Happy Independence Day from the staff of Boswell Media! 🇺🇸

As we celebrate America’s 250th, we’re proud to be part of a community that honors the past and looks forward to the future.

The post Happy Independence Day appeared first on BreezyNews.com - Kosciusko News 24/7.

In a statement released today, the Leake County School District said it’s aware of the recent arrest of one of its employees on a charge of “grooming” a child.

Sammie MacLaurin, who is listed as Director, SFSA Level II, for the Leake County School District Office of School Nutrition, was recently arrested in Lamar County, MS and charged with grooming of a child.

Under state law, someone commits the crime “when such person knowingly engages in a pattern of conduct or communication in person; through a third party; through the use of an electronic device, computer, social media, or text messages; or by any other means to gain access to, to gain the compliance of, to prepare, to persuade, to induce, or to coerce a child to engage in sexually explicit conduct or human trafficking or to procure the sexual servitude of a child.”

The felony offense is punishable by a prison term of at least two years but not more than ten years or a fine of not more than $10,000.

School Superintendent Will Russell says: “The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority.  Upon learning of the arrest, the district immediately initiated appropriate personnel actions in accordance with district policy and applicable law.  Because this is an active legal matter and a personnel issue, we are limited in what we can publicly discuss.”

The statement continues:  “The district will continue to monitor the situation as the legal process moves forward.   We understand that this news is concerning for our students, families, staff and community.  We remain committed to maintaining a safe learning environment and appreciate the public’s understanding as we allow the legal process to proceed.”

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ADELAIDO MENA AYALA, 43, of Donna, TX, No Driver’s License, Hold for Other Agency, NCSO.  Bond $300, $0.

AMAYAH SHALAN CAMPBELL, 27, of Philadelphia, Hold for Circuit Court, NCSO.  Bond $0.

STEVEN A DISON, 19, of Philadelphia, Indictment, NCSO.  Bond $0.

JOE ARTHUR ELEBY, 42, of Philadelphia, Hold for Drug Court, NCSO.  Bond $0.

NICHOLAS GREEN, 22, of Philadelphia, Hold for Circuit Court, NCSO.  Bond $0.

KADEN LEE HANNAH, 21, of Forest, Disorderly Conduct, Public Profanity, Public Drunk, Careless Driving, Suspended Driver’s License, NCSO.  Bond $600, $600, $600, $400, $800.

JASMINE ANDRE HOLT, 36, of Vicksburg, DUI – 1st, Possession of Marijuana, Speeding, No License Tag, Possession of Paraphernalia, MHP.  Bond $1,500, $1,000, $300, $300, $600.

NICKOLUS G JOHNSON, 27, of Choctaw, Failure to Appear, Indictment, NCSO.  Bond $0, $0.

JOSE LARA, 24, No Driver’s License, Hold for Other Agency, NCSO.  Bond $300, $0.

ISAAC MERRIMON, 46, of Hattiesburg, Hold for Circuit Court, NCSO.  Bond $0.

DEREK TOLASKII MOORE, 43, of Philadelphia, Hold for Investigations, Aggravated Assault X 4, Arson, NCSO.  Bond $0, $100,000 x 4, $100,000.

CARTER REED PIGG, 16, of Carthage, Possession of Tobacco by Minor, Alcohol Possession by < 21, Possession of Marijuana, NCSO.  Bond $500, $800, $800.

SHELBY JUSTINE REED, 37, of Heidelberg, Failure to Appear, NCSO.  Bond $0.

JON PARKER RUSH, 19, of Kosciusko, Alcohol Possession by < 21, Disorderly Conduct – Failure to Comply, Possession of Tobacco by a Minor, Public Drunk, NCSO.  Bond $800, $600,$500, $600.

SHAREN SHOEMAKE, 30, of Conehatta, Failure to Appear, NCSO.  Bond $0.

HAVEN SWETZ, 18, of West Point, Public Drunk, Possession of Tobacco by a Minor, Disorderly Conduct, NCSO.  Bond $600, $500, $600.

VALERIE L THOMPSON, 50, of Philadelphia, Contempt of Court – Philadelphia Municipal Court, PPD.  Bond N/A.

KASIE WEST, 26, of Lumberton, Hold for Investigations, Grand Larceny, NCSO.  Bond $0, $50,000.

The post Aggravated Assault, Grand Larceny, and DUI Arrests in Philadelphia and Neshoba County appeared first on BreezyNews.com - Kosciusko News 24/7.

HEAT ADVISORY shown in orange on map above.

Heat and humidity remain a concern locally as we head into the Fourth of July weekend.  The entire local area is now under a heat advisory until Saturday evening with a heat index from 105 to 110 degrees.  Rain chances will be increasing over the next few days and could provide some relief from the heat stress.

The post Heat Advisory Extended South, Entire Local Area Now Included appeared first on BreezyNews.com - Kosciusko News 24/7.

