Top Stories – Page 116 – The Mississippi Link

Tornado strikes Hattiesburg; USM declares state of emergency

A tornado ripped through historic Hattiesburg Sunday as part of a wave of severe storms that downed trees, damaged buildings and injured more than a dozen people.

The twister traveled down one of Hattiesburg’s main streets and mangled homes, commercial buildings and structures on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). Emergency officials said at least 10 people were injured in surrounding Forrest County and three were hurt to the west in Marion County, but they weren’t aware of any deaths. […]

“FBI Alert” e-mail not from FBI, officials say

Kermit 0

Recently, some Mississippi residents have received an alarming e-mail, supposedly containing an “FBI Alert” about someone with whom they’ve communicated on line. This e-mail requests that recipients contact the “FBI secret service” by following a link provided in the e-mail.

Well, be warned! The e-mail is not from the FBI and if users click on the embedded link, they run the risk of infecting their computer with a malicious virus, FBI personnel said. […]

Christopher Epps sworn in as president of world’s largest correctional association

admin 2

By Lonnie Ross

Online Editor

Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner Christopher B. Epps was sworn in on Monday, Jan. 28, 2013, as the 102nd president of the American Correctional Association (ACA). He is a native of Tchula, Mississippi.

The ACA, founded in 1870 as the National Prison Association, is the oldest and largest international correctional association in the world. The organization has more than 20,000 members from 60 countries…. […]

W.K. Kellogg Foundation opens regional office in Jackson

admin 1

Demonstrates commitment to Mississippi’s and New Orleans’ vulnerable children

By Ayesha K. Mustafaa

Editor

The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) held a reception Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, with the Mississippi Children’s Museum as the venue, where its officials came to town to launch the opening of the Foundation’s Jackson office, at Capital Towers, 125 S. Congress…. […]

Senate 28 race unsettled; run-off scheduled

admin 0

By Daphne Higgins

Contributing Writer

With 100 percent of the precincts reporting, two of the nine candidates in the race for the Senate District 28 seat will be returning to the polls on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, in a run-off election to declare a winner for the position left vacant by the death of Senator Alice Harden.

Unofficial results show that Marshand Crisler edged out opponents, Sollie B. Norwood and Tamara Grace Butler, by a close margin to lead the trio in the special election poll results Feb. 5, 2013…. […]

B.B. King Museum hosts Black History Month Musical Celebration

Kermit 0

In keeping with their mission to preserve the rich culture and music of the Mississippi Delta, The B.B. King Museum will host free musical programs every Thursday in February in honor of Black History Month.

On Feb. 7, the program will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will feature the music of: The Eastside High School Choir; The Greenwood High School Choir and the Restoration Ministries Academy.

Museum director, Dion Brown, said this month’s program is just a preview of what The B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center will offer to the public in 2013. […]

Mississippi university could get first black chief

Kermit 0

More than 50 years ago, the University of Southern Mississippi rejected a chance to admit a black man and end segregation in the state’s higher education system. Today, the school is likely to become the first of Mississippi’s historically white public universities to be led by a black man.

College Board officials said this month that they want Dr. Rodney Bennett, the University of Georgia’s vice president of student affairs, to become the next president of 16,000-student USM.

Bennett was chosen from among three finalists by the board that oversees all eight public universities. Assuming campus interviews go well, Bennett will likely be named to the post Thursday, Feb. 7. […]

Biloxi man gets 37 years for sex acts with 3-year-old

Kermit 0

A Harrison County man will spent the next 37 years behind bars after admitting he performed sex acts with a 3-year-old girl.

Johnathan Robert Necaise, 29, was sentenced for his crime of sexual battery and exploitation of a child.

According to District Attorney Joel Smith, Necaise was arrested August 19, 2011 after a 3-year-old girl gave a statement as to the lewd acts. […]

Discover the history and heritage of the true South this February

Kermit 0

Whether you are a visitor or a resident of the state, Mississippi invites you to immerse yourself in the history of the True South during the month of February.

“The past truly comes alive in Mississippi,” said Malcolm White, director of the Mississippi Development Authority’s Tourism Division. “From the state’s Civil War and Civil Rights legacy to our Native American culture, Mississippi features historical sites and attractions all across the state. Whether you want an authentic experience featuring a battle reenactment or prefer to rock away the hours listening to stories of days gone by on a porch swing, it’s all here as Mississippians share our rich heritage with visitors.” […]

Severe weather preparedness week coming

Kermit 0

In the wake of all the storm and tornado damage Mississippi has incurred in recent years, “You have to have a plan.” That’s what state and local officials are saying as they ready themselves for Severe Weather Preparedness Week.

A statewide tornado drill will be conducted at 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6.

Schools, businesses and other agencies are encouraged to participate. […]