• Newspaper
  • Community

  • History

    In 1871, a Hinds County youth, about 16 years of age, walked into The Newton Ledger to apply for a job as an apprentice printer with little idea at that time that 12 years later he would establish The Brookhaven Leader which has served as a window on Brookhaven and Lincoln County, as well as surrounding areas, for more than 129 years.

    The first issue of The Brookhaven Leader was published Feb. 22, 1883. The paper was published every Thursday morning; the subscription price $2 per year.

    In 1958 The Leader was sold by Dalton Brady to Charles R. Jacobs who had moved to Brookhaven from Florida and had formerly published prize-winning weeklies in Ohio and New Hampshire. Mr. Jacobs began a career in the newspaper business following World War II in 1946.

    The final edition of the 85-year-old weekly Leader was printed Sept. 25, 1968. A new chapter in the history of Brookhaven’s newspapers began on Monday, Sept. 20, 1968 when the first edition of The Daily Leader was published.

    The youngest of Mr. Jacobs’ three sons, William O. (Bill) Jacobs assumed the position of managing editor of The Daily Leader in August 1980, and later became its publisher.

    The Daily Leader was purchased in December 2012 by Brookhaven Newsmedia, LLC, which also publishes The Prentiss Headlight.

    Circulation

    The Daily Leader is a 5-day daily with 5,700 circulation.

    Internet presence

    www.dailyleader.com (news site)

    Awards

    The Daily Leader has won numerous state press association awards.

    Community Involvement

    The Daily Leader is very involved in the community and supports a number of local events and causes. Many of its employees are active in local civic organizations, charitable groups and local churches.

  • Market

    Brookhaven and surrounding Lincoln County have a diverse economic base with a broad mix of industrial, agricultural and retail businesses.

    Geographic location

    Brookhaven is located near the intersection of Interstate 55 and U.S. 84, approximately 55 miles south of Jackson, Miss., and 130 miles north of New Orleans. Brookhaven is the county seat of Lincoln County.

    Population

    Lincoln County’s population is approximately 35,000.

    The City of Brookhaven’s population is approximately 12,500.

    Major employers

    Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Delphi Automotive and King’s Daughters Medical Center.

    Education

    Brookhaven and Lincoln County are served by two separate school districts along with private and Christian schools. In addition, Brookhaven is home to the Mississippi School of the Arts. Higher education opportunities exist through Copiah-Lincoln Community College, with a main campus just north of Lincoln County in Wesson, and Southwest Mississippi Community College to the south in Summit.

    Culture

    Brookhaven offers a great deal of arts and entertainment events throughout the year including theatrical performances, art shows and festivals.

    Recreation

    Residents and visitors alike can enjoy an abundance of recreational options including: golf, boating, fishing, hunting, hiking and bicycling.

    Interesting tidbits

    Brookhaven was named after Brookhaven, N.Y. Lincoln County was named in honor of President Abraham Lincoln.

    Area Information

    Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce