Raylen Ladner
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Articles by Raylen Ladner
Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival artists prepare for 48th annual event
Harrison County, Miss. (WLOX) — Local artists are putting the finishing touches on their work as the 48th annual Peter Anderson Arts & Crafts Festival approaches. The festival takes place Nov. 7 and 8, 2026. Potter prepares for 36th year at festival Brian Nettles owns Nettles Pottery in Pass Christian. He has worked in clay for more than 40 years and this will be his 36th year participating in the Peter Anderson Festival. Nettles said he makes roughly 3,000 pots a year and works as a one-man show.
Southern Promiseland Farm expects 46 calves this fall through embryo transfer program
KILN, Miss. (WLOX) — Southern Promiseland Farm has welcomed two new calves this fall, with 46 more expected through February, as the farm uses embryo transfer technology to grow its herd. The farm has operated for about 30 years and started its corn maze 22 years ago. Owner Stacey Necaise said the farm has always kept cattle or other livestock. Embryo transfer process After acquiring Highland cows, the farm began using embryo transfer.
Southern Promiseland Farm expects 46 calves this fall through embryo transfer program Original
KILN, Miss. (WLOX) — Southern Promiseland Farm has welcomed two new calves this fall, with 46 more expected through February, as the farm uses embryo transfer technology to grow its herd. The farm has operated for about 30 years and started its corn maze 22 years ago. Owner Stacey Necaise said the farm has always kept cattle or other livestock. Embryo transfer process After acquiring Highland cows, the farm began using embryo transfer.
High school marching bands compete at the 57th annual Region V State Marching Evaluation Original
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — High school marching bands performed at Milner Stadium, Gulfport High School’s home field, for the Region V State Marching Evaluation. “I think that was the best run we have ever had,” Gulfport High School drum major Lily Harrien said. 33 bands take the field Gulfport High School opened the evaluation on its home field after months of practice. Thirty-three high school bands took the field, each competing for top marks in music and marching precision.
1956 Chevrolet Bel Air owner reflects on decades of memories at Cruisin’ the Coast Original
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — As Cruisin’ the Coast comes to a close, a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door Sport Coupe hardtop drew attention to car lovers. The car belongs to Hattiesburg resident David Dudley, who said it holds personal significance beyond its classic status. A first car with decades of history Dudley said he is 74 years old and got the car when he was in the 11th grade. “My first car ever owned,” Dudley said.
Cruisin' the Coast draws crowds to Edgewater Mall despite severe weather
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — Classic cars and cruisers filled Edgewater Mall as Cruisin' the Coast closed out its 30th anniversary, despite severe weather that led some visitors to leave town early. Some visitors left ahead of the storm, raising concerns that the final stretch of the event would see lower turnout. Cruisers at Edgewater Mall soaked up sunshine and cooler temperatures as the event returned to full swing.
Cruisin’ the Coast draws crowds to Edgewater Mall despite severe weather
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — Classic cars and cruisers filled Edgewater Mall as Cruisin’ the Coast closed out its 30th anniversary, despite severe weather that led some visitors to leave town early. Some visitors left ahead of the storm, raising concerns that the final stretch of the event would see lower turnout. Cruisers at Edgewater Mall soaked up sunshine and cooler temperatures as the event returned to full swing.
Cruisin’ the Coast continues Friday with adjusted schedule Original
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Hurricane Isaias is threatening Cruisin’ the Coast, but car enthusiasts are not calling it quits. Thursday evening, Cruisin’ executive director Woody Bailey said venue hours would be adjusted because of the storm. Venues will be open Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., he said. Bailey said venue and event hours will return to normal Saturday. More than 10,600 vehicles have registered for this year’s event, surpassing last year’s record by roughly 300 cars.
Pass Christian leaders review 2023 financial audit at special meeting
PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (WLOX) — After years without a formal financial audit, the city of Pass Christian is finally getting a closer look at its books. During a special meeting, city leaders reviewed the long-overdue 2023 audit, which revealed significant bookkeeping and financial oversight issues. Two instances of suspected fraud were also reported, with state investigators now looking into the matter.
