Two Alcorn State University Students shot and killed; One Injured
An investigation is happening to figure out what exactly happened overnight to leave two students dead and one injured at a hangout called The Ark 13 miles north of campus. Deputies responded to a call stating that 4 students had been shot. Two of the students, James Carr, 22, of Itta Bena, MS, and Tahir Fitzhugh, 19, of Pennsylvania, died from their injuries at a local hospital. One student is still being treated for his injury at an area hospital and a 4th student is reported to have been injured during the shooting. The University was on lockdown but as of this morning, was operating under normal business hours. Alcorn State University did announce this on their Twitter with a link to their press release: Alcorn State University extends our heartfelt prayers to the families and loved ones of the students we lost and all those impacted as a result of this tragic event. Please see the University’s Statement Regarding an Off-Campus Shooting below:https://t.co/7ZUbbj8UHc pic.twitter.com/GwMOQgR8QF — Alcorn State (@AlcornStateU) February 18, 2020 According to the MBI, a person of interest has been identified and Law Enforcement authorities are attempting to locate him. This is an ongoing investigation and being led by the Claiborne County Sheriff’s Department with assistance from the MS Bureau of Investigation and the Alcorn State University Police Department. The post Two Alcorn State University Students shot and killed; One Injured appeared first on News Mississippi.
Rebels cancel matchup with Arkansas State due to rain
Graphic Courtesy of Ole Miss Athletics Rain in the forecast continues to affect the midweek baseball slate in Mississippi. After Mississippi State announced the cancellation of their matchup with Samford, Ole Miss followed suit by canceling their game against Arkansas State. The Bulldogs will shift their focus to their upcoming weekend series at home with Oregon State, while the Rebels will face Alcorn State tomorrow at 4 p.m. According to Ole Miss Athletics, tickets for Tuesday’s game will be valid for April 28th, when the Rebels are set to take on Arkansas State again. Currently, Southern Miss is still expected to take on New Orleans with first pitch in Hattiesburg set for 6 p.m. The post Rebels cancel matchup with Arkansas State due to rain appeared first on News Mississippi.
MSU announces cancellation of midweek matchup with Samford
Graphic Courtesy of MSU Athletics Due to rain in the forecast on Tuesday, there won’t be midweek baseball in Starkville. Mississippi State Baseball has announced that its scheduled midweek matchup with Samford has been canceled. With the cancellation of tomorrow’s game, the Bulldogs will now turn their attention to this weekend’s series against Oregon State at Dudy Noble Field. The Bulldogs are 3-0 after sweeping Wright State to start the 2020 season. According to MSU Athletics, updated ticket information will be made available at a later date on HailState.com following the cancellation. The post MSU announces cancellation of midweek matchup with Samford appeared first on News Mississippi.
Gov. Reeves Declares Spring Severe Weather Preparedness Week
Today Governor Tate Reeves announced that February 17-21 will be “Spring Severe Weather Preparedness Week” for Mississippi. Just in 2019, there were 78 tornadoes in between the months of February and May with April tying a state record of 67. Flooding is also another hazard of severe weather in the spring, as the Jackson metro area is experiencing that now with the 3rd worst flood in history. The partnership for this week is with The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service. They are focusing on specific types of severe weather on different days of the week. Here is the plan for the week: Monday, Feb. 17th: Severe Thunderstorms – Lightning, large hail and damaging winds from severe storms can be just as dangerous as tornadoes. Tuesday, Feb. 18th: Flooding and Flash Flooding – Behind heat, flooding is the number one cause of weather-related deaths. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Wednesday, Feb. 20th: Tornado Safety – NWS will issue a statewide tornado drill at 9:15 a.m. Schools, government agencies, and businesses are encouraged to participate. NOTE – If rainfall or adverse weather is expected during the morning, the tornado drill will be postponed until the next day. Thursday, Feb. 20th: Lightning – All thunderstorms have lightning and this hazard can be deadly. Friday, Feb. 21st: Alerts and Warnings – You can subscribe to your local news stations or download MEMA’s free preparedness mobile app on your phone or tablet by searching “Mississippi EMA” in your app store. The post Gov. Reeves Declares Spring Severe Weather Preparedness Week appeared first on News Mississippi.
