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From left, Beloit Memorial’s Baylor Denu (9), Saul Ramos, Marcos Giles (21) and Jeremy Plascencia (18) have had plenty to be happy about lately.
Beloit Memorial’s Kevin Garcia-Cortez (26) goes up for a header against Madison Memorial in Saturday’s regional final.
PREP SOCCER: Knights tune up for sectional semifinal at Verona
BELOIT—Considering Beloit Memorial’s boys soccer team was throttled by Verona 8-0 during the Big Eight Conference regular season, people might start describing their WIAA sectional semifinal as one of those classic David vs. Goliath matchups.
For analogies, Brian Denu would no doubt rather look at it as the scrawny guy getting sand kicked in his face by the bully at the beach, taking some time to build himself up and then eventually getting his sweet revenge.
Thursday night, soccer fans will no doubt learn how much the Purple Knights (10-5-4) have improved. They travel to the Wildcats’ turf field for a 7 p.m. game. A 4-3 sudden death shootout victory over Madison Memorial in the regional final has done worlds for Beloit’s confidence.
Denu admits he was up to about 4 a.m. himself “reliving it all.”
“When you’re in the moment you don’t really get a chance to appreciate it, but once you reflect on all the ups and downs and craziness that happens, it was pretty amazing,” he said.
The coach isn’t worried about his team peaking emotionally in that game.
“I don’t think it will take long for these guys to refocus,” he said. “This is a team that handled us pretty easily during the season and they’re a beast to prepare for, even for a group that is as locked in as our guys are.”
While Verona (17-3) finished third in the Big Eight behind Middleton and Madison Memorial, Denu said the Wildcats are in a class by themselves when they’re playing at their best.
“They have three players who are outstanding offensive players, including a junior (Connor Gage) who just (verbally) committed to the (Wisconsin) Badgers,” Denu said. “We have four days to prepare, but with Verona there is a lot to prepare for.”
Gage had two goals and two assists as Verona thumped Sun Prairie West 5-1 to win its regional title.
Denu said the Knights don’t look like the same team that took the pounding at Verona earlier in the season.
“One of our center backs got hurt three minutes into the game and everything went downhill from there,” the coach said. “We were on our heels the whole game. (Leading scorer) Baylor didn’t play the second half. We weren’t able to get him the ball. While we can learn from that game I think we are a completely different team. Three of the four guys who will start on the back on Thursday didn’t play at all the last time we played them. So we’ll send out a much stronger defense this time around.”
The Wildcats haven’t been unstoppable, however. They lost to the Spartans and Middleton, both by 2-0 scores, during the Big Eight season.
Of course Beloit pulled out all the stops in Saturday’s regional final, even having 6-foot-5 Baylor Denu move to goalkeeper for the shootout.
“We had talked about that last year if we were in a shootout situation, but we hadn’t mentioned it this year,” Denu said. “When we headed to the shootout he said he wanted to take the shots. I initially interpreted that as he wanted to take one of the shots and I told him of course you’re going to take one of the shots. But he meant moving into goal.”
Baylor replaced his sophomore brother Beckham, but there wasn’t any sibling rivalry to worry about.
“Beckham had played a great game, but penalty kicks are not his specialty,” Coach Denu said. “Baylor has some experience with that and he is the senior. He is athletic and has a little longer reach than Beckham and gets down a little quicker. It was a pretty easy decision to make once we had a meeting of the minds.”
The decision worked out well as Baylor had a key save, not to mention made his shot.
“It will definitely be a challenge, but the way we’re playing we definitely have a shot,” Coach Denu said. “We have to prepare well and play well. The kids have done a good job of buying in. Some of the things we haven’t practiced and changed in the middle of the game have worked out well because no one has panicked.”
The Knights will no doubt still rely on Baylor Denu, but they’ve gotten offense from a number of other sources down the stretch, including Diego Gama, who scored a key game-tying goal Saturday.
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2022-10-25T06:06:03Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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PREP SOCCER: Knights tune up for sectional semifinal at Verona | Sports | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/sports/prep-soccer-knights-tune-up-for-sectional-semifinal-at-verona/article_8afbfae8-53ee-11ed-93fe-2323a035f14b.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/sports/prep-soccer-knights-tune-up-for-sectional-semifinal-at-verona/article_8afbfae8-53ee-11ed-93fe-2323a035f14b.html
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Investigations into multiple reports of human remains being found in Winnebago County continue.
SEWARD, Ill. - A 63-year-old man died at a grain elevator in Seward Tuesday morning.
The Winnebago, Illinois man was found on one of the walkways on top of a grain bin, according to a Winnebago County Coroner's Office news release. Emergency medical personnel and MD-1 officials were called to ADM Grain at 16100 Third St. at about 8 a.m. after the unresponsive man was found. Medical personnel were not able to revive the man.
The coroner's office news release stated the man suffered a cardiac arrest. An autopsy has been scheduled for Wednesday.
The name of the deceased person has not been released yet. Seward is west of Rockford.
Pecatonica Fire Department
Adm Grain
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2022-10-25T22:06:46Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Man dies at Seward, Illinois grain elevator | Illinois News | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/illinois-news/man-dies-at-seward-illinois-grain-elevator/article_4f6b3e4a-5497-11ed-a13b-3b87429d50e9.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/illinois-news/man-dies-at-seward-illinois-grain-elevator/article_4f6b3e4a-5497-11ed-a13b-3b87429d50e9.html
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Teen skateboarder in Machesney Park injured in traffic accident
MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. - A 17-year-old skateboarder was injured Monday when a vehicle collided with him, according to a report from the Winnebago County Sheriff's Department.
The collision occurred at about 5 p.m. in the 8300 block of Elm Avenue. A preliminary investigation revealed the a driver of a Ford Focus was driving south on Elm Avenue when the boy on the skateboard entered the roadway from a driveway. The teen rolled in front of the car and was he was struck.
The teen was taken to a Rockford hospital for treatment of serious injuries, according to a news release from the sheriff's department. The driver of the car remained on the scene and cooperated with the investigation.
Machesney Park
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2022-10-25T22:06:52Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Teen skateboarder in Machesney Park injured in traffic accident | Illinois News | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/illinois-news/teen-skateboarder-in-machesney-park-injured-in-traffic-accident/article_1bf74450-5492-11ed-ab6f-1bc20e28903c.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/illinois-news/teen-skateboarder-in-machesney-park-injured-in-traffic-accident/article_1bf74450-5492-11ed-ab6f-1bc20e28903c.html
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Movie screenings set at UW campus in Janesville
JANESVILLE - UW-Whitewater at Rock County will present a screening of a classic silent horror –Nosferatu, a Symphony of Horror – a German movie made in 1922.
It will be presented on at 3:45 p.m. on Oct. 27 at Kirk Denmark Theater on U-Rock campus at 2909 Kellogg Ave. as part of U-Rock Spirit Week. The movie screening will feature live accompaniment by Yuri Rashkin, a professional pianist, and is free to attend.
Other activities taking place during the U-Rock’s Spirit Week, will feature string art demonstration, dancing instruction and even a screening of another Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus, at 3:45 p.m. on Oct. 26 also at Kirk Denmark Theater.
Both screenings are open to the community.
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2022-10-26T01:22:50Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Movie screenings set at UW campus in Janesville | No Meter | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/no_meter/movie-screenings-set-at-uw-campus-in-janesville/article_4e6df982-5317-11ed-a5fc-4b3bba104145.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/no_meter/movie-screenings-set-at-uw-campus-in-janesville/article_4e6df982-5317-11ed-a5fc-4b3bba104145.html
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Rockton Center receives funds for renovation
ROCKTON TOWNSHIP - The Greater Rockton Center in Rockton Township has received $25,000 to assist in its renovation project.
Winnebago County Board member Jim Webster is allocating $25,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the project, which will total over $200,000 and is expected to be complete sometime next year.
The facility at 302 W. Main St., is used in a multitude of ways by the community, from weddings and special events, to kids’ camps in the summer and weekly gatherings for seniors. Recent improvements include replacement of rooftop heating & A/C units, new roof, exterior masonry improvements and replacement of sidewalk.
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2022-10-26T01:23:03Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Rockton Center receives funds for renovation | No Meter | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/no_meter/rockton-center-receives-funds-for-renovation/article_fbbd4998-5318-11ed-948f-3321c83c9e74.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/no_meter/rockton-center-receives-funds-for-renovation/article_fbbd4998-5318-11ed-948f-3321c83c9e74.html
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FASTBREAK: Skip Schumaker hired as manager of Miami Marlins
MIAMI—Skip Schumaker was a candidate to take over as manager of the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets in recent years, only to see those clubs pick someone else.
Schumaker—who played for World Series-winning clubs in St. Louis in 2006 and 2011—comes to Miami from the Cardinals, with whom he spent this season as the bench coach. Schumaker had been a first-base coach and associate manager for San Diego from 2018 through 2021, then joined the Cardinals’ staff.
NEW YORK—The NFL says the two game officials seen interacting with Tampa Bay wide receiver Mike Evans in the tunnel of Bank of America Stadium after the Buccaneers’ 21-3 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday didn’t ask for an autograph.
“After speaking with the individuals involved, we have confirmed that the postgame interaction between Jeff Lamberth, Tripp Sutter and Mike Evans did not involve a request by the game officials for an autograph,” the league said in a statement Tuesday.
MOSCOW—A Russian court on Tuesday rejected an appeal by U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner of her nine-year prison sentence for drug possession, a step that could move her closer to a possible high-stakes prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington.
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2022-10-26T04:12:19Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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FASTBREAK: Skip Schumaker hired as manager of Miami Marlins | | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/fastbreak-skip-schumaker-hired-as-manager-of-miami-marlins/article_9781d616-54cf-11ed-a871-2be0768b48ed.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/fastbreak-skip-schumaker-hired-as-manager-of-miami-marlins/article_9781d616-54cf-11ed-a871-2be0768b48ed.html
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Beloit Turner High School is seen in this file photo.
Beloit Turner School Board reviews budget for 2022-23 school year
BELOIT- The Beloit Turner School Board unanimously approved a tax levy of $5,669,101 for the 2022-2023 school year during a board meeting Monday.
Board members John Turner, John Pelock, Norm Jacobs, Melissa Hughes and Kristie Petit were at the meeting, with members Carl McMillan and Dannie Shear absent.
The levy is broken down to the general fund of $1,806,464; referendum debt service fund of $3,612,637; and the non-referendum debt service fund of $250,000.
According to data presented at the meeting from the district’s Director of Business Services Brad Boll, the tax levy has been $5,669,101 since the 2019-2020 school year up into this school year, 2022-23. In 2018-19, the tax levy was $4,976,600.
District officials have strived to maintain a consistent, flat levy as they did previously in the 2009-2010 school year to 2017-18. During those years the levy was $4,830,541.
The total ending fund balance for the General Fund, or Fund 10, in the 2022-2023 school year is projected to be $4,500,000.
The school district’s general fund last year, in 2021-2022, was $4,148,630.93. The audited general fund balance was $4,859,928.26 for the 2020-2021 school year.
Boll told the Daily News that the actual ending fund balance would depend on the amount of summer work on maintenance projects that gets completed by June 30, which depends upon weather.
The district received $10,116,116 in equalization state aid for the 2022-2023 school year. Previously the district received $9,798,980 in the 2021-2022 school year and the district received $9,315,821 in 2020-2021 school year.
Boll said equalized property values are up by 15.90% from a year ago which will result in an equalized levy rate of $7.68. That represents a decrease from a rate of $8.90 last year and the first time since 1984-85 that the district’s equalized levy rate dropped below $8.00, Boll said.
Under “Total Revenues & Other Financing Sources,” the district expenditures total $19,795,080 for the 2022-23 school year. Previously, district expenditures were listed as $19,245,797.18 for the 2021-2022 school year and $18,831,143.24 in the 2020-2021school year.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has announce general school aid that school district will receive this school year.
Beloit School District details safety and security protocols
Beloit Turner School Board
Referendum Debt Service
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2022-10-26T04:12:25Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Beloit Turner School Board reviews budget for 2022-23 school year | Education | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/education/beloit-turner-school-board-reviews-budget-for-2022-23-school-year/article_db62c00e-54a0-11ed-afbc-f36f69976177.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/education/beloit-turner-school-board-reviews-budget-for-2022-23-school-year/article_db62c00e-54a0-11ed-afbc-f36f69976177.html
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OPINION: Open seat at stake for 31st Assembly
With incumbent not running, two newcomers offer voters a choice.
For the first time in more than a decade, voters in Wisconsin’s 31st Assembly District will not have Amy Loudenbeck on the ballot. She is giving up her seat in order to run for Wisconsin’s Secretary of State post.
The contest this year is between Republican Ellen Schutt and Democrat Brienne Brown. Voters will decide on Nov. 8 which of the two will go to Madison for a two-year term.
Schutt is 26 years old, a graduate of Darien-Delavan High School, and lives with her husband in Clinton. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in political science at UW-Madison and has worked in the Legislature ever since, first serving as an assistant to Loudenbeck before catching on more recently with Rep. Tony Kurtz. She also interned for former U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan.
Brown, 49, was born in Germany and calls herself a “military brat,” having lived in various places where her family was stationed. She went to graduate school in public health, and is an instructor at UW-Whitewater. She and her family have lived in Whitewater for 10 years, where she is serving her second term on the city council. She also operates her small business teaching yoga and meditation.
Schutt highlights her roots in the area, having grown up on a Walworth County farm. She also cites her proximity to government operations working with legislators, including watching how the powerful Joint Finance committee works in building the state budget. The lesson she learned, she says, was about the strong need to assure tax dollars are spent wisely.
While acknowledging the deep polarization in the Legislature on hot-button political issues, she believes there’s room for some bipartisanship on less contentious topics. She takes a more moderate position than some in her party on abortion rights, calling for exceptions in cases of rape, incest and health of the mother. Schutt says Republicans should strive to be a big-tent party, with room for differing views. She favors reforming the Wisconsin Elections Commission rather than disbanding it and giving authority to a partisan office, as Loudenbeck has advocated. She says Biden won and Trump lost in 2020, and Assembly Speaker Robin Vos was justified in firing Michael Gableman and ending the partisan audit of the election.
Brown calls herself a former Republican, specifically, an “Eisenhower Republican.” Brown says she’s running because people need a voice and want to be heard beyond the partisan camps. She speaks Spanish, and cites her experiences living outside the country as a plus in reaching out to people across the district.
Experience is what separates her from her opponent, Brown says, from working in her own business to teaching college students, from serving in elective municipal office to holding seats on nonprofit boards, and serving overseas as a journalist.
On the issues, she believes inflation is a major concern and Wisconsin can do more to help control it. She is a gun owner, but believes the 2nd Amendment’s “well regulated” clause should include better training requirements, red flag laws and prohibiting sales to minors under 18. Brown says police departments are underfunded, and crime rises when there is disinvestment in communities. With the reversal of Roe v. Wade, she says states should codify reasonable abortion rights. She’s for investing in rural broadband access, improving infrastructure and for making the regulatory maze work better for small businesses.
The elephant in the room in this race, and all Wisconsin legislative contests, is the extreme gerrymandering put in place to lock in partisan advantage. In fact, this district has been called the poster child for gerrymandering, assuring Republican Loudenbeck’s seat was all but unchallengeable. The only real question this fall is whether the Republican majority can capture a seat here and a seat there to become veto-proof, even if incumbent Gov. Tony Evers wins a second term. Brown cites the potential for that veto-proof one-party rule as a reason to send her to Madison as a check on the majority.
These are two good candidates. Schutt talks a more moderate and inclusive tone than the caucus she proposes to join in the Assembly. Brown has broader experience, both in terms of work life and outside exposure, including having been elected to office.
That experience gives her the edge. Likewise, preventing a veto-proof Assembly is a worthy consideration. The Beloit Daily News endorses Brienne Brown.
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2022-10-26T04:12:37Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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OPINION: Open seat at stake for 31st Assembly | Opinion | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/opinion/opinion-open-seat-at-stake-for-31st-assembly/article_1a2b7dc8-5080-11ed-bbfb-73fde90d3b9b.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/opinion/opinion-open-seat-at-stake-for-31st-assembly/article_1a2b7dc8-5080-11ed-bbfb-73fde90d3b9b.html
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Beloit College's Gavin Thorpe named to D3football.com National Team of Week
BELOIT—Beloit College sophomore cornerback Gavin Thorpe is not only the best ballhawk in the Midwest Conference, he’s a member of the D3football.com National Team of the Week.
Thorpe is the first Buccaneer to receive the honor in seven years.
The 5-foot-9, 145-pounder added to his MWC-leading interception total with two more picks in Saturday’s 56-0 victory over Lawrence at Strong Stadium. The sophomore Biology major from Homestead, Fla., returned one 29 yards for a touchdown to give the Buccaneers a 14-0 lead midway through the first quarter.
Thorpe now has six interceptions in league play, twice as many as the next-highest total. He ranks third in all of NCAA Division III.
Thorpe also recorded three tackles (all solos) and a pass break-up. For the season, he has 25 solos and 12 assists. He also has two tackles for loss.
The Bucs (1-6) travel to Ripon (7-0) for a 1 p.m. game on Saturday.
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2022-10-26T04:12:49Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Beloit College's Gavin Thorpe named to D3football.com National Team of Week | Sports | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/sports/beloit-colleges-gavin-thorpe-named-to-d3football-com-national-team-of-week/article_7c836b70-54c7-11ed-83ef-03a85f4b8e6a.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/sports/beloit-colleges-gavin-thorpe-named-to-d3football-com-national-team-of-week/article_7c836b70-54c7-11ed-83ef-03a85f4b8e6a.html
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Paul Burke, owner of Makerite Manufacturing Company, will be celebrating 50 years in business on Nov. 1.
Provided by Dawn Bird
Roscoe's Makerite Manufacturing celebrates 50th year
ROSCOE—Makerite Manufacturing will be celebrating 50 years of providing products for the Stateline Area and on the international scale.
Makerite Manufacturing Company is a locally owned and second generation family owned machine shop in the Village of Roscoe.
