Local News

Fire Chief Kelly Elliott spoke to members of the CIC professional development program during a recent staff meeting, and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety recognized Pamela McAfee for her service, the department said.

A social media alert urged residents to ignore texts claiming the Driver Service Bureau will suspend licenses or cancel vehicle registrations and to delete any suspicious messages.

Commissioner Sean Tindell and Sen. Dean Kirby said the new headquarters brings all divisions into one location and consolidates departments to improve teamwork and efficiency at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation says crews are continuing cleanup after overnight storms that downed trees and utility lines, blocking multiple highways.

The U.S. Postal Service said its Stamp Out Hunger food drive will collect nonperishable items left by mailboxes on Saturday, May 9. Letter carriers will pick up donations during regular delivery, the USPS said.

Ripley Main Street announced winners of its 2026 awards in a social media post and thanked the people, businesses, volunteers and leaders it said help sustain the town.

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said it received preliminary reports that 17 people were injured and no fatalities were reported after severe weather struck May 6-7, 2026.

Organizers said graduates may collect caps and gowns May 11-15 at the site where they attended class. Pickup hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m.-noon Friday.

The updated Day 1 outlook said the 2/5 slight risk was trimmed nearly out of the area and that a brief two-hour window remains for a strong to severe thunderstorm capable of hail and gusty winds.

A 4:20 p.m. radar update said the cold front moved south of the area, ending the immediate threat of severe thunderstorms while showers and flood risk linger through early evening.