TAYLORSVILLE, MS - The Town of Taylorsville would like to remind residents who choose to use the city park for personal events such as birthday parties, celebrations, or other gatherings to please be considerate and pick up your trash after you are done with the facilities. Litter is a costly problem to taxpayers and is unsightly to the rest of the community.

You can take steps to keep our community clean by doing these simple tasks:

• Pick up your trash after you are finished with your event.
• If you use the provided trash cans and fill them completely, please replace the bag in the can. Overflowing cans cause litter and debris to be spilled on the ground where it is blown around by the wind.
• Follow good community practice by taking out everything you bring into a public space.

By following these guidelines, you can help save the taxpayers of Taylorsville money and help keep our community beautiful.

JACKSON, MS - Today, the Mississippi Department of Health expanded the eligibility criteria for COVID-19 vaccinations to include ALL Mississippians aged 16 or older. That means that most residents of Taylorsville are now eligible for vaccination.

If you are 18 or older, you can be vaccinated at any of the state's drive-thru sites at no cost. Persons younger than 18 should make a drive-through site appointment by calling 877-978-6453, or visit a private healthcare provider for COVID-19 vaccination to ensure that they receive a vaccine approved for their age.

If you have had severe reactions from previous vaccines or injectable medications, please consult with your doctor or a private medical provider about vaccination, rather than visiting an MSDH drive-through site.

You can use this interactive map to find a vaccination site near you: Find a Vaccine - Mississippi State Department of Health

TAYLORSVILLE, MS - A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for Smith County until 6:00AM on Tuesday as Winter Storm Uri is expected to bring a once-in-25-year ice storm to the area. Heavy mixed wintry precipitation is expected. Total snow and sleet accumulations of up to 6 inches and ice accumulations of one quarter to one half of an inch are possible. Power outages and tree damage are likely due to the ice. Travel could be nearly impossible. 

On top of the significant icing event tomorrow, a surge of dangerously cold arctic air is expected to reach the area late tonight and linger through Wednesday. This will be a long duration event with very cold conditions and dangerous wind chill readings as low as several degrees below zero with the coldest temperatures expected Tuesday morning. This will prohibit any ice on roadways from melting, and what may melt will quickly refreeze.

We are ready to respond if accumulation of ice causes disruptions of public services. Prepare for several days without power. 

- Stock up on water, food, and firewood.
- Get fuel for generators and make a plan to use them safely.
- Protect your pets, plants and pipes.
- Check on your elderly, family and neighbors.
- Have a heat source.
- Stay off roads, black ice is deadly and very dangerous.

County crews in Beat 1 and Beat 4 have already begun applying slag to bridges along county roads. Slag is a loose gravel material that helps promote traction. MDOT has been working around the clock monitoring the state highway system and applying salt brine and slag where needed. 

No amount of slag or salt brine will prevent a roadway from icing. The safest way to avoid a accident during winter conditions is to stay at home. If you must travel, drive extremely slow, and allow plenty of extra time to brake.

If you lose power and need warmth, all of our county fire departments have been working alongside the Smith County Emergency Management Agency to open their stations for residents to come in and warm up. These stations will ONLY be opened if power is lost. In addition, Taylorsville Mayor Kellie Phipps has announced that if the Taylorsville Fire Station becomes overcrowded, additional space will be available at the National Guard Armory.

We encourage everyone to stay home and stay warm.

TAYLORSVILLE, MS - This past weekend, the National Weather Service in Jackson surveyed damage in the aftermath of the severe weather that tracked through the area during the early morning hours of Christmas Eve. This EF-0 tornado began in downtown Taylorsville along Mississippi State Route 28 and Mississippi State Route 37, where two commercial signs were damaged and a utility pole was downed. Sheet metal from a business' roof was found wrapped onto the pole. The tornado continued eastward along Highway 28, and then paralleling Eaton Street where additional trees were snapped and uprooted. The tornado continued across Mississippi State Route 531 and along Smith County Road 4, snapping and uprooting additional trees before lifting.

RALEIGH, MS - Tropical Storm Christobal has formed in the southern Gulf of Mexico, and will pose a threat to the Mississippi Gulf Coast this weekend into next week. As such, we will begin issuing daily alerts on this system as it moves closer to the Gulf Coast. 

At 10:00 AM CDT, the center of Cristobal was located near latitude 18.6N, longitude 92.0W. Cristobal is moving toward the SSE near 3 mph, and a turn toward the east is expected later today. A turn toward the NNE and north is expected on Thursday and Friday. On the forecast track, the center will move over the land mass of eastern Mexico through Thursday. The center is forecast to move back over the Gulf of Mexico by Friday.

Maximum sustained winds are near 60 mph with higher gusts. Slow weakening is forecast during the next 48 hours, and Cristobal will likely become a tropical depression by Thursday evening. Some re-strengthening is expected to begin on Friday. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 60 miles from the center. The estimated minimum central pressure is 995 mb (29.39 inches).

