Greetings Indianola,
As we enter into the Christmas season, I would like to wish holiday blessings upon each family and individual in our city. Please seek to reach out to those who are most vulnerable among us. Check on the elderly, physically challenged and those who are low in spirit.
Additionally, please be aware of your surroundings. As you shop and attend festivities, please remain vigilant. The world is changing even in our neck of the woods. If you see suspicious activity, say something. Let’s make sure that we are safe, as well as our neighbors. Let’s bring back community and look out for one another. Philippians 2:3 says, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem the things of others better that ourselves.”
With that being said, I would like to highlight the point that Indianola is safer. To date, we only have one gun-related homicide for 2025 — and that’s one too many. This is a stark contrast from previous years. I always say, “Good things don’t just happen, they are deliberate.” We can thank our Indianola Police Department and the Sunflower County Sheriff’s Office for gains we have made in public safety. I can’t stress enough the importance of inter-governmental partnerships. We are truly better together!
You may also notice that there is more lighting around the city. Lack of illumination leads to crime and littering. Our continual plan is to “light up the night.” We are installing LED lighting which burns brighter and longer. Additional lamps are being installed all around town. Many citizens ask about our decorative lights in and around downtown. We are repairing and replacing those also. If you are aware of areas around town that are dark, please reach out to City Hall and let us know. In essence, we are moving in the right direction. Join me in the improvement process.
“Let’s continue to go higher, Indianola!”
Mayor Ken Featherstone