“We will be having a celebration on Nov. 1 at the Beloit Club for current and past employees, our suppliers, vendors and customers,” said Dawn Bird, Administrative Assistant with Makerite Manufacturing Company. “There is an open house from 3—6 p.m. by invitation only.”
The company has been operational since 1972 and has been a part of the Roscoe community since 1978.
“We started as a small machine shop in South Beloit in 1972 and moved to our current location in 1978,” Bird said. “Our current owner, Paul Burke, started the company with his parents Paul Burke Sr. and Beverly Burke.’
The company quickly outgrew the small machine shop in South Beloit and needed a larger facility to accommodate the growing customer base.
“At the time, land was being developed by KY Taylor in Roscoe and we had an opportunity to purchase and expand our facility,” Bird said.
Over its 50-year history, the company has expanded its products, customers and community outreach.
“We started as a machine shop and have become a factory serving international markets,” Paul Burke said. “What hasn’t changed is our commitment to customer satisfaction and product excellence. Our product is your product, and we make it right the first time.”
The company focuses on creating products for a variety of fields and systems.
“Our capabilities extend to many industries including aerospace, defense, agricultural and communications,” Bird said. “Products we manufacture range from washers to flight safety components.”
Makerite Manufacturing has continued to expand on its machining technology over the years.
“Makerite has established a reputation in the industry for precision machining with impeccable quality,” Bird explained. “Our CNC machining centers, Swiss- type lathes and vertical machining centers provide us with the versatility to provide a wide range of products. We have continuously grown over the 50 years into the company we are today.”
While expanding into international markets, Makerite Manufacturing has focused on hiring local and working with local organizations in northern Illinois.
“We work closely with many different suppliers and vendors in our area, and by keeping work locally we have formed numerous relationships in our community,” Bird explained.
Some of the employees who began working at Makerite Manufacturing nearly 50 years ago are still active employees in the company.
“I personally have been with Makerite for three years,” Bird said. “We have employees who have been with the company from one to 50 years.”
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2022-10-26T15:56:31Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Roscoe's Makerite Manufacturing celebrates 50th year | Business News | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/business-news/roscoes-makerite-manufacturing-celebrates-50th-year/article_35d4126a-552b-11ed-90f6-8786b3b74f9a.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/business-news/roscoes-makerite-manufacturing-celebrates-50th-year/article_35d4126a-552b-11ed-90f6-8786b3b74f9a.html
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JANESVILLE - A Beloit woman is being accused of her fourth operating while intoxicated (OWI) offense after she was arrested Wednesday morning.
Danielle D. Jester, 53, was stopped by a Rock County Sheriff's deputy at about 2:13 a.m. on Sixth Street near Olympian Boulevard in Beloit due to an equipment violation.
Jester displayed signs of impairment and after investigation was arrested for OWI, according to a news release from the sheriff's office. She was taken to the Rock County Jail.
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2022-10-26T15:56:37Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Beloit woman accused of fourth OWI offense | Crime | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/crime/beloit-woman-accused-of-fourth-owi-offense/article_7c36dc3e-553e-11ed-8189-4fb8a0e3a5b4.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/crime/beloit-woman-accused-of-fourth-owi-offense/article_7c36dc3e-553e-11ed-8189-4fb8a0e3a5b4.html
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SEWARD, Ill. - The name of the 63-year-old man who died at a grain elevator Tuesday morning has been released by the Winnebago County Coroner's Office.
Brian Lovett of Winnebago, Illinois, apparently suffered a cardiac arrest while on a walkway on top of a grain bin at ADM Grain Company at 16100 Third St., Seward, which is west of Rockford.
Emergency medical crews were called to the scene around 8 a.m. and after they gained access to the person, efforts to revive him were performed. Lovett was pronounced dead at the scene.
Winnebago County Coroner
Adm Grain Company
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2022-10-26T18:46:08Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Name of man who died at Seward, Illinois grain elevator released | Local News | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/local-news/name-of-man-who-died-at-seward-illinois-grain-elevator-released/article_6a854ec0-5558-11ed-85f4-6f1ea2886521.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/local-news/name-of-man-who-died-at-seward-illinois-grain-elevator-released/article_6a854ec0-5558-11ed-85f4-6f1ea2886521.html
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Beloit jobless rate declines, but still highest in state
MADISON - Unemployment rates declined in September in Beloit and Janesville, but the jobless rates in both communities still are among the highest in the state.
Beloit had the highest unemployment rate among the 35 largest communities in Wisconsin at 4.9% in September, down from 5.6% in August and down from 5.3% in September of 2021, according to figures released Wednesday by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.
Janesville's unemployment rate was 3.7% in September, making it the sixth highest rate among Wisconsin's largest communities. The September rate was down slightly from 3.8% in August and down from 3.9% in September of 2021.
Wisconsin communities in the top five for unemployment rates in September were Racine and Milwaukee, both with rates of 4.8%, Kenosha with a rate of 3.8% and West Allis with a rate of 3.7%.
Sun Prairie had the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 2.4% in September, down from 2.6% in August and down from 2.8% in September of 2021.
Among the 35 largest communities in the state, jobless rates in September declined in 22 communities, they increased in 10 communities and they stayed the same in three communities.
Among counties in Wisconsin, Rock County had a jobless rate of 3.7% in September, down from 4% in August and down from 3.8% in September of 2021.
Walworth County had an unemployment rate of 3.1% in September, down from 3.3% in August, but up from 2.8% in September of 2021.
Jefferson County had an unemployment rate of 2.9% in September, unchanged from August, but up from 2.6% in September of 2021.
Dane County had the lowest unemployment rate among Wisconsin's 72 counties in September at 2.5%, unchanged from August, but up from 2.3% in September of 2021.
Menominee County had the highest jobless rate among Wisconsin counties at 5.9% in September, down from 8.8% in August and down from 7.2% in September of 2021.
Jobless rates declined in September in 40 Wisconsin counties, rates increased in 14 counties and they stayed the same in 18 counties.
The statewide unemployment rate was 3.2% in September, up slightly from 3.1% in August.
The national unemployment rate was 3.5% in September, down from 3.7% in August.
Unemployment rates increased on both sides of the Illinois/Wisconsin state line in August.
Beloit has highest jobless rate among Wisconsin's largest communities
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2022-10-26T23:33:31Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Beloit jobless rate declines, but still highest in state | Business News | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/business-news/beloit-jobless-rate-declines-but-still-highest-in-state/article_10a82320-5565-11ed-9cc9-5716b8885695.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/business-news/beloit-jobless-rate-declines-but-still-highest-in-state/article_10a82320-5565-11ed-9cc9-5716b8885695.html
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JANESVILLE - A Beloit man is being accused of firing multiple shots that damaged a vehicle and four mobile homes in the Town of Rock in May.
Dakota Davidson, 20, was arrested Tuesday and faces the possible charges of one count of attempted first degree homicide and nine counts of recklessly endangering safety, according to a news release from the Rock County Sheriff's Office.
On May 8, multiple shots were reported at the Rockvale Mobile Home Park in the Town of Rock. Investigations showed a single individual was the target of the shooting and more than 65 shots were fired by more than one individual.
Attempted First Degree Homicide
Recklessly Endangering Safety
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2022-10-26T23:33:37Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Beloit man arrested, accused of mobile home park shooting | Crime | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/crime/beloit-man-arrested-accused-of-mobile-home-park-shooting/article_1fcf9bc2-557d-11ed-8cc8-67c505ef9acc.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/crime/beloit-man-arrested-accused-of-mobile-home-park-shooting/article_1fcf9bc2-557d-11ed-8cc8-67c505ef9acc.html
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Alvin Roecker
Alvin Carl Roecker, 98, passed away on October 21, 2022. He was born August 1, 1924 in West Bend, WI, to the late Viola Zumach and Alvin P. Roecker. Alvin graduated from West Bend High School in 1941 and served in the Army Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant from 1944-1945. He received a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from UW-Madison in 1949, was employed by Oil Gear from 1949-1959, and Beloit Corporation from 1959-1978, serving as Chief Engineer of Beloit in Montreal and Sorel, Canada from 1978-1983. Alvin had a good sense of humor, and was a loving son, father, husband, brother, and friend. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved to fish and hunt. Alvin equally enjoyed boating and camping with family and friends, especially on Lake Michigan, the Mississippi River, and on Lake Sissabagama in northern WI.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by wives Annette Behne (1951-1973), Marta Vasquez (1980-1993), and Lorraine Bringman (1997-2012); by a stepfather, Edward Gutjahr, sister Lucille Sertich, and by a nephew Paul Dugenske. He is survived by two daughters, Ellen Roecker and her spouse Don Cox, and daughter Robin Mackie and her spouse Greg Mackie; sister Joanne Dugenske and her spouse Dan Dugenske; and by granddaughter Kelly Cox and her spouse Eric Mullis and great grandson Edwin Mullis; and by two step-daughters and their husbands, Kimberlie and Matthew Freund, and Karen and David Apitz; six nephews and three nieces, and by twelve step-grandchildren.
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2022-10-26T23:33:49Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Alvin Roecker | Obituaries | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/records/obituaries/alvin-roecker/article_a60edfd3-8639-5a48-9eb4-6bef58646d3e.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/records/obituaries/alvin-roecker/article_a60edfd3-8639-5a48-9eb4-6bef58646d3e.html
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Barbara Ann Henderson
June 1, 1941 - October 22, 2022 Roscoe, IL - Barbara Ann Henderson, age 81 of Roscoe, IL, passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Rock River Health Care in Rockford, IL with her son by her side. She was born June 1, 1941 in Beloit, WI, the daughter of Robert and Mabel (Scott) Moffitt. Barb attended Hononegah High School. She married Ronald A. Henderson on May 11, 1959. He preceded her in death on July 5, 2022. They had two children, Jim Henderson and Robin Edwards.
She worked several years at Bryden Motors in the office. Barb also worked at Stone Creek School as a playground attendant. She also sold Avon for many years.
Barb is survived by her son, James J. Henderson of Roscoe; five grandchildren and many great-grand children.
Barb's family wished to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Rock River for taking such good care of her. They named her "Gammy".
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her daughter, Robin Edwards and her daughter in law, Lisa Henderson.
Barb's Funeral Service will be 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 in the Brian Mark Funeral Home, 1000 Inman Parkway, Beloit. Visitation will be from 12 noon until time of service. Interment will be in the Rockton Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared on our website.
1000 Inman Parkway, Beloit, 608-362-2000
To plant a tree in memory of Barbara Henderson as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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2022-10-26T23:33:55Z
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Barbara Ann Henderson | Obituaries | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/records/obituaries/barbara-ann-henderson/article_c804c487-38db-59e2-8e11-bc0f86eade5e.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/records/obituaries/barbara-ann-henderson/article_c804c487-38db-59e2-8e11-bc0f86eade5e.html
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Beloit Memorial High School on Fourth Street in Beloit only recently started the school year. The School District of Beloit is facing a budget deficit and school board members discussed possibly cutting staff during a meeting Tuesday.
BELOIT- The School District of Beloit may have to reduce the number of staff members it employs in order to bring its budget into line.
That was the discussion during a meeting of the Beloit School Board Tuesday night.
In January 2022, the Daily News reported that student enrollment has declined in the district as staffing remains steady.
Last year the school district cut 28 staff positions and former Superintendent Dan Keyser proposed that buildings in the disctrict reduce their budgets by 10%.
”We’ve done that as well. However, there are other areas where our expenses go up like our health insurance,” said Wendy LaPointe, finance director of the district, during the meeting.
It was reported in September that the district’s student enrollment count was 5,146 on the Third Friday Count. In the 2020-2021 school year there were 5,923 students in the district.
This district’s total number of employees for the 2022-23 school year is 877 (as of Oct. 26), and in the last school year, 2021-2022, there was a total of 948 employees.
There are 459 teachers this school year, and previously there were 498 teachers in the 2021-22 district.
Didi Almendares, executive director of human resources for the district said there are currently 43 openings in the district.
“We don’t know that (student enrollment drop) until we do our counts right after school starts and we see who has enrolled in and who has transferred out of our district,” Almendares told the Daily News. “At that point, we were staffed as anticipated based on the numbers we had from previous counts.”
She adds that under the new leadership of newly appointed superintendent Willie Garrison, the district will be exploring strategies to maximize on its current staffing and maintain the capacity to welcome any increase in enrollment in the future.
At the meeting Tuesday, LaPointe spoke about how losing students drastically affects the budget process. She said that the district gets about $10,000 per student and when they lose 1,000 students, they should be looking to make $10 million in cuts.
Interim Superintendent Wayne Anderson spoke on ideas he has on balancing the budget which includes cutting staff.
“To balance the budget tonight, we would need to cut about 56 staff,” Anderson said. Later he added: “Take a look at the various options. Of course, personnel is the largest cost factor. Take a look at the positions we lost through attrition. Do we need to add those back and remove staff from different areas? It’s a long tedious process, but I think in the end it will get a beneficial result. “
Board member Megan Miller did not think cutting staff would be the right solution for balancing the budget.
“Losing 56 staff members would be catastrophic,” Miller said. “In my singular opinion, to the well-being and education of our kids.”
Board member Amiee Leavy asked if a staffing study done by company Evergreen identified any duplication of services within roles in the district. Anderson said that was not the case. LaPointe did point out that one thing senior leadership is starting to do is look at resignations in the district and discuss which positions need to be filled and which positions have been open for a long period of time.
In an email to the Daily News, Almendares commented on the discussion between board members on staffing at the meeting.
“I know when we spoke I stated we would look at attrition, but were not currently considering any reduction in staff,” Almendares told the Daily News via email. “Conversations concerning the budget are fluid and will continue to evolve throughout the school year.”
SDB enrollment drops, staffing remains stable
Although student enrollment in the School District of Beloit has been dropping, staff levels have remained stable or have edged up in recent years.
Beloit School District Budget
Didi Almedares
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2022-10-27T01:48:05Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Beloit School Board talks staffing concerns at annual budget meeting | Education | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/education/beloit-school-board-talks-staffing-concerns-at-annual-budget-meeting/article_02664502-5561-11ed-9779-db6eec8cb1e0.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/education/beloit-school-board-talks-staffing-concerns-at-annual-budget-meeting/article_02664502-5561-11ed-9779-db6eec8cb1e0.html
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Janesville residents Bryan Steil and Ann Roe compete for seat in Congress
JANESVILLE—Two Janesville residents are competing for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in the First Congressional District, which recently had its boundaries redrawn to include all of the City of Beloit.
Bryan Steil is the Republican incumbent seeking his third term in Congress. Ann Roe is the Democrat challenger.
Ann RoeAnn Roe, 56, has lived in Janesville for 27 years. She is the owner of the small business Custom College Solutions, which helps high school students plan their course after graduating from high school. She also taught for 20 years in the College of Business and Economics at the University of Wisconsin—Whitewater. She also served for three years as director of the Beloit Janesville Symphony Orchestra.
She earned a bachelor’s degree from Lawrence University and she earned a master’s of business administration (MBA)) degree from Northeastern University in Boston.
She has been married for 31 years to Dr. Jonathan Roe, a pediatrician. They have two children, Catherine and Charley.
Roe said she decided to run for Congress because she wants to bring funding, services and support to the families and businesses of the First Congressional District. She noted her opponent has voted against several opportunities to bring federal funding and assistance to the area. She cited the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act as one bill Steil voted against that will benefit the area.
Roe said she favors more public options for health care, which would lift the burden of providing health coverage for workers off the backs of small businesses.
“The pandemic really revealed the warts of our current system. There is work to be done,” she said.
When asked about the cost of public health care and expanding Medicare, and the current $1.3 trillion federal deficit, Roe noted the current deficit is lower that it was under the previous administration.
She said there are options to bring more money in to support needed programs for families and businesses.
“I want to tax billionaires. I want them to pay their fair share,” she said.
On the issue of abortion, Roe wants women to have the right to make their own health decisions.
“Those decisions are private and should not include politics,” she said.
She said she is part of a gun-owning household and her husband goes hunting. However, she supports gun safety, a ban on assault weapons and common sense laws regulating guns.
Roe said she is in favor of having all voices at the table, even the voices she disagrees with. She said the country is so polarized now it is difficult to get anything done that will benefit the people.
“The first step is to invite all to the conversation,” she said.
Bryan SteilBryan Steil, 41, grew up in Janesville. He is a Janesville Craig High School graduate. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Georgetown University and he earned his law degree from the University of Wisconsin—Madison.
When he was 22 years old, he worked for one year in the office of former First Congressional District Rep. Paul Ryan. He worked for Regal-Beloit (now Regal Rexnord) from 2009 to 2017. He first elected to Congress in 2018 and he assumed office in January of 2019. He was re-elected in 2020.
He is single, but he has lots of family members in the Janesville area.
Steil said a big issue for him is bringing down energy costs, because they can impact many other products such as food.
He said the tractor in the field that harvests food runs on diesel fuel, and if fuel costs keep rising, food prices will rise as well.
“This administration has waged a war on energy and it has placed the burden on the backs of workers,” Steil said.
He said one of President Joe Biden’s first actions was to kill the Keystone Pipeline project, which Steil said sent a negative message to energy producers.
He acknowledged that oil is a global commodity with global influences on the price of fuel, but he said decisions in this country have an impact on the future.
He disagrees with the Biden Administration’s decision to tap into the U.S. oil reserves.
“The reserves are for emergency situations, and should not be used for political reasons,” Steil said.
Steil said he did support government spending plans such as the Paycheck Protection Program, which provided loans to businesses, because the country was dealing with the affect of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, he said the pandemic has ended for the most part and he believes the spending plans under the current administration are reckless.
He admitted there is plenty of blame to go around regarding deficit spending, and both parties have had their roles in overspending.
“The spending process is completely broken across the board,” he said. “Putting a cap on it is the best approach.”
Steil acknowledged that Donald Trump lost the election in 2020, but he said there are things that can be done to enhance voter integrity. Transparency should be enhanced.
Steil said the nation is polarized with many engaging in heated rhetoric. He said he will always listen to all views and not engage in name-calling.
“My tone is respectful of the other side. You can have strong views and still be respectful,” he said.
