WLBT - Local News

3D printer expands learning at Jackson Prep

WLBT Staff — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:34:00 EDT

Jackson Prep has gotten its hands on one of those 3D printers you've been hearing about. The proper name for the machine is the MakerBot Replicator 2x.

A recent Belhaven area crime didn't make it into JPD's files

Bert Case — Wed, 15 May 2013 19:15:00 EDT

There was an armed robbery and an attempted armed robbery in the Belhaven area, but the Jackson Police Officer investigating only filed one report. Now, that officer's superior wants to know why.

Software glitch blamed for duplicate charges at restaurant

Courtney Ann Jackson — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:36:00 EDT

Most people don't think twice about paying with plastic. But that changed for some customers at a Byram Mexican restaurant this week.

NASCAR driver's cell phone confiscated in stolen race hauler investigation

WBTV Web Staff — Fri, 17 May 2013 22:51:00 EDT

A NASCAR driver accused of stealing a race competitor's race hauler has had his cell phone confiscated by deputies as they investigate the crime.

Gov. Bryant honors former POWs

Cheryl Lasseter — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:46:00 EDT

Governor Phil Bryant took part in a special event Friday morning, ahead of the Run to the Wall motorcycle ride from California to Washington, D.C.

Bomb threat suspect: 'School comes first'

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:24:00 EDT

Thursday Clinton police arrested a Clinton Alternative School student in connection with several recent bomb threats to Clinton High School, and this isn't the first time he's made the news.

UAW study says Nissan subsidies top $1.3 billion

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:59:00 EDT

A study paid for by the United Auto Workers finds state and local governments may provide Nissan Motor Co.'s Mississippi plant with nearly $850 million in tax breaks over 30 years, plus $400 million in cash aid.

Hinds County Supervisors are short-handed

Bert Case — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:53:00 EDT

Hinds County Supervisors could face a situation where they are two members down, if current supervisor Phil Fisher gets elected mayor of Clinton. At least two board members have opposing viewpoints when it comes to filling the vacancies.

Missing Jackson man found

WLBT Staff — Thu, 16 May 2013 18:40:00 EDT

The Jackson man who was the subject of a Silver Alert Thursday morning has been located. Seventy-seven-year-old Paul White had been missing since midnight.

Hinds Co. mobile home fire contained

WLBT Staff — Thu, 16 May 2013 12:32:00 EDT

Firefighters were able to contain a mobile home blaze to two rooms Thursday morning, saving the Hinds County residence.

Pepper spray hits bystanders in Vicksburg Junior High fight

Courtney Ann Jackson — Thu, 16 May 2013 08:58:00 EDT

A school resource officer broke up a fight at Vicksburg Junior High School with pepper spray Monday, but some students not involved in the fight got caught in the crossfire.

Lee gets endorsement for Jackson Mayor

Marsha Thompson — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:46:00 EDT

More support is thrown behind democratic candidate Jonathan Lee. This comes on the heels of an endorsement by city of Jackson Councilman Frank Blunston who was ousted in the Democratic Primary election for mayor of Jackson.

Gov. Bryant wants to stop early release for some criminals

Mike McDaniel — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:09:00 EDT

For anyone serving time in regards to the death of a law enforcement officer, Governor Phil Bryant says, pretty soon, an early release will be out of the question.

Boil water alert lifted for 7,000 in Rankin Co.

Wed, 15 May 2013 15:35:00 EDT

The Fannin Water Association has lifted the precautionary boil water alert for customers who receive drinking water from their supply.

JPD remembers officers lost in line of duty

Jewell Hillery — Wed, 15 May 2013 14:37:00 EDT

The Jackson Police Department's annual Jackson Police Memorial is taking place outside of the department headquarters Wednesday morning.

Teenager dies In Copiah County accident

Maggie Wade — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:59:00 EDT

The Copiah County Sheriff's Department is investigating a fatal car accident. The crash happened on Six Mile Road Tuesday night.

Scam email claims help needed with military money

WLBT Staff — Wed, 15 May 2013 13:51:00 EDT

A new email scam reels recipients in with claims that the sender is a military officer and needs help safekeeping two trunks that need to be sent to the U.S.

