Inmate serving life sentence dies in hospital
Central Mississippi Correctional Facility. Photo courtesy of MDOC An inmate serving a life sentence has died. According to the Mississippi Department of Corrections, 68-year-old Patricia Wilhite died at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson this morning. Officials say that no foul play is suspected in Wilhite’s death, and an autopsy will be performed to determine a cause of death. Wilhite, who was serving her sentence at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility, was convicted of a 1995 homicide in Pontotoc County. Her first trial ended in a mistrial. A change of venue placed the second trial in Monroe County. She was found guilty and sentenced on April 18, 1998. Wilhite becomes the 22nd inmate to die in state custody since late December 2019. The post Inmate serving life sentence dies in hospital appeared first on News Mississippi.
Finalists for C Spire Gillom & Howell Trophies announced
The finalists for the C Spire Gillom and Howell Trophies have been announced. The awards are presented to the top women’s (Gillom) and men’s (Howell) college basketball players in Mississippi each year, and they’ll be awarded during a ceremony at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame on March 9th. The finalists for the Gillom Award, named in honor Ole Miss alum Peggy Gillom, include: Mississippi State F Rickea Jackson – Leads MSU in scoring with 14.7 ppg Mississippi State F/C Jessika Carter – Averaging 14 ppg, 54 blocks on the season Delta State F Quantesha Patterson -Averaging a double-double with 16.6 ppg & 13.2 rbg The finalists for the Howell Trophy, named in honor of former MSU and NBA star, Bailey Howell, include: Mississippi State F Reggie Perry – ‘SEC Player of the Year’ candidate, Leads MSU with 17.2 ppg Ole Miss PG Breein Tyree – Averaging 23.2 ppg in SEC play Tugaloo F Ledarius Woods – Averaging 21 ppg Fans will have a chance to help select the winner through a fan vote sponsored by C Spire. The fan vote counts for a weighted 10% of the final total. To vote fans may go to http://howellgillomvoting.hscampaigns.com to cast votes for their favorites. Statewide sports media select the finalists and account for the remaining votes for the winners. Mississippi Sports Hall of Famer, Van Chancellor who has coached in high school, college and professional basketball will be the featured speaker at the banquet. Tickets are on sale on the museum website www.msfame.com or at the Hall of Fame business office. The post Finalists for C Spire Gillom & Howell Trophies announced appeared first on News Mississippi.
MFC raises awareness during “Wildfire Prevention Month”
It’s “Wildfire Prevention Month” in Mississippi following a proclamation made by Governor Tate Reeves. According to the Mississippi Forestry Commission, March has one of the highest wildfire occurrence rates of the year due to the transition from winter to spring, dry vegetation and windy conditions. In March 2019, the MFC responded to and suppressed 260 wildfires that burned approximately 5,293 acres. During the month, MFC Wildland Firefighters saved 602 homes, commercial buildings and other structures. MFC State Forester Russell Bozeman, stated that most wildfires are caused by humans and therefore, can be prevented. “Nationally, nine out of 10 wildfires are human-caused, which means nine out of 10 wildfires cold have been prevented,” Bozeman said “Wildfire Prevention Month allows us to highlight the responsibility of Mississippians to help protect forests, their homes and, ultimately, their lives by focusing on how to prevent wildfires.” To help prevent wildfires, the MFC offers these tips: Check local ordinances. Outdoor burning may be prohibited in your area. Check for local or statewide burn bans. Check the local weather forecast. Do not burn on dry, windy days. Choose a safe burn site, away from flammable materials. The ground around your burn site should be surrounded by bare dirt or gravel. Only burn untreated wood debris. Plastic, rubber tires or other manufactured materials may not be burned. Always have a water source close by. Never leave a fire unattended. “Mississippi’s 19.2 million acres of forestland are vital to the health and well-being of the state,” Bozeman said. “The MFC thanks Gov. Reeves for his proclamation, and we ask all Mississippians to be responsible when using fire on their property. Remember, only YOU can prevent wildfires.” The post MFC raises awareness during “Wildfire Prevention Month” appeared first on News Mississippi.