Pass Christian leaders review 2023 financial audit at special meeting
PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (WLOX) — After years without a formal financial audit, the city of Pass Christian is finally getting a closer look at its books. During a special meeting, city leaders reviewed the long-overdue 2023 audit, which revealed significant bookkeeping and financial oversight issues. After years without a formal financial audit, the city of Pass Christian is finally getting a closer look at its books.
Rain doesn't stop classic car lovers at Hardy Court Cruise-In
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) - Classic cars and vintage rides filled the Hardy Court Shopping Center in Gulfport Sunday morning for the annual Hardy Court Cruise-In. The event is one of the oldest traditions surrounding Cruisin' the Coast. It began before it was an official Cruisin' event. What started as a place for early-bird cruisers to park, show off their rides and hang out before the official festivities began has since become a cruising tradition of its own. Rain did not keep cruisers away.
Rain doesn’t stop classic car lovers at Hardy Court Cruise-In
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) - Classic cars and vintage rides filled the Hardy Court Shopping Center in Gulfport Sunday morning for the annual Hardy Court Cruise-In. The event is one of the oldest traditions surrounding Cruisin’ the Coast. It began before it was an official Cruisin’ event. What started as a place for early-bird cruisers to park, show off their rides and hang out before the official festivities began has since become a cruising tradition of its own. Rain did not keep cruisers away.
Long Beach food pantry requests food donations during Cruisin' week
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — The Long Beach Community Food Pantry is asking for help as it works to keep its shelves stocked amid a growing need for food assistance. The pantry said more families are turning to it for help, while supplies are currently running low. Starting Monday, the pantry will collect food donations during Cruisin' the Coast. Donation boxes will be set up at the First Baptist Church Long Beach Lighthouse Tent on the old church property during Monday's parade.
Embroidery market draws over 500 people to Mississippi Coast Coliseum
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — The Everything Embroidery Market took place this week at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, bringing together more than 500 registered attendees. The three-day event featured embroidery vendors, hands-on classes and live demonstrations for experienced embroiderers, garment decorators and beginners. Cristina Schulman, showrunner, said the event was created to bring different aspects of the industry together in one place.
Event volunteers gear up for Cruisin' the Coast
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Setup was underway Saturday at Cruisin' Central at Jones Park as volunteers geared up for the 30th anniversary of Cruisin' the Coast. Volunteers picked up their iconic yellow shirts and badges ahead of the weeklong event. With this year marking three decades of Cruisin', organizers said they are expecting another big turnout and couldn't pull it off without their volunteers. Once the cars start rolling in, keep an eye out for those yellow shirts.
Embroidery market draws 500-plus to Biloxi coliseum
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — The Everything Embroidery Market took place this week at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, bringing together more than 500 registered attendees. The three-day event featured embroidery vendors, hands-on classes and live demonstrations for experienced embroiderers, garment decorators and beginners.
Event volunteers gear up for Cruisin’ the Coast
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — Setup was underway Saturday at Cruisin’ Central at Jones Park as volunteers geared up for the 30th anniversary of Cruisin’ the Coast. Volunteers picked up their iconic yellow shirts and badges ahead of the weeklong event. With this year marking three decades of Cruisin’, organizers said they are expecting another big turnout and couldn’t pull it off without their volunteers. Once the cars start rolling in, keep an eye out for those yellow shirts.
Long Beach food pantry requests food donations during Cruisin’ week
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — The Long Beach Community Food Pantry is asking for help as it works to keep its shelves stocked amid a growing need for food assistance. The pantry said more families are turning to it for help, while supplies are currently running low. The pantry said more families are turning to it for help, while supplies are currently running low. Starting Monday, the pantry will collect food donations during Cruisin’ the Coast.
Cruisin' the Coast preparations underway in Bay St. Louis
BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. (WLOX) — Cruisin' the Coast officially kicks off this weekend, and preparations are already underway in Bay St. Louis. Tents are going up, businesses are stocking up and classic cars are beginning to roll into town. Regulars claim their spots early Cars are just starting to trickle in, but some Cruisin' regulars are wasting no time claiming their spots. “We've been ready since we left last year,” said Will Irby, a Madison Mississippi, resident.
