The City of Laurel will soon begin enforcing parking laws downtown.

With the new recognition as a Main Street Community, recently completed developments, and future projects impacting downtown, city officials said parking and traffic have become concerns.

Many parking places have time limit signs posted, but very few times have these time limits been enforced in the past. People who park longer than the posted time, or those who park in areas not designated for parking, may find a ticket.

The tickets, however, will only be warnings for the time being.

Wildfire danger

Ed Brown with the Mississippi Forestry Commission is urging people to avoid burning on windy days. The National Weather Service has issued Red Flag warnings for the area this week, but there are no burn bans in Jones County at this time.

Brown said 40 percent of yearly wildfires in Mississippi occur in March. He said there were seven wildfires burning in the district Wednesday, one of those in Jones County. The largest fire recently, he said, destroyed 600 acres and several structures in Lauderdale County Tuesday.

Brown said people burning debris is the biggest cause of wildfires in the area.

Unsung hero deadline today

The deadline to make a nomination for unsung heroes is today.

Once each year, the Laurel Leader-Call recognizes several local people who truly make a difference in the community, but often stay ‘under the radar’ when it comes to recognition or gratitude.

The unsung heroes, along with the Leader-Call’s Citizen of the Year, will be recognized during a special Business After Hours reception at the newspaper office.

Only the names must be submitted to the Leader-Call by the close of business today. Names can be submitted to anyone in the newsroom. Articles and photographs are also welcome, and these are due by Tuesday, April 1. But, please still get the person’s name to the newsroom by the end of the day today, even if the article will be submitted complete. We must have the names in time so they may be recognized.

Names, articles, and photos may be submitted in person at 130 Beacon Street, by phone at (601) 428-0551, or by e-mailing editor@laurelleadercall.com or newseditor@laurelleadercall.com.