Frustrations continue to mount over Cossar State Park’s ongoing closure. There are numerous reports of campers coming in and having to turn around, stopping in the driveways and yards of nearby residents trying to find out what is going on. A brief update from a Cossar Friends member reports that there is a new park manager. I will try to touch base with him this week and share more information. There are also reports that much work is going on at the park. The office is being redone as well as two cabins. I’m not sure if this is due to damage during the ice storm or not. I’m also told that officials are waiting to see what FEMA is going to reimburse before finishing up on tree and limb removal.
The Oakland pickleball court has had a refresh with a textured court surface now giving our players a little more traction. Players are already taking advantage of the warmer weather to play. For those who want to learn to play or just to understand the game, we have free lessons on Sunday afternoon, April 12. Coaches Carol Ross and Gail Goestenkors will be offering lessons beginning at 3 p.m.
Both are former college and WNBA coaches and know how to coach. Gail is in the National Hall of Fame.
You don’t want to miss this amazing opportunity. Bring a chair. We have some basic equipment, but if you have your own, please bring it.
Candy Hony and Marsheila Williams of Greenwood stopped by last Sunday afternoon to visit with Margaret Ross. Candy is Mother’s niece and always has interesting information to share!
I just returned from the Chicago area visiting my 8-month-old granddaughter and her parents (son Josh and daughter-in-law Rosy). We had one day of beautiful weather and visited the Chicago Botanic Garden, one of my favorite places. Of course, the baby had a slight cold and I brought it back in full force.
One of my friends said these grandbabies are petri dishes and I totally agree, but it was worth it. The babies change so much each month at this stage and I was needing to get my hands on that baby girl!
If all goes well, the 2026 legislative session will draw to a close this week. They are ready to go home and we are ready for them to go home! I am still waiting to see the final appropriations bill on whether or not Oakland was awarded funding for the fire truck we must have.
Oakland’s 2% tax on prepared foods was extended. All income from those taxes must be spent on tourism and parks and recreation. The law must be extended every four years.
As I write, more than 4,000 acres of Carroll County are burning. Burn bans are serious. Burn bans are restrictions on outdoor burning during drought or wildfire conditions. Dozens of homes have been evacuated. The county Board of Supervisors normally requests burn bans, and the Mississippi Forestry Commission approves the requests. All burn bans expire at midnight on the stated date of expiration.
A burn ban means no outdoor burning of any kind.
The local sheriff’s department enforces burn bans. To check the status of burn bans in your county or nearby counties, go to www.mfc.ms.gov/ burning-info/burn-bans/ or call the Mississippi Forestry Commission or your elected officials or fire departments.
On Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, from noon until 2 p.m., the Oakland Lions Club is spearheading a Memorial Day Tribute Walk.
If you have a loved one who died serving our country, please get in touch with Cassaundra Pipkin by texting 662-360-5689 or emailing LaTonya Sayles at Oaklandarealionsclub@gmail.com before May 9 to have your loved one included in the tribute.
Let me know if you have news to include. Contact me via email at oaklandareachamber@gmail.com or text or call and leave a message at 601-853-3942.
