Desoto County News

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.

The city recognized the City Clerk’s office this week, thanking City Clerk Andrea and staff for handling records, licenses and elections, a city statement said.

Olive Branch Mayor Ken Adams urged residents to join in honoring firefighters’ courage and sacrifice, singling out members of the Olive Branch Fire Department, he said in a statement.

The City of Olive Branch says an ordinance requires pets to be on a leash and out of ponds in city parks; only Olive Bark Dog Park allows off-leash activity.

The Southaven Chamber of Commerce says it will stage a Star Wars–themed golf and games tournament at Olive Branch Country Club, with pickleball, a costume contest and proceeds benefiting the chamber foundation.