Two women are seeking election to represent the people of the 31st Assembly District. Brienne Brown is a Democrat from Whitewater and Ellen Sc…
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2022-10-27T01:48:17Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Janesville residents Bryan Steil and Ann Roe compete for seat in Congress | Local News | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/local-news/janesville-residents-bryan-steil-and-ann-roe-compete-for-seat-in-congress/article_4d6840d0-5545-11ed-acbc-cb08d490a3a9.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/local-news/janesville-residents-bryan-steil-and-ann-roe-compete-for-seat-in-congress/article_4d6840d0-5545-11ed-acbc-cb08d490a3a9.html
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This graphic shows the City of Beloit outlined in red and Town of Turtle boundary outlined in yellow.
TOWN OF TURTLE- After two years of negotiations and legal filings, the Town of Turtle has dismissed its lawsuit against Beloit over an expired boundary agreement and town officials have ceased boundary negotiations with the city.
“The City of Beloit is pleased that the town dismissed the lawsuit. However we are disappointed that the town has decided to end negotiations,” said Regina Dunkin, Beloit City Council president. “The city desires to be a good neighbor for the benefit of the entire region and remains open to future discussions.”
The lawsuit was filed in March of 2020 regarding a boundary agreement between the town and the city that was going to expire. The lawsuit was paused after mediation between the town and the city.
The city and town adopted ordinances related to comprehensive zoning, construction codes and zoning maps as part of the agreement.
Since the mediation agreement both parties have been discussing, behind closed doors, a compromise on the boundary agreement.
The boundary agreement expired in December of 2020. The boundary agreement was based on a 1999 agreement with amendments that were made in February of 2001.
In October of 1999, the City of Beloit and Town of Turtle formed a cooperative boundary plan that existed for a little over 20 years.
In a 20 year period, the City of Beloit paid $600,000 to the township in compensation for homes attaching to the city from the township boundary. This was a product of over two years in negotiations.
The Town of Turtle sought to uphold a five year extension on the previous boundary agreement, while the City of Beloit contended the extension should not be granted.
In the recent deliberation both the Town of Turtle and City of Beloit could not come to an agreement on a new boundary agreement.
“There is no current boundary agreement in place as the previous agreement has expired,” said Sarah Lock, City of Beloit Director of Strategic Communications.
The lawsuit was dismissed in Rock County Circuit Court on Oct. 20. The Town of Turtle informed the City of Beloit on Oct. 7 that the town was ending negotiations, Lock said.
Roger Anclam, Town of Turtle board chair, did not respond to requests from the Daily News for information or comment.
Any further action taken by the City of Beloit will be announced in future city council meetings, according to Lock.
The current legal boundary between the township and the city has not changed. Anyone living in the Town of Turtle will still be living there, Lock explained.
Beloit and Town of Turtle discuss ongoing boundary dispute
Officials from the City of Beloit and the Town of Turtle met at the end of June to continue negotiations on a boundary agreement.
Town of Turtle OKs first step toward boundary negotiations
Beloit council agrees to start talks on boundary agreement
Boundary Agreements
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2022-10-27T01:48:23Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Town of Turtle dismisses lawsuit against City of Beloit | Local News | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/local-news/town-of-turtle-dismisses-lawsuit-against-city-of-beloit/article_887e30d6-5567-11ed-8118-f30d98f317ef.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/local-news/town-of-turtle-dismisses-lawsuit-against-city-of-beloit/article_887e30d6-5567-11ed-8118-f30d98f317ef.html
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Bucs goalie Briana Arteaga makes a sliding save against Lawrence’s Samantha Tolu Wednesday.
Beloit’s Kaitlyn Hudetz (28) and Lawrence’s Erica Grube (8) battle for the ball Wednesday.
Beloit College women's soccer team clinches spot in MWC Tournament
BELOIT—A two-time All-American and a Defensive Player of the Year in her playing days at Maranatha, Lisa Collogan has an acute appreciation for stellar defense.
She certainly picked the right place to be a head coach.
In her first season at Beloit College, she took over a team that not only boasted the best defense in the Midwest Conference last season, but one of the best in NCAA Division III. The Buccaneers allowed the fewest goals in a season and registered the lowest goals against average in program history.
They’ve definitely tried to pick up where they left off, led by three-time MWC Defensive Performer of the Week Audrey Ketterer, a senior goaltender. Ketterer looked like she was well on her way to her sixth complete game shutout of the season Wednesday with four saves against Lawrence, but left late in the second half after feeling ill.
Junior Briana Arteaga came on and recorded three saves of her own as the Bucs blanked the Vikings 2-0 at the Strong Soccer Complex. Beloit (7-4-2, 5-2 MWC) clinched a berth in the league’s four-team tournament with the victory.
“With the players we had returning and the talent on paper that was always the goal,” Collogan said. “So we’re happy to be headed back.”
The Bucs have one more regular-season contest to play as they travel to Mount Vernon, Iowa, on Saturday to face Cornell College. The Rams are still in the running for a tourney berth. Grinnell and Lake Forest, who square off Saturday, are already assured berths. Beloit lost to both by identical 1-0 scores.
Saturday’s action will determine the tourney pairings.
“We’re hungry to get back at both (Lake Forest and Grinnell),” Collogan said. “We have an opportunity against either of them, but we’re going to need to find the back of the net for sure. As solid as we can be defensively, we have to be able to score. That’s the final piece for us.”
The Bucs did that early Wednesday, jumping out to a 2-0 lead thanks to a pair of goals by Gracie Gasmann, at the 11:07 and 30:23 marks.
While they didn’t score again, the way Beloit plays defense, it has to be daunting for foes to face a two-goal deficit.
“We’d like to think so,” Collogan said. “We feel pretty confident on defense. We’re organized and the players play well together.”
Ketterer has allowed just two goals in 785 minutes played this season. She made a save on a point-blank shot at the 65-minute mark, but then came out and was replaced by Arteaga.
“(Ketterer) was dizzy and not feeling well,” the coach said. “She tried to shake it off, but we had Bri step in. We have a great goalkeeper squad here.”
Lawrence still had a chance to get back in it with a penalty kick with 3:29 remaining, but Arteaga made the save.
• NOTES: Beloit outshot Lawrence 16-10. ...The Bucs won last season’s tournament and along with it their first automatic bid to the NCAA D-III Tournament. …Collogan came to Beloit from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota where she was the assistant women’s coach and head goalkeeper coach since 2020.
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2022-10-27T03:49:44Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Beloit College women's soccer team clinches spot in MWC Tournament | Sports | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/sports/beloit-college-womens-soccer-team-clinches-spot-in-mwc-tournament/article_b63bd31a-558b-11ed-ba44-27feb5bc8861.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/sports/beloit-college-womens-soccer-team-clinches-spot-in-mwc-tournament/article_b63bd31a-558b-11ed-ba44-27feb5bc8861.html
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Turner senior Lydia Seifarth poses with head coach Riley Clark.
Beloit Turner's Lydia Seifarth riding high heading into state
BELOIT—Beloit Turner cross country runner Lydia Seifarth has been all smiles as of late.
Who can blame her? The senior has had an outstanding last few weeks to propel herself to the biggest stage of them all: the WIAA Division 2 state meet, held in Wisconsin Rapids on Saturday.
“I’m just so excited and happy,” Seifarth said. “There’s always the nerves to do well because I want to do great and always want to do my best. But I’m really more excited than anything because a part of me wasn’t expecting to make it this far this season.”
The early portion of the season proved to be very challenging. Seifarth was unable to do light training in the summer because of other commitments, so she went into practice “cold turkey.”
“I was obviously not as fast as I was used to being, and that frustrated me,” she said. “I ran too much and too hard during those first few practices, and I sprained a part on the inside of my foot.”
Seifarth was forced to miss the first few meets of the season while healing up, and head coach Riley Clark had to learn how to keep the competitive athlete from overdoing it.
“She would always push for more miles, or say ‘I don’t think this is enough reps,’” Clark said. “My job was to really remind her that we both want the same thing and to have trust in our relationship that goes back five years, that I promise I’m going to get you to where you need to be.”
Once Seifarth was back to competing in meets, it was a slow build to getting her times down and running at a satisfactory pace, but she started to hit her stride as she entered the most crucial part of the season.
First, she finished sixth overall at the Rock Valley Conference Championship in 21:28.6.
Seifarth said she then went into the sectional meet at UW-Parkside ranked outside of the top 10 based on season PRs, and it was a different feeling than last year’s meet, where she knew she would qualify for state.
“This year I had to leave everything on the course,” she said. “I pulled out and settled into sixth/seventh place. I just wanted to qualify, I wanted it so badly.”
She ended up finishing sixth in 20:51 and advancing.
“Once I got the confirmation that I had made it to state I was ecstatic,” Seifarth said. “It was just a really, really fun day. I was probably smiling ear to ear for the rest of the day.”
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2022-10-27T03:49:50Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Beloit Turner's Lydia Seifarth riding high heading into state | Sports | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/sports/beloit-turners-lydia-seifarth-riding-high-heading-into-state/article_5cfa6706-5588-11ed-871f-9faeed4028fa.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/sports/beloit-turners-lydia-seifarth-riding-high-heading-into-state/article_5cfa6706-5588-11ed-871f-9faeed4028fa.html
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Josh Flickinger mugshot
Clinton runners head to state cross country meet
By Josh Flickinger
CLINTON— Since moving on from the Beloit Daily News in March, I’ve been able to keep my finger on the pulse of the local sports scene as a staff correspondent.
As such, I’ve written features on tennis players, attended soccer games and spent plenty of Friday nights on the sidelines, both for the Daily News and the Janesville Gazette.
The most recent assignment was unique: Write a feature on the Clinton runners headed to the WIAA Division 2 state meet, scheduled for Saturday in Wisconsin Rapids.
Normal protocol: Attend a practice, interview participants and coaches, cobble together a coherent story.
But the truth is, I didn’t want to do that. Not this time. I didn’t need to meet the Cougars at the Clinton track at 4:30. I didn’t need specific insight as to strategies employed for Saturday afternoon’s race.
And I surely didn’t need to ask how they got there. Because I knew. Oh, how I knew. Instead of your standard feature, I’m going to tell you about these eight kids who will proudly represent the blue and white in a few days.
• QUINN MCCABE, Sr.: If you ever want to know elevation gain, what a good 300 split would be on a slight downhill and where the race went right (or, unfortunately).
Quinn wrote the entire summer workout plan, is going to run somewhere in college and will undoubtedly become a great cross county coach someday.
• CODY SULLIVAN, Sr.: Cody is never satisfied, no matter how well he runs. Always striving for a better time, he’s as determined as anyone. A great teammate, he’s been critical in pushing everyone else on the roster to be their best and is a significant part of the team’s success.
• PAIGE DAMMAN, Jr.: Paige is the ultimate example a couple of old axioms: Good things happen to good people. And hard work pays off. A few years ago, Paige decided she wanted to be good at running. When she made that decision, she wasn’t. Last year, she qualified for state after a surprise sectional. She followed that up by winning the Rock Valley Conference race and finishing third at sectionals. She’s back. And barring injury, she’ll be back next year, too.
• NATHAN SHALLENBERGER, Soph.: A year ago, Nathan was anchoring the JV squad. Today, he’s a solid fifth on a team headed for their second straight state berth. What’s with the glow-up? It’s all about the miles for Nathan, who has backed up his incredible amount of trash-talking to have a fantastic season.
• DYLAN YURS, Soph.: Dylan is always in the mix in the team’s top four, but took a huge step forward when he placed second on the team at the sectional meet. Marked with a sneaky sense of humor and a ridiculous flow, Dylan’s best races are still to come.
• OLIVER MELSON, Soph.: The artsy one in the group, Oliver heads straight to play practice after his running work is done. He’s playing the role of Rooster Hannigan in Clinton High School’s upcoming Annie production, and he’s just as well-loved by his castmates as his teammates. A rather diminutive stature belies his huge heart.
• REAGAN FLICKINGER, Soph.: No one will ever utter the sentence “If he just worked a little harder...” about Reagan. When he’s not running, he’s working on his hoops game. He has high expectations and does his very best to meet them.
• NATHANIEL LIGMAN, Fresh.: Every group needs a quiet one, just for balance. That’s particularly true with this cast of characters. Nathaniel, a naturally talented runner with a bright future, spends a lot of time shaking his head at his teammates.
A sunny Saturday beckons in Wisconsin Rapids. It’s one last time for Cody and Quinn to run. One last time for this group of boys to gather in the tent as a team, throw around jokes that vary on levels of appropriate, take silly selfies and laugh about everything, and nothing at all.
And one last time for this dad to watch it all, smiling and cheering the whole way.
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2022-10-27T03:50:02Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Clinton runners head to state cross country meet | Local Sports | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/sports/local_sports/clinton-runners-head-to-state-cross-country-meet/article_a8ebb554-554f-11ed-9414-87a714b20933.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/sports/local_sports/clinton-runners-head-to-state-cross-country-meet/article_a8ebb554-554f-11ed-9414-87a714b20933.html
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LETTER: Threats remain to democracy
Threats remain to democracy
We are at a time when we don’t know if American democracy will survive the experiment started in 1776.
We see now that lawyers from the previous administration organized efforts to seize voting machine data from various counties in MI and GA. We’re also seeing investigations pertaining to organized efforts to send fake electors to (Ron Johnson) Washington, D. C. prior to Jan. 6. In themselves these things wouldn’t be as significant if those involved are held accountable and if an important percentage of the Republican party believed in the facts; facts that are oh so apparent in multiple instances of corruption. It’s been one thing after another from 2016 on with prostitutes, sexual harassment, obstruction of justice, insurrection, business fraud, etc., etc. If, we the people, don’t stop buying into the “burn it all down” populist message propagandized by the Right we will see a different kind of American in the future. But I look on the bright side. I should be able to run for Congress or even president then; all I have to do is declare “If I win the election then it was clean but if I lose it was rigged.”
JOHN PENSINGER
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2022-10-27T18:06:27Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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LETTER: Threats remain to democracy | Opinion | beloitdailynews.com
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BELOIT - An attempted robbery in the drive-through at the Culver's restaurant in Beloit Wednesday night has been linked to similar crimes in Lake Mills, Janesville and Mequon, Wisconsin.
Beloit police say the description of the robber matches that of the man who tried to rob the other restaurants, according to a Beloit police Facebook post.
The Beloit attempted robbery occurred at about 7:44 p.m. Wednesday at the restaurant at 2676 Cranston Road. No one was injured.
The suspect is described as being a white male with dark hair driving a maroon four-door Jeep Wrangler Sahara.
On Oct. 6, a similar incident was reported at the Janesville Culver's at 2633 Milton Ave. Another incident was reported in Mequon on Oct. 10 and the incident in Lake Mills occurred on Sept. 26.
Anyone with information about the robbery attempt is asked to contact Detective Joshua Buroker or submit a tip through the Greater Beloit Area Crimestoppers website at www.gbacrimestoppers.com.
Two 16-year-old suspects are in custody and are accused of the armed robbery of an Amazon delivery driver in Janesville.
Rockford man sentenced for robberies
Beloit will soon be adding cameras equipped with license plate readers across the city
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2022-10-27T21:17:50Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Beloit Culver's robbery attempt linked to other crimes in Wisconsin | Crime | beloitdailynews.com
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Winnebago County, Illinois sees jobless rate decrease
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Unemployment rates dropped throughout northern Illinois in September, according to figures released Thursday by the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Winnebago County had an unemployment rate of 6% in September, down from 6.8% in August and down from 7.8% in September of 2021.
Nearby Boone County reported an unemployment rate of 5.6% in September, down from 6.7% in August and down from 7.3% in September of 2021.
Ogle County had an unemployment rate of 4.3% in September, down from 4.8% in August and down from 4.8% in September of 2021.
Stephenson County had an unemployment rate of 4.2% in September, down from 4.5% in August and down from 4.6% in September of 2021.
In area cities, Rockford reported an unemployment rate of 7.3% in September, down from 8.1% in August and down from 9.5% in September of 2021.
Belvidere had an unemployment rate of 6.6% in September, down from 8.5% in August and down from 9.5% in September of 2021.
Freeport had an unemployment rate of 5.1% in September, down from 5.5% in August and down from 6.1% in September of 2021.
The Illinois unemployment rate was 4.5% in September, unchanged from August, but down from 5.5% in September of 2021.
The national unemployment rate was 3.5% in September, down from 3.7% in August, but down from 4.7% in September of 2021.
Jobless rates in Rockford, Belvidere, Winnebago County drop in June
Unemployment rates dropped in June in northern Illinois communities and counties.
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2022-10-27T21:17:53Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Winnebago County, Illinois sees jobless rate decrease | Illinois News | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/illinois-news/winnebago-county-illinois-sees-jobless-rate-decrease/article_3ebf00f4-5627-11ed-922f-87134ad038a6.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/illinois-news/winnebago-county-illinois-sees-jobless-rate-decrease/article_3ebf00f4-5627-11ed-922f-87134ad038a6.html
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Clinton superintendent Jim Brewer was honored with the 2022 Administrator of the Year Award
CLINTON - After seven years with the Clinton School District, Superintendent Jim Brewer has been awarded the 2022 Administrator of the Year Award from the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance.
Brewer received the award during the National Rural Schools Conference in Green Bay which was held Oct. 19-21.
Brewer is the first administrator from Clinton School District to win the Administrator of the Year Award, according to Rachel Kapp, Administrative Specialist and Board Secretary with the Clinton School District.
The award presented to someone who has accomplished milestones in one or more of the following areas:
• Positive impact on students and student achievement.
• Significant contributions to rural education.
• Demonstrated collaborative efforts in the community.
• Innovative leadership efforts to strengthen and preserve rural school districts.
“To be recognized for an award such as the Wisconsin Rural Administrator of the Year is a direct result of the outstanding achievements of students, staff, and community,” Brewer said in a news release. “Thank you to everyone associated with WiRSA for advancing the cause of rural education and for celebrating the accomplishments of a school district in a rural community.”
Brewer has a long history of education and experience under his belt.