It is imperative that you plan now for potential tropical storm conditions. You can find information on how to plan for a tropical system by downloading the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency's 2020 Hurricane Preparedness Guide at https://www.msema.org/…/39779_MEMA-Hurrican-Preparedness.pdf
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Should an evacuation be ordered for the Gulf Coast, please make yourself aware of the evacuation routes.

Evacuation routes in coastal Mississippi are:
- Interstate 10
- Interstate 110
- Interstate 59
- US Highway 90
- US Highway 49
- US Highway 98
- State Route 43
- State Route 603
- State Route 53
- State Route 605
- State Route 67
- State Route 15
- State Route 609
- State Route 57
- State Route 63

While an evacuation would not be expected for Smith County, evacuation routes in Smith County include:
- State Route 35
- State Route 28
- State Route 13
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The next update for Smith County will be at 8:00PM tomorrow.

TAYLORSVILLE, MS - As the state continues to test people for the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), the number of active cases across the state continues to climb. It now stands at 249, with one of those cases being inside Smith County.

Rest assured, your city officials are working with county and state partners to ensure that the risk of community spread from COVID-19 remains low.

Last week, sweeping restrictions were placed on various services across the county.

Effective immediately, all Smith County Schools will be closed tentatively until April 17th, 2020. Kindergarten registration is postponed until further notice, and all events except graduation have been cancelled for the remainder of the school year. The district, realizing its role as more than just a school, will be offering to-go lunches as each of its campuses beginning March 24th-27th. The Central Office will be open on a limited schedule during this time.

Echoing other counties, the Smith County Board of Supervisors declared that a local state of emergency exists in Smith County due to the COVID-19 outbreak. This will free up administrative restrictions and ensure that Smith County's agencies can get the assistance and resources they need to combat the Coronavirus as soon as possible. Along with the State of Emergency, the Supervisors also announced new restrictions on county offices, which are as follows.

• The Board of Supervisor’s Office, Chancery Clerk Office, Circuit Clerk Office, Tax Assessor's Office and Justice Court will be open from 10:00AM - 2:00PM each weekday until April 6th.
• No more than 10 people are allowed in any county office at any time.
• If you have needs that can be met over the phone, please call rather than visit in person. Over 50% of your needs can be met with a phone call!

Here at home, Mayor Kellie Phipps announced that a local state of emergency exists and placed restrictions on visitors to City Hall to help mitigate the threat of COVID-19 to city employees. Citizens can still make payments on their water bills or speak to a city hall employee by utilizing the drive-through window during normal business hours from 8AM-5PM. The mayor also stated that Dixie Youth activities at the Taylorsville Sportsplex have been postponed until further notice aswell. She reminds all citizens of Taylorsville to be vigilant, and practice good hygiene as we all tackle the coronavirus threat together.

Smith County EMA Director Heather Easterling would like to remind Smith County residents that there are no shortage of rumors going around regarding the coronavirus. The Smith County Emergency Management Agency wants to point out that these rumors are hindering the jobs of the ones trying to help you. We are having to stop what we doing to call and verify all these rumors. Please continue to help us prevent the spread of this virus by social distancing, limiting gatherings to 10 people and washing your hands!

If you need information, please contact the Smith County Emergency Management Agency, the Mississippi Department of Health, or visit the Smith County coronavirus information page to verify this information before you post false rumors!

Together, and by sharing only the facts, we will defeat the coronavirus!

On Wednesday, November 27th, Mayor Kellie Phipps announced that the dates for the Town of Taylorsville's 2019 Christmas Parade had been set.

This year's date is December 12th, beginning at 5:00PM. The parade will begin as usual at Taylorsville High School and pass down Eaton Street before turning left and passing down Main Street.

Folks interested in entering a float or display into this year's Christmas Parade can pick up a registration form at the Town Hall.

We hope for pleasant weather and to see everyone out in the community on December 12th for this traditional event featuring music, fellowship, and community spirit.

It's that time again! The temperatures are getting cooler, the days are getting shorter... It must be fall, ya'll!

Homecoming 2019
With the cooler temperatures, that also means it's time for you to find your way back home to Taylorsville for some good Tartar football!

Our homecoming parade will take place on Thursday, October 17th, beginning at 4:30PM. The parade will begin at Taylorsville High School, head south on Hester Street, then turn left on Eaton Street. The parade will then pass down Main Street before ending back at the school.

The presentation of the 2019 Taylorsville High School Homecoming court will commence at 6:00PM on Friday, October 18th. Kickoff for the game against Enterprise-Clarke will be at 7:00PM. The school would like to remind everyone that you MUST pay to enter the stadium for the homecoming presentation, and that all Smith County Schools have a no re-entry policy.

