At the Picayune City Council meeting on Oct. 1, Lisa Albritton read a proclamation declaring October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, urging residents to wear pink ribbons to support those affected and consult healthcare providers for regular screenings.

“Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the U.S., with a woman diagnosed every two minutes,” the proclamation stated. It highlighted the importance of mammograms, noting that around 30% of women aged 40 and older in Mississippi have not had a screening in the past two years, according to the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. Women were urged to follow screening guidelines, emphasizing that regular screenings can significantly reduce breast cancer deaths.

Councilwoman Anna Turnage addressed the importance of early detection after losing her mother to breast cancer at age 54. “If something feels off or changes, please check it,” Turnage said.

Mayor Luke invited all city employees, all of who are wearing pink or a pink ribbon, to take a photo.

Mayor Jim Luke also proclaimed Nov. 1 as National Author’s Day in memory of Lynne Adams Barze’, a Picayune author who passed away on Nov. 15, 2023. The proclamation recognized authors who inspire, inform, and entertain readers and acknowledged Barze’s contributions to the local writing community.

Barze began writing poetry at age ten and expanded her craft to include short stories, essays, and novels, becoming a novelist in 2013. Known for her work in the Crime, Paranormal, and Science Fiction Mystery genres, she was also a founding member of the Picayune Writers Group, where she mentored fellow writers. The proclamation was presented to her husband, Ted Barze’, who attended along with the Picayune Writers Group.

In other business, Picayune Police announced they would be accepting a donation of a 6-year-old bloodhound, which will be added to the department at no cost.