Development News for Olive Branch, Mississippi

The Ark of Northwest Mississippi Reports Record Year with Expanded Programs and Success Stories

Rebecca Treadway, Executive Director of The Ark of Northwest Mississippi, provided an update on the organization's programs and successes. The Ark serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, aiming to help them reach their maximum potential by creating events, connecting families to services, and educating the community. This summer, The Ark is running all its programs simultaneously, including Camp Bold (serving 265 campers and 245 counselors), Garden Guardians (serving 60 individuals with 25 counselors), and Glow and Grow Studio (serving 18 individuals). They also offer social clubs, exercise, art, and cooking classes, with plans to serve over a thousand people in June and July through two family events. Treadway shared success stories, including a young man who received timely assistance to enter a day program after a family tragedy and another adult with autism who secured full-time employment at Hernando Goodwill after participating in job readiness programs. Additionally, the organization assisted a family with a son exhibiting extreme behavioral problems by helping place him in a behavioral home, reducing the strain on the police department and improving the son's quality of life. Her son, Ethan, also successfully completed the job readiness program and secured his first full-time job with the county. The city's support is crucial for these programs.

Mugshots Approved for One-Time Benefit Event Featuring Outdoor Alcohol Service

Mugshots restaurant requested approval for a one-time benefit event for three families needing financial assistance, to be held on June 13th. The event would feature a silent and live auction. To accommodate the event, Mugshots requested an extension of their patio and a special event permit for alcohol consumption in a designated parking area. They have consulted with Fire Marshall Jason CoAD, who confirmed that blocking off the area would not hinder normal operations. The request also involves an allowance for open containers as an exception to the city ordinance. The event is scheduled from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm and is considered a one-time occurrence, though Mugshots hopes to make it a yearly event. They also plan future events in partnership with local communities and high schools, such as a 'spirit night' where 10% of sales go to participating organizations. The board approved the motion for the one-day festival to proceed with outdoor beer consumption.

Olive Branch Police Department Receives Fourth Kalia Accreditation Award

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Officers (Kalia) presented the Olive Branch Police Department with a certificate of accreditation, marking their fourth such award. The accreditation process involved remote reviews of compliance files and an on-site assessment conducted from November 3rd to 5th, 2025. During the assessment, 29 interviews were conducted with agency members, partnering agencies, community members, and members of the governing body. All interviewed individuals expressed positive feedback regarding the department's commitment to professionalism and community service. The assessor noted the agency's compliance with all applicable standards and its commitment to the Kalia process. The commission unanimously voted to reaccredit the agency in Tucson, Arizona. The certificate recognizes the department's commitment to law enforcement excellence for a period of four years, with the current accreditation effective March 21st, 2026. This places the Olive Branch Police Department among the less than 5% of US agencies and seven in Mississippi to hold this accreditation.

Board Declares Two Properties Public Health and Safety Menaces, Directs Cleanup

The board considered six properties for declaration as nuisances to public health and safety. At the time of the staff report, one property at 9154 College Road had been cleaned. Other properties at 8020 Camtown Lane, 7156 Lakai Road, and 7120 Oak Forest Drive have also been cleaned since the report. However, two properties, owned by Shanica Washington and Olive Branch MFG Corporation Incorporated, located east of the hospital (I22 and Chatau Drive) and at the intersection of Highway 78 (better known as Hacks Crossroad or Broad Street), and another property at 7920 West Sandwich Road, were not attended to and remained in a state of disrepair. The staff recommended declaring the two properties owned by Shanica Washington and Olive Branch MFG Corporation Incorporated as a menace to public health and safety, directing city staff or contract labor to clean them. The board approved the motion to direct staff to clean these two properties, declaring them a menace to public health and safety. For the properties in list A, no action was required as they met expectations.