Before joining the Clinton School District in 2016, Brewer was the principal at the Northland Pines High School in Eagle River from 2011-2015. Before that he was associate principal at Waukesha School District in Waukesha, Wisconsin and a teacher at Edgerton High School.
“Dr. Brewer is a strong, passionate and confident leader who is determined to do what is best for the Clinton Community School District,” Kapp said. “He prides himself in being hands-on and visible within our schools and community and this is what makes him a great leader.”
Brewer credits the staff, community and student body for what they have been able to accomplish over the years.
2022 Administrator Of The Year Award
Wirsa
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2022-10-27T21:17:54Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Clinton superintendent Jim Brewer was honored with the 2022 Administrator of the Year Award | Local News | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/local-news/clinton-superintendent-jim-brewer-was-honored-with-the-2022-administrator-of-the-year-award/article_036dff38-555e-11ed-8fa0-33d10025a0d6.html
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Schmutzer
Kelsey Schmutzer, a music teacher at Garden Prairier Intermediate School and Powers Elementary School in the Turner School District, has been named Rotary Teacher of the Month.
Schmutzer teaches students in grades kindergarten through Grade 5. She has been a teacher for 10 years and she has been in the Turner District for nine years.
She earned a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire in May of 2011. She earned a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Wisconsin - Superior in December of 2019.
She has been a member of the Feierabend Association of Music Educators since 2016 and is involved in several social media based music education groups.
She is certified in First Steps in Music Curriculum (Feierabend method) - Hartt School of Music at the University of Hartford, Connecticut.
She represents the Beloit Turner School District on the Arts Advocacy Committee through the Young Auditorium at the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater.
Schmutzer was inspired to become a music teacher by her own teachers.
"I decided to become an educator, specifically a music educator, after being impacted heavily by my music educators throughout my schooling," she said. "Music was oftenwhere I would turn through hard times, and where I received most of my encouragement. I wanted to spread the you of learning music to students and have music become an outlet for not only enjoyment, but for understanding the world on a greater scale. I am passionate about music education and seeing the spark as children grow and gain understanding."
She added, music is something that grows with people throughout their lives.
"I believe that music education follows not just a K-12 plan, but a lifelong plan. Music will still be a part of a student's life in 30 years," she said. "I aim to provide students with varied experiences that they can take with them to widen their own horizons, and also to strengthen their own musicianship so they feel confident singing to their own children, singing 'Happy Birthday' among friends, clapping along at a baseball game, and dancing at their weddings."
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2022-10-27T21:17:55Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Beloit Rotary Teacher of the Month | No Meter | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/no_meter/beloit-rotary-teacher-of-the-month/article_9345216a-560b-11ed-8b57-ff780f371772.html
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The Greater Beloit Area Crime Stoppers is looking for Vanessa A. Johnson, 30, who is wanted on a warrant for operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent.
Johnson is 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighs 140 pounds and has blue eyes and brown hair.
Anyone with information about Johnson’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Greater Beloit Area Crime Stoppers at 608-362-7463. Tips also can be submitted at www.p3tips.com.
Crime of the WeekOn Oct 24 at approximately 2:45 a.m., an attempted burglary occurred at the VFW in the 2700 block of Afton Road. The suspect was a male wearing all black clothing, a black ski mask, latex gloves, black and white shoes. He forced entry into the business. Surveillance showed that once inside the business he jumped over the bar and went straight to the cash register. The suspect then fled the area on foot.
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2022-10-28T00:07:33Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Greater Beloit Area Crime Stoppers most wanted and crime of the week | Crime | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/crime/greater-beloit-area-crime-stoppers-most-wanted-and-crime-of-the-week/article_d96f3fb8-55f7-11ed-aff1-8b88f5c30e81.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/crime/greater-beloit-area-crime-stoppers-most-wanted-and-crime-of-the-week/article_d96f3fb8-55f7-11ed-aff1-8b88f5c30e81.html
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Four young women perform a scene from 'Badger' during rehearsal at Beloit Memorial High School. The play will be presented Nov. 10 - 13.
Five women in "Badger" rehearse a scene at Beloit Memorial High School. The play centers around women who provide for their families while their husbands are away during World War II.
Beloit Memorial theater fall production focuses on women empowerment
BELOIT- This November, Beloit Memorial High School’s theater program will present “Badger,” a show about five “Rosie the Riveter” type women who go to work at the Badger Ordnance Works near Sauk City during World War II, while the majority of men were off fighting in the war.
The play will run Nov. 10-13, with one of the shows coinciding with Veterans Day. The show is written by Janesville-born Don Zolidis, who is now a known playwright.
“I’m on the mailing list for the playwrights he sends out,” said Greg Wallendal, theatre director for the Beloit school district. “He sent it out and said here’s a new script for anyone who wants to use it. I’ve never seen it produced. (The play came out in 2019). That's the reason why I chose it. I’m always looking for plays that feature women or plays written by women, because that's who I have.”
The small cast of nine people is mostly made up of women, which Wallendal says is usually what most high school theater programs have an abundance of.
“It’s a great story of women empowerment and the struggles that women dealt with at the time and still struggle with today,” Wallendal said. “He really just captures some realities of what women dealt with going into work alongside men in a time period when there was a great deal of overt sexism going on, as opposed to now we have more covert sexism. The play deals with the wage gap and we’re still dealing with the gap today.”
One of the main character’s in the play is Barbara whose husband is fighting in the war while she raises their child at home and goes to work in the factory with the other women. Junior Sofia Romero plays Barbara and enjoys playing a motherly role in the production.
“The play centers around women, but I think my motherly role brings out a different point of view,” Romero said. “With her husband at war and her working in a factory, it shows the mental aspect of what a wife goes through when her husband’s at war, and just everyday battles.”
Romero is looking forward to the audience being up close and personal with the cast during this play. For the production, the seats will be right on stage with the cast and characters of Badger.
Senior Abigail Grenawalt plays Irene. She describes Irene as a confident character who decides the women should go on strike after discovering the men at the factory make more than the women.
“She decides that she wants to be the boss lady and take over and do a strike,” Greanawalt said. “I like her and she’s very powerful.”
She thinks the play in general is a very powerful production and is looking forward to performing on Veterans day where she thinks the play will be both powerful and emotional for her fellow actors and the audience.
Director Wallendal is happy to have found a show perfect for his cast.
“I needed a show that featured women and I love doing something about women empowerment,” he said. “I think that's really powerful. It's great for the kids to see that and play those characters. I think they don’t see that enough in the rest of our society.”
Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 10 and 12 and at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 13. Shows are at Elizabeth Reinholz Theater, 1225 Fourth St. Tickets are $5 for students and seniors and $8 for the general public.
Beloit School District students, teachers speak out about performing arts issues
Multiple teachers and students voiced concerns about the performing arts programs in the School District of Beloit during Tuesday's school board meeting.
Beloit Civic Theatre takes on an Oscar Wilde classic
Defy Domestic Abuse Beloit & Rock County LGBTQ+ committee bring RENT to JPAC
Beloit Memorial High School Theater
Greg Wallendal
Don Zolidis
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2022-10-28T00:07:39Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Beloit Memorial theater fall production focuses on women empowerment | Education | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/education/beloit-memorial-theater-fall-production-focuses-on-women-empowerment/article_2c5f471e-5638-11ed-81b3-5ba4307ad667.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/education/beloit-memorial-theater-fall-production-focuses-on-women-empowerment/article_2c5f471e-5638-11ed-81b3-5ba4307ad667.html
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ROCKTON - A Rockford man died Wednesday evening in a single-vehicle crash in Rockton, according to a release from the Winnebago County Coroner's Office.
Kevin Ksiazek, 57, died following the crash, which occurred around 11 p.m. in the 11400 block of North Rockton Avenue, near Roscoe Road.
Ksiazek was the sole occupant of the vehicle which left the roadway and inter the ditch. Ksiazek was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased, according to the coroner's office news release.
An autopsy was performed Thursday, but further study is required. The Winnebago County Sheriff's Department is continuing to investigate the crash.
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2022-10-28T00:07:45Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Crash in Rockton leaves Rockford man dead | Local News | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/local-news/crash-in-rockton-leaves-rockford-man-dead/article_55bc222e-563a-11ed-a0ff-9ba59a9c5a33.html
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Donna Lorraine Noreen
March 9, 1926 - October 21, 2022 Cary, NC - Donna Lorraine Noreen, age 96, previously of Rockford, passed away on October 21, 2022 at UNC-Rex Hospital in Holly Springs, NC. She was born on March 9, 1926, in DeKalb, Illinois.
Donna was raised in DeKalb, Illinois and graduated from DeKalb High School and Northern Illinois State Teachers College in 1947. She taught in the Beloit (WI) school district prior to leaving to raise her children and then returned to teaching in the Rockford school district for many years. Donna moved to North Carolina in 2013 to be near one of her sons and enjoyed numerous weddings, sports events and five great grandchildren during her time in North Carolina. She was adored by her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Donna is lovingly remembered by her sons, David Noreen and wife Karen, of Apex, NC and Daniel Noreen and wife Jody, of Dublin, OH, as well as grandchildren Douglas (wife Ainslee) of Cary, NC, Bradley (wife Megan) of Cary, NC, Bryan (wife Paige) of Baltimore, MD, Samantha (husband Stephen) of Richmond, VA, and Sarah of Columbus, OH, as well as great grandchildren Lauren, Anders, Magnus, Lucas, and Logan.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard Johnson and Ethel Stroyan, husband, Harold (in 1989), and infant daughter, Diane Lorraine Noreen.
Services will be held in the spring of 2023 in Rockford, Illinois. Information will be updated as scheduled.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Donna may be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 4700 Augustana Drive, Rockford, IL 61107.
Condolences to the family at www.ApexFuneral.com
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2022-10-28T00:07:57Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Donna Lorraine Noreen | Obituaries | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/records/obituaries/donna-lorraine-noreen/article_cc173851-48d6-54a1-a14d-dbfd84025404.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/records/obituaries/donna-lorraine-noreen/article_cc173851-48d6-54a1-a14d-dbfd84025404.html
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Francis Alan Sheahan
Francis "Frank" Alan Sheahan of Pisgah Forest, NC, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones Saturday, October 22, 2022. He was 89 years old.
Frank was born and raised in Beloit, WI. He graduated from St. Thomas High School in Rockford, IL, before attending the University of Notre Dame, graduating with a degree in Business in 1954. Frank then served in the U.S. Army, stationed in France, before settling back in Beloit. He was employed by the Beloit Corporation from 1957 to 1996, rising to Director of Purchasing.
Frank was a proud Irishman and insistent on family wearing a bit of green on St. Patty's Day. He was a dedicated Christian and nurtured this faith in his six children, all graduating from Beloit Catholic High School. Throughout his life, Frank remained active in church and community.
Frank was a faithful Notre Dame and Green Bay Packer fan, making annual trips to South Bend, IN, to support his Fighting Irish. His children recall weekend football games on the television, with fresh popcorn and a warm fireplace. He constantly read mystery and suspense novels but was always ready to put his book aside to talk or help a friend or family member.
After retiring, Frank eventually headed south and settled in Pisgah Forest, NC, where he loved the hills, mountains, and especially the fall colors.
Frank is preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Vera, his brother Michael, and son, Patrick. He is survived by his wife, Reverend Harriet Shands; his children Karen Prue and husband Darrel, John Sheahan, Kevin Sheahan, Timothy Sheahan and wife Amy (Christiansen), and Susan Zamzow and husband Jerry; the children's mother, Phyllis (Tam); niece, Sheree (Engdahl) Sheahan, 15 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
A Service of Christian Burial will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Edneyville, NC at a later date.
To leave a condolence for the family of Frank Sheahan, please visit “Tributes” at www.mooreblanchard.com
Moore- Blanchard Funerals & Cremations is honored to be caring for the family.
To plant a tree in memory of Francis Sheahan as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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2022-10-28T00:08:03Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Francis Alan Sheahan | Obituaries | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/records/obituaries/francis-alan-sheahan/article_9383de3f-717b-51cf-ba6d-34411cf8cf8e.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/records/obituaries/francis-alan-sheahan/article_9383de3f-717b-51cf-ba6d-34411cf8cf8e.html
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Richard V. Mason
April 6, 1927 - October 22, 2022 Beloit, WI - Richard Vann Mason, 95, of Beloit, Wisconsin passed away surrounded by the love of family on Saturday, October 22, 2022. He was a cherished son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.
A lifelong Beloit resident, Richard was born April 6, 1927, the son of Russell Vann and Selma Mason. After graduating from Beloit High School in 1944, he served in the United States Army and attended Beloit College. He married Patsy Clark in 1952 and honeymooned in New Orleans to celebrate their love of jazz and begin a life remembered for great joy.
Richard spent his career as a merchandising executive with Beloit's Freeman Shoe Corporation and United States Shoe Corporation. At Freeman, he proudly founded and directed an art program bringing in works from state and regional galleries for exhibit and purchase by employees companywide.
Throughout his life, Richard valued family above all and then his pursuit of writing along with music and art as well as literature and gardening. He was the author of novels, plays, short stories, essays and poetry, having spent most evenings with pencil and yellow tablet in hand or at his typewriter. His comedy, "A Rose for Remmie," was presented at the New Court Theatre that once performed on the Beloit College campus. Richard was also known for playing his trumpet each evening, often on the porch during summer months and much to the delight of neighbors who heard his renditions of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Bunny Berigan songs.
As a father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Richard sought to inspire and pass along all that he considered important. He spent many hours with his granddaughters at piano and violin lessons, watching them sail and cheering their participation in golf, tennis and soccer. He continually taught a devotion to doing well and doing good and always to doing the right thing. He will be loved and admired forever for his wisdom, integrity, patience, kindness and courage.
Richard was predeceased by his parents; his wife of nearly 55 years, Patsy; his older brother, David Mason; and his sisters-in-law, Gloria Mason and Paula Mason.
Richard is survived by his daughter, Anne (John) Murphy; his four granddaughters, Joan, Mary Alice, Margaret and Kathleen; his great-grandson, Charles John; his younger brother, Lucas Mason; and his nieces and nephew, Holly (Louis) Mineau; Elaine Mason and Keith (Elizabeth Rees) Mason.
Richard's family wishes to thank all who took care of him with extraordinary skill and compassion at Oak Park Place and through Agrace Hospice both in Janesville.
Private family services were held and Richard will be buried with his wife on November 8, their 70th wedding anniversary. Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Rd., Beloit, WI, assisted the family with arrangements.
His family asks that you please consider sending a memorial donation to TCCO (Turtle Creek Chamber Orchestra) in honor of Richard Vann Mason, 437 East Grand Avenue, Beloit, Wisconsin 53511.
To plant a tree in memory of Richard Mason as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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2022-10-28T00:08:07Z
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Richard V. Mason | Obituaries | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/records/obituaries/richard-v-mason/article_5cdd5cf8-fb23-5c58-ab56-578e0265a66f.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/records/obituaries/richard-v-mason/article_5cdd5cf8-fb23-5c58-ab56-578e0265a66f.html
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Theodore "Ted" Fish
June 23, 1940 - October 26, 2022 Beloit, WI - Theodore "Ted" Fish, 82, of Beloit, WI, passed away on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at Alden Meadow Park in Clinton, WI.
He was born on June 23, 1940 in South Beloit, IL, the son of Theodore and Isabelle "Sally" Fish. Ted was a South Beloit High School graduate. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force. Ted married Linda Bloyer on June 22, 1974. She predeceased him on December 31, 2015.
Ted worked many years for the Chrysler Corporation where he had several jobs through his career, last being in the welding department. He was a member of the Rock County Anglers fishing club. Ted loved going fishing with his best friend, Dan Rudisill.
Survivors include his children, Mark (Kay) Fish, Victoria Fish, and Sandra Fish; step son, Chris Warner; grandchildren, Michael, Devin and Ashley.
Ted was predeceased by his parents; infant twin brother; son, David Fish; and sister, Carolyn.
A Funeral Service for Ted will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 in the Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium, 2355 Cranston Rd., Beloit, WI, with Reverend Larry Froemming officiating. Visitation of Remembrance will be held from 1:30 p.m. until the time of service on Tuesday in the funeral home.
To plant a tree in memory of Theodore Fish as a living tribute, please visit Tribute Store.
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2022-10-28T00:08:13Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Theodore "Ted" Fish | Obituaries | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/records/obituaries/theodore-ted-fish/article_e7f63283-5381-5bb8-b532-471e7fbb085f.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/records/obituaries/theodore-ted-fish/article_e7f63283-5381-5bb8-b532-471e7fbb085f.html
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Beloit School District has projected deficit of $4.4 million
BELOIT—The Beloit School District is facing a $4.4 million projected budet deficit for the 2022-2023 academic year.
The Beloit School Board learned of the district’s financial outlook at a budget meeting Tuesday when Director of Finance Wendy LaPointe presented the projected deficit and tax levy information.
The projected tax levy this fiscal year is an all funds levy balance of $11,189,871 with a mill rate of $4.78.
“Coming to this year’s budget with Oct. 16 certification, our projected deficit will be $1.5 million less than anticipated,” LaPointe said during the meeting. “Bringing it to $4.4 million, leaving us with just under a $10 million fund balance and that’s through the use of $6.6 million in escrow funds.”
LaPointe and business services consultant Marc Duff presented the budget during a presentation Tuesday night.
The district will see an additional $754,175 of State General Aid. There is also an expense increase of $923,242 (previously $2.1 million in preliminary budget) to cover estimated Independent Charter School tuition.
The district’s budgets strategies included reducing staffing last school year by approximately 28 full time employees and also reducing department and school budgets and expenses. To aid the district they received $687,257 from Gov. Evers Gets Kids Ahead Funding and they have $6.6 million in ESSER funds available.
In regards to the tax levy impact, the mill rate has reduced from previous years. The 2022-23 all funds levy balance is $11,189,871 with a mill rate of $4.78 this year. In the 2021-22 year the all funds levy was $19,731,301 and a mill rate of $10.10. The 2020-21 school year saw an all funds levy of $17,585,022 and a mill rate of $10.10.
After the presentation, board members had many comments and questions on how to balance the budget.
