Desoto County News

Olive Branch Mayor Ken Adams posted a social media notice urging attendees to review “know before you go” information for the Light the Way Freedom Fest on Friday. The post was unavailable on Facebook, which said it may have been shared with a limited audience or deleted.

Starting July 1, Mississippi’s new law permits certain juvenile firearm offenses to be prosecuted in adult court, aiming to improve public safety.

The chamber received five-star accreditation after passing 16 review categories, its president and CEO said, and leaders urged the public to attend a July 8 B2B AM event to see the chamber’s work.

The Southaven Parks and Recreation Department said July is National Parks and Recreation Month and noted its staff maintain the city’s parks and run sports programs.

Olive Branch police and the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office said the westbound lanes of Highway 78 at Interstate 269 are closed due to a vehicle fire and motorists should use alternate routes.

Mayor Ken Adams and the Olive Branch Police and Fire departments said the extreme heat watch has been replaced by an areawide heat advisory through 8 p.m. Friday. Officials said uncertainty about possible storms later in the week makes it unlikely heat indices will reach 110 degrees or higher.

The city of Olive Branch says construction is underway on a new walking trail and scenic bridge over Lick Creek at the George M. Harrison Soccer Complex. Fisher Arnold provided photos of the installation.

The city said its Olive Branch Farmers Market will run Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and will be open on July 4, with special pop-ups planned each week.

Horn Lake Police Department said gates open at 7 p.m. and the fireworks show at Latimer Lakes Park will begin about 9 p.m. on July 2, 2026. The department posted a map showing a fallout zone, road closures and traffic flow plans.

The City of Olive Branch announced a free Public Safety Night Out from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 30 at the city track in Olive Branch City Park, featuring live music, safety demonstrations and a free food giveaway.