Guest denounces legislation protecting criminals from deportation
Congressman Michael Guest spoke on the House floor last week against the New Way Forward Act, a bill intended to “reform the process for enforcing the immigration laws of the United States.” Guest says the legislation would establish numerous new protections that illegal immigrants could claim for immediate release into the United States. In addition, the bill would drastically reduce the authority of local and state law enforcement officers have to enforce immigration laws in our communities. Congressman Guest vocally opposed the bill on the House floor, stating: “I rise today as a Member of the Committee on Homeland Security to express my strong opposition to the New Way Forward Act, which would completely eliminate our nation’s ability to control our borders and determine who and what enters our country. It would cripple the efforts of our law enforcement officers to remove dangerous criminals from our streets and it would undermine the sacrifices the men and women of law enforcement agencies make every day for our nation. Additionally, the New Way Forward Act would encourage and open new pathways for cartel members and human traffickers to enter and remain in the United States. Meanwhile, conservative policies like building the wall and supporting law enforcement agencies reduced the number of apprehensions by almost 75% since last May and led to the seizure of more than 50,000 pounds of drugs at our Southwest Border last month alone. I strongly urge my colleagues to oppose the New Way Forward Act.” The post Guest denounces legislation protecting criminals from deportation appeared first on News Mississippi.
Newcomers show promise, veterans deliver as Ole Miss takes series from No. 1 Louisville
Photo credit: Joshua McCoy– Ole Miss Athletics Story by SportsTalk Mississippi Ole Miss Beat Reporter Brian Scott Rippee OXFORD — Ole Miss entered the 2020 season as a club difficult to prognosticate. An immensely talented recruiting class stepped on campus in the fall aiming to replace 70 percent of the hits, one rotation slot and a couple of bullpen pieces from a 2019 club that finished one win short of making the College World Series. The newcomers answered the call in a 7-6, series-clinching win over No. 1 Louisville on Sunday. Ole Miss is 5-0 at home in series against top-ranked teams in the Mike Bianco era. It began with four innings with 5.2 innings of four-run (three earned), six-hit baseball from true freshman right-hander Derek Diamond, who acquitted himself well despite the pedestrian line. Diamond struck out one and walked one in on 79 pitches. He fell victim to a dropped tag by Hayden Dunhurst in the first inning as Ole Miss let answered a Louisville base-running gaffe with an error. A run crossed the plate that gave the Cardinals an early advantage. Diamond retired 11 in a row after the unearned run crossed. He was tagged for two more in the fifth on back-to-back solo home runs from Levi Usher and Ben Bianco, both pitches misplaced in the upper portion of the strike zone. Diamond escaped the inning with no more damage. He harkened back on a piece of advice Doug Nikhazy offered him moments before he took the mound. “Adversity is going to happen, don’t be surprised by it,” the sophomore left-hander told Diamond. That encouragement helped calm him throughout the start. “A lot of questions I think were answered about Derek today,” head coach Mike Bianco said. “That is the guy we saw all fall and knew he would be. I am proud of him.” Ole Miss sliced two off the lead in the fifth inning when Anthony Servideo blasted a Luke Smith fastball over the right-field bullpen. Servideo went 5-10 with two walks this weekend. The junior shortstop needed to take a leap in production at the plate in order for this team to be successful and is off to a strong start in doing just that. “I feel really good at the plate right now,” Servideo said. “I am just trying to keep it going.” Louisville added a run in the sixth and Ole Miss countered with the same in the bottom half of the inning. A four-run seventh inning swung the game in the Rebels’ favor, and it was fueled by the aforementioned newcomers. Peyton Chatagnier was plunked in a pinch-hit situation to begin the frame. Junior college transfer Ben Van Cleve roped a pinch-hit double down the left-field line in the next at-bat to put men at second and third with no one out. Laboring Lousiville reliever Tate Kuehner then walked Servideo to load the bases and was replaced by Ryan Hawks, who hit Justin Bench to tie the game at four. Tyler Keenan and Cael Baker followed with RBI singles through the left side that plated a total of three runs and awarded the Rebels a 7-4 lead. “A lot of really good at bats,” Bianco said. “Really quality and gritty