Mississippi Highway Patrolman honored as a Hero
On Wednesday, in Hattiesburg, the American Red Cross of Mississippi presented Master Sgt. David Blackwell with the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit. This is the highest award given by the Red Cross to an individual or team of individuals who saves or sustains a life by using skills and knowledge learned in a training course. Blackwell, a Mississippi Highway Patrolman, was off-duty working as a referee at a high school game when a fellow referee collapsed on the field showing no signs of life. Blackwell’s quick actions to provide chest compressions and rescue breaths, with assistance from bystanders, helped save the referee. Courtesy of the American Red Cross of Mississippi The post Mississippi Highway Patrolman honored as a Hero appeared first on News Mississippi.
Inmate serving time for manslaughter has died
An inmate serving 20 years for manslaughter has died while in prison. According to the Mississippi Department of Corrections, 36-year-old Omar Beard appears to have died from natural causes, but an autopsy will determine the official cause and manner of death. He was being housed at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility in Rankin County. The Crime On July 11, 2011, Beard and 34-year-old Cortez Williams of Illinois assisted 41-year-old Derrick Bankhead in the robbery and murder of Bankhead’s cousin, Eddie Bankhead. At the time, then-Attorney General Jim Hood said while Derrick Bankhead was the mastermind of the plan, Beard assisted in the robbery, and Williams committed the murder by shooting Eddie Bankhead who was handicapped and in a wheelchair. Both Beard and Williams had weapons. In February 2019, Beard pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 20 years in prison He would have been eligible for parole in 2039. Cortez Williams of Cahokia, Illinois, pleaded guilty to depraved heart murder. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Cortez Williams (Image courtesy of Mississippi Department of Corrections) Courtesy of Mississippi Department of Corrections Derrick Bankhead is currently serving a life sentence for capital murder for his role in the murder. He was sentenced in August 2018. Derrick Bankhead (Image courtesy of Mississippi Department of Corrections) Courtesy of Mississippi Department of Corrections The post Inmate serving time for manslaughter has died appeared first on News Mississippi.
MSDH: Flu activity remains elevated in Mississippi
While much of the recent conversation surrounding public health has been centered around the growing concerns related to the spread of the coronavirus, health officials are reminding you that flu season is still ongoing. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, the region has entered its peak flu season and the state is currently seeing “high flu activity with widespread transmission.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an estimated 29 million flu cases across the country with 280,000 hospitalizations. Around 16,000 flu cases have resulted in death, including an increase in the proportion of pediatric deaths. “Overall, the number of hospitalizations nationwide are about average for this time of the year. However, the rates among children and young adults are higher than in previous seasons,” said MSDH State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. Dr. Byers went on to say that young children are especially prone to complications from the flu. “Children are especially susceptible to complications from the flu, especially those younger than 5 years old,” he said. “Fortunately, we have not seen any pediatric deaths in Mississippi this year, but there have been 105 flu-related deaths in children nationwide so far this year. That is abnormally high for this time of the season. “ Health officials say that it’s not too late to get your flu shot. “We recommend getting vaccinated now if you haven’t already. Influenza vaccine is especially important for young children, pregnant women, those over 65, and those with underlying health problems,” said Dr. Byers. “Flu vaccine is the best way to protect both children and adults from serious complications such as hospitalization, and in many cases, death.” Pediatric flu shots are available at all Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) county clinics. To help prevent the spread of the flu, the MSDH recommends that you: Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze Wash your hands frequently Stay home when you’re sick Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle and body aches, and fatigue. Those 18 and under who are eligible for the Vaccines for Children program can receive a flu vaccination for $10. Insurance, Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is accepted for children’s flu shots. Adults who are underinsured or uninsured and who meet certain high-risk criteria qualify for an adult flu vaccination at MSDH county health department clinics. Flu shots for insured adults are widely available through private physicians, pharmacies and retail centers. The post MSDH: Flu activity remains elevated in Mississippi appeared first on News Mississippi.
