Mississippi

Luther Russell, former Laurel Public Works Director, has pleaded guilty to embezzlement, admitting to using city equipment for personal projects. He was sentenced to house arrest and probation.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety said on social media that Elvis the Pony, Beth Loftin, Officer Thurman Jones and Pamela McAfee are its September employees of the month.

Demaro R. Hubbard, 28, was arrested Aug. 30 and charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit burglary of a vehicle, police said. A judge ordered a $10,000 bond and the charges will be presented to a Lee County grand jury.

Kirk Chism, NEMCC paramedic director, spoke with students about his journey in emergency medical services and introduced the college’s new paramedic program, the college said.

Blue Mountain Christian University will hold a Gratitude Day event on Sept. 9 on the central campus lawn, offering free food, thank-you cards and prize drawings, the university said.

MS LIFT said it held an open house and ribbon cutting at its Resource and Referral Center in Amory, Mississippi, and invited visitors to stop by at 215 N. Main St. The organization said the center offers lending libraries, child-care resources and training supports.

A heat advisory covers most of the state through the rest of the week, with highs in the mid- to upper-90s and heat indices up to 110, the advisory said. Residents were urged to limit outdoor activity, stay hydrated and never leave vulnerable people or pets in vehicles.