Board member Amiee Leavy asked about how the district can improve the student/teacher ratio. Interim Superintendent Wayne Anderson had some thoughts on how to improve the budget.
“I do think one of the things you’re going to have to take a look at in order to balance the budgets, is take a look at class size,” Anderson said. “I think that that is something you’re going to take a look at so that you can determine a third way to save on personnel costs.”
Board member Megan Millers made a comment about the need to fund special education more, as the district is now reaching into their savings to help.
“I just want to take a moment to point out that at the state level, we are underfunded,” Miller said. “There was some work done last year, but our state has not been able to adequately fully fund special education. We’re taking out our savings account to fully fund special education, which as a special education teacher, I want to speak on how important that is. It’s an actual equity issue that is important that every child registered is provided their free, appropriate public education.”
The Beloit School Board discussed the potential of having to reduce staff to balance its 2022-23 budget at the annual budget meeting Tuesday night.
Beloit Schools budget includes $7 million shortfall
Amiee Leavy
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2022-10-28T02:39:39Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Beloit School District has projected deficit of $4.4 million | Education | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/education/beloit-school-district-has-projected-deficit-of-4-4-million/article_ce970a3e-5611-11ed-9a93-5b56d4b29762.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/news/education/beloit-school-district-has-projected-deficit-of-4-4-million/article_ce970a3e-5611-11ed-9a93-5b56d4b29762.html
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Tie eliminates Beloit College men's soccer team from potential MWC Tourney play
BELOIT—The Beloit College men’s soccer team won’t be joining the Buccaneer women’s team in Midwest Conference Tournament play.
The men needed to close out the regular season with a pair of victories and a 1-1 tie against visiting Lawrence University on Thursday afternoon officially eliminated the Bucs from contention for the tourney.
Beloit knows all about ties this season. Thursday’s at the Strong Soccer Complex was the team’s fourth in MWC play. They were tied despite holding a shot advantage of 28-15, including 11-7 in shots on goal.
The Vikings (2-9-5, 1-3-3 MWC) broke a scoreless tie in the 29th minute when Derek Morales scored on a penalty kick.
The Bucs (3-7-4, 2-1-4) tied things up in the 61st minute as Jose Larraim tallied his second goal of the season on an assist from Prabaldeep Khare.
Both teams had chances to win the game down the stretch, but solid defense from both prevented anything close to a goal.
Brock Bidwell played the entire game as goalkeeper for the Bucs and contributed six saves. His counterpart for Lawrence, Nason Lancina, had 10 saves and also played all 90 minutes.
The Bucs will close out their season on Saturday as they travel to Mount Vernon, Iowa., to play Cornell College in an 11 a.m. game.
Beloit’s women’s team also has one more regular season game after punching its ticket to the MWC Tourney with a 2-0 win over Lawrence on Wednesday at home. The Bucs also play the Rams at 1:30 p.m. in Mount Vernon.
The Buc will play their MWC semifinal game on Nov. 4 with the opponent and location yet to be determined.
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2022-10-28T05:03:21Z
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www.beloitdailynews.com
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Tie eliminates Beloit College men's soccer team from potential MWC Tourney play | Sports | beloitdailynews.com
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/sports/tie-eliminates-beloit-college-mens-soccer-team-from-potential-mwc-tourney-play/article_eb23fd74-566b-11ed-b484-074b258b3888.html
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https://www.beloitdailynews.com/sports/tie-eliminates-beloit-college-mens-soccer-team-from-potential-mwc-tourney-play/article_eb23fd74-566b-11ed-b484-074b258b3888.html
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Buyers expected to pay between $5-$8 a foot based off species.(WDAM)
PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) - Christmas trees may run people a higher price this year than normal.
Robert Smith, co-owner of Smith’s Tree Farm, says fuel, labor and chemical costs have seen an increase, causing trees to go up slightly.
Though prices may be higher, Smith is reporting great sales.
“Two or three years ago, we started the weekend before Thanksgiving,” said Smith. “Yesterday, we were steady all day. We cut a lot of trees yesterday so business has increased over the past years.”
Prices can also depend on the species and size of the tree.
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2022-11-22T05:00:48Z
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www.wdam.com
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Christmas tree prices expected to be higher than normal this year
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/22/christmas-tree-prices-expected-be-higher-than-normal-this-year/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/22/christmas-tree-prices-expected-be-higher-than-normal-this-year/
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Employees of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission were treated to a special showing of the movie, "Devotion" Tuesday at The Grand theater.(WDAM)
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - Dozens of employees with the Hattiesburg Convention Commission were the first in the Hub City to see the new movie about Hattiesburg aviation hero Jesse L. Brown.
About 200 employees took part in a special Tuesday afternoon showing at The Grand Theater of the film Devotion.
It tells the story of Ensign Jesse Brown, a Hattiesburg native and the nation’s first black Naval aviator, and his friendship with his wingman, Thomas Hudner.
Brown was killed in action in the Korean War when his plane was shot down.
Hudner was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor after he intentionally crash-landed his own plane in an attempt to save Brown.
“I think it was extraordinary,” said Rick Taylor, executive director of the Hattiesburg Convention Commission. “This was very special to have a hometown hero, a national hero, on the big screen.”
“I’ve read so much about Jesse Leroy Brown and Tom Hudner and to see it all unfold on screen, it really brought it to life,” said Latoya Norman, director of museums for the Hattiesburg Convention Commission.
“As a former Marine in the aviation community, it really hit home when they brought in Chosin Reservoir, which was a huge battle for the Marine Corps,” said Amado Luna, guest services supervisor for the Hattiesburg Zoo.
The movie opens nationwide on Nov. 23.
For more information about the movie, click HERE.
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2022-11-23T03:58:43Z
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www.wdam.com
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Hattiesburg Convention Commission employees get early look at movie ‘Devotion’
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/23/hattiesburg-convention-commission-employees-get-early-look-movie-devotion/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/23/hattiesburg-convention-commission-employees-get-early-look-movie-devotion/
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Laurel is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
LAUREL, Miss. (WDAM) - Laurel is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
Tuesday evening was opening night for “Prancer Path,” a fundraiser by the United Way of the Pine Belt, where businesses buy a tree and decorate it for visitors to see.
The proceeds from the tree sales go to different organizations throughout the Pine Belt that partner with United Way.
“After I got through decorating my tree, I walked through to see the others and realized how much work was really involved,” said Ken Kitchens, visiting the path. “It was very exciting to be a part of that.”
The path will be open until Jan. 2 with live music on select nights.
More information can be found on the United Way of the Pine Belt Facebook page.
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2022-11-23T05:47:46Z
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www.wdam.com
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‘Prancer Path’ open for viewers until Jan. 2
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/23/prancer-path-open-viewers-until-jan-2/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/23/prancer-path-open-viewers-until-jan-2/
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Enjoy all your Wednesday sunshine, because clouds and rain move in quickly tomorrow.
The last couple of days have been nice despite a little cloud cover and drizzle, but today it’s nothing but sunshine and an even warmer afternoon. In fact, today’s high of 72 will be the first in nearly 3 weeks that will be above the “normal” for this time of year (67)...though we were only one degree cooler yesterday. I highly recommend getting out today and enjoying the warmth and sun because we won’t see much for the rest of the week after it sets today. That’s due to a couple of cold fronts moving in which will bring a decent amount of rain to the area and some slightly cooler air as we head into next week. Here’s what’s expected as we head into tomorrow:
First, clouds will begin gathering in the skies overnight, leading to partly-to-mostly cloudy skies by sunrise. The skies will steadily get darker as we approach the afternoon, which is when I expect the leading edge of the first frontal system to move in. Currently I expect this will happen ~4 PM tomorrow, though models really haven’t been very consistent with this one and I’ve seen some as early as just after lunch. Friday is also still a bit uncertain, as every model run is significantly different. Yesterday’s where much wetter on Friday, while the Thursday’s and today’s have been drier. I expect we’ll end up seeing a drier, but still cloudy and damp Friday, with rain lasting a bit longer into Saturday afternoon. That’s the second front, and when that one goes we’ll see nothing but sunshine until the middle of next week when a quick evening of rain swings through.
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2022-11-23T16:28:35Z
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www.wdam.com
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11/23 Ryan’s “Thanksgiving Eve” Wednesday Morning Forecast
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/23/1123-ryans-thanksgiving-eve-wednesday-morning-forecast/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/23/1123-ryans-thanksgiving-eve-wednesday-morning-forecast/
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Firefighters were able to contain a housefire in Collins to a single bedroom Tuesday evening.(Collins Fire Department Facebook)
COLLINS, Miss. (WDAM) - An “unintentional/accidentally overloaded electrical circuit” is considered the initial culprit behind a home fire Tuesday night in Collins.
Collins Fire Department firefighters managed to keep the damage within the room of origin, a bedroom, and were able to rescue a pet dog, which was found in a kennel crate in the living room.
According to the Collins Fire Department’s Facebook page, units were dispatched Tuesday evening to a residence in the 600 block of South Arrington Avenue.
Upon arrival, Engine 2 reported a one-story, single-family house had an active, working fire in the front area of the home, CFD said.
The fire was found to be in a bedroom, and a quick, interior attack allowed crews to make a fast stop and contain the fire to the room of origin, CFD said.
Firefighters performed additional ventilation, salvage and overhaul to prevent further damage to the residence.
The fire appears to have been caused by an unintentional/accidentally overloaded electrical circuit, CFD said.
CFD reminds everyone to always use caution and not overload electrical circuits and never utilize extension cords of incompatible capacities with the available current.
Extension cords & surge protectors should always be used appropriately and never utilized as a means of permanent wiring, CFD said.
If surge protectors are used, they should be plugged directly into the wall receptacle. Extension cords should also not be connected to surge protectors, they are not rated for the additional current draw.
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2022-11-24T00:06:35Z
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www.wdam.com
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House fire contained to bedroom, Collins Fire Department reports
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/23/collins-housefire-contained-bedroom/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/23/collins-housefire-contained-bedroom/
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Shoppers are hitting Hattiesburg highways to grab steals and deals before Black Friday
Holiday shopping picking up in Pine Belt
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - Shoppers across the nation are bundling up for cold weather and hot Black Friday deals. Even during tough economic times store managers hope for a busy day.
Shelves are stocked and Christmas bows are set atop a variety of gifts at Academy Sports + Outdoors in Hattiesburg. Jim Lamb is the manager and said he and his team members are in the holiday spirit.
“I go out in front of the store early in the morning and it’s a lot of people that lineup and its an event for them. They have their moms, dads, and sisters,” said Lamb.
Low prices and door buster deals aren’t just for the adults. From bikes and grills to trampolines and ping pong tables, there;s something for people of all age groups.
Married couple, Jimmy and Charlotte Barrentine are regulars at Kohl’s located off of Hwy-98. The holidays mean a little more spending but for them, they just enjoy the time spent rather than the money.
“It feels good to be out with the family because we don’t get to see them all the time,” said Jimmy Barrentine.
Time is precious and it’s something they value.
“We don’t like the Black Friday [sale] because it’s too many people,” she added.
Holiday traffic can be a headache for some, but for others it’s a family tradition.
“Some people make shirts or vests saying Black Friday and it says the name of their family so it’s quite an event,” said Lamb.
Christmas in the Park ready for 19th year in Collins
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2022-11-24T04:41:18Z
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Stores, shoppers take advantage of deals ahead of time
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/24/stores-shoppers-take-advantage-deals-ahead-time/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/24/stores-shoppers-take-advantage-deals-ahead-time/
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Donations received through Drop and Shop will be distributed to those patients who have particular needs at the Forrest General Cancer Center.
Press release from the Forrest General Hospital Media & Newsroom website.
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - Cozy blankets, fuzzy socks, mittens, beanies and scarves will be available for patients undergoing treatment at Forrest General Hospital’s Cancer Center thanks to those who participated in the Spirit of Women’s inaugural Drop and Shop.
During this three-week event, members of the community were asked to donate new, cozy items at participating local stores and boutiques. In return, the donor received a ticket for a discount or special offer at the participating businesses.
The fundraiser began in West Hattiesburg on Nov. 1 before making its way to Midtown and ending up in Downtown Hattiesburg.
According to Forrest General: the following businesses participated in this year’s event:
Little Lane Children’s Boutique
For more information about Forrest General, click HERE.
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2022-11-24T21:28:39Z
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www.wdam.com
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More than 215 cozy items donated during ‘Spirit of Women Drop and Shop’
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/24/more-than-215-cozy-items-donated-during-spirit-women-drop-shop/
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Golden Eagles sweep Cancun Challenge’s Mayan Division
Southern Miss men's basketball off to 6-0 start after 3-0 sweep through Cancun Challenge.(University of Southern Mississippi Sports Information Department)
CANCUN, Mexico (WDAM) - Tournament Most Valuable Player Felipe Haase scored 21 points and Denijay Harris added 10 as the University of Southern Mississippi wrapped up a 3-0 run through Cancun Challenge’s Mayan Division with a 70-58 win over Purdue University-Fort Wayne Wednesday afternoon.
The Golden Eagles rallied from an early four-point deficit and took control of the game after slugfest of a start.
After the Mastodons (3-3) took a brief lead, Haase hit a 3-pointer with 10 minutes 36 minutes, left in the first half to give USM the lead for good.
The Golden Eagles’ lead hovered around a 12 points for much of the second half until the Mastodons got to within eight with 14:13 to go.
Crowley had nine points with three steals, while Pinckney finished with eight eight points.
The Golden Eagles will host Mobile University at 2 p.m. Sunday at Reed Green Coliseum.
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2022-11-24T21:50:21Z
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www.wdam.com
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USM men’s basketball starts 6-0 for 1st time in 16 seasons
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/24/usm-mens-basketball-starts-6-0-1st-time-16-seasons/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/24/usm-mens-basketball-starts-6-0-1st-time-16-seasons/
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Black Friday shopping appeals for many reasons
PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) -Many shoppers got an early start to catch the best bargains and deals in the Pine Belt, with some waking up before the sun to fill their shopping bags at Turtle Creek Mall.
“We got up at 3 and we were here by 5 in the morning,” said Amanda Corley, a Black Friday shopper.
Corley says Black Friday shopping is more than finding good deals, it’s also about keeping the family tradition alive.
“My family is not able to do it anymore, so then I started it with my girls, and it’s me and my daughter, Allie, (Friday).” Corley said. “Allie wanted us to have shirts made because you know everyone has Black Friday shirts when they go in these big groups so the lady at work said “I can do that for y’all”'
“So, she designed the shirt and we got them made.”
Haidie Dejesus, who started her shopping at 6 a.m., said (Friday) was a good way to cross items off your family’s Christmas list.
“We also got a lot of toys and stuff for Christmas for our little families and nieces and stuff,” Dejesus said.
Corley says she’s been saving money all year, just for this holiday shopping spree.
“Over the year, I save cash and put it in the safe, and then on Black Friday, whatever I have is what I spend,” Corley said. “So, I had a little more saved this year, so we had a little more to spend.”
Other shoppers, like Louellen Biel, said the bottom line is not necessarily the bottom line when it comes to Black Friday.
“It’s just really fun and great to come shopping with your friends and stuff like that,” said Biel.
Turtle Creek Mall was open from 7 a.m- 9 p.m. for Black Friday shoppers.
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2022-11-26T02:28:37Z
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www.wdam.com
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Black Friday shopping a money-saving tradition for many
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/26/black-friday-shopping-money-saving-tradition-many/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/26/black-friday-shopping-money-saving-tradition-many/
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Weather do0esn't delay ice-skating opening in Columbia
PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) -
The city of Columbia is getting into the holiday spirit with its Experience Columbia event. For the past four years, the city has worked hard to bring the community together through ice skating. Caymen Watts, an employee of the ice-skating rink says he loves getting to build the rink and watch everybody enjoy spending time together. Watts adds, “fun experience, nice to see every year how it grows each and every year, more and more people come out. Nice to see family and friends enjoying their time ice skating. Right now, it’s a little wet but tomorrow probably will be a little dry so tomorrow at the light show, we’ll have a gooder time out here, good experience out here.”
Tomorrow, the city of Columbia will continue with its holiday festivities and have its tradition tree lighting at 7:30.
Small businesses liked Small Business Saturday
Columbia ice rink on display Saturday
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2022-11-27T04:47:10Z
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www.wdam.com
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Experience Columbia builds ice-skating rink for 4th year
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/27/experience-columbia-builds-ice-skating-rink-4th-year/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/27/experience-columbia-builds-ice-skating-rink-4th-year/
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'Experience Columbia' kicked off Sunday in Columbia
COLUMBIA, Miss. (WDAM) - “Experience Columbia” brought its entire array of holiday highlights to the forefront Sunday night.
“You can ice skate in the middle of Second Street, you have build a buddy in Santa’s workshop, you have the Gingerbread Express, you have the Grinch train,” said Laura Hobgood, “Experience Columbia” director of operations “You can make reindeer food, you can have your face painted, you can enjoy lots of good food.”
And let’s not forget a live nativity,
Hobgood said “Experience Columbia” involves the whole family.
She said the event gets bigger every years, drawing larger crowds.
“It brings everyone together from different states,” Hobgood said. “Most of our guests are from out of state, the surrounding states, (Louisiana), (Alabama) some from Texas.
“We had a visitor from every state last year, which is amazing.” Hobgood said.
In fact, “Experience Columbia” has had a big visitor this year: A 14-story-tall Christmas tree.
The tree has taken over a year to complete.
“Our claim is that it’s the tallest, free-standing, animated tree in the United States, as far as our research is concerned, and I challenge anyone out there to find one like ours that’s taller,” said employee Jacob Harrison.
The entire production of “Experience Columbia” was brought to life by Kristian Agoglia, who said downtown is the place to be this holiday season.
“If you want to kick off the holiday season, this is the place to be,” Agoglia said. “If you don’t like Christina’s, come on down, because you will like it after you’re a part of this event.”
“Experience Columbia” will last until New Years Eve.
