Mississippi News Report — Monday, Sep 28: Starkville, Sardis Deaths
Good morning, Mississippi. A tragic start to the week: a motorcycle operator was killed in a single-vehicle crash in Starkville, and one person was killed and another injured in a shooting in Sardis. Also this morning: No. 4 Ole Miss dropped its SEC opener 52-28 at Florida despite a big night from Deuce Alexander, Tupelo celebrates 70 years since Elvis Presley came home with a free Fairpark concert tonight, and Jackson State women’s soccer opened SWAC play with a shutout win. Here is your Monday morning roundup.
Top Stories
Motorcycle Operator Killed in Starkville Collision
Robert Landry, 40, of Braxton, died at the scene of a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on Highway 82/Highway 25 in Starkville, police said. The crash was reported Monday, September 28. Read the full story at Mississippi News Group.
One Killed, One Injured in Sardis Shooting
Gary Walls, Jr., was pronounced dead at the scene of a shooting in Sardis, while Janiya Fonville was transported for treatment and reported in stable condition, authorities said. Read the full story at DeSoto County News.
No. 4 Ole Miss Falls 52-28 to Florida in SEC Opener
The University of Mississippi football team, ranked No. 4, lost its SEC opener 52-28 to the No. 21 Florida Gators on Saturday at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville. Deuce Alexander was the Rebels’ top receiver with seven catches for 134 yards — his second 100-yard game of the season — while quarterback Trinidad Chambliss completed 25 of 34 passes for 298 yards with one passing touchdown and two rushing scores, including his 100th collegiate touchdown. Coach Pete Golding said the Rebels “couldn’t get anything going in the first half.” Ole Miss now heads into a bye week before returning to play. Read the full recap at Mississippi Sports Group.
Tupelo Celebrates Elvis Homecoming Tonight at Fairpark
Tupelo is gearing up for the Elvis Homecoming celebration tonight at Fairpark, marking 70 years since Elvis Presley returned to his hometown in 1956. The one-night tribute features live music from Brothers Windham, Nick Perkins and Wyly Bigger Music beginning at 6 p.m., and admission is free. Organizers call it a tribute to Elvis and his lasting legacy in Tupelo — a night to bring the community together for the King of Rock ’n’ Roll. Read the full story at Tupelo News.
Corinth Weather: Near-90 Heat This Week, Rain Chances by Friday
Corinth’s outlook for the final days of September calls for sunshine and rising heat — highs climbing to near 90 degrees by Thursday — before the first real rain chances in some time arrive Friday and Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Monday should be sunny with a high near 81, then 85 Tuesday and 89 Wednesday. Any rain would be welcome: the latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows every acre of Alcorn, Prentiss and Tishomingo counties in drought, with 86 percent of Alcorn County in severe drought. Friday and Saturday each carry a 50 percent chance of showers. Read the full forecast at Alcorn County News.
Regional
Crossroads Marching Classic: Alcorn Central Takes 2nd, New Albany Named Grand Champion
Alcorn Central’s Purple Pride marching band brought home a second-place finish in Class 3A plus best drum major and best percussion caption awards from Saturday’s Crossroads Marching Classic at Corinth High School’s Warrior Stadium. Mooreville won Class 3A, Tishomingo County placed fourth, and New Albany was named grand champion of the day with Ripley as reserve grand champion. Hatley swept Class 1A and Potts Camp swept Class 2A. See the full results at Alcorn County News.
Safe Haven Baby Box Blessing Set Oct. 2 in Senatobia — 11th in Mississippi
Safe Haven Baby Boxes and the Senatobia community will hold a blessing and official unveiling of the newest Safe Haven Baby Box at Highland Hills Medical Center on Friday, Oct. 2, at 10 a.m. The box — at 401 Getwell Drive in Senatobia — will be the 476th in the nation and the 11th in Mississippi, giving northeast Mississippi families another safe, anonymous infant-surrender option in a moment of crisis. The public is encouraged to attend. Learn more at shbb.org. Read the full story at Alcorn County News.
Sports
Jackson State Women’s Soccer Opens SWAC Play With 3-0 Win Over Southern
Jackson State women’s soccer opened its Southwestern Athletic Conference schedule with a 3-0 victory over Southern on Sunday at the JSU Soccer Field. Kianah Farmer scored in the 39th minute, Ryanne Hawthorn-Harper added a goal in the 50th, and Akeelah Mirza finished it in the 62nd, while goalkeeper Taylor Osborn preserved the shutout with six saves. The Tigers improved to 5-6 overall and 1-0 in SWAC play and travel to Grambling State on Thursday at 5 p.m. Read the full story at Mississippi Sports Group.
That’s your Mississippi News Report for Monday, September 28. Catch the evening edition tonight at 7 p.m.
