Local News

The Mississippi Department of Transportation honored District 5 engineer Neil Patterson with its Chief Engineer’s Award for leadership during a recent ice storm and ongoing operational work, the department said.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation said Miss. 57 between Moody Chapel Road and Industrial Drive will be closed in both directions from Tuesday, April 28 at 6 a.m. until about 5 p.m. Thursday, April 30 for railroad crossing repairs.

Tupelo Police Chief John Quaka hosted FBI Criminal Justice Information Services training this week, the department said. Law enforcement partners from local, state and federal agencies attended to learn investigative tools, information sharing and officer safety measures.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said it will open six Disaster Recovery Centers and seven Disaster Survivor Assistance sites at noon Monday, April 27, to help residents affected by the Jan. 23-27 winter ice storm.

The National Weather Service warned Sunday that parts of Mississippi face a marginal threat for severe weather, with storms capable of producing damaging winds up to 60 mph and quarter-size hail.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety said its offices, including all Driver Service Bureaus, will be closed Monday, April 27, 2026, in observance of Confederate Memorial Day. The department said offices will reopen Tuesday.

An ongoing storm affected Calhoun County as WoFS highlighted two areas where initial supercells could form. WoFS advised residents to stay weather aware this afternoon through tonight.

Blue Mountain Christian University’s Student Body Association said Ayla Stowe won the 2026 Crowned in Grace pageant on Friday, April 24. The association named London McAdams first alternate and Macy Bain second alternate.

Organizers said a free open gym tomorrow will be led by Skye Da Costa, a former Ripley assistant coach and current member of the Blue Mountain Christian University coaching staff. The session is open to anyone and is not a club or travel program.

A cold front will push rain and a few thunderstorms through the region today, with forecasters saying North Mississippi could see as much as 1 inch of rain that is unlikely to ease drought conditions.