Local News

William H. McCord, 32, was arrested and charged with kidnapping after police responded March 18 to a report that a woman was being held against her will near Ballard Park, police said. He was ordered held without bond and the case will be presented to the Lee County Grand Jury.

Forecasters say temperatures will swing sharply this week, with possible new high temperature records Thursday before a cold front brings highs into the 60s and 70s this weekend.

A crash on Interstate 20 at U.S. 61 North near the Rolling Fork exit 5A is causing delays in the westbound lanes, the MDOT traffic website reported.

U.S. 80 westbound between Eastgate Drive and Woodgate Drive will have lane closures from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily March 24-31 for ditch cleaning, the Mississippi Department of Transportation said.

Education advocates in Mississippi say the state spends a larger share of its education budget on administration than other Southern states and that teachers are the lowest paid in the nation. They are calling for cuts to bureaucracy and a shift of funds into classrooms.

The Booneville Police Department warned Tuesday that drivers should expect delays on West College Street to U.S. 45 starting at 7 a.m. while crews clean up storm debris.

Sanford completed the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association’s Trilogy Award, his department said. FBI-LEEDA says the award recognizes completion of three leadership development courses.

Ripley officials urged residents to avoid parking in front of brush piles and other storm debris so collection trucks can access materials and avoid service delays.

Northeast Mississippi Community College said a new rotation of its Adult Education program begins Monday, March 23, and students can still enroll in person or online. The college said those who enroll now may be eligible to participate in the program’s 2026 graduation in May.

Over the past two days, multiple cities in the region tied or set new temperature records amid ongoing heat. Here are the details.