Petal High School teacher receives national recognition
Photo Courtesy of The Milken Family Foundation A teacher at Petal High School has received a national award. At a surprise ceremony, Kathryn Daniels was recognized as a 2019-20 recipient of a Milken Educator Award, and with the national recognition comes an unrestricted $25,000 cash prize. Daniels, an AP history teacher, is one of just 40 recipients of the award and the only one in Mississippi. The organization that distributes the award commended Daniels for her ability to “bring history alive for her students not through rote memorization exercises but by bolstering their reading and writing skills. They went on to say that “the former English teacher has demonstrated how enhanced communication skills can aid her Petal High School (PHS) students’ critical thinking, argumentative tools and ability to understand opposing viewpoints.” Mississippi State Superintendent Dr. Carey Wright was in attendance for the ceremony and said that Daniels sets an example for all to follow. “We are incredibly proud of Kathryn Daniels and the example she sets for her colleagues across Mississippi,” said Superintendent Wright. “She sets high expectations for her students and provides them with the support and help to meet, and exceed, those expectations. I join her students, school and community in congratulating Mrs. Daniels for earning national recognition for her achievements as an educator.” Daniels’ was praised by the organization for her leadership abilities and her caring attitude. The co-leader of the PHS history department, Daniels collaborates with the school’s English teachers to align reading and writing across the curriculum. She enlivens her classes with maps and political cartoons and invites community leaders as guests, including Petal’s mayor. Daniels raises student expectations beyond the typical high school classroom. Under her leadership, AP history students have excelled on both AP and state exams. She also assists students beyond high school, tutoring them for college exams like the ACT. Through Distinguished Young Women, a national scholarship program, she’s helped to promote and reward scholarship, leadership and talent. She’s also actively sought resources for struggling students, including essay contests, scholarships and even by providing rides to school. On a broader scale, Daniels has improved writing achievement in the state’s rural and underperforming schools by helping secure grants from the South Mississippi Writing Project. Daniels conveys the same philosophy whether inspiring high performing or challenged students: that hard work and dedication are important qualities for lifelong success. A PHS graduate and former valedictorian, Daniels hails from a family of educators. She earned a bachelor’s in history in 2011 and a master’s in education in 2013 from Mississippi College. Daniels is a member of the Mississippi Teacher Council and has presented at state boot camps and guest lectured at the University of Southern Mississippi. The post Petal High School teacher receives national recognition appeared first on News Mississippi.
Who Is Who? Check Out Candidates Running for Office:
The Statewide Presidential Primary election is coming up on March 10th and here are your candidates for Republicans and Democrats and a little bit about what you should know: For US House of Representatives 2nd Congressional District: Thomas L. Carey According to vote-USA.org, Carey was a 2014 Republican candidate who sought election to the U.S. Senate from Mississippi. He lost in the Republican primary on June 3, 2014. He has conservative Christian values and wants to repeal Obama Care and do away with IRS and have a flat tax. Brian Flowers (no photo available) Flowers is running for the House of Representatives, Mississippi 2nd Congressional District. B. C. Hammond Hammond is running for the Representative position for the 2nd Mississippi Congressional District. He is a farmer and insurance agent who got his masters in Education administration for Delta State University and his Bachelor’s from the University of Mississippi in Business Administration. To find out more, you can visit Hammond’s Facebook page. For the United States Senate Cindy Hyde-Smith Hyde-Smith is the incumbent for this position holding the republican position. She was a Mississippi state senator from 1999-2011, Mississippi Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce in 2011 and currently is a Mississippi U.S. Senator. Hyde-Smith studied at Copiah-Lincoln Community College and also the University of Southern Mississippi. To find more, visit her website. US House of Representatives 3rd Congressional District Michael Guest Michael Guest official headshot – Photo courtesy of the Office of Congressman Michael Guest Guest is currently