Jackson Free Press

Fondren Renaissance Group Makes Record Donation

The Fondren Renaissance Group made history May 22 by presenting Friends of Children's Hospital a check for $100,000, the amount the group raised in this year's Zippity Doo Dah Weekend in March. The amount is the most that Fondren Renaissance has ever raised in Zippity Doo Dah's three-year history.

"A very special thanks to each and every person who put even one ounce of time, energy, talent or resources into this year's event," Jim Wilkirson, Fondren Renaissance's executive director, said in a statement thanking the individuals and businesses that helped raise the record donation. "You truly are a special group of people, and we could never say thanks enough. We appreciate you, but moreover, the children and families of Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children thank you."

Great Scott Presents Putting on the Dog, a Benefit for CARA

On Saturday, June 8th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Community Animal Rescue and Adoption Inc.— a nonprofit "no-kill" animal rescue group that cares for hundreds of abused, unwanted and stray animals—is holding the Putting on the Dog fundraiser, presented by Great Scott at its store at 4400 Old Canton Road.

The event will include food sales by Manship Wood Fired Kitchen (1200 N. State St., 601-572-1006) and Campbell's Bakery (3013 N. State St., 601-362-4628), a silent auction, a vendor and crafts market, a children's carnival, adoptable CARA dogs and more. Y101.7 and Mix 98.7 will broadcast live from the event and the Mississippi Corvette Club will display cars. Dog food, dog treats or other donations are appreciated.

For information, contact Denise Cantrell at [email protected] or call 601-842-4404.

C Spire Wireless Bringing Faster Internet Service to 496,000 People

C Spire Wireless spokesman Dave Miller recently announced that C Spire plans to add 4G LTE service to 205 cell sites across Mississippi from August through November, increasing wireless data speeds up to 10 times beyond current 3G capability for more than 496,000 people.

The company also plans to introduce the technology in south Alabama and northwest Florida by the end of November. C Spire and some of its competitors began the 4G service last year in parts of Mississippi. Over 2,700 square miles of C Spire's Mississippi area, including much of metro Jackson, has been upgraded to 4G so far.

Areas of Mississippi not covered in the current expansion will get the technology in 2014.

Chaney Fears Some Won't Get Insurance

Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney recently said in an interview with the Vicksburg Post that he fears some people won't be able to get health insurance when enrollment under the federal health-care expansion law opens in October. The Affordable Care Act—designed to provide affordable health-insurance coverage to Americans regardless of income—takes effect Jan. 1, 2014, after this October's open enrollment.

Chaney believes that confusion over plans, coverages and rates during the enrollment period could discourage some from getting insurance. He said that some of the programs may cost too much, or that people will get upset over the process and not get coverage.

The commissioner stated that he will make sure the insurance plans conform to state law and that policies cover the state's mandatory health benefits.