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2022-11-28T06:21:54Z
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www.wdam.com
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‘Experience Columbia’ kicks off the season with 14-story-tall Christmas tree
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/28/experience-columbia-kicks-off-with-14-story-tall-christmas-tree/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/28/experience-columbia-kicks-off-with-14-story-tall-christmas-tree/
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Esports set growing in Pine Belt area
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - Hattiesburg is looking to become more competitive on the esports scene.
Colludium hosted its Super Smash Bros. Tournament Sunday, where players gathered from across the state to compete for bragging rights.
Tournament organizer Cody Knuth said tournaments started pre-pandemic after noticing local players needed an outlet.
“So, when I started here for the Smash scene, we would have, maybe, 10-person locals, 12-person locals,” Knuth said. “Then we started reaching out.”
By creating a way for players to scratch their competitive itch, Knuth said he’s seen the Smash scene grow at a rapid pace.
“We were talking to people in central Mississippi like, ‘Hey, we’re running tournaments, too,’” Knuth said. “We got to connecting. We’re traveling. We’re having big tournaments.
“The biggest tournament I think that Mississippi as a whole has had, not that I was running it. I think it was 200 people or 100. Somewhere in there. "
Tournaments run every month, and players of all ages are welcome.
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2022-11-28T06:22:00Z
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www.wdam.com
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Smash Brothers competition growing in Hattiesburg
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/28/smash-brothers-competition-growing-hattiesburg/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/28/smash-brothers-competition-growing-hattiesburg/
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Good Monday, everyone!
PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) - Good Monday, everyone! I hope you had a great weekend.
For today, look for sunny skies with highs in the upper 60s to around 70.
You can expect increasing clouds later tonight, with lows in the lower 50s.
As we head into Tuesday, our area will come under the threat of severe weather in the afternoon, lasting to early Wednesday morning.
At this time, we are looking for a few severe thunderstorms and maybe a few tornadoes. So make sure you have a way to get warnings through our weather apps that you can download on your iPhones and android phones, and make sure your weather radios are working and have fresh batteries.
The threat of severe weather will be over very early Wednesday morning.
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2022-11-28T15:36:09Z
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www.wdam.com
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11/28 - Rex’s Monday Morning Forecast
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/28/1128-rexs-monday-morning-forecast/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/28/1128-rexs-monday-morning-forecast/
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Pine Belt shoppers say they enjoy Cyber Monday compared to hectic Black Friday traffic.
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - From Black Friday to Cyber Monday, people in the Pine Belt are out to get good deals while avoiding the headache of holiday traffic.
High-speed internet means quicker check-outs and faster ways to shop.
“Monday, when you look in a store, most of your people are at work,” said Danyella Terrell, owner of Berry Boujee Boutique. “But, we’re closed on Mondays.”
According to Business Insider, Cyber Monday is a better day to shop online, especially for tech items and smaller gifts.
“Some people know that at five, there’s no coupon need,” said Terrell.”I had someone who came in and said they get paid Wednesday. If she were interested in shop-now-pay-later then she could check out all of her items and pay for installments.”
Christmas is right around the corner, too.
“When you shop small, you’re supporting the local baseball, football teams and local schools,” Terrell added.
In the past few years, businesses have seen more online shopping versus in-store, but there are always other options.
Many Generation Z kids remember layaway as an option. For some companies, that’s now a thing of the past, with retailers such as Walmart, Kohl’s and others removing layaway options.
“Most people want to do small payments like layaway,” said Michelle Gonzalez, a Bellissimo employee. “It’s 90 days, and you just pay a little upfront and you just keep doing it until Christmas.”
According to Investopedia, a layaway plan can give you more time to pay than a buy now, pay later loan.
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2022-11-29T02:12:34Z
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www.wdam.com
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Pros & Cons: Pine Belt businesses talk ‘Cyber Monday’
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/29/pros-cons-pine-belt-businesses-talk-cyber-monday/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/29/pros-cons-pine-belt-businesses-talk-cyber-monday/
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Hattiesburg Clinic’s sports medicine physicians are also going through their game plan.
PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) -As high school football teams gear up for the upcoming state title games, Hattiesburg Clinic’s sports medicine physicians are also going through their game plans.
Physicians from the clinic said they have been helping athletes throughout the season with conditioning and training to help prevent injuries. With this weekend’s games being held at Southern Miss, Hattiesburg Clinic athletic trainers and sports medicine doctors will be on the sidelines, managing injuries and keeping an eye on the players.
Dr. Raymond Whitehead, an orthopedic surgeon at the clinic, said the sports medicine program was founded on the base of helping all Pine Belt high school athletes with their health and safety.
“The motivation really stems from providing physical wellness, health and injury prevention for our local athletes,” Whitehead said. “So, we felt that physical health and injury prevention is the key to a productive athlete.”
Dr. Jeremy Wells, a primary care sports medicine physician, said the program starts working with student-athletes early in the year to try to get them strong and to prevent and recover from injuries.
“As a physician on the sideline, I’m looking on the field seeing any big injuries, epically away from the tackle, other symptoms they’re having from other the plays and on the sideline, the fatigue, the dehydration status,” said Wells.
The orthopedic and sports medicine program at the clinic started in 2022.
Orthopedic and sports medicine program
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2022-11-29T04:05:40Z
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www.wdam.com
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Hattiesburg Clinic’s sports medicine physicians on standby for upcoming state title games
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/29/hattiesburg-clinics-sports-medicine-doctors-standby-upcoming-state-title-games/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/29/hattiesburg-clinics-sports-medicine-doctors-standby-upcoming-state-title-games/
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While it is unfortunate that the events may be closed for a few days, there is still plenty of time for holiday fun this year.
PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) -Storms came through last weekend, and, with more severe weather on the horizon, holiday activities could be put on pause.
Prancer Path in Laurel already took damage from the previous storms and is closing until Thursday night as a precaution.
“We had some pretty bad weather over the weekend, that kind of took its toll on a few of our structural items, but we’re getting them all fixed,” said Betsy Ivey with United Way of the Pine Belt Region.
Other events, like Experience Columbia, are waiting to see how bad the weather gets in the area before making a final call.
“Safety is our number one issue, so as things get closer tomorrow, the weather comes in closer, we’ll make a decision then,” said Laura Hobgood, the director of operations for Experience Columbia. “If it’s a light rain, we’ll still skate but if it is bad, severe weather, we will shut the entire event down.”
Bad weather is nothing new for South Mississippi, so event coordinators make sure that they are ready to halt at any time.
“We’ve seen this before,” said Hobgood. “We’re kind of used to it. We’re prepared.”
“We’re excited to see what’s going to happen, but we got everything pretty much safe and secure here.”
“We hope people will be back in droves,” said Ivey. “We’ve had to turn a lot of people away while we worked on the path, but we want it to be safe.”
Both organizations ask people to check their Facebook pages for any cancellations.
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2022-11-29T05:15:16Z
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www.wdam.com
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How bad weather may change your holiday plans
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/29/how-bad-weather-may-change-your-holiday-plans/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/29/how-bad-weather-may-change-your-holiday-plans/
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HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - A campaign to provide gifts for some Southern Miss international students who can’t travel home for Christmas is winding down this week.
It’s all part of the Wesley Foundation’s Worldwide Wishes Tree at USM. It works like the Angel Tree program for the Salvation Army.
The tree includes the names of students, their home countries and what they would like for Christmas.
All you do is drop by the Wesley Foundation, choose a name from the tree, purchase a gift for the student and return it before Sunday, Dec. 4.
Most students on the tree are asking for clothing, furniture or bicycles.
67 names were originally on this year’s tree. There are still about 30 names that have not been chosen.
To find out more about the campaign, call 601-268-6889 or go to www.usmwesley.org.
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2022-11-29T20:05:02Z
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www.wdam.com
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Nearly three dozen names still available on USM Wesley Wishes Tree
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/29/nearly-three-dozen-names-still-available-usm-wesley-wishes-tree/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/29/nearly-three-dozen-names-still-available-usm-wesley-wishes-tree/
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PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) - Shelters are opening across the Pine Belt as severe weather approaches the area.
A list of shelters includes:
Jones County: 1427 Ellisville Blvd, Laurel starting at 2 p.m.
Forrest County: 946 Sullivan Drive, Hattiesburg starting at 3 p.m.
Lamar County: 99 Industrial Row, Purvis starting at 4 p.m.
In Wayne County, the courtroom at the sheriff’s office, located at 613 Court Street in Waynesboro, will also be open as a safer place to go starting at 2 p.m.
Most shelters said they will remain open until the threat of severe weather has cleared, which could reach early into Wednesday morning.
This list will be updated if more shelter locations are provided.
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2022-11-29T22:05:14Z
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www.wdam.com
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Shelters open in the Pine Belt
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https://www.wdam.com/2021/02/15/shelters-opening-pine-belt-2/
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https://www.wdam.com/2021/02/15/shelters-opening-pine-belt-2/
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Jones College participates in 3rd annual day of giving(wdam)
LAUREL, Miss. (WDAM) - All across the country, people are giving back to different organizations for Giving Tuesday.
On Tuesday, Jones College participated in its 3rd annual ‘Day of Giving.’ Students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends are all coming together to support money for scholarships for current and future students.
The overall goal was to promote higher education. The Alumni and Scholarship Coordinator Joanna Newcomb says donations of all sizes help students.
“The money that we will use today will benefit students and scholarships and many other ways that we have here at the college,” said Newcomb. “It can go toward buildings, anything to ensure their education here at Jones College.”
Newcomb says there’s even a new scholarship that’s helping students while continuing a legacy of a former bobcat, The Dennis Bohannon Memorial Athletics Scholarship
“He was one of our former alumni here at jones college,” said Newcomb. “He actually played baseball and football here and we are so excited that his family has decided to memorialize him with a scholarship.”
Dennis’s sister, Dianne Bohannon-Smith, said he was all about the community of Jones County, making this the perfect way to honor him.
“He loved kids, he loved West Jones, he loved Jones, he loved the Bobcats and USM,” said Bohannon-Smith
The entire day went to helping students like Aubrey Register. She says days like today are the exact reason why she can call herself a Bobcat.
“I personally have the foundation scholarship and it obviously paid for my whole school and I just think everybody should be part of this and strive to be part, it’s a great college, a great opportunity for different students,” said Register.
So far, Jones College has received more than $90,000. Anyone wanting to donate after Tuesday can still do so through the colleges’ website.
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2022-11-30T01:27:34Z
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www.wdam.com
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Jones College participates in 3rd annual ‘Day of Giving’
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/30/jones-college-participates-3rd-annual-day-giving/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/30/jones-college-participates-3rd-annual-day-giving/
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JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - The Jones County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate the thefts of two ATVs reported stolen from separate homes in Jones County.
These two ATVs are as follows:
A 2020 Polaris Sportsman 850 Highlifter, black in color with a yellow front bumper, was reported stolen on Oct. 25 from a home on Buckley Road.
A 2018 Honda Rubicon, black and red in color, was also reported stolen on Oct. 24, from a home on Lower Myrick Road.
It is not known if these cases are related.
Anyone with information on the whereabouts of either of these stolen ATVs is asked to call JCSD at 601-425-3147 or Jones County Crime Stoppers at 601-428-STOP (7867).
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2022-11-30T04:08:54Z
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www.wdam.com
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Sheriff’s department still investigating 2 ATV thefts in Jones Co.
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/30/jcsd-still-investigating-2-atv-thefts/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/30/jcsd-still-investigating-2-atv-thefts/
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Tuesday's storm left a barn roof missing, trees down and more.
BASSFIELD, Miss. (WDAM) - After a wave of severe weather Tuesday, Bassfield residents made their way outside to check on the surroundings.
While many are without power, some are missing even more, such as Rod Courtney, who noticed that more than half of his roof was missing on his barn.
“In a way, I was shocked,” said Courtney. “I figured the whole thing would be gone, but its bad enough. It probably has two-thirds of tin off but its not as bad as I thought it would have been.”
Many of the roads were covered in debris, some debris bigger than others.
Chris Nelson was watching the storm from his Bassfield home when he watched a tree snap, blocking Barnes Road.
“I came into the doorway because I was afraid,” said Nelson. “I noticed the tree lean backward then rapidly fell against the ground towards the road.”
Luckily, the strength of the community came through, as multiple residents came out to push the broken tree to the side of the road.
“When it is time to come together to help, they are always calling each other,” said Reginald Thompson, Bassfield resident. “Once the tree was across the road, they all got on the phone to make sure we got that debris out of the way.”
Though conditions are not ideal, the Bassfield residents are doing their best to restore any damage.
All storm damage should be reported to the local emergency management agency.
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2022-11-30T05:40:18Z
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www.wdam.com
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Bassfield residents discuss damage from Tuesday’s storm
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/30/bassfield-residents-discuss-damage-tuesday-storm/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/30/bassfield-residents-discuss-damage-tuesday-storm/
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The Grizzlies drew first blood, but Austin Crowley picked up right where he left off from his 24-point performance on Sunday against Mobile. Crowley splashed a three-point that put the Golden Eagles on track for a 13-3 run. The early run blew the roof off Reed Green Coliseum when Crowley threw down a massive dunk off an inbounds play. The lead grew to 10 when Donovan Ivory knocked down a three-pointer with 8:31 on the clock.
Ivory, who came off the bench, erupted for a season-high 20 points. The Kaukauna, Wisc. native had a stretch of seven straight points after that triple to put the Golden Eagles up by seven. Montana continued to claw back and trimmed it to five four separate times down the stretch in the first half. Felipe Haase stepped out from the paint to knock down a three that put Southern Miss back up by eight before the Grizzlies answered once again.
However, Mo Arnold took advantage of a Haase a steal and scored an easy layup to make it a 32-24 advantage at the break. The Golden Eagles limited themselves to two turnovers in the first 20 minutes and forced six against the Grizzlies. Ivory led all scorers in the first half with 10 points and Haase chipped in with eight.
If there was any question to whether Southern Miss could withstand a Montana comeback attempt, Crowley answered it 30 seconds into the second half when he scored a contested layup. Safe to say the Reed Green faithful were rocking at that point. The lead grew to 13 on a Haase jumper and then again to 13 on a DeAndre Pinckney pocket three. Brandon Whitney got the Grizzlies to within seven with 1:30 to play, but Southern Miss’ success at the free throw line sealed its eighth win.
The Golden Eagles went 20-of-26 from the line to reach 20 made free throws for the sixth time under head coach Jay Ladner. Ivory (7-of-7) and Haase (6-of-6) were both perfect at the charity stripe. Haase finished with 18 points and Pinckney with 10. Montana’s Lonnell Martin (18), Dischon Thomas (15) and Josh Bannan (10) all finished in double figures.
Led by Mo Arnold and Haase’s seven rebounds each, Southern Miss dominated on the glass en route to a 36-24 advantage. Its four turnovers were the fewest since allowed four at Alabama A&M on Dec. 13, 2017.
The last time Southern Miss got off to an 8-0 start? 1960-61. Ladner and the Golden Eagles will take their unblemished record to Northwestern State on Sunday, Dec. 4. Tipoff against the Demons is set for 3 p.m. in Natchitoches, La.
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2022-11-30T05:40:36Z
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www.wdam.com
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Southern Miss extends undefeated start to 8-0
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/30/southern-miss-extends-undefeated-start-8-0/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/30/southern-miss-extends-undefeated-start-8-0/
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Following severe weather that rolled through the Pine Belt, power companies and the MEMA work to keep residents safe and informed.
PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) - Following a severe weather system that rolled through parts of the Pine Belt, local power companies and the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) issued updates and reminders to keep residents safe and informed.
MEMA asked that anyone with damages to their home or business report it on the MEMA website. This is not an application for assistance, however, and it is not required to do.
According to the agency, self-reported damage helps MEMA with information gathering and response planning.
MEMA said that federal assistance is never guaranteed, and the agency will not know if your damages qualify for assistance until after they are assessed.
Local power companies also reminded residents to be careful on the roads as crews work to restore power and county officials clear debris.
The following numbers represent the number of people without power at 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 30:
Covington County - 92
Jasper County - 148
Forrest County - 88
Lamar County - 1,272
Marion County - 101
Perry County - 67
Wayne County - 54
Jefferson Davis County - 45
Power crews are currently working to restore power in these areas, and the power companies asked for patience as they complete the work.
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2022-11-30T13:39:53Z
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www.wdam.com
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Power outages and MEMA reminders after storms pass
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/30/power-outages-mema-reminders-after-storms-pass/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/30/power-outages-mema-reminders-after-storms-pass/
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11/30 Ryan’s “Post Storm/End of Tropical Season” Wednesday Morning Forecast
The thunderstorms are leaving us and we’ll wrap up Hurricane Season all in the same day.
11/30 Ryan's "Post Storm/End of Tropical Season" Wednesday Morning Forecast
People across the area are waking up to some wildly different situations. Starting yesterday afternoon, we began to see Tornado Warnings being issued as we were firmly in the “warm sector” of a developing frontal system. We ended up with 14 tornado damage reports, so most will just have some sticks and leaves in their lawns, but others may be finding significant debris. Please watch for any lingering debris on roadways and avoid areas with damage if possible.
Thankfully, we don’t have to worry about any new storms. The last tornado warning ended just after 3 AM, and things have already begun to clear. That means we’re in for a nice sunny day as cooler and drier air rushes in. Because it came through so strongly right around sunrise, that actually means we were already as warm today as we’re going to be, but once the sun comes out we will inch our way into the low 60s for today’s afternoon high. Overnight will find our lowest temperature of the next 10 days, low falling to 35 near Hattiesburg. That means a light frost, but only near freezing on the northern end of the area. Tomorrow will be the coolest until next week, high climbing only to 60 under sunny skies. In fact, we’ll keep the sun for the rest of the week, but be sure to enjoy it because next week is looking warm, cloudy, and at least a bit rainy.
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2022-11-30T15:11:46Z
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www.wdam.com
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11/30 Ryan’s “Post Storm/End of Tropical Season” Wednesday Morning Forecast
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/30/1130-ryans-post-stormend-tropical-season-wednesday-morning-forecast/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/30/1130-ryans-post-stormend-tropical-season-wednesday-morning-forecast/
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Emily Gallaspy, director of the Hattiesburg Community Arts Center. talks about the space that will be transformed into a more suitable stage.(City of Hattiesburg)
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - The Hattiesburg art scene is about to have a new platform for performances.