at bats by our guys in that inning.” True freshman Wes Burton relieved Diamond in the sixth inning and provided what may have been the most quality relief appearance of the weekend. Burton retired seven of the eight hitters he faced through scoreless seventh an eighth innings and was replaced by Max Cioffi after a leadoff walk to begin the ninth. Burton talked to himself on the mound, hyping himself up and willing his way through the outing. In a series in which Ole Miss struggled to record shutdown innings in the field after it plated a run, Burton mustered two crucial zeroes to put the team in position to salt it away in the ninth. “It is a dark place we have to go to sometimes,” Burton said with a grin in reference to talking to himself. “Whatever I have to do to get it done.” Cioffi let Burton’s runner score in the ninth plus one more, but the Rebels escaped on a strikeout-throw-out double play to cap a loud statement weekend to begin the 2020 campaign. “I think we thought we could come in here and win a series this weekend,” Diamond said. “This just solidified it. We are legit. We are gonna be dogs. We are going to be tough to beat.” The blend of contributions between the new faces and returning players netted an encouraging start for a group that has great potential, but also a lot of questions to answer. Diamond looked the part as the Sunday starter. Baker had a five-hit weekend and drove in five runs. Dunhurst flashed a strong arm behind the plate and Chatagnier was productive at second base. The season is young as 53 games still remain, but the young players showed poise and the veterans were as advertised. “What a great three games,” Bianco said. “Besides the wins, to watch guys perform, a couple of young guys on the mound, a few young guys at the plate, to watch them perform in this environment against a really good team, I am just proud of them.” Ole Miss plays two midweek games before hosting Xavier next weekend. Greer Holston will start Tuesday against Arkansas State. First pitch is slated for 4 P.M. The post Newcomers show promise, veterans deliver as Ole Miss takes series from No. 1 Louisville appeared first on News Mississippi.
Mississippi State gets opening weekend sweep over Wright State
Photo courtesy of Mississippi State athletics Story by SportsTalk Mississippi MSU Beat Reporter Brian Hadad Bulldogs start 2020 with three wins Mississippi State made it three in a row for opening weekend, bringing in a 5-1 win over Wright State to close out the first series of the year. State got a strong performance from sophomore right-hander Eric Cerantola, who worked around some trouble but pitched four shutout innings, striking out 8. Josh Hatcher and Justin Foscue turned first inning outs into productive ones, netting 2 RBI in the opening frame, and Kamren James continue to impress in his first games at Dudy Noble with a 2 RBI single in the third. The Bulldog bullpen was very effective on Sunday, throwing 5 innings of 2 hit baseball, only giving up the one run in the fifth inning. O CANADA Eric Cerantola, Filthy Curveball…and pitching with emotion. pic.twitter.com/hzDJsrfPbF — Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) February 16, 2020 Cerantola took the hill with everyone wondering if the control issues that plagued him a season ago had been corrected, and after two batters, it appeared they had not. Cerantola was able to work out of jams in the first and third innning, while going 1-2-3 in the second and fourth, escaping with no runs given up and eight strikeouts. Obviously Coach Chris Lemonis will want to avoid that kind of trouble as the season progresses, but Cerantola showed good toughness battling out of those problem situations. BULLDOGS STRIKE FIRST Manufacturing some offense Six first-inning runs this weekend. pic.twitter.com/rUTvOaBR9Z — Mississippi State Baseball (@HailStateBB) February 16, 2020 Mississippi State did a good job this weekend of jumping out to early leads, and with such a young group of starters, that felt like a big key. Of course, the top of the order is so potent for the Bulldogs, even without Tanner Allen, who missed Saturday and Sunday’s games after taking a foul ball off his knee on Friday afternoon. If State can keep Ginn, Macleod, and Cerantola pitching with leads this season, they will be a very tough team to beat. WHAT’S NEXT? Series swept.#AllForSAMford pic.twitter.com/npzLAGiC3M — Samford Baseball (@SamfordBaseball) February 16, 2020 Mississippi State will welcome Samford to Dudy Noble Field on Tuesday for the first midweek encounter of 2020. Coach Lemonis said in postgame he did not have a starting pitcher penciled in for the game. First pitch is set for 4 PM on Tuesday. The post Mississippi State gets opening weekend sweep over Wright State appeared first on News Mississippi.