Cruisin’ the Coast preparations underway in Bay St. Louis
BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. (WLOX) — Cruisin’ the Coast officially kicks off this weekend, and preparations are already underway in Bay St. Louis. Tents are going up, businesses are stocking up and classic cars are beginning to roll into town. Regulars claim their spots early Cars are just starting to trickle in, but some Cruisin’ regulars are wasting no time claiming their spots. “We’ve been ready since we left last year,” said Will Irby, a Madison Mississippi, resident.
Oyster season opens on Mississippi Gulf Coast
PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (WLOX) — Oyster season is officially open for the 2026-27 season, and about 15 boats had already taken to the water Thursday morning. Boats hit the water bright and early Thursday as oystermen spent the morning searching the reefs for their first catch of the season. Finding them on opening day took some work. “It was slim pickings at first, but we went and caught some. We knew where they were at,” said James “Catfish” Miller, an oysterman with Second Wind.
Oyster season opens on Mississippi Gulf Coast
PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (WLOX) — Oyster season is officially open for the 2026-27 season, and about 15 boats had already taken to the water Thursday morning. Boats hit the water bright and early Thursday as oystermen spent the morning searching the reefs for their first catch of the season. Finding them on opening day took some work. “It was slim pickings at first, but we went and caught some. We knew where they were at,” said James “Catfish” Miller, an oysterman with Second Wind.
Green sea turtle released into Mississippi Sound after months of rehab
PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (WLOX) — One green sea turtle is now home in the Mississippi Sound. The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) released the turtle Thursday morning on the beach across from Walmart in Pass Christian. The turtle arrived at IMMS after accidentally being caught in a cast net in Bay St. Louis. While the net didn’t hurt the animal, the fisherman noticed previous injuries and called IMMS.
Green sea turtle released into Mississippi Sound after months of rehab
PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (WLOX) — One green sea turtle is now home in the Mississippi Sound. The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) released the turtle Thursday morning on the beach across from Walmart in Pass Christian. The turtle arrived at IMMS after accidentally being caught in a cast net in Bay St. Louis. While the net didn’t hurt the animal, the fisherman noticed previous injuries and called IMMS.
Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary gives surrendered monkeys a second life
PERKINSTON, Miss. (WLOX) — Twenty-two monkeys are relearning how to be monkeys at the Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary after spending their lives as pets in people’s homes. Caregivers say the rescues point to a larger issue behind how monkeys end up in American households. How the sanctuary started April Stewart, founder of the Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary, said her involvement began the same way many owners’ did. “I actually started just like all the other people.
Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary gives surrendered monkeys a second life
PERKINSTON, Miss. (WLOX) — Twenty-two monkeys are relearning how to be monkeys at the Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary after spending their lives as pets in people’s homes. Caregivers say the rescues point to a larger issue behind how monkeys end up in American households. How the sanctuary started April Stewart, founder of the Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary, said her involvement began the same way many owners’ did. “I actually started just like all the other people.
Gem and mineral show draws collectors to Ocean Springs
OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) — Rock and gem enthusiasts showed off treasures pulled from the ground and pieces collected and traded over the years in Ocean Springs this weekend. The 37th annual Magnolia State Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show brought vendors and collectors together to display and sell gemstones, fossils, minerals and handmade jewelry. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Gem and Mineral Society hosts the annual event, with proceeds helping fund scholarships and cover the club’s yearly expenses.
Gem and mineral show draws collectors to Ocean Springs
OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) — Rock and gem enthusiasts showed off treasures pulled from the ground and pieces collected and traded over the years in Ocean Springs this weekend. The 37th annual Magnolia State Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show brought vendors and collectors together to display and sell gemstones, fossils, minerals and handmade jewelry. The Mississippi Gulf Coast Gem and Mineral Society hosts the annual event, with proceeds helping fund scholarships and cover the club’s yearly expenses.
Hundreds of volunteers spend Saturday packing Cruisin’ the Coast welcome bags
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — Volunteers are already getting ready for the 30th anniversary of Cruisin’ the Coast (CTC). More than 200 volunteers gathered at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum Convention Center Saturday for the annual packing party. They filled 11,000 welcome bags with everything from hat pins and window stickers to programs and swap meet tickets.