A $219,240 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission Building Fund for the Arts will help the Hattiesburg Community Arts Center transform its Paper Warehouse Theatre into a “black-box theater.”
The grant will go toward transforming the warehouse, creating a performance space designed for flexibility and creativity in stage configurations and presentations.
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2022-11-30T21:18:11Z
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www.wdam.com
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Arts Center receives grant to upgrade theater space
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/30/arts-center-receives-grant-upgrade-theater-space/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/11/30/arts-center-receives-grant-upgrade-theater-space/
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HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - Missing a loved one is hard, especially during the holidays.
A rally was held Wednesday for Johnnie Bennett, a Hattiesburg man who was reported missing almost a month ago.
He last was seen leaving Merit Health Wesley on Nov. 4 to head to work.
Family members said they are concerned for his safety and hope anyone who recognizes Bennett will come forward with any information.
“But the main thing is, we want to know where he’s at, if he’s safe,” said May Gray, Bennett’s aunt. “Is he hurt, cold, or hungry or alive, that’s the main thing.
“I want to know if he’s safe.”
Hattiesburg police say , so far, they have no updates on the case.
Anyone with information is asked to help and give the HPD a call at (601) 544-7900.
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2022-12-01T03:24:37Z
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www.wdam.com
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Family of missing Hattiesburg man pleads for help
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/01/family-missing-hattiesburg-man-pleads-help/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/01/family-missing-hattiesburg-man-pleads-help/
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JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - Last night, Jones County was under a tornado warning, but no sirens were heard.
This left citizens confused and asking the First Alert Weather Team lots of questions about the sirens “not working.”
As it turns out, the sirens haven’t been turned on for over a year.
Jones County is one of three counties, including Covington and Clarke, that use a Hyper-Reach program to issue mobile alerts.
That way,it’s not just about hearing a siren. Instead, it’s about getting real-time data on the threat that is localized to your area.
Through a landline or mobile device, the system provides alerts in myriad fashion, sending voice calls, text messages, emails, push notifications, a smartphone app and through Alexa.
Tornado warnings aren’t the only notification that can be received. The program also sends out messages for floods, fires, public health alerts, criminal activity and other emergencies.
The main reason Jones County switched: Reach.
The sirens alerted around 3,000 people. With Hyper-Reach, the warning can reach more than 40,000 residents.
There are three ways to sign up for this program:
Text “alerts” to (601) 438-3124
Tell an Alexa unit “Alexa, enable Hyper-Reach.”
Sever weather alters also can be received by downloading the WDAM 7′s First Alert Weather App.
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2022-12-01T06:05:55Z
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www.wdam.com
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Jones Co. has switched from regular tornado sirens to Hyper-Reach program
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/01/jones-county-has-switched-regular-tornado-sirens-hyper-reach-program/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/01/jones-county-has-switched-regular-tornado-sirens-hyper-reach-program/
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LAUREL, Miss. (WDAM) - Though the giant pine cone won’t be dropping this year, Laurel Main Street says more events are coming.
Laurel Main Street announced Tuesday afternoon they would discontinue its Downtown Countdown event.
“We have to evaluate everything that we do against our mission statement, financially, volunteer base planning, so it’s a combination of factors,” Laurel Main Street Executive Director Caroline Burks said.
When the news was broke, many Laurel residents were unhappy, and took to the comments section of social media.
One person said, “And they wonder why more people don’t visit the area...”
Others were a bit more passionate about the subject.
Another commenter said, ““This is the stupidest thing ever… we really loved this event!! I stand by my true feelings about Laurel … I hate everything about it!!!”
While the reaction is not ideal, Burks said The City Beautiful still had plenty to offer.
“We are very excited for what the holidays hold in downtown Laurel and all the things that are going on down here, and what 2023 holds for us,” said Burks. “We’ve already got 10 events on the calendar, including fan favorite, Wine Down, so we’re just really looking forward to the future and promoting our merchants.”
A list of events in Downtown Laurel can be found by clicking here.
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2022-12-01T07:33:42Z
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www.wdam.com
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Laurel Main Street says plenty of events to enjoy instead of Downtown Countdown
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/01/laurel-main-street-says-plenty-events-enjoy-instead-downtown-countdown/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/01/laurel-main-street-says-plenty-events-enjoy-instead-downtown-countdown/
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12/01 Ryan’s “Coldest” Thursday Morning Forecast
Expect our coldest morning and afternoon today, with warming for the rest of the week.
Well, starting off with much better weather than we began with yesterday as those strong thunderstorms were just wrapping up. Today, it’s nothing but blue sky and sun above our heads with much drier air in place. That cool, dry air is what brought us down to near freezing this morning with at least a few frosty areas to the north, but largely staying just above freezing. The sun is now up and we’ll begin warming, but I’m expecting we’ll top out near 58 in Hattiesburg...though reaching the low 60s wouldn’t surprise me at all. Basically, it’s a tug of war between the sun and continued cold air advection, and I expect the cold air to hold the edge for one more day before giving way. Once it does begin warming though it shoots up like a rocket! Tomorrow morning will be only about 2-4 degrees warmer than this morning was, but tomorrow afternoon will be at least a 10 degree bump if not more. By Saturday, we’ll be closing in on the upper 70s again, but that’s where it levels off.
That’s because the reason for the warm up is a front moving in Saturday morning. Before it gets here we’ll see a surge of warmer, more humid air from the South, but the front will never fully pass through...so we won’t get the influx of cooler, drier air on the backside like we did with yesterday’s front. Basically, as Saturday’s front begins to push further eastward it pulls a parade of fronts into the Southeast, but it looks like they’ll largely miss the Pine Belt to the north. That means they’ll be too far away to bring us any significant issues with rainfall or thunderstorms, but they’ll be close enough to keep cloudy, humid, and potentially “drizzly” conditions in place for most of next week. That means we’ll trend on the warmer side, reaching nearly 80 by Tuesday which is a good 15 degrees above average now that we’re heading into December. That means we won’t see much sun next week, so be sure to soak it up today and tomorrow while you can!
11/30 Ryan’s “Post Storm/End of Tropical Season” Wednesday Morning Forecast
Power outages and MEMA reminders after storms pass
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2022-12-01T15:20:26Z
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www.wdam.com
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12/01 Ryan’s “Coldest” Thursday Morning Forecast
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/01/1201-ryans-coldest-thursday-morning-forecast/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/01/1201-ryans-coldest-thursday-morning-forecast/
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Jasper County reported a dozen homes damaged in Tuesday night-Wednesday morning storms
PEARL, Miss. (WDAM) - Early numbers provided by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency say two people were injured and 47 homes damaged statewide in the severe weather of Nov. 29-29.
MEMA is working with counties to assess damage from the storms earlier this week, with reports of homes damaged, trees downed and power outages because of straight-line winds and tornadoes.]
At this time, the National Weather Service has confirmed eight tornadoes touched down across the state during the severe weather event.
Currently, two injuries have been reported to MEMA in Pike County.
Statewide, counties have reported 47 homes have been damaged. Those numbers are expected to change during the assessment and validation process.
Two poultry farms also sustained significant damage in Jasper County.
Initial damage assessments are underway.
The following is preliminary and will change through the assessment process.
These counties report some damage to homes, ranging from affected to destroyed:
Choctaw County – six homes
Jasper County – 12 homes
Pike County – eight homes
Lowndes County – 20 homes
Oktibbeha County – one home
Report damage to county/MEMA via the self-report tool.
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2022-12-01T22:56:27Z
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www.wdam.com
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MEMA issues initial severe weather damage update
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/01/mema-issues-initial-severe-weather-damage-update/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/01/mema-issues-initial-severe-weather-damage-update/
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For the National Weather Service, the sooner is the better when it comes to rating tornadoes
Tornado Damage(WDAM)
PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) - As most know, not all tornadoes are considered equal.
The Enhanced Fujita Scale goes from zero to five, and is a delicate process for determining how to rate a tornado based on this scale.
“So, whenever we go out on storm surveys, typically we do a preliminary storm path and we do that based on where we see the tornado signature on the radar,” said Ashlyn Jackson of the National Weather Service.
“A tornado is rated on the highest point of damage that we find along the path For example, if there’s snapped trees, we put that into our damage assessment toolkit and that pretty much generated what types of wind speeds would be necessary to create this type of damage.”
So, it’s important they start surveying as soon as it’s safe. The less damage assessors have to exam, the more inaccurate the rating could potentially be.
Around Mississippi, people are used to listening to warnings and taking steps to stay safe. The National Weather Service said things could have been different.
“I would say that we are very lucky and I think that is from the diligence of the people in our area,” Jackson said. “We are very used to tornados, and I think that it really shows that they are listening to all of the (meteorologists), the broadcast mets that work at the National Weather Service, that they are taking our warnings and they are taking it seriously.”
Those behind the scenes and on-air at WDAM 7 work together to keep viewers safe and remain on your side when bad weather heads your way.
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2022-12-02T04:59:31Z
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www.wdam.com
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For the National Weather Service, the sooner is the better when it comes to rating tornadoes
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/02/national-weather-service-sooner-is-better-when-it-comes-rating-tornadoes/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/02/national-weather-service-sooner-is-better-when-it-comes-rating-tornadoes/
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Mason Park in Laurel glowed with the holiday spirit Thursday night
LAUREL, Miss. (WDAM) - Thursday night marked the annual ‘Light the Park’ holiday event at Mason Park.
Christmas lights were set ablaze at 5:45 p.m., to the delight of the many Pine Belt residents who came out to enjoy the food, hot chocolate and face painting.
Train rides were offered, but many opted to walk a path that displayed all the lights.
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2022-12-02T08:02:48Z
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www.wdam.com
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Laurel’s ‘Light the Park’ made its holiday season debut
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/02/laurels-light-park-made-its-holiday-season-debut/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/02/laurels-light-park-made-its-holiday-season-debut/
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40th annual Sertoma Parade in downtown Laurel(wdam)
LAUREL, Miss. (WDAM) - The 40th annual Sertoma Parade was Friday night after the lighting of the Christmas tree in downtown Laurel.
The parade brought families, high schools, law enforcement, first responders and friends from all over to spread Christmas cheer.
“Been going on here in Laurel for a long time,” said Chris Tullos, Sertima Club programs chairman. “This is the third year in a row we’ve done the night parade and every year we see it getting better and better.
“Everything that you can imagine from lighting of the Coke truck, we had Clydesdale’s here, it’s incredible. It’s something for every age that you can imagine.”
The parade included 105 entries this year.
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2022-12-03T05:24:58Z
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www.wdam.com
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40th annual Sertoma Parade in downtown Laurel
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/03/40th-annual-sertoma-parade-downtown-laurel/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/03/40th-annual-sertoma-parade-downtown-laurel/
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JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) - Ward 3 in Jackson has seen many raw sewage leaks this year, but Friday morning, it might have seen its worst.
Around 2 a.m. Friday morning, residents on Pocahontas Avenue and Plymouth Heights Boulevard reported a manhole that was gushing raw waste and flowing down the street and into residents’ homes.
“It rolls right in the back of our yard all down our property,” Ward 3 resident Charles Jenkins said. “The foundation of our property, Mr. Stokes said he wants to tackle an acre of this area. I’ve been trying to get him by here and take a look at what’s going on here and he refuses to come.”
While gutters turned into rivers of brown waste, residents began calling the Jackson Public Works Department in hopes to have the issue fixed.
Samuel Jasper described his frustrations with how the situation has been handled.
“It’s raw sewage and it smells very bad,” Jasper said. “So, I wish they would come out here and do something about it because they call Jackson sewage anyway, but you see why. This is the reason why because raw sewage is literally running down the streets.”
Jenkins says there’s no reason for the city to let these conditions continue.
“My grandkids can’t come outside. I mean, you can see the flooding they can’t do anything,” Jenkins said. “It’s gonna take about a week for this to dry. I mean come on man. What you are guys gonna do in this city? Then, you want us to pay our property taxes. How are we going to maintain our property if you guys don’t maintain what you’re doing?”
WLBT has contacted the Public Works Department for information but has not received a response.
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2022-12-03T05:25:15Z
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www.wdam.com
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Raw sewage invades streets, homes inside Ward 3 in Jackson
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/03/raw-sewage-invades-streets-homes-inside-ward-3-jackson/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/03/raw-sewage-invades-streets-homes-inside-ward-3-jackson/
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'Olde Town' Sumrall holiday festival continues Saturday
SUMRALL, Miss. (WDAM) - Friday night, Sumrall was lit up with Christmas lights as people gathered for an Olde Town Sumrall Christmas.
The locals enjoyed refreshments, Christmas songs performed by church choirs and visiting with Frank the Camel.
The evening also included a live nativity scene.
The event will continue from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
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2022-12-03T11:31:13Z
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www.wdam.com
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Christmas lights, holiday spirit can be found in Sumrall
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/03/christmas-lights-holiday-spirit-can-be-found-sumrall/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/03/christmas-lights-holiday-spirit-can-be-found-sumrall/
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PRENTISS, Miss. (WDAM) - The Prentiss Police Department has some new tools to serve and protect.
Thanks to money obtained during drug busts, the department was able to buy several body cameras for its officers.
Patrolman David Berry said the department was proud to have the safeguard.
“It protects me and the department from liability,” Berry said. “It also protects that person by holding me accountable to act in a professional and responsible and legal manner when I deal with anyone.”
Prentiss Police Department Chief Richard Browning said the cameras also are programmed to operate by proximity.
“So what will happen is, let’s say that officer Berry here is on a call and I arrive after he’s already there and his body cam is on,” Browning said. “If I forget to turn my body cam on, it will automatically turn on as soon as I get within 30 feet of him.
“So, like right now, if he turns his body cam on, you hear a click. It’s recording. Now, mine is recording.
Browning said he appreciated the simplicity of the new body cameras.
“The old body cams had buttons everywhere,” Browning said. “This has one button. Right here.
“The other two buttons are for administration. They have no access to it, and that’s another reason I picked it. Because, if you notice, there’s not a screen on the back. In other words, the officer cannot view, manipulate or download, or have any access to the video he made. "
Not only will the cameras be used to document police interactions, they can also serve as evidence in court cases if necessary.
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2022-12-03T11:53:00Z
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www.wdam.com
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Prentiss police purchase body cameras for officers’ use
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/03/prentiss-police-purchase-body-cameras-officers-use/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/03/prentiss-police-purchase-body-cameras-officers-use/
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Sandersville water has become an issue
SANDERSVILLE, Miss. (WDAM) - The Town of Sandersville is facing some water problems and they’ve been constant the past few days.
The main issue: discolored water flowing from the town’s taps.
Sandersville has three water wells- one elevated and two in the ground.
The elevated tank was recently refurbished, leaving two remaining wells in use.
Sandersville Mayor Bob White said last week a tree limb disrupted “communication” between the wells, causing the water system to not operate as it should.
“I ran to the well and put it in manual, but I needed to know what the pressure was because I did not want to blow a line up and so I had an employee come over here to these tanks and watch the pressure,” White said. “As he told me it got close to 70, I’d turn the well off. We’d wait until (the pressure) fell to about 40 and I turned the well back on.”'
The town is now running off the two tanks, which are regulating the pressure and sending water back to homes.
However, the water is slightly discolored.
“The problem with that is that because we’re running just the one well, it’s stirring the lines real well, it’s just turmoil in the lines themselves,” White said.
Residents voiced concerns, so the town ran tests to make sure the water was safe. The results showed no harmful bacteria in the water.
“They assured us that it’s safe to drink, safe to bathe in, it’s just discolored a little bit,” White said.
White said the town was using all the manpower it had, hoping to get the problem fixed as soon as possible.
“We’re trying the hardest that we can and as soon as we can, we’ll get that well on, that produces the pretty, clear water, get it back on the system and take the other one off the system,” White said.
White said the issue should be fixed within the next week.
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2022-12-03T11:53:00Z
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www.wdam.com
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Town of Sandersville deals with discolored water
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/03/town-sandersville-deals-with-discolored-water/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/03/town-sandersville-deals-with-discolored-water/
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The National Weather Service confirmed 5th tornado touchdown in the Pine Belt during Nov. 29 storm.(WDAM 7)
PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) - The Pine Belt, specifically Marion County, apparently played host to yet another windy visitor Tuesday night.
On a third report update, the National Weather Service confirmed that a fifth tornado had touched down Tuesday night in the Pine Belt.
The NWS said an EF-2 had touched down “just north of Ten Mile Creek Road in southern Marion County.”
Including an EF-3 just over the Mississippi state line in Fruitland, Ala., Tuesday night’s/Wednesday morning’s storm cell produced six tornadoes that touched down in a swath that started in Tilton, Bunker Hill and Bassfield and moved east.
The latest discovery had a brief but rather destructive life on Earth.
The NWS report says the tornado “initially produced minor damage in a stand of trees.”
That changed fairly quickly, as the tornado quickly intensified.
“An outbuilding was blown over in this area,” the report read. “The tornado began to intensify quickly and produced damage to a residence as it moved eastward, with roof damage, damage to trees and vegetation, the downing of power poles as well as a flagpole.”
Things went from bad to worse for structures and trees that found themselves in the slim route of a stronger-still tornado.
“The tornado tracked eastward, where it continued to intensify, reaching its maximum intensity of EF-2, with approximately 125-mile-per-hour winds,” the report read. “Here, a cellular tower along Dunaway Loop was destroyed.
“As the tornado crossed Highway 35, damage to outbuildings and snapped/uprooted trees were common in a narrow path.”
As quickly as it came, the tornado spent itself.
“The tornado dissipated west of the Pearl River, a short distance east of the highway.”
The National Weather Service is expected to continue its examination of the storm’s aftermath until its no longer feasible to do so.
In its initial “severe weather damage” report last week, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency said 47 homes were reported as having suffered damage statewide, while two people were hurt.