the United States House of Representatives member for Mississippi’s 3rd Congressional District and has been serving as since 2019. He is also the Madison and Rankin County District attorney since 1995. Guest received his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Mississippi and then his Juris Doctor degree as well. Visit his website. James Tulp Tulp is a former university political science professor and host of The James Tulp Show, a daily two-hour conservative talk radio show. He is running against the incumbent, Michael Guest, for the 3rd Congressional District House of Representatives seat. For more information on Tulp and his campaign, you can visit his website. US House of Representatives 4th Congressional District Carl Boyanton Boyanton born in Memphis, TN then moved to Mississippi as a toddler and grew up in Picayune. He has been a lifelong republican and fights every day to promote and preserve conservative values according to his website, here. Robert L. Deming, III An attorney on the coast, Deming studies at the University of Southern Mississippi for undergrad then went and got his Juris Doctor Degree at Ole Miss Law School. He was elected to represent Biloxi, Ward 4 from 2013-2017 and has 20+ years with private sector experience and is currently at the Pietrowski Group. Samuel Hickman A south Mississippi native, Hickman graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a Political Science degree. After graduation, he moved to Washington DC eventually accepting an internship in a congressman’s office then working full time with Congressman Trent Kelly. Hickman’s website describes him as a compassionate Mississippian who remains steadfast in his conservative Christian values. Steven M. Palazzo Photo courtesy of Congressman Steven Palazzo Palazzo is the incumbent in this position. He serves as South Mississippi’s 4th Congressional District Representative. A former member of the Mississippi House of Representatives and currently serves on a number of committees. You can read more about Steven Palazzo on his website. US House of Representatives 1st Congressional District: Trent Kelly Courtesy of the Office of Trent Kelly Kelly won a special election in June of 2015 and has since represented the 1st District of Mississippi. Over the years Trent has maintained a private law practice in his hometown of Saltillo. Prior to being elected to Congress, he served as a District Attorney for the 1st CircuitJudicial District, managing all felony cases. For more on Trent Kelly, you can visit his website. Now for the Democratic candidates running for election: US House of Representatives 1st Congressional District Antonia Eliason Eliason, running against incumbent Trent Kelly, is a law professor at Ole Miss. She joined the Ole Miss staff in 2013, she is also the state’s first Democratic Socialist candidate. Eliason is focusing her campaign on environmental justice, universal healthcare and workers’ rights. US House of Representatives 2nd Congressional District Sonia Rathburn Rathburn is running against incumbent Bennie Thompson. She states on her Facebook page that she is “new to politics but not new to leadership.” Rathburn is an active member of the Hinds County community and says the people need good jobs to grow the economy, affordable healthcare, fully funded Pre-K, and apprenticeship programs. Bennie G. Thompson Thompson is the incumbent in this race and is currently serving his 13th term in the United States House of Representatives. He served as an Alderman in his hometown of Bolton, and the mayor from 1973-1980. To learn more about Bennie Thompson, you can visit his website. US House of Representatives 3rd Congressional District Dorothy “Dot” Benford Benford has been a frequent candidate for many offices up for election over the year. She is 76 years old and running against the incumbent Michael Guest. Katelyn Lee Lee is running against Republican incumbent Michael Guest for this seat. If winning this election, Lee’s main issues to address, according to her website, are national paid family and medical leave, schedules that work, and living wages. You can find more on her website. United States Senate Tobey Bernard Bartee Bartee is running for a US Senate seat. Born and raised on the coast, went to school at the naval academy and has served in the US
Leatherwood’s pinch-hit blast lifts Rebels to 4-3 win over Southern Miss