Police: Woman pulls gun when kids bark at dog

Courtney Ann Jackson — Wed, 15 May 2013 09:12:00 EDT

Stephanie Morris' 12-year-old and 7-year-old twin girls went from having fun to being terrified while jumping on the trampoline Sunday night. The girls came running inside and Morris knew something was wrong.

Jackson mayoral candidates debate Jeopardy style

Roslyn Anderson — Wed, 15 May 2013 08:41:00 EDT

In less than a week, the two Democratic candidates for Mayor of Jackson will find out who will face an independent challenger for the city's top office.

Social activist Parker-Weaver suffers stroke

Cheryl Lasseter — Tue, 14 May 2013 20:26:00 EDT

Social activist Stephanie Parker-Weaver thanked Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson and the council during Tuesday's meeting, and said doctors are telling her "this is it".

SUV crashes through fence in downtown Jackson

Tue, 14 May 2013 19:45:00 EDT

The driver of a Chevy SUV apparently lost control of her vehicle approaching a sharp curve on Lamar Street in downtown Jackson Tuesday afternoon.

Jackson getting a movie theater

Cheryl Lasseter — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:49:00 EDT

It's going up at the District at Eastover, a mixed-use development going up at Frontage Road and Eastover Drive.

Animal shelter hit by burglary

Joe Barnes — Tue, 14 May 2013 15:34:00 EDT

"A kick in the gut." It's about the only way Executive Director of Animal Rescue Fund of Mississippi Elizabeth Jackson can describe the break-in at the organization's Mayes Street facility after being there for only a few months.

Hundreds enjoy Pepsi Pops under clear skies

Tue, 14 May 2013 15:11:00 EDT

The Ross Barnett Reservoir was the place to be Monday night for wonderful live music. Hundreds kicked back to take in the beautiful music and weather at the annual Pepsi Pops event featuring the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra.

Police: Family attacked for being in "wrong neighborhood"

Kiran Chawla — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:00:00 EDT

A man said he, his wife and his daughter were all punched because they were in the "wrong neighborhood" when they stopped to get gas at night.

USDA revokes Collins Zoo's license

Bob Burks — Tue, 14 May 2013 12:49:00 EDT

he Mississippi Roadside Zoo in Collins has lost its exhibitor license after 43 years. The U. S. Department of Agriculture revoked the license following an undercover investigation and legal complaints to state and federal officials by the Humane Society of the United States.

Reservoir works on "master plan" for future

Courtney Ann Jackson — Tue, 14 May 2013 10:15:00 EDT

Reservoir residents got the chance Monday night to give their input on what's being called a "master plan" for the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District. "It's a 33,000 acre lake with about 17,000

Rankin Co. 2nd grader lands movie role

Mon, 13 May 2013 21:06:00 EDT

A Rankin County second grader has landed one of the lead roles in a movie starring Katherine Heigl, Patrick Wilson and Jordana Brewster.

Jackson family terrorized during home invasion

WLBT Staff — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:34:00 EDT

Jackson police confirm two 17-year-olds have been charged in the weekend home invasion and armed robbery of a Jackson family.

MBI completes investigation of Eric Smith's death

Bert Case — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:21:00 EDT

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigations has finished it's investigation of on the shooting death of Jackson Police Detective Eric Smith. It happened April fourth when gunshots rang out inside the Jackson police headquarters.

Holly Bobo case has new clues, new detectives

Dennis Ferrier — Mon, 13 May 2013 19:13:00 EDT

Two years have passed since nursing student Holly Bobo vanished into the woods, and there are now new developments, clues and evidence in the search to bring her home.

Top private insurer to make reimbursement cuts

Mike McDaniel — Mon, 13 May 2013 17:20:00 EDT

The state's largest private insurance provider is about to make cuts to how much reimbursement money is paid out to healthcare providers.

June trial set for ex-Mendenhall police chief

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:34:00 EDT

The trial for a former Mississippi police chief charged in a federal extortion, bribery and witness tampering case has been rescheduled for June 24.

Frank Bluntson endorses Jonathan Lee

WLBT Staff — Sun, 12 May 2013 22:24:00 EDT

The man leading the race for Jackson mayor just picked up support from a former opponent.