East Biloxi festival celebrates community history and future
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — East Biloxi residents gathered Saturday to celebrate the community’s history, culture and future. The third annual Resilient East Biloxi Community Festival filled John Henry Beck Park with live entertainment, local art vendors, community resources and family-friendly activities. This year’s theme, “Share Stories, Grow Resilience,” focused on community storytelling along with local environmental and resilience efforts.
Hundreds of volunteers spend Saturday packing Cruisin’ the Coast welcome bags
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — Volunteers are already getting ready for the 30th anniversary of Cruisin’ the Coast (CTC). More than 200 volunteers gathered at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum Convention Center Saturday for the annual packing party. They filled 11,000 welcome bags with everything from hat pins and window stickers to programs and swap meet tickets. Volunteers are already getting ready for the 30th anniversary of Cruisin’ the Coast (CTC).
Habitat for Humanity restores Bay St. Louis family home
BAY ST. LOUIS, Miss. (WLOX) — A Bay St. Louis homeowner is getting a safer home and a refreshed look as Habitat for Humanity Bay-Waveland brings its Critical Home Repair Program back to Hancock County. Volunteers with Habitat for Humanity Bay-Waveland and Hollywood Casino spent the week restoring the home of Marilyn Smith. “We’re not going anywhere, my children and I, they love coming here,” Smith said.
Goats used to restore coastal grasslands in Jackson County Original
JACKSON COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX) — Seventeen goats are spending their days eating as part of a study on conservation grazing in Jackson County. Mississippi State University is working with the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and other partners on the project.
Hancock County Fair opens for 14th year
HANCOCK COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX) — The Hancock County Fair opened for its 14th year Wednesday, bringing livestock, vendors, festival rides and horse racing to the fairgrounds for four days. Vendors set up booths, campers arrived and animals were settled in ahead of opening night. Vendors and campers arrive Kimberly Lewis, a vendor with Three Generations Creations, said she enjoys returning each year. “We like the music, the food, the people,” Lewis said.
Hancock County Fair opens for 14th year
HANCOCK COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX) — The Hancock County Fair opened for its 14th year Wednesday, bringing livestock, vendors, festival rides and horse racing to the fairgrounds for four days. Vendors set up booths, campers arrived and animals were settled in ahead of opening night. Vendors and campers arrive Kimberly Lewis, a vendor with Three Generations Creations, said she enjoys returning each year. “We like the music, the food, the people,” Lewis said.
Rotary volunteers build 50 beds for children in Biloxi
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — Volunteers from across South Mississippi and southeast Louisiana gathered at Point Cadet Plaza in Biloxi Saturday to build 50 beds for local children in need. The district-wide service project brought together nearly 40 Rotary clubs in partnership with Sleep in Heavenly Peace of Jackson County, a nonprofit organization that builds and delivers beds to children who would otherwise sleep on the floor.
Rotary volunteers build 50 beds for children in Biloxi
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — Volunteers from across South Mississippi and southeast Louisiana gathered at Point Cadet Plaza in Biloxi Saturday to build 50 beds for local children in need. The district-wide service project brought together nearly 40 Rotary clubs in partnership with Sleep in Heavenly Peace of Jackson County, a nonprofit organization that builds and delivers beds to children who would otherwise sleep on the floor.
Rotary volunteers build 50 beds for children in Biloxi
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — Volunteers from across South Mississippi and southeast Louisiana gathered at Point Cadet Plaza in Biloxi Saturday to build 50 beds for local children in need. The district-wide service project brought together nearly 40 Rotary clubs in partnership with Sleep in Heavenly Peace of Jackson County, a nonprofit organization that builds and delivers beds to children who would otherwise sleep on the floor.
Tour of vacant Pass Road buildings leads to new investments
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — New businesses are moving into vacant buildings along Pass Road after a bus tour aimed at revitalizing the corridor. The Greater Biloxi Economic Development Foundation teamed up with Mississippi Power and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in April for the Pass Road Possibilities Tour. Developers, investors and city leaders boarded a bus to see vacant properties along the corridor firsthand.