Photo credit: Joshua McCoy — Ole Miss Athletics Story by SportsTalk Mississippi Ole Miss Beat Reporter Brian Scott Rippee OXFORD — When Hayden Leatherwood is not penciled into the starting lineup, he has a dugout routine. When the opponent sends a right-handed pitcher to the bullpen, Leatherwood and sophomore Kevin Graham put their batting gloves on and grip a bat. The role of a pinch-hitter is not an easy one. It’s often difficult to stay engaged mentally, not knowing when an opportunity will beckon. But Leatherwood was ready when called upon Wednesday. His pinch-hit, two-run blast in the seventh inning was the difference in a 4-3 Ole Miss victory over the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. “We saw a right-hander go down in the second inning,” Leatherwood said. “We put our gloves on and had a bat in our hands from then on.” Leatherwood caught a lukewarm fastball over the heart of the plate on the first pitch he saw and deposited it over the right-field fence. “It was right down the middle,” Leatherwood said. “Off the bat, I was like, ‘maybe this will get into the gap or off the wall.’ But it traveled and got out.” Leatherwood has six hits in 11 at-bats this season and four starts. He has homered in consecutive at-bats after a Sunday home run in the win over Xavier. The blast made amends for a seventh-inning stumble that saw the Rebels give the Golden Eagles their first lead of the contest when Will McGillis took Austin Miller deep to left field. The solo shot put Southern Miss in front, 3-2. The bullpen was taxed, though economically. Ole Miss used five pitchers to collect the final 22 outs after Mike Bianco quick-hooked freshman left-hander Wes Burton with the bases loaded and two outs in the second inning. Burton notched a scoreless first inning and recorded the first two outs with relative ease, then labored to the tune of a double, walk and a hit-by-pitch to load the bases. “I just thought it wasn’t his best stuff today,” Bianco said. “His velocity was down. He’s been dealing with some cold-like stuff that other guys have too. He just didn’t look sharp tonight from the get-go. I just felt with so many rested guys in the bullpen, we were ready to go.” The six-man effort on the hill was spotted a 2-0 lead in the third. Cade Sammons swiped second base after being hit by a Drew Boyd offering. Sammons scored on a ball Peyton Chatagnier struck into the left-center field gap. Tyler Keenan plated Chatagnier with a base hit. Keenan was 2-4 with an RBI and was the only Rebel with multiple hits. Taylor Broadway turned in 2 1/3 innings of scoreless, one-hit relief. Broadway bridged the game to Jackson Kimbrell, who gave up an unearned run in the fifth and another in the sixth after three walks tied the game. Max Cioffi made good on Leatherwood’s home run with a scoreless eighth, and Braden Forsyth stranded men at the corners in the ninth with a pair of strikeouts and earned the save. The bullpen day may not have necessarily been by design, but it wasn’t completely born out of necessity either. Bianco has used a lot of pitchers in brief stints and, as he tries to cement bullpen roles, wants to log as large of a sample size as reasonably possible with as many pitchers as possible. “We wanted to make sure tonight we got a lot of guys in there,” Bianco said. “We needed guys to pitch. Forsythe had the ninth and I think the last time he pitched was last Saturday at Louisville. That seems like a month ago. That happens when you are scoring runs and you are using a lot of pitchers. It has been fun and it is all good, but you look up sometimes and guys haven’t pitched a lot.” With the way Bianco has used Forsyth, the junior right-hander appears to be the preferred candidate to be the closer long term. His stuff translates well to high-leverage situations, despite his lack of command at times. Tuesday was a decent enough example. He struck out back-to-back hitters to end the game after allowing a walk and a single. Ole Miss hits the road for the first time this season this weekend as it heads to Greenville, North Carolina to play in the Keith LeClair Classic hosted by East Carolina. The Rebels play High Point on Friday, Cliff Godwin’s Pirates on Saturday and Indiana on Sunday. First pitch on Friday is slated for 10 A.M. CT. The post Leatherwood’s pinch-hit blast lifts Rebels to 4-3 win over Southern Miss appeared first on News Mississippi.
Godbolt found guilty on all charges related to 2017 killing spree
Willie Cory Godbolt has been found guilty on all charges related to a 2017 shooting spree in Lincoln County that left 8 people dead. After a trial that spanned 10 days, a jury convicted Goldbolt, 37, on all 12 counts including four counts of capital murder, four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of kidnapping, and one count each of attempted murder and armed robbery. Godbolt killed the victims, which included several of his family members and Lincoln County Deputy William Durr, at three separate crime scenes in May 2017. Sentencing will begin on Wednesday and prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in the case. The post Godbolt found guilty on all charges related to 2017 killing spree appeared first on News Mississippi.
