Old businesses expand while others plant roots in Noxubee

22-mile road reseal project among infrastructure improvements in county

Noxubee County saw the arrival of several new infrastructure projects and businesses throughout the past few months. While the COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a difficult period for several people across the county, Noxubee County residents found ways to preserve through and carry out their plans and goals.

Road and infrastructure projects

Noxubee County completed a 22-mile road reseal project over various county roads throughout the last few months. Road resealing is one of the most economical ways to redo road pavement and expand the road’s quality. Noxubee County Board of Supervisors’ President Eddie Coleman said the county received all of the funding for this project through the Office of State Aid Road Construction within the Mississippi Department of Transportation — $2.34 million. By overlaying the roads with asphalt and sealed with limestone, he said this is the biggest project the county will complete this year.

Noxubee County also purchased two box culverts for Butler and Hopewell roads. Box culverts help keep underpasses of roads and bridges stable and reliable. The county began advertising at the end of January for the replacement of the Butler Road bridge. Coleman said many workers hauling timber and coal drive on these two roads and their bridges, and these culverts will ensure the safety of the workers and their products. The $2.9 million in funding for the culverts also came from state aid money through the Emergency Road and Bridge Repair Fund.

Superior Catfish Products expansion

Superior Catfish Products, a catfish processing plant in Macon, recently completed its $17 million expansion. Superior Catfish serves about 65 local farmers. Expansion construction began in September 2019. Superior Catfish General Manager Fred Johnson said this completion is long awaited. The new building will serve as the production facility for the processing and packaging, while nearly doubling the plant’s existing space. The new building is complete, however, the facility is not yet being used due to supply chain issues with needed equipment. Johnson said he hopes workers can move in around December, and in turn, the existing building will be converted into a storage unit. This expansion will create new job opportunities and meet the necessary demands of the growing catfish industry.

New businesses

While Connor’s Sweet in Macon opened its doors in December 2020, business over the past few months has been booming. Owner Naquietta Roby first started this bakery in her home in 2019, but in the midst of the pandemic, she knew she wanted to expand her business to a store. She said the store has been thriving over the past few months due to tremendous customer support. This full-time bakery sells many different types of baked goods, as well as daily lunches, ranging anywhere from cookies and strawberries to chicken salad and frito chili pies. Connor’s Sweets also caters weddings and parties. Roby said she is thrilled to have her business in Macon because Noxubee County residents can enjoy having somewhere new to go for lunch and get their sweet fix.

Naquietta Roby, owner of Connor’s Sweets

Another new business, Faith & Nutrition Studio in Macon opened in August 2021. This shop, located on KFC Road, sells loaded teas, shakes and meal replacements. Customers can come for breakfast or lunch to get their energy fix.