility owners/operators subject to the provisions of EPCRA.

Having a LEPC not only gives us a chance to prepare for accidents but also gives a chance for community leaders from government, first responders, and businesses to come together to network and learn about emergency preparedness and response. Having an active LEPC gives the opportunity to apply for the Hazardous Materials Emergency Preparedness (HMEP) grant from Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). This grant if awarded provides training and planning programs that address different needs for Covington County, emergency response capabilities, commodity flow studies, and hazard analysis of hazardous chemicals. The LEPC meets two times per year in the City of Collins, with Thursday, February 23rd, being the first meeting of 2023 at the Collins Civic Center in Collins.

Collins rated #2 on Best Christmas Celebrations

Visit Mississippi and It’s A Southern Thing recently posted an article by Ashley Locke listing the 5 Mississippi towns that go all out for Christmas- and Collins was #2! Collins’ Christmas Parade and Christmas in the Park are two of the events mentioned that bring on the twinkling lights and sparkling decorations. The list of cites was Laurel, Collins, Canton, Biloxi, and Oxford.

Chamber of Commerce Week to be observed October 17-21

The Collins Area Chamber of Commerce was incorporated on the 22nd day of August, 1978. The by-laws stated the purpose of the chamber is advancing the commercial, industrial, agricultural, and trade area; to promote integrity and good faith; to promote just and equitable principles of business; to discover and correct business abuses; and have a part in representing the City of Collins and Covington County in the consideration and decision of city, county state and national issues.

A meeting of interested citizens was held on May 15, 1985 for the purpose of re-organizing the Chamber of Commerce. The chamber was inactive for six years. In 1986 a Board of Directors was elected and a “Program of Work” was established. Board members are elected by the membership and rotate off the board every three years. Membership is available to all citizens of Covington County, businesses, organizations and area service companies.

In 1987 the chamber by-laws changed the name of the organization to Covington County Chamber of Commerce for the importance of the entire county working together for the purpose of economic and community development. The Chamber of Commerce represents Covington County with membership in national and state organizations which includes: U.S. Chamber of Commerce, MEC (Mississippi State Chamber of Commerce), MEDC (Mississippi Economic Development Council), and the State Tourism Organization.

The Chamber is only as strong as its membership. Our members are our most valuable resource.

Come join us for the Chamber of Commerce “Fall Mingle” on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the V.O. Smith Courtyard in Collins on Main Street. We look forward to seeing you!

The City of Collins received a Silver Shovel award from Spire

Congratulations! The City of Collins has earned a Silver Shovel award! We are pleased to celebrate your commitment to natural gas pipeline awareness and safe digging! The dedication and coordination of your public works team helps our communities thrive. We hope this Silver Shovel acknowledgment will shine a light on your work and inspire other municipalities to continue their commitment to safe excavation!

Shane Knight, Jeff Wilcox, Mayor Hope Magee Jones

Sec. Watson Announces Sept. as National Voter Registration Month

Mississippi Secretary of State Michael Watson joins fellow members of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) in proclaiming September as National Voter Registration Month. During September, the Secretary of State’s Office, along with government agencies and organizations across the country, will promote the importance of voting and the significance of keeping your voter registration information up-to-date.

“Through outreach and education, our goal is to build an engaged and informed electorate in Mississippi,” said Secretary Watson. “Local elections often get decided by just a handful of votes, so every vote matters. By registering to vote or verifying updated voter registration information, Mississippians can ensure their voice is heard.”

NASS members established September as National Voter Registration Month in 2002 as a non-partisan means of encouraging voter participation and increasing awareness about state requirements and deadlines for voting.

This year, September 20, 2022, will be highlighted by NASS and other voter outreach groups as National Voter Registration Day (NVRD). Since its inception, nearly 4.7 million participants have either registered to vote or updated their voter registration on NVRD.

To encourage participation, the Secretary of State’s Office has launched the Voter Registration Road Trip which includes hosting voter registration drives across the state throughout he month of September. Stay tuned to the Office of the Secretary of State’s official social media pages for locations near you.

The Secretary of State’s Office serves as the primary, trusted source for election information. Visit our Y’all Vote website (yallvote.ms) to download a voter registration application or lean more about the overall voting process. The website also features a variety of helpful resources including a step-by-step guide to absentee voting. Frequently Asked Questions for absentee voting, and contact information for county election officials.

For voter registration or elections questions, contact ElectionAnswers@sos.ms.gov or call the Elections Hotline at 1-800-829-6786. For information regarding the Voter Registration Road Trip, contact Press@sos.ms.gov.

City of Collins Delinquent Tax Sale

State of Mississippi

County of Covington

City of Collins

I, Suzette Davis, City Clerk/Tax Collector of the City of Collins, Mississippi, in said state and county will sell on Monday, August 29, 2022, at 8:30 a.m. on GovEase Website, www.govease.com/auctions.

The City of Collins Tax Collector will conduct an Online Tax Sale for delinquent and unpaid for the year 2021.  The GovEase Website will allow you to register for the tax sale and bidders will be able to submit bids, view, and download auction results. For more information contact City Hall at 601-765-4491.