Mississippi wakes up to arrests, scam warnings and fire weather this morning, Wednesday, October 14, 2026. Former Guntown officials were arrested over an alleged $9,950 sewage billing scheme, the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about bail-bond phone scams, and the National Weather Service has upgraded Mississippi to elevated fire danger through the weekend. Here are the biggest stories from across the Mississippi News Group network.
Top Stories
Former Guntown officials arrested in alleged $9,950 sewage billing scheme
Former Guntown Alderman William Daniel Davis and former Public Works Operator Robert Lee Davis were arrested on allegations of fraud or embezzlement in public office, Mississippi State Auditor Shad White announced. Between October and November 2024, the two allegedly billed the city $9,950 for a private residential sewage line, officials said. Read the full story on msnewsgroup.com.
Woman charged after alleged shooting, stabbing in Lafayette County
Deputies with the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic disturbance on County Road 286 on Oct. 11 and arrested Eudalia Perez, 38, of Oxford, authorities said. Perez allegedly discharged a handgun and stabbed a person during the disturbance and was charged with aggravated domestic violence. Read the full story on msnewsgroup.com.
Around Mississippi
Lowndes County sheriff warns of bail bond phone scams
The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about scammers impersonating deputies and claiming a family member has been arrested. The callers demand money to get the person out of jail, sometimes directing victims to buy gift cards or cryptocurrency. Read the full story on msnewsgroup.com.
State looks to harden cybersecurity as AI changes the game
Mississippi is moving to harden its cybersecurity posture as artificial intelligence reshapes the threat landscape for state government and public services. Read the full story on desotocountynews.com.
Panola County Sheriff’s Office mourns former Sheriff Ida Margaret Bryan
The Panola County Sheriff’s Office expressed its prayers and sympathies for the family of Ida Margaret Bryan, known to many as “Ms Ida.” Bryan served as Panola County sheriff in April 2005 after her husband, David, and was remembered by the office as “another icon gone.” Read the full story on desotocountynews.com.
Fire danger upgraded; Coast fog advisory issued
National Weather Service Jackson has upgraded Mississippi to Elevated (Level 2) fire danger for Wednesday into the weekend, with open burning discouraged and Friday gusts expected to worsen conditions. Coastal commuters also face a dense fog advisory for the morning drive. Read the full evening briefing on msnewsgroup.com.
Sports
NFL Rebels: Jared Ivey records first career sack in Week 5
Atlanta Falcons defensive end Jared Ivey recorded the first sack of his career in Week 5, bringing down Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley for a 9-yard loss during Sunday Night Football. The former Ole Miss standout finished the game with three tackles as Rebel alumni posted notable performances across the NFL. Read the full story on msnewsgroup.com.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
