In today's technological age we describe almost everything as a smart device, i.e., smart phones, smart TVs, smart cars, smart watches, and so on. But what do we mean when we say "smart traffic signals"? Does it mean the same thing? Well, yes, it does, in many ways. Basically, when we say something is smart, we are referring to how a device interacts with us people.

A great example of this is found at www.mdottraffic.com. This website created by the Mississippi Department of Transportation has much to offer: "MDOT has free resources to help you deal with traffic. Access what you need to know about road conditions, construction projects, accidents, weather alerts and more." You can sign up for traffic condition text alerts or email alerts customized for your daily commute.

Pontotoc-based Southern Motion is expanding its motion furniture operations at its Baldwyn facility, officials announced today. he project represents a $600,000 corporate investment and will create 60 jobs over the next 12 months, according to Gov. Phil Bryant's office and the Mississippi Development Authority.

Officials say the move will bring employment at the facility to 235. Southern Motion, founded in 1996 in Pontotoc, employs 1,100 workers at its facility there. The company announced in late 2011 it was moving into the former Forefront Golf facility, with plans to add 150 workers.

 Meridian's Mitchell Distributing has completed the geographic connection of its Mississippi markets through acquisition of Delta Distributing Co. of Greenwood, giving the Anheuser Busch distributor a presence in 32 counties in the Magnolia State.

The acquisition gains the family-owned beer distributorship Delta's markets in Yalobusha, Grenada, Montgomery, Carroll and Leflore counties. "It is a strategic growth opportunity that unites their Mitchell Delta territory with the rest of our Mitchell Distributing territory," the company said in a press statement.

 Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee is fighting for $1 million it says the county owes the city of Ridgeland for construction and expansion of Lake Harbour Drive.

The city entered into an interlocal agreement with Madison County in 2010, in which the county pledged $1,904,020 upon completion of the $16.3 million project. In September, the county gave the city $904,000, saying its lobbying efforts to secure a $1 million bond fund from the legislature fulfilled its agreement. 

But, the city of Ridgeland said it also worked to lobby the legislature for the $1 million in the Lake Harbour Road Improvements Fund, and that money does not replace the amount owed by the county.