Multiple shots fired and one man injured

WLBT Staff — Sun, 12 May 2013 22:03:00 EDT

Shots rang out in west Jackson today, leaving one man injured.

Cold and wet weather has been keeping farmers out of the fields

Joe Barnes — Sun, 12 May 2013 21:49:00 EDT

Riding through the fields of Scott Cannada's farms near Edwards, it's easy to see why he's worried about this year's crop.

I-20 multi-vehicle accident sends several to the hospital

Sun, 12 May 2013 19:33:00 EDT

A multi-vehicle accident on I-20 westbound Sunday resulted in several people being transported to the hospital.

Warren Co. seeks repayment from Circuit Clerk

Sun, 12 May 2013 15:55:00 EDT

An unfinished 2012 audit of Warren County says Circuit Clerk Shelly Ashley-Palmertree owes the county more than previously thought and supervisors will ask for payback this week.

Myrlie Evers-Williams gives commencement at Ole Miss

WLBT Staff — Sat, 11 May 2013 20:57:00 EDT

Civil rights activist and author Dr. Myrlie Evers-Williams delivered the main address at The University of Mississippi's 160th commencement Saturday.

Former TN. officer indicted for crash that killed two MS. residents

Sat, 11 May 2013 15:11:00 EDT

A former Memphis, Tenn., police officer who was involved in a fatal crash that killed two Mississippi residents has been indicted.

Roofers remove shingles from wrong house

Jessica Bowman — Sat, 11 May 2013 00:20:00 EDT

Many Jackson homeowners are spending thousands of dollars replacing their roof from recent hail damage. One Jackson homeowner didn't need her roof repaired, but now she is forced to fork out thousands of dollars after a roofing crew apparently came to the wrong house and began removing shingles. This happened just hours before severe weather set in Thursday night.

JPD makes drug bust after pulling over scooter

Fri, 10 May 2013 20:50:00 EDT

Jackson police say a traffic stop during a "city-wide sweep" led to the arrest of two men on drug charges Thursday.

Madison DA will investigate Canton voting irregularities

David Kenney — Fri, 10 May 2013 18:16:00 EDT

Arnel Bolden and Canton Mayor Dr. William Truly will meet in a runoff May 21 in the Canton Democratic mayoral primary. Official returns show Bolden with 946 votes and Mayor Truly with 936.

4 denied bond after manhunt

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:09:00 EDT

Four people apprehended during a manhunt Thursday appeared in municipal court Friday morning.

3rd suspect denied bond in 6-year-old's kidnapping

WLBT Staff — Fri, 10 May 2013 15:48:00 EDT

A third woman appeared in federal court Friday morning on charges related to the kidnapping of 6-year-old Jashayla Hopson from East Kemper Elementary School April 30.

Father, fiancee charged in 3-year-old's death

Jessica Bowman — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:12:00 EDT

A Scott County father and his fiancee are facing charges in the death of the man's 3-year-old daughter.

Canton alderman charged with bribery

Thu, 9 May 2013 23:14:00 EDT

Canton Alderman Louis Smith, who represents Ward 4, is facing a federal bribery charge.

Barnes Named Director of MS Office of Homeland Security

WLBT Staff — Thu, 9 May 2013 16:58:00 EDT

MHP Major Rusty Barnes is the new Director of the Mississippi Office of Homeland Security. Barnes has been with MPH for more than 25 years and most recently served as the Central Region Commander of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and the statewide Emergency Operations Co-ordinator.

Flaggs wins Vicksburg Democratic mayoral primary; no runoff

WLBT Staff — Wed, 8 May 2013 23:40:00 EDT

Seven candidates have fought a long and scandalous ridden battle in the Democratic Primary race for the seat for Mayor of Vicksburg. The votes are in, and it appears a questionable past does in fact matter to the voters.

More Highway 80 development planned for Pearl Mayor's 2nd term

Cheryl Lasseter — Wed, 8 May 2013 17:36:00 EDT

Pearl Mayor Brad Rogers says economic development on the west side of town will resonate on the east side.