Governor and First Lady launch clean-up for Pearl River flood
Courtesy of Gov. Tate Reeves’ Office Today, Governor Tate Reeves and First Lady Elee Reeves joined volunteers to begin the clean-up effort to help communities impacted by the recent flooding of the Pearl River. Rolling up their sleeves, Governor and First Lady Reeves led the initial launch of the “Team Up 4 Clean Up” campaign. Partnering with Keep Mississippi Beautiful, Keep Jackson Beautiful, and the Mississippi Beverage Association, the Governor and First Lady picked up trash left behind by floodwaters near Jim Hill High School in Jackson. “The recent flooding of the Pearl River was devastating to so many communities in Central Mississippi and downriver. Mississippians are strong and resilient, but they should never have to go it alone. People deserve to know that they’re not alone in this recovery. We want to be out there with the people affected by this disaster, lending a hand in this trying time. I’m so blessed that my family and I are able to give back and help our state,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “Mississippi is the ‘Hospitality State’ for a reason. We are so excited by the response we’ve seen so far from Mississippians wanting to help their communities.The outpouring of support for our clean-up campaign has been more than we could have hoped for. We’re so grateful for the organizations partnering with us to support our communities and clean-up our beautiful Mississippi,” said First Lady Elee Reeves. The initial campaign efforts on Friday were localized to the Hattiesburg Street location across from Jim Hill High School and the Pilot Travel Center, as floodwater have not fully receded. The clean-up campaign will continue on a larger scale throughout Central Mississippi as waters recede. The post Governor and First Lady launch clean-up for Pearl River flood appeared first on News Mississippi.
Presley supports FCC proposal to shorten suicide prevention hotline
A new phone number could help to make suicide prevention resources easier to access. The FCC is currently considering a proposal to shorten the national suicide prevention hotline from a full 10-digit phone number to a new three-digit phone number – 988. Mississippi’s Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley sent a letter in support of the change to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai. “Any actions we can take to improve access to suicide prevention and crisis intervention services will save lives and give hope to our communities affected by these crises,” Commissioner Presley said in the letter. In 2018, Congress passed and the President signed into law the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act. As part of that law, it required a study to determine the feasibility of “a simple, easy to remember, 3-digit dialing code” to connect users to suicide prevention and mental health crisis services. In December 2019, the FCC began proposing rules to implement the plans associated with the law and designate 988 as the official number. “Suicide prevention and mental health issues affect so many of our families and communities,” Commissioner Presley said. “Giving those who are struggling to overcome thoughts of suicide or mental health issues an easy to remember, direct line to immediate help should be something we in government act on swiftly.” The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, where 988 calls will be directed, is a national network of 163 crisis centers funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Currently, the Lifeline is available by calling 1-800-273-TALK and through online chats. In 2018, counselors that are part of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline answered over 2.2 million calls and over 100,000 online chats. The post Presley supports FCC proposal to shorten suicide prevention hotline appeared first on News Mississippi.
