A driver is expected to be okay after accidentally driving into the front of a Dollar General store in Farity. The crash happened at about 4:30 p.m. Friday. It was not reported whether anyone inside the store was hurt.
This year’s second wave of lovebugs has arrived and may affect vehicles. Lovebugs have two mating seasons each year. Louisiana’s warm winter and wet spring contributed to an increase in their population. The weather reportedly supported a strong earlier generation, leading to a second wave now.
Lovebugs gather in large swarms to mate, and their presence on roadways can lead to vehicle damage. The broadcast said their blood can degrade or damage vehicle paint. Taking a vehicle through a car wash was mentioned as a way to help prevent damage. Another tip shared was using dryer sheets to clean lovebugs off vehicles.
In other news, Madeline Sullivan, Miss Mississippi’s teen, finished as first runner-up in the Miss America’s Teen finals Saturday night. The broadcast said she made the top 11 and the top 5 at the national competition in West Palm Beach, Florida, and received a $9,000 scholarship for her overall finish. She also received a $1,500 scholarship for winning the evening wear preliminary on Tuesday night. The broadcast reported she has won an evening wear preliminary for three consecutive years.
On Labor Day, Louisiana Works said the state’s labor situation is positive. The organization reported more people are working in Louisiana than ever before, with over 2.01 million workers. Louisiana Works Secretary Susie Showan stated wages are increasing faster than inflation, with wages up more than 6% over the past year. The broadcast said job growth includes construction and manufacturing, and that the workforce is diversifying into areas including financial services and leisure as well as other white-collar occupations.
The Mississippi River at Natchez-Vidalia was reported at 22.11 feet and falling.