A Holmes County native is headed back to Starkville.

Mississippi State head basketball coach Chris Jans announced Thursday that Durant native Shunn Buchanan has been hired as an assistant coach for the Bulldogs.

Buchanan returns to Mississippi State after spending the past two seasons as an assistant coach at New Mexico State under head coach Jason Hooten. Earlier this year, he was recognized as one of 75 NCAA Division I assistant coaches invited to the Silver Waves Media Rising Stars Power Lunch during the 2026 NCAA Final Four.

The Durant native is already familiar with the Bulldogs program, having previously served as a graduate assistant at Mississippi State during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons. During that time, the Bulldogs earned back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances and posted consecutive 21-win seasons. Mississippi State also recorded five victories over Associated Press Top 25 opponents, including three wins over Top 10 teams during the 2023-24 campaign.

While on staff, Buchanan helped develop standout forward Tolu Smith III, a two-time First Team All-SEC selection who has since joined the Detroit Pistons.

Before arriving in Starkville, Buchanan spent the 2021-22 season as an assistant coach at Navarro College, where he worked primarily with guards and oversaw the team’s defense.

Buchanan also has a strong connection with Jans dating back to his playing career at New Mexico State Aggies men’s basketball. Playing under Jans from 2017-20, Buchanan helped the Aggies win three consecutive Western Athletic Conference regular-season championships and make NCAA Tournament appearances in 2018 and 2019.

Prior to New Mexico State, Buchanan played one season at Northeast Mississippi Community College, where he earned First Team All-MACJC honors and helped lead the Tigers to a state championship and a Region 23 runner-up finish.

A graduate of Madison Central High School, Buchanan was coached by Rahim Lockhart and was named to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger’s prestigious Dandy Dozen following the 2015-16 season.

Buchanan is one of three assistant coaches added to Jans’ staff. Mississippi State also announced the hiring of Corey Barker, who previously worked with Jans at Bowling Green and New Mexico State, and Alex Barlow, who most recently served as an assistant coach at Butler after spending eight seasons with the Boston Celtics organization.

Mississippi State is scheduled to open the 2026-27 season Nov. 2 against **Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles men’s basketball> at Humphrey Coliseum.

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Pearl River Resort is marking a major milestone this summer as its flagship property celebrates more than three decades of gaming, entertainment, and tourism in central Mississippi.

Pearl River Resort will celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the Silver Star Hotel & Casino, which first opened on July 1, 1994. The celebration will coincide with the Independence Day holiday weekend and feature several days of special promotions, entertainment, and a fireworks display.

The anniversary festivities will begin Thursday, July 2, with a free commemorative T-shirt giveaway at the Silver Star promotional desk from noon to 6 p.m., while supplies last.

The celebration continues into Saturday, July 4, with a $75,000 “Stars & Stripes” wheel promotion, part of a weekend-long series of promotions running Fridays and Saturdays through July 25. Guests will also be treated to a fireworks show scheduled for 9 p.m.

Sunday, July 5 wraps up the holiday weekend events with a Double Big Bang Session at Pearl River Bingo, with doors opening at noon.

The Silver Star Hotel & Casino is part of the larger Pearl River Resort entertainment destination in Choctaw, which also includes the Golden Moon Hotel & Casino, Dancing Rabbit Golf Club, and Geyser Falls Water Theme Park.

Owned and operated by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Pearl River Resort has grown into one of the region’s premier gaming and entertainment destinations, offering casinos, golf, and water park attractions all in one location.

For more information on events and promotions, guests can visit the resort’s website or follow its social media channels for updates.

The post Silver Star Casino Celebrates 32 Years as Pearl River Resort Hosts Holiday Weekend Events appeared first on BreezyNews.com - Kosciusko News 24/7.

JORDAN BEN, 19, of Philadelphia, False ID, NCSO.  Bond $800.

CHRISTOPHER DEAN, 35, of Philadelphia, Hold for Circuit Court, NCSO.  Bond $0.

CHRISTOPHER EAVES, 25, of Noxapater, Contempt of Court, NCSO.  Bond $0.

JOHNNY WAYNE GIPSON, 58, of Philadelphia, Hold for Circuit Court, NCSO.  Bond $0.

AUSTIN HANEY, 18, of Meridian, Public Drunk, Public Profanity, Resisting Arrest, NCSO.  Bond $600, $600, $600.

KALEB HAYMAN, 27, of Pelahatchie, Hold for Investigations, Disturbance of Family, NCSO.  Bond $0, $600.

DEESHAYA JEFFERSON, 27, of Choctaw, Bench Warrant – Philadelphia Municipal Court, CPD.  Bond N/A.

COY WAYNE KITCHENS JR, 32, of Carthage, Trafficking of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Robbery, NCSO.  Bond $50,000, $1,000, $15,000.