Body found in Neshoba pond identified
Neshoba County Sheriff Eric Clark says a body found weighted down in a pond in the Hope community on February 15th has been identified. Clark says Neshoba County Medical Examiner John Stephens received the positive identification of the body on Thursday from the Mississippi Crime Laboratory in Jackson. The victim was identified as DeMarquis KeiMondre’ Houston of Philadelphia. Houston was reported missing in October by his mother. Clark says on February 14th, the Neshoba County Sheriff’s Department and a Mississippi Highway Patrol Investigator executed a search warrant in rural Neshoba County off Highway 488 in the Hope community. Officials began draining the pond that Friday morning around 8 a.m. and continued the efforts until the following afternoon. “The search revealed a human body that had been placed in the farm pond for concealment,” he said. “The body was found to be weighted and anchored in about four to five feet of water.” Sheriff Clark said on October 24th, Houston’s mother told authorities that her son had been missing since October 20th. She said her son told her that he was getting ready to leave with a female that night. Clark said she told authorities she tried to contact her son on his cell phone, but she believed it was turned off. She also reported that she checked his Facebook activity and noticed that he checked in at a fast-food restaurant around 4 a.m. early the next morning, which was the last thing posted on his page. So far, nine people have been charged in the case. 23-year-old James Kelly and 22-year-old Tyrone Braxton have been charged with kidnapping and capital murder. 26-year-old Joanna Brook Gilmer and 25-year-old Alexandria Bell have been charged with conspiracy to commit capital murder. 55-year-old Terry Crocker, 18-year-old Alexa Johnson, and 24-year-old Tyree Smith have been charged with hindering prosecution, rendering criminal assistance. 25-year-old Justus Barfield and 24-year-old Ian C. Thompson have been charged with accessory after the fact. The case remains under investigation. The post Body found in Neshoba pond identified appeared first on News Mississippi.
Mississippi health officials provide Coronavirus update
Members of UMMC’s Infection Prevention, Infectious Diseases and Emergency Services units and the Mississippi Department of Health have provided an update on COVID-19 and precautions the public can take to lessen the chance of infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says while there is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask. CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility). Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty. The post Mississippi health officials provide Coronavirus update appeared first on News Mississippi.
MSU is monitoring COVID-19 & North Mississippi medical team is taking a proactive approach
The following letter is from Mississippi State University Health Services Executive Director Dr. Cliffton W. Story, which was sent to the MSU community on Thursday 2/27/2020: Health officials worldwide are closely monitoring the outbreak of illness caused by the newly identified coronavirus (COVID-19). The epicenter of this outbreak is Wuhan, China. Lesser numbers have been reported in several other countries, and, as of February 26, 2020, there were 60 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S., including those repatriated to the U.S. from cruise ships abroad. To date, there have been no cases of COVID-19 reported at MSU or in Mississippi. However, health officials worldwide recognize that this is a rapidly evolving situation and that recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the U.S. State Department, and the Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH) are subject to frequent change. At present, MSU is not approving travel to countries that have been issued Level 3 status by the CDC, including China and South Korea. MSU is discouraging travel to Level 2 status countries, which now include Japan, Italy and Iran. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html MSU will communicate directly with students and faculty impacted by study abroad programs prior to making public comment on those issues. We encourage all students and parents to monitor the CDC website as it provides the most current reference: Novel 2019-2020 Coronavirus Infections – Click here for more information from the CDC MSU’s Longest Student Health Center is working closely with campus partners, the CDC, and experts at the MSDH to strategically monitor this evolving public health issue. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW: MSU has had no suspected cases of coronavirus, and MSU has not been notified of any member of the campus community with the virus. The risk for Mississippians currently remains relatively low and MSU — along with the CDC and the MSDH — is closely monitoring the situation. Coronavirus can cause mild illness that can be overcome, but more severe cases can be life-threatening. