News Briefs From Across The State
Some shelters are already filled to capacity
The Associated Press is reporting that the frigid temperatures that have rattled the state will continue on into Tuesday. A number of communities, including several on the coast, have opened shelters from the cold weather, and nearly 200 people have taken advantage of them.
The National Weather Service also issued a freeze warning for the northern counties of the state that will last until Dec. 14. Counties north of Jackson reported temps that fell into the low teens with a wind chill below 10 degrees.
During the cold weather, people are urged to check on their pets, the elderly and infirm neighbors.
Woman found dead in Rankin County jail
Officials in Rankin County are waiting for an autopsy report to determine what led to the death of a 23-year old woman found dead in her jail cell. Amanda Nicole Brasel was found dead on Dec. 7. Rankin County Sheriff Ronnie Pennington said Brasel was arrested on Dec. 6 and charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance.
Outstanding fines must be paid in Sunflower
Sunflower Police Chief William Perry is giving residents with outstanding fines another opportunity to come in and pay what they owe. Perry said when fines are not paid, the community suffers because that money pays for crucial services needed in the town.
In November, Sunflower began an amnesty program allowing people to voluntarily come in and pay their fine, thereby avoiding arrest. Regardless of the fine amount, arrangements with the town clerk could be made and a payment plan agreed upon. Perry said, however, that many people failed to come in, and when the program ends in January, those who ignored the warning could be arrested.
WLBT reported that most of the monies collected from fines goes to the state of Mississippi and funds various agencies, like the Highway Patrol. With budget cuts ordered by the governor over the past few years, several agencies have been forced to eliminate positions, which in turn reduces the effectiveness of some services.
To compensate, Perry says, the state is putting pressure on towns like Sunflower to submit their fine collections.
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