Start time for Mississippi State/Alcorn State matchup moved up
Dudy Noble Field. Photo courtesy of MSU Athletics For the third time this season, cold temperatures have affected Mississippi State’s baseball schedule. While today’s matchup with Texas Southern is on as scheduled with first pitch set for 4 p.m., the Bulldogs’ Wednesday game against Alcorn State has been moved up to 2 p.m. due to cold temperatures in the forecast. MSU Athletics stated that because classes will be in session at the time, reserved baseball parking will not be available. ADA parking will still be offered in Lot 2, located between Humphrey Coliseum and the Sanderson Center. Currently, the projected high in Starkville on Wednesday is 49 with a low of 29. According to the Weather Channel, there is also a 50% chance of rain. Cold temperatures forced the Bulldogs to move up the start time of their season opener against Wright State and game one of their series with Oregon State. Mississippi State was also forced to cancel their matchup with Samford last week due to rain. The post Start time for Mississippi State/Alcorn State matchup moved up appeared first on News Mississippi.
State agencies launch 2020 PROM Safety Initiative
For the third consecutive year, the Mississippi Highway Patrol and the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services have partnered to promote their prom night safety initiative. The initiative, aimed at ensuring that teens make smart choices on the roadways, is named P.R.O.M – ‘Please Return on Monday’. Key messages of the campaign urge prom-bound students to return home “in the same condition you left” by making good choices such as buckling up, no texting and driving and no drinking and driving. As anticipation for prom season begins, the agencies will travel to schools across the state to share stories of those whose lives have been affected by drivers who didn’t make smart choices. “The Mississippi Highway Patrol partnership with the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services is designed to educate our young people on the importance of making good conscientious decisions during prom season,” said Colonel Chris Gillard, Director of the Mississippi Highway Patrol. “MHP and MDRS will be conducting an all-out statewide educational blitz encouraging students on the importance of making good choices this prom season. We want every student to return home safely-in the same condition they left.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, approximately 1,000 people under 21 die each year in “preventable tragedies” while celebrating their high school proms and graduations. Dwight Owens is among those who’ll share their story with students in the coming weeks. Owens was on his way to work as a teacher in 2005 when he was hit by a drunk driver going 120 mph. Now paralyzed from the waist down, Owens wants teens to know that when you make bad choices, you’re not only putting your life in danger. “That one decision can and will change your life forever,” Owens said. “I’m in a wheelchair because of someone else’s decision. So that one decision, not only changed his life and sent him to prison, but it changed my life and put me in a wheelchair forever. So, you think about every second because every second is precious, so make the right decision. Luckily, Owens was wearing his seatbelt at the time of the crash. According to the NHTSA, roughly half of young drivers who died in car crashes in 2017 were not wearing their seatbelt. The PROM campaign urges teens not to worry about wrinkling their dress or tux and to wear their seatbelt. Other tips include: Do not drink and drive Do not text and drive Don’t get in a car with someone who has been drinking Arrange for transportation ahead of time Parents: make sure you know where your child will be and how they are getting home In 2018, Mississippi had the highest fatality rate in the US from car crashes, and Chris Howard, Executive Director for the MDRS, says that this campaign is designed to ensure that prom night remains a celebratory occasion for Mississippi students. “Our partnership with MHP through this campaign really highlights the full-circle of consequences teens face when they make choices to text and drive, to drink and drive, and to not buckle up,” Howard said. “MHP Troopers are the ones who have to knock on doors and deliver the grim news that a loved one may never be coming home again and we are the ones who are often called in the aftermath when an individual is left with a disability. It’s a sobering statistic, but an important one to note, that automobile accidents are a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries in Mississippi.” Last year’s campaign reached over 10,000 students, and the agencies are hoping to surpass that number this year. The post State agencies launch 2020 PROM Safety Initiative appeared first on News Mississippi.
Mayor Flaggs requests assistance from President for flooding damage
Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs has written a letter to President Trump requesting federal assistance with the severe erosion problems they have experienced in Vicksburg due to massive amounts of rainfall and flash flooding — specifically in the Vicksburg National Military Park and Vicksburg National Cemetery. Image courtesy of the Office of Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs The post Mayor Flaggs requests assistance from President for flooding damage appeared first on News Mississippi.