Pearl River Flooding Event: Preliminary damage report
Due to the severe weather that impacted the state starting February 10th through February 14th, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) received damage reports from affected counties and continues to assist with response efforts. At the time of this report, the Pearl River is expected to crest early Monday morning, February 17, 2020 between 37.5 feet to 38 feet. On Saturday, Governor Tate Reeves declared a state of emergency in response to flooding in Central Mississippi around the Pearl River. Coordinating with federal, state, and local partners, first responders and resources are on standby to be deployed for an immediate response. “This is a historic flood. With projections showing the potential of this being the third-worst flood in Mississippi history, I have declared a state of emergency to deploy the necessary resources to take care of all Mississippians impacted. I encourage everyone out there to prepare. Have a plan to protect yourself and your loved ones.” said Governor Tate Reeves. Also on Saturday, the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries executed 159 door to door knocks and were able to alert 510 individuals of the flood in an effort to evacuate the areas. The Office of Homeland Security performed 4 assisted evacuations during the day Saturday, in Edwards and Terry in Hinds County. No evacuations were needed last night. So far, eighteen counties submitted damage reports to MEMA. Four injuries were reported. The following damage reports serve only as initial assessments from the county emergency management offices and can change as MEMA receives additional reports and assessments. Updated damage reports by county (numbers subject to change): Attala: Flash flooding Carroll: Flash flooding, four roads closed Clay: 130 homes affected; eight roads with damage; 10 roads closed Copiah: Five roads closed, 120 sandbags distributed; 14 roads affected impacting 83 homes; two high water vehicles deployed to Hinds County Greene: four homes minor damage Grenada: four injuires due to hydroplaning; 10 homes affected; two roads destroyed, six roads with minor damage. Leake: 23 homes damaged; 12 roads damage; levee breach with five homes evacuated Leflore: 10 roads closed due to debris and flooding Lowneds: 10 homes damaged, 15 roads closed due to flooding Washington: 17 homes damaged, one road with major damage Yazoo: 30 homes damaged, 15 roads closed; 12 people displaced Resource Requests: Attala: 5,000 sandbags Calhoun: 5,000 sandbags Clay: 3 units of sandbags Greene: Area coordinator, drone Grenada: 5,000 sandbags Hinds: Sandbags, tarps Leake: 5,000 sandbags Rankin: 10,000 sandbags Yazoo: Shelter, 5,000 sandbags, 40 tarps Copiah County EMA, Yazoo County EMA, Smith County EMA, and the Florence Fire Department deployed high water rescue vehicles to assist affected flooded counties. Road Closures: Attala: County EMA reports 5 roads are closed due to flooding Bolivar: MS 448 between Gilbert Rd. and White Oak St. Carroll: CR 31 bridge washed out and CR 272 sinkhole Choctaw: 4 roads closed due to flooding Copiah: Hopewell Rd. and Gatesville Rd. Simpson: Hopewell Rd. and Gatesville Rd. on the Copiah/Simpson line Hinds: Following road closures are set to end: Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020 12:00 AM US 80 ramp to State St. / US 51 Eastbound US 80 ramp to State St. / US 51 Westbound I-20 ramp to State St. EX 45B Westbound I-20 ramp to Gallatin St. / State St. EX 45 Eastbound I-55 ramp to State St. / Gallatin St. EX 92B Northbound I-20 ramp to Gallatin St. EX 45A Westbound I-55 at Savannah St. / Daniel Lake Blvd. EX 90A – Northbound, right lane blocked The entrance ramp from Daniel Lake Blvd. to I-55 Northbound will also be closed. West Frontage Rd. between McDowell Rd. and Daniel Lake both directions East Frontage Rd. between Savannah St. and McDowell Rd. both directions Barricades will remain in place along Frontage Rd. at I-55 with water expected to stand in these areas for the next 2-3 days. Holmes: County EMA reports 2 roads currently closed Jones: MS 184 between Jordan Dr. and Dry Swamp Rd., the bridge at Dry Swamp on Highway 184 has closed due to damage from severe flash flooding Leake: MS 427 at MS 16 closed until Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020 8:00 AM Leflore: County EMA reports 5 roads closed due to flooding Pontotoc: 4 roads closed due to flooding Warren: Hwy 80E of Vicksburg near Hwy 27 was washed out and damaged due to flash flooding Washington: Club 17 Rd. from end of blacktop to Jeff Davis Rd., Lowes Rd. east of Beauchamp Shelters: Hinds: Jackson Police Academy 3000 St. Charles St. Jackson, MS OPEN The State Emergency Operations Center is activated and monitoring any requests or unmet needs from the county emergency management offices. The public is encouraged to report damage to homes or businesses to their county emergency management office. A directory of all the offices is online at http://www.msema.org/county-ema/ The post Pearl River Flooding Event: Preliminary damage report appeared first on News Mississippi.
