Desoto County News

An 8-year-old boy finished a Special Olympics Torch Run 5K in Byhalia, Mississippi, running alongside an Olive Branch police officer, the Olive Branch Police Department said.

Northwest Mississippi Community College congratulated the 2026 graduates of its Utility Line Worker program, saying it is proud and excited for their future. The message appeared in a post from the college.

The BPD said it will deploy extra patrols with the Panola County Sheriff’s Office for Cinco de Mayo and warned it will not tolerate disorderly conduct.

The City of Southaven’s Parks and Recreation Department said registration is open for the Snowden Grove fall recreational soccer league, with a June 18 deadline. Officials directed applicants to the city’s website or to call the department for more information.

Batesville Main Street will screen free family movies on the town square May 16, June 20 and July 18, the group said. Screenings start at 8 p.m. or at sunset.

Mayor Ken Adams and city officials said a city ordinance requires pets to be leashed and kept out of ponds to protect public safety and wildlife.

The organization said it is honoring its speech therapy team in May, which it called Better Speech and Hearing Month, and highlighted the broad benefits of speech therapy for children and adults.

Southaven Fire Department said it helped carry the torch in the Special Olympics Torch Run, beginning at Fire Station No. 2 at Swinnea and Rasco and passing the torch at City Hall on Northwest Drive. The department said the annual run raises money for the Special Olympics as first responders and athletes carry the ‘Flame of Hope’ to the games’ opening ceremonies.

Registration is open for a one-week summer camp production of “Finding Nemo KIDS,” organizers said. The program, directed by Mary Helen McCord, includes music and dancing and has limited spots available at dftonline.org/summercamp2026.

Northwest Mississippi Community College said Employee Appreciation Day began with a celebration recognizing its 2025-26 retirees and service award recipients, thanking them for their impact on students, staff and the community.