Statewide News – Page 10 – The Mississippi Link

Student drivers subject to drug tests

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The first day back at school typically means lots of forms to fill out from clubs, classes and extracurricular activities. But some students in one district also have to sign a consent form to be tested for drugs in order to receive a parking permit.

An amendment to Madison County Schools’ drug testing policy means students who drive to school are now subject to random tests, a move applauded by parents and administrators but questioned by a civil rights group.

The district already randomly tests any student involved in extracurricular activities from grades seven and up. However, the new policy expands the testing pool by also adding all sophomores, juniors and seniors who purchase a parking decal, a requirement dubbed “pee to park” in some circles. […]

Body of Abigail Bonner found near her home

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Abigail Bonner’s body was found yesterday near Madison Avenue and Rice Road. The 17-year-old was reported missing nearly two weeks ago from her home in the Belle Rose subdivision.

Investigators reportedly found the body Tuesday night in a wooded area about a mile away from her home, WJTV reported.

“We received information of an odor. We sent an investigator to search for the odor and at the same time located the body,” recalls the Madison Police Chief. […]

Handcuffed inmate tries to swim to freedom

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A handcuffed inmate escaped from a probation officer and was fished from the Yazoo Diversion Canal.

Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said 21-year-old Jeremy Blake Bowlin got away from a Mississippi Department of Corrections probation officer outside the Warren County jail on Aug. 6.

Bowlin is on probation for two counts of auto burglary, according to court records. […]

Songwriter Johnny Russell gets country music marker in Moorhead

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Country music singer-songwriter Johnny Russell was the latest recipient honored with a marker on the Mississippi Country Music Trail. The marker unveiling was at 101 East Delta Avenue in Moorhead.

Governor Phil Bryant, who was born in Moorhead, offered remarks during the ceremony.

John Bright “Johnny” Russell (1940-2001) was born and raised in Moorhead and went on to become a star of the Grand Ole Opry and a popular country recording artist, with such hits as “Catfish John” and “Rednecks, White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer.” […]

Beekeeping workshop set in Corinth

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Mississippi State University bee specialist Jeff Harris will conduct a workshop for beekeepers on Aug. 20 in Corinth.

The Daily Corinthian reports the session is designed for beginning beekeepers and will be held at the Alcorn County Extension Service office near Crossroads Arena.

There is no charge to attend.

The workshop is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. […]

Elvis birthplace opens Elvis Week

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For the 13th year in a row, Les Horne of Oxford, England, began Elvis Week in Tupelo at the birthplace of Elvis Presley.

“Every year we come, it has gotten a little better,” Horne said.

Hundreds of fans from around the world were in Tupelo on Saturday for the 36th Fan Appreciation Day at the Elvis Presley Birthplace Park, The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reported.

This year, for the first time, entertainment and food were in an amphitheater and theater opened on the grounds last August. An evening concert by an Elvis impersonator was moved to the Civic Auditorium because rain threatened. […]

Jackson County to get $10 million from FEMA for dredging

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Jackson County is getting a multimillion-dollar boost from the federal government to help erase the effects of Hurricane Isaac last year.

The Sun Herald reported that the county will receive $10 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for dredging silt that Isaac swept into the mouths of bayous and channels. Matching money from the state and county will pay for an additional $4 million in dredging work.

County Board of Supervisors President Mike Mangum said the work could start in October and take about a year to complete.
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Man gets 10 years for exposing person to HIV

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A Meridian man has been sentenced for deliberately exposing someone to the HIV virus while he was a patient in the hospital. Judge Lester Williamson sentenced Laderrick Rencher, 37, to serve 10 years — the maximum sentence allowed for one count of knowingly exposing another person to HIV.

“Judge Williamson threw the book at this guy, who took advantage of a vulnerable person,” said Attorney General Jim Hood.

Williamson sentenced Rencher to the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC). He was also ordered to pay $630 in fines. […]

Greenwood man dies after falling in hotel pool

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A man who was found in a downtown Jackson hotel pool Friday night has died, WLBT reported.

According to Jackson Fire Department Chief Arson Investigator Greg Travis, the incident occurred just before 10 p.m. at the Marriott on Amite Street.

Authorities said 28-year-old Ben Johnson was pulled from the pool, but there is no indication as to how he fell in. Firefighters, AMR, and Jackson Police responded to the scene. […]

MDOT begins bridge project on Highway 80

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The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be replacing a bridge on Highway 80 in Rankin County. Work will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 9 a.m. with an anticipated completion date of March 2014.

Traffic will be switched from the mainline of Highway 80 to a temporary detour located 0.85 miles west of the Scott and Rankin County Line as crews begin a bridge replacement project. […]