Governor Reeves declares state of emergency as Pearl River rises
Photo courtesy of Gov. Tate Reeves/Facebook Governor Tate Reeves has declared a state of emergency as the cresting of the Pearl River in Jackson brings the threat of a historic flood event. The river is expected to crest at 38 feet by late Saturday night. Governor Reeves stated that flood levels of this extent have not been seen since the historic flood of 1983. The city of Jackson has ordered evacuations in several areas, which can be found here. Related: Mississippi Insurance Department provides important insurance information amid flooding concerns During a press conference this morning, Governor Reeves warned that just because the sun may be shining today, the threat is still very real as the river rises. MEMA warns that you need to follow these evacuation orders immediately. Watch the full press conference below: The Department of Transportation will be monitoring the flooding to determine if roads need to be closed. If you come across a flooded road, turn around, don’t drown. Related: Health officials warn of water contamination amid flooding For more information on the affected areas from MEMA, click here. The post Governor Reeves declares state of emergency as Pearl River rises appeared first on News Mississippi.
Mississippi Insurance Department provides important insurance information amid flooding concerns
If you are in the projected Pearl River flood area, the Mississippi Insurance Department (MID) offers the following information to help you prepare: It typically takes 30 days for a flood policy to go into effect and homeowner’s policies do not cover flooding. You can find more information about how to buy flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program by clicking here. “At last check, there were more than 61,500 flood policies in force in Mississippi,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney. “The Mississippi Insurance Department continues to work with FEMA and our congressional delegation to protect consumers and provide more affordable flood insurance.” Tips to prepare for flooding now: Sign up for your community warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. Learn and practice evacuation routes and shelter plans. Gather supplies you might need if you have to leave home quickly. Keep in mind, you may need medication, pet food and crates, and extra batteries and chargers for mobile phones. Keep important documents in a waterproof container. Make digital copies of those documents to upload and protect them with a password. You should make an inventory of items in your home. This will make filing an insurance claim easier and faster. The NAIC’s Scr.APP.book app makes it easy to create a household inventory. Download it now in the app store for Android or iPhone users. Pack a “Go Bag” which should include: Cash Medications: It is imperative that you pack any necessary medications and assume you may not have access to refills for several days. A battery-powered radio A gallon of drinking water for every family member and pet Important documents: Social Security cards, passports, birth certificates, driver’s licenses and more could all be lost or destroyed in a flood, wildfire or any natural disaster. Keep copies of these documents in a waterproof container or digital image saved online. Include a copy of your insurance policies so you can quickly file a claim once the danger has passed. After a flood Listen to authorities for information and return home only when authorities say it’s safe. Avoid driving, except in emergencies. Snakes and other animals may have come into your home or business during the flood. Wear gloves and boots during cleanup. Don’t touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you’re in standing water. If it’s safe, turn off the electricity to prevent electric shock. Avoid wading in floodwater as it could be contaminated. Only use a generator outdoors and away from windows. File a flood insurance claim as soon as possible. Call 1‐800‐621‐3362 for further assistance or Register for FEMA Flood Disaster Assistance. Follow this link for more flood prep information: http://www.mid.ms.gov/preparedness/weather-disaster.aspx#flo The post Mississippi Insurance Department provides important insurance information amid flooding concerns appeared first on News Mississippi.