Lee leads the way in Jackson mayoral primary

Marsha Thompson — Wed, 8 May 2013 12:24:00 EDT

A young Jackson businessman with no political experience has delivered a stunning blow to the incumbent mayor of Jackson. Jonathan Lee pulled out in front and led the field all evening.

Lumumba claims runoff spot in race for Jackson mayor

Roslyn Anderson — Wed, 8 May 2013 11:17:00 EDT

Councilman Chokwe Lumumba is claiming a runoff spot in the race for mayor. He entered his campaign celebration at the Clarion Hotel Tuesday night to the chants of "The people must decide."

Mayor Johnson conceded loss in race for Jackson re-election

WLBT Staff — Wed, 8 May 2013 11:16:00 EDT

Numerous candidates lined the ballot Tuesday in the Democratic Primary for Mayor of the City of Jackson, and with so many potentials, it's no surprise that the primary election has come down to a runoff.

Fisher and Carter win Clinton mayoral primaries

WLBT Staff — Wed, 8 May 2013 11:14:00 EDT

Hinds County District 4 Supervisor Phil Fisher is leading two other candidates in the Republican Primary for Clinton Mayor. Fisher leads by a 2-1 margin over former state college board member Ricki Garrett and former ward 1 alderman Tony.Hisaw is third with a little more than half the vote counted.

Mississippi Supreme Court stays Manning execution

Joe Barnes — Tue, 7 May 2013 16:01:00 EDT

The Mississippi Supreme Court has issued a stay in the execution of Willie Jerome Manning. The stay was issued a little more than four hours before his scheduled execution. The stay is in effect until the court issues a further order.

What's next for Linda Gale Reed?

Courtney Ann Jackson — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 21:47:00 EDT

Linda Gale Reed created a frenzy when she disappeared without warning from Copiah County in April 2012.

Bomgar - Business Matters

Brandon Artiles — Wed, 15 May 2013 16:57:00 EDT

One of the fastest growing tech companies in the nation is being hailed as one of the best private job creators in Mississippi.

Chief: Officers made a mistake in 'wrong neighborhood' attack

WAFB Staff — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:47:00 EDT

Five days after a family was attacked for being in the "wrong neighborhood," Baton Rouge Interim Police Chief Carl Dabadie issued statement saying officers made a mistake and an error of judgement.

Troopers: Texting teen dies in first drive by herself

Laura McCallister — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:16:00 EDT

Savannah Nash celebrated her 16th birthday last week. She died Thursday when her car slammed into a semi while she was texting during her first time driving by herself.

Shelter euthanizes dog after owner arrives to claim it

Greg Meriwether — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:41:00 EDT

The director of the East Baton Rouge Companion Animal Alliance admits her city-parish shelter messed up big time Friday.

MBN raids Florence house

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:31:00 EDT

Members of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics raided a house on Highway 49 in Florence this afternoon.

Shots fired into 2 Jackson houses

Fri, 17 May 2013 22:29:00 EDT

Jackson police are trying to determine who is responsible for shooting into two houses on Davis Street Friday night.

Prices at the pump poised to spike

Tanita Gaither — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:00:00 EDT

Summer is fast approaching and gas prices may be increasing with the temperature.

Soldier surprises his six year old daughter at school

Jessica Bowman — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:54:00 EDT

Emotions ran high Friday at Steen's Creek Elementary School in Florence during an awards ceremony. A kindergarten student received a special award from a very special guest and she was not the only one surprised by this familiar face.

Boy Scouts Protest Tolerance

David Kenney — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:01:00 EDT

Members of the Boy Scouts of America, are opposing a move to become more tolerant to homosexuals, within their own organization.

Work on I-55 in Hinds County begins Monday

WLBT Staff — Fri, 17 May 2013 18:02:00 EDT

MDOT will begin work on the widening and reconstruction of I-55, from Byram to McDowell Road, Monday, May 20. Work will be going on 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

7th person arrested in connection to Mother's Day shooting

WAFB Staff — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:24:00 EDT

According to WWL-TV in New Orleans, a seventh person has been arrested in connection with the shooting at a Mother's Day second line celebration that injured 19 people.