Tour of vacant Pass Road buildings leads to new investments
GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — New businesses are moving into vacant buildings along Pass Road after a bus tour aimed at revitalizing the corridor. The Greater Biloxi Economic Development Foundation teamed up with Mississippi Power and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices in April for the Pass Road Possibilities Tour. Developers, investors and city leaders boarded a bus to see vacant properties along the corridor firsthand.
Golden Nugget Biloxi donates hotel furniture to Habitat ReStores during renovation
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — Golden Nugget Biloxi Hotel and Casino is renovating about 300 hotel rooms as part of a $10 million project phase, and the furniture removed from those rooms is being donated to Habitat ReStores in Gulfport and Ocean Springs.
Breakwater project targets Hiller Park shoreline erosion
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — Mississippi State University and The Nature Conservancy have installed four 100-foot breakwaters offshore from Hiller Park to slow shoreline erosion along the Back Bay. Shoreline losing about 1 foot a year Dr. Erik Sparks, MSU Coastal Marine Extension director, said the area is eroding at a steady rate. “In this particular area, Hiller Park, all the way through to the Keesler Air Force Base shoreline, it’s eroding at about 1 foot per year,” Sparks said.
Pascagoula experiencing unprecedented wave of investment, city leaders say
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WLOX) — Pascagoula leaders said the city is seeing a wave of investment unlike anything it's experienced in decades. Nearly $100 million in private investment has poured into the city in recent years, bringing new businesses, restaurants and developments. Leaders said the momentum began downtown, where grants helped encourage private investors to take on new projects.
Pascagoula experiencing unprecedented wave of investment, city leaders say
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WLOX) — Pascagoula leaders said the city is seeing a wave of investment unlike anything it’s experienced in decades. Nearly $100 million in private investment has poured into the city in recent years, bringing new businesses, restaurants and developments. Leaders said the momentum began downtown, where grants helped encourage private investors to take on new projects.
Diocese of Biloxi holds annual Blue Mass for first responders
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — The Catholic Diocese of Biloxi honored first responders across the Coast Sunday with its annual Blue Mass. Police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers and other public safety workers gathered at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers and other public safety workers gathered at the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Volunteers clean headstones at Biloxi National Cemetery for 9/11 anniversary
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — Dozens of volunteers gathered Saturday morning at the Biloxi National Cemetery for a day of service and remembrance honoring veterans. The cleanup was held as part of Carry The Load's commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Volunteers used scrub brushes, buckets and a safe cleaning solution designed to whiten the marble to clean headstones throughout the cemetery. There are nearly 27,000 headstones at the Biloxi National Cemetery.
Volunteers clean headstones at Biloxi National Cemetery for 9/11 anniversary
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — Dozens of volunteers gathered Saturday morning at the Biloxi National Cemetery for a day of service and remembrance honoring veterans. The cleanup was held as part of Carry The Load’s commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
Keesler Air Force Base marks 25 years since 9/11 with silent march
BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) — More than a thousand service members and first responders walked in silence at Keesler Air Force Base to mark 25 years since the Sept. 11th attacks. The march included a reading of the number of first responders killed in the attacks: 343 firefighters, 23 police officers, 37 Port Authority officers and eight New York EMTs and paramedics.
New pathway at Lighthouse Park traces nearly 300 years of Pascagoula history
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WLOX) — A new pathway at Lighthouse Park now allows visitors to walk through nearly 300 years of Pascagoula history. “The Story of Pascagoula: A Historical Pathway” highlights the people, industries and events that helped shape the city.
Mississippi service dog named semifinalist for national hero dog award Original
OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WLOX) — An 8-year-old service dog from South Mississippi is a semifinalist for one of the nation’s highest honors for heroic dogs. An eight-year-old service dog from South Mississippi is a semifinalist for one of the nation’s highest honors for heroic dogs. Juju is the only Mississippi semifinalist in this year’s American Humane Hero Dog Awards. Juju is trained to recognize changes in the body of her handler, Martha Eubanks.
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