DALLAS MCGRAW, 18, of Carthage, Possession of Marijuana, Alcohol Possession by < 21, NCSO.  Bond $800, $800.

DEREK T MOORE, 43, of Philadelphia, First Degree Arson, Hold – Detainer for PPD, PPD.  Bond N/A, N/A.

SHUNTEL MURRELL, 22, of Union, Hold for Circuit Court, Fleeing Arrest, Resisting Arrest, Disorderly Conduct, No Insurance, NCSO.  Bond $0, $400, $600, $600, $800.

ANTONIO RODRIQUEZ REED, 40, of Heidelberg, Failure to Appear, NCSO.  Bond $0.

BRENT JAMES RUNNELS, 29, of Lumberton, Grand Larceny, NCSO.  Bond $50,000.

JASON DEWIGHT SHOEMAKE, 40, of Philadelphia, Failure to Appear, Indictment, NCSO.  Bond $0, $0.

BENNIE STEVENS, 44, of Philadelphia, Hold for Circuit Court, NCSO.  Bond $0.

TRISTEN D THOMAS, 23, of Philadelphia, Contempt of Court – Philadelphia Municipal Court, PPD.  Bond N/A.

JAYDON JOSEPH WATSON, 19, of Forest, Public Drunk, Possession of Marijuana, NCSO.  Bond $600, $800.

WILLIAM AUSTIN WINDLE, 21, of Louisville, DUI – 1st, NCSO.  Bond $1,500.

The post First Degree Arson, Drug Trafficking, and Grand Larceny in Neshoba and Philadelphia appeared first on BreezyNews.com - Kosciusko News 24/7.

The Rho Nu Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. recognized several members during its Leadership Awards Ceremony held June 13, 2026, celebrating leadership, service, and commitment within the chapter.

Chapter members were honored for their contributions to service, participation, and sisterhood throughout the sorority year.

Award recipients included Mary Kimes, who received the Torch Award for her dedication, commitment, and leadership in supporting the chapter and guiding fellow members through faithful service.

Mechella Griffin was presented the S.I.S.T.E.R.S. Award, recognizing her outstanding service and commitment to the ideals of the organization.

Luandra Banks received the Chapter Impact Award for her active participation and consistent involvement in chapter activities.

Arnita Riley was named Zeta of the Year, honored for going above and beyond in her efforts to help move the chapter forward.

In addition, perfect attendance recognition was given to Charlotte F. Miller, Ilona Saffold, Yolanda Talley, Mechella Griffin, and Letisa Wade, acknowledging their unwavering commitment throughout the sorority year.

The chapter said the honorees reflect the organization’s core principles of scholarship, service, sisterhood, and finer womanhood, noting that their efforts continue to strengthen the chapter’s impact in the community.

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Mississippi Blood Services is encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves as the state’s blood supply has reached critically low levels, with an immediate need for donors of all blood types—especially A, B and O.

Local residents will have an opportunity to help during a community blood drive at Bank of Commerce (formerley Attala County Bank) in Kosciusko Thursday, July 2, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

As a thank-you, presenting donors at participating community blood drives will receive a Save Our Summer T-shirt while supplies last. In addition, everyone who donates blood or platelets during the month of July at any Mississippi Blood Services donor center or community blood drive will automatically be entered into the Help Fuel the Blood Supply giveaway, with one donor winning a $250 Visa gift card each week throughout the month.

Additional upcoming blood drives in the area include:

Walk-ins are welcome at all community blood drives. For more information, a complete list of donation opportunities, or to schedule a donation, visit msblood.com or call 601-368-2673.

The post Happening today: Blood Drive at Bank of Commerce (formerly Attala County Bank) appeared first on BreezyNews.com - Kosciusko News 24/7.

Thursday morning on Breezy 103.7’s The BreckFast Show, Mississippi Highway Patrol Troop D Public Affairs Officer Robert “Bobby” Land joined Breck Riley to discuss the upcoming Fourth of July holiday travel period and the Highway Patrol’s increased enforcement efforts.

Officer Land says the enforcement period will run from midnight Friday, July 3 through midnight Sunday, July 5, with troopers focused on keeping Mississippi roads safe throughout the holiday weekend.

During that time, drivers can expect increased patrols and safety checkpoints across the state as part of a coordinated effort to reduce crashes and prevent impaired and distracted driving. Officer Land also emphasized the importance of seatbelt use, avoiding distractions behind the wheel, and having a plan in place if alcohol is involved in holiday travel.

He noted that the Highway Patrol is working toward a goal of zero traffic fatalities during the Independence Day holiday period.

Listen to the full interview below for more Fourth of July travel safety tips before you head out this weekend.

The post Audio: MS Hwy Patrol’s Bobby Land shares Fourth of July driving safety tips on The BreckFast Show appeared first on BreezyNews.com - Kosciusko News 24/7.