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: Take general precautions like frequent hand washing to prevent the spread of any virus, including seasonal flu, which is still active across Mississippi, the Southeast, and the U.S. If you have not received a flu shot, it is not too late. For additional advice on flu facts and prevention, visit cdc.gov/flu. If you have flu-like symptoms, it is likely the common cold or a common strain of the flu. Symptoms of coronavirus include, but are not limited to, fever, runny nose, headache, cough, and the general feeling of being unwell; these also are symptoms of the common flu virus. If you have concerning symptoms, call the MSU Longest Student Health Center prior to visiting at (662) 325-2431 or after hours at (1-800-882-6274). Students and employees who have traveled from impacted areas in the past 14 days and who have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing should contact the Health Center or seek appropriate care immediately. All incoming patients arriving at the MSU Longest Student Health Center with cough, sneezing, sore throat, fever, and respiratory issues will be masked to protect other patients as we evaluate the cause of their illness. All incoming patients will be asked to provide a travel history to determine if they are at risk for the newly identified coronavirus. Prevention is a key strategy with any virus, such as influenza or coronavirus, so it is important to both protect yourself and take measures against spread to others. The MSU Office of Public Affairs will circulate timely notices regarding any changes in MSU’s proactive strategies to responsibly monitor these public health concerns. Media inquiries should be directed to MSU Chief Communications Officer Sid Salter at ssalter@opa.msstate.edu or 662-325-3442. North Mississippi Health Services (NMHS) is taking a proactive approach to educate staff and the public about COVID-19, a new strain of the coronavirus. “Our preparations include a multidisciplinary team, composed of physicians and other healthcare professionals, who are developing protocols and educational materials specific to COVID-19,” said Jeremy Blanchard, M.D., NMHS chief medical officer. NMHS is following Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and is working closely with the Mississippi State Department of Health and the Alabama State Department of Health. The first wave of preparations included educating emergency medicine staff at the North Mississippi Medical Centers in Tupelo, Amory, Eupora, Iuka, Pontotoc and West Point, Mississippi, and Hamilton, Alabama as well as North Mississippi Medical Clinics and North Mississippi Medical Center clinic locations throughout the hospital’s 24-county service area. “For any patient who has traveled outside the United States in the last 30 days and COVID-19 is suspected, our Emergency Department staff knows to MIC them. The acronym stands for Mask, Isolate and Call the state health department in Mississippi or Alabama depending on the hospital’s location,” Dr. Blanchard said. Individuals seeking care at NMHS clinics and urgent care will see signage posted at the entrances. The signs provide these instructions: Have you traveled to China AND have flu-like symptoms? STOP and please do not enter the building. Return to your vehicle and call 1-800-882-6274 for instructions on how to proceed with medical treatment. NMHS is steering these calls to Nurse Link, a free telephone and health information service. Callers speak directly to a registered nurse and get immediate answers. Using computerized protocols, nurses direct callers to the most appropriate medical treatment. If COVID-19 is suspected, those calls will be directed to the Mississippi State Department of Health, who would direct the patient where to seek health care. Nurse Link is available in Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee with support from local providers as needed. Individuals who call 911 seeking emergent medical treatment are encouraged to alert the dispatcher and responding crews of their travel history and symptoms if they fit the criteria for COVID-19. Preparations also include procurement of medical supplies to treat this specific patient population. Employees will be instructed to use personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriately to ensure an adequate supply will be available in the event COVID-19 spreads to the NMHS service area. “Ideally, anyone who fits
Additional suspects charged in shooting of Alcorn State students
Three more suspects have been charged after two Alcorn State students were shot and killed earlier this month. According to the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Office, 21-year-old Carlton Hall and 20-year-olds Damious Madison and Vontavious Green each face accessory charges in the murders of James Carr and Tahir Fitzhugh. The two students were killed at an off-campus hangout spot known as “The Ark” on February 17th. Two others were injured in the shooting. The alleged shooter, Jerrell Davis, faces two murder charges and an aggravated assault charge and remains jailed on a $2 million bond. The sheriff’s office stated that additional arrests could be made as the investigation continues. The post Additional suspects charged in shooting of Alcorn State students appeared first on News Mississippi.
Governor’s Mansion Turns Red for Heart Month
The First Lady of Mississippi, Elee Reeves, held her first press conference with her new title. With February being Heart Month, the governor’s mansion in downtown Jackson will be lit up red for a full week. First Lady Reeves and members of the American Heart Association in Jackson gathered at the mansion to honor and celebrate this month. The First Lady is no stranger to the American Heart Association, saying that she has been a member of the committee for some time now and doing some advertisements for them in the past. Heart disease is something that can affect every single person, man, and woman and should not be taken lightly. The American Heart Association encourages everyone to go and get their heart checked and maintain a healthy lifestyle. For the video of the press conference, please see below. The post Governor’s Mansion Turns Red for Heart Month appeared first on News Mississippi.