2nd Annual Boo In the Park
Everyone is welcome to join the Town of Taylorsville, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Mayor's Youth Council for Boo in the Park! Everyone is welcome to join the Town of Taylorsville, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Mayor's Youth Council for Boo in the Park!

Boo in the Park returns for year two this October 26th with even more activities for everyone to take part in! A family-friendly alternative to traditional trick-or-treat activities, this event is sure to please both parents and the kiddos alike! There will be fun, games, and of course, candy!

This year, admission to Boo in the Park will be $1. Vendors will be allowed to set up booths. If you would like to set up a booth, please contact city hall or a Mayor's Youth Council member. Gates open at 6:00PM.

We hope to see you all out at these events over the coming days!

2019's Homecoming Theme is "Tradition." Photo Credit: Elle Sullivan, TartarSnaps

Good evening Taylorsville! Some of you sharp-eyed folks out there have noticed this for a few weeks now, but we are officially launched all of the digital content for Grillin' and Chillin 2019!

The 2019 iteration of the Grillin' and Chillin' BBQ Festival will be held on Saturday, November 2nd, 2019. Gates will open at 9AM. For the second time in its history, admission is FREE. That's right, admission is FREE. So come on out, enjoy the day, and let's enjoy some good 'ole southern hospitality.

Your 2019 entertainment lineup will kickoff at 11:00AM with Fordie Hayes and Seth Powell! This year, we really pulled the strings and are pleased and humbled to announce that your main act, taking the stage at 5:00PM is.... JEFF BATES!

So come on out to downtown Taylorsville, and bring your lawnchairs! This is one you don't want to miss!
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Vendors! You can register now at https://visittvillems.org/grillin-and-chillin.html

2018's Grillin' and Chillin' was a tremendous success. We invite everyone back for 2019.

Good afternoon, Taylorsville! It's a great day here in southern Smith County and the Office of the Mayor would like to remind everyone about some major infrastructure projects that will impact citizens over the coming months.

The mayor's would first like to remind residents that the fastest way to bring issues in your neighborhood to the city's attention is to call city hall at 601-785-6531 and request a work order with the Department of Public Works. After this is completed, we will work diligently to get a team dispatched out to investigate the problem.

​State Route 28 Intersection Improvement Project
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You may have noticed things are beginning to change in downtown! Southern Pine Electric Power just moved to their brand-new facility on SR 28, and that means that the Mississippi Department of Transportation is about to begin work on a multi-million dollar project to fix our four-way stop!

This project will involve bringing State Route 28 into the intersection with State Route 37 about 600 ft south of its current intersection, removing the need to make two turns to continue east or west on State Route 28. This project will also add a red-light at this intersection, and dedicated turn lanes to better improve traffic flow. In addition, MDOT will be improving drainage, replacing signage, and overlaying on both SR 28 and SR 37. This project is scheduled to be let to contract in November of this year, with construction beginning early 2020. 

Of course, we will keep you informed of any major traffic delays or detours that are necessary because of this work.

In relation to the four-way stop project, you may see city employees out and about making repairs to water lines and fixing leaks in preparation for the realignment of SR 28. These repairs will not only increase the reliability of the city's aging water distribution system, but they will ensure that the project does not interfere with the burdens of moving a heavily-traveled highway. Mississippi Power has also been working to set new poles along both SR 28 and SR 37 in preparation for the project.

This project is long-overdue and will bring much needed improvements and economic development to our community. It will also provide our town with new beauty as Main Street is resurfaced and revitalized.

State Route 37 Chip-Seal Project

MDOT will begin applying a chipseal to State Route 37 over the next week or so from the Taylorsville city limits north to County Road 91. This process will involve replacing failed asphalt with new asphalt, then spraying a liquid asphalt binder to the surface. Gravel is then spread over this binder, compacted, and swept. Chipseals are a great pavement preservation method and can extend the life of a highway by 7-10 years when done correctly.

County Road 21 Chip-Seal Project

The Smith County Board of Supervisors recently completed a chip-seal project on CR 21 from SR 37 in Taylorsville to the Covington County line. Leveling work was preformed on low-spots in the roadway and then a chip-seal was applied. This should restore traction to the worn surface of the road and provide a much smoother travel experience for residents living in that area.

County Road 14 Improvement Project

Work recently wrapped up on a multi-year project to widen and improve County Road 14, a major thoroughfare to the Taylorsville Industrial Park. A few weeks ago, contractors placed down the final permanent striping on the project. This project began several years ago, and involved replacing all cross culverts, adding concrete ditches, widening CR 14, overlaying the road, and then adding rumble strips for improved safety. With these improvements completed, motorists should notice a much better travel experience on CR 14.

We appreciate the communities patience as we work diligently with our state and county partners to provide a better quality of life here in Taylorsville. If you have any questions, you can reach out to us via our "Contact Us" page. Make sure you are following @visittvilems on Twitter and Facebook to get all the latest updates on these projects.