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2022-12-04T00:05:38Z
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www.wdam.com
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UPDATE: National Weather Service verifies 5th Pine Belt touchdown
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/03/update-national-weather-service-verifies-5th-pine-belt-touchdown/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/03/update-national-weather-service-verifies-5th-pine-belt-touchdown/
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Jackson State head coach Deion Sanders, seen here in an earlier game, apparently has led his Tigers to victory for the final time Saturday, as JSU won 43-24 over the Southern Jaguars in the SWAC championship game. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)(Lynne Sladky | AP)
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Shedeur Sanders threw for four touchdowns, including two on three first-quarter turnovers, staking Jackson State to a big early lead on the way to routing Southern 43-24 in Saturday’s Southwest Athletic Conference championship that was possibly Deion Sanders’ final game as Tigers coach.
Reports swirled before the game that Sanders would announce his departure from the FCS program after three seasons to become head coach at the University of Colorado.
Sanders acknowledged an offer from the school earlier this week and added that he had talked to other FBS programs about vacancies. Colorado’s board of regents called a special meeting for Sunday but hasn’t commented on any candidates taking over the Buffaloes.
Sanders, the SWAC’s offensive player of the year, completed 31-of 44-passes for 305 yards. Hooks caught five passes for 98 yards and Wilkerson rushed 15 times for 61 yards.
The Tigers’ victory improved Sanders to 27-5 as coach of the FCS program and came days after he was named SWAC ‘Coach of the Year for the second consecutive season.
Jackson State: The Tigers put together one of the most dominant seasons in school history, with the SWAC’s top defense and offense. Both units proved why, as the defense overwhelmed the Jaguars from the start, while Sanders took advantage of short fields to complete pinpoint throws from clean pockets.
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2022-12-04T04:18:39Z
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www.wdam.com
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As Coach Prime rumors swirl, Jackson St. routs Southern in SWAC title game
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/04/coach-prime-rumors-swirl-jackson-st-routs-southern-swac-title-game/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/04/coach-prime-rumors-swirl-jackson-st-routs-southern-swac-title-game/
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ELLISVILLE, Miss. (WDAM) - The Fidelia Club in Ellisville held its 2nd annual ‘Tour of Homes’ Sunday afternoon.
The tour was created to not only show off historic homes in the community, but also raise money to provide different resources for Ellisville.
The money has been used in the past to fund different projects to fill community needs and on scholarships for students wanting to pursue higher education.
“It’s a fundraiser for our community and all the money goes actually back into our community,” said club member Anita Shawn Crowder. “So, it gives us funds to provide to our schools, to our elementary school, Jones College.
“We just have a huge community of friends and family and we just enjoy sharing that with everyone else.”
This year, the tour showcased three homes in the downtown Ellisville area.
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2022-12-05T06:15:00Z
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www.wdam.com
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Ellisville’s ‘Tour of Homes’ opened Sunday for 2nd year
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/05/ellisvilles-tour-homes-opened-sunday-2nd-year/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/05/ellisvilles-tour-homes-opened-sunday-2nd-year/
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MDHS seeks to amend the complaint to include “all claims under the Mississippi Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act (UFTA), arising out of the same transaction or occurrence as the principal claim.”(WLBT)
JACKSON, Miss. (WDAM) - The Mississippi Department of Human Services filed a motion Monday to amend its civil complaint in the ongoing investigation of misspent Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds to add more parties that may have been involved.
MDHS seeks to amend the complaint to include “all claims under the Mississippi Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act (UFTA), arising out of the same transaction or occurrence as the principal claim.” The regulation allows MDHS to recover funds from recipients to whom direct recipients of TANF funds may have transferred those funds.
After months of discovery by the state department of human services’ legal counsel, the complaint adds 10 new parties as defendants, including the University of Southern Mississippi Athletic Foundation. The other nine parties are listed below:
Amending the complaint allows MDHS additional legal grounds to recover the funds that were used outside the intended scope of TANF to help Mississippi’s neediest residents.
Earlier this year, the state department of human services filed its initial civil complaint against 38 individuals and businesses, including MDHS’s former executive director John Davis, who pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the state for millions of dollars.
Also among 38 individuals and businesses in the initial civil complaint were Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre, along with his business partner Jake Vanlandingham, World Wrestling Entertainment Hall of Famer Ted DiBiase, Sr. and his son, Ted DiBiase, Jr.
Recently, Favre asked to be removed from the complaint. His lawyer claimed that the state “groundlessly and irresponsibly seeks to blame Favre for its own grossly improper and unlawful handling of welfare funds and its own failure to monitor and audit” how organizations use money properly.
According to MDHS Executive Director Bob Anderson, Favre’s required repayment has been lowered after recently repaying $1.1 million in TANF funds.
“I am appreciative of the leadership at the Warren, Washington, Issaquena, Sharkey Community Action Agency (WWISCAA) for the responsiveness to MDHS’ request to satisfy claims identified in the original complaint,” said MDHS Executive Director Bob Anderson. “Following repayment of $49,190 to MDHS, WWISCAA has been removed from the complaint.
“Additionally, claims against Brett Favre have been reduced by $1.1 million due to the repayment of those unallowable costs. This agency will continue to be receptive to offers from other parties simply to repay the TANF funds, which they should not have received.”
MDHS will set aside the opportunity to amend the complaint further to include additional parties and claims as their discovery continues.
“Governor Tate Reeves tasked me with correcting the path of MDHS,” said Anderson. “As part of that process, MDHS has been working hard to restore trust and put in place numerous internal controls to ensure that misspending is not repeated in the future.”
Suspected fraud can be reported to MDHS online by submitting the MDHS Fraud Tip Form HERE, calling the Fraud Tip Line during regular business hours at 1-(800)-299-6905 or email at fraud@mdhs.ms.gov.
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2022-12-05T19:59:39Z
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www.wdam.com
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MDHS: USM Athletic Foundation, 9 other parties owe misspent TANF funds; reports $1.1M repayment by Brett Favre
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/05/mdhs-usm-athletic-foundation-9-other-parties-owe-misspent-tanf-funds-reports-11m-repayment-by-brett-favre/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/05/mdhs-usm-athletic-foundation-9-other-parties-owe-misspent-tanf-funds-reports-11m-repayment-by-brett-favre/
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Drugs, weapons and other contraband were seized by narcotics agents with the Jones County Sheriff's Department after executing a search warrant Friday.(Jones County Sheriff's Department)
From Jones County Sheriff Department Public Information Office
ELLISVILLE, Miss. (WDAM) - Drugs, weapons, digital scales, a car and even a stolen All-Terrain Vehicle were confiscated Friday when Jones County Sheriff Department narcotics agents executed a search warrant at a residence in northern Jones County.
Deputies arrested Patrick Francis, 44, Laurel, and charged him with trafficking of a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm.
“We have made it abundantly clear to the drug dealers in Jones County that we are coming after you,” Jones County Sheriff Joe Berlin said. “Day or night, you never know when we are going to show up.
“Best bet is to change your ways and quit selling illegal narcotics, unless of course you enjoy being arrested.”
Francis made his initial appearance at 2 p.m. Sunday, and Jones County Justice Court Judge David Lyons set his bond at $50,000.
Francis bonded out on the charge at 4:31 p.m. the same day.
Patrick Francis of Laurel was charged with trafficking of a controlled substance while in possession of a firearm.(Jones County Sheriff's Department)
Agents had gone through the property off of Houston Road and located marijuana, digital scales and packaging material.
Also found: 106 doses of oxycodone, which agents said they believe will test positive for fentanyl after returning from testing at the Mississippi State Crime Lab.
Narcotics agents also located five different weapons in the house of various types and recovered a Polaris ATV that was stolen out of Harrison County.
.JCSD also seized currency and a car from Francis.
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2022-12-05T22:27:52Z
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www.wdam.com
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Jones County raid yields drugs, weapons, stolen ATV
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/05/jones-county-raid-yields-drugs-weapons-stolen-atv/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/05/jones-county-raid-yields-drugs-weapons-stolen-atv/
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A 39-year-old woman was killed in a two-vehicle collision on Interstate 55 late Friday night in Pike County(WDAM 7)
PIKE COUNTY Miss. (WDAM) - A 39-year-old Magnolia woman died in a two-vehicle accident late Friday night on Interstate 55.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol said troopers responded to a report of an accident at 19-mile marker on I-55 in Pike County.
MHP said a 2013 Dodge Charger driven by 39-year-old Sandy Lumpkin of Magnolia was travelling north in I-55′s southbound lanes.
Lumpkin’s vehicle it collided with a 2014 International tractor-trailer driven by 50-year-old Clifton Bonds of Tickfaw, La., who was traveling south on I-55.
Lumpkin received fatal injuries from the crash and was pronounced dead on the scene.
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2022-12-05T23:24:47Z
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www.wdam.com
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Magnolia woman killed in I-55 collision with tractor-trailer
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/05/magnolia-woman-killed-i-55-collision-with-tractor-trailer/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/05/magnolia-woman-killed-i-55-collision-with-tractor-trailer/
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Lamar Rutland's days as City of Hattiesburg engineer are coming to an end.(WDAM 7)
From City of Hattiesburg Communications Office
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - This week, City Engineer Lamar Rutland will share his last days of service to the City of Hattiesburg before moving into the private sector.
Rutland’s tenure as city engineer began in July 2014 under Mayor Johnny DuPree. He was reappointed in 2017 under Mayor Toby Barker’s administration.
During his time in this role, the city has taken on significant and transformative infrastructure projects, the most notable being the Hall Avenue Overpass, the Roundabout on Hardy Street and the Public Safety Complex.
“My time here has so many highlights and significant moments,” Rutland said. “Applying for and being awarded one of the largest grants in city history to build the overpass, then walking through the design phase, bid process and ultimately the groundbreaking will remain a career moment.
“I’ve also enjoyed the small moments and conversations that are now reality, like when the mayor had an idea to lower something for New Year’s Eve, and what will eventually be the Gordon’s Creek Commons. It’s all been a challenging, but incredible experience and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to serve my hometown.”
Rutland’s leadership also has encompassed the Engineering Department’s growth of a small team to also include the Traffic Division and the Metropolitan Planning Organization.
“Lamar Rutland has been an incredible leader for the city of Hattiesburg over the past eight years,” Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker. “He has guided us through countless capital projects, a consent decree, a workable plan for undersized water lines, two railway overpasses, a public safety building and more.
“His institutional knowledge and ability to show genuine concern for every resident will be missed, and we wish him well in his next chapter.”
A search for an engineer is ongoing and interested applicants can visit http://hattiesburgms.com/jobs.
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2022-12-06T00:34:41Z
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www.wdam.com
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Hattiesburg losing city engineer to private sector
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/06/hattiesburg-losing-city-engineer-private-sector/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/06/hattiesburg-losing-city-engineer-private-sector/
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PETAL, Miss. (WDAM) - Grab those trash bags, Petal residents!
Petal Mayor Tony Ducker announced via Facebook Monday afternoon that this week was the start of “Pick-Up Petal Week.”
The initiative started last year as a way to encourage residents to help clean up the city.
“During the summer, there’re intervals where we’re going to pick up the trash and then cut the grass, but you don’t have that this time of the year,” said Ducker. “Every time you see one of our folks picking up trash, that’s tax dollars at work.”
“If there’s less trash out there, we can move on and do bigger things and better things and some of the other things that we need to get done as well.”
Ducker says residents can do their part by throwing trash out when you get home instead of out the window.
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2022-12-06T06:40:51Z
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www.wdam.com
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Petal Mayor Tony Ducker announces start of ‘Pick Up Petal Week’
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/06/petal-mayor-tony-ducker-announces-start-pick-up-petal-week/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/06/petal-mayor-tony-ducker-announces-start-pick-up-petal-week/
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HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) -The University of Southern Mississippi Athletic Foundation and NFL Hall of Famer Brett Favre are among 10 defendants in the amended complaint from the Mississippi Department of Human Services.
The MDHS recently amended its civil complaint, creating further legal grounds to recover misspent Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funds.
Under the Mississippi Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act, the department is able to recover from recipients misspent TANF funds.
Paragraph 91 of the complaint state multiple parties agreed to direct TANF funds to the Mississippi Community Education Center, then use those funds s a sublease to build a volleyball facility.
The complaint later outlines how MCEC had made payments to the USM Athletic Foundation using TANF funds for the building.
MDHS also mentioned in the complaint that Favre had not repaid the $5 million used for the facility.
Favre asked last week to be removed from the complaint.
Favre’'s attorney was quoted as saying the Department of Human Services seeks to blame Favre for its own grossly improper and unlawful handling of welfare funds and its own failure to monitor and audit.
This case is ongoing and any new information WDAM 7 receives can be found on our website.
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2022-12-06T08:34:06Z
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www.wdam.com
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State amends TANF case against USM, Favre
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/06/state-amends-tanf-case-against-usm-favre/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/06/state-amends-tanf-case-against-usm-favre/
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Following Monday’s protest at Jefferson Davis County High School, the district is working to clear up any misinformation.(wdam)
BASSFIELD, Miss. (WDAM) - Following Monday’s protest at Jefferson Davis County High School, the Jefferson Davis School District is working to clear up any misinformation.
WDAM 7 has learned that district superintendent Ike Haynes originally planned an assembly in the high school auditorium for Monday, after the recent announcement that Robert Young would no longer be the high school principal. The district said students were not skipping school and did not plan the protest.
The district stated, the assembly was designed to introduce the interim principal Dr. Jason Mcleod and allowed students to express their thoughts and concerns about this sudden change in leadership.
No discipline referrals were in-acted for voicing concerns and for seniors that participated no diplomas will be held.
However, WDAM 7 is still working to learn the specifics of the “personnel issue” in the overall decision in reassigning, not demoting, Robert Young to another role in the district as the alternative school principal.
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2022-12-06T20:47:09Z
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www.wdam.com
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Jefferson Davis Co. School District planned assembly for Monday’s protest
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/06/jefferson-davis-co-school-district-planned-assembly-mondays-protest/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/06/jefferson-davis-co-school-district-planned-assembly-mondays-protest/
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A Perry County farm is serving up some holiday spirit over the next two weekends.(Live 5)
RICHTON, Miss. (WDAM) - A Perry County farm will open its gates over the next two weekends to welcome guest for a bit of holiday cheer.
Fulmer’s Farmstead, located just outside of Richton, is hosting its annual “Christmas in the Orchard” event on Dec. 9-Dec. 10 and Dec. 16-Dec. 17.
Guests can enjoy:
Live music from the Dickens’ carolers
Jones Cabin with resident biscuit maker, complete with homemade preserves
Photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Fire pits with smores
Kids corral with pedal tractors
Knife store and gifts inside the general store
A sit-down dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. each of the four nights. Meal tickets can be purchased online at:
https://www.fulmersfarmstead.com/christmas-in-the-orchard-tickets
Fulmer’s Farmstead is a horse-drawn produce farm operated by the Ken Fulmer family.
Welcoming everyone from school and church groups to families and travelers, Fulmer’s Farmstead features a historic homesteading atmosphere with century-old cabins.
To just enjoy the outdoor activities on the farm, general admission is $10 each.
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2022-12-06T21:39:29Z
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www.wdam.com
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Fulmer’s Farmstead is hosting ‘Christmas in the Orchard’
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/06/fulmers-farmstead-is-hosting-christmas-orchard/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/06/fulmers-farmstead-is-hosting-christmas-orchard/
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From Jones County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Office
ELLISVILLE, Miss. (WDAM) - The Jones County Sheriff’s Department now has the full name of a suspected shooter to go along with a nickname.
JCSD sad investigators are seeking the whereabouts of Stephen Shane “Cornbread” Poole as the prime suspect in the wounding of William Parker on Saturday near Moselle.
JCSD investigators said the shooting took place on Job R Lane.
Poole is described as about 6 feet tall and weighing about 220 pounds.
JCSD saaid his last known vehicle was “an older white car.”
No other details are available, including no “last known location” on this suspect following the shooting.
Anyone with information on the location of Stephen Shane Poole is asked to JCSD at (601) 425-3147 or Jones County Crime Stoppers at (601) 428-7867 (STOP).
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2022-12-06T23:29:05Z
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www.wdam.com
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JCSD searching for shooting suspect’s whereabouts
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/06/jcsd-searching-shooting-suspects-whereabouts/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/06/jcsd-searching-shooting-suspects-whereabouts/
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Today our high and lows will be a minimum of 20 degrees above average, and quite humid as well.
No surprises coming in today’s forecast, just more warm and humid weather. Thankfully we will see more sun today than we have so far this week, ushering in our most beautiful day of the week....traditionally speaking at least because rainy days can be nice too. Enjoy it while you can though, because those clouds won’t be far away and we’ll see them surge back over the rest of the week as multiple fronts move into the Pine Belt from Saturday to next Wednesday. Rain still won’t be a problem until late Saturday night, but the clouds build back and we’ll remain way more humid than we should be. Today will also be the warmest day of the week with a high near 83, a full 20 degrees above where we should be fore this time of year. Those will begin to fall as cloud cover increases and our southerly wind weakens and shifts slightly westward, but we’re still over a week away from falling anywhere near our seasonal normals of 41 (low) and 63 (high). In fact, it won’t be until our last front passes through Wednesday morning before we’ll even fall south of 70 gain, though we will fall into the low 70s from Saturday to Tuesday due to lingering cloudy, rainy, and potentially stormy weather.
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2022-12-07T15:06:48Z
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www.wdam.com
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12/07 Ryan’s “Summer in December” Wednesday Morning Forecast
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/07/1207-ryans-summer-december-wednesday-morning-forecast/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/07/1207-ryans-summer-december-wednesday-morning-forecast/
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Emily Seiforth-Sanders(Facebook)
ADAMS CO., Miss. (WLBT) - The Adams County Sheriff’s office has arrested the woman who purchased the interior part of the Metrocenter Mall.
Deputies arrested Emily Seiferth-Sanders Tuesday at a family member’s home. She was picked up on a warrant out of Jefferson County connected to a false pretense conviction in a 2013 business scheme.
In March of 2012, Sanders was initially arrested on charges of embezzlement under contract in Jefferson County. The grand jury changed the charges against her to false pretense. She was sentenced to 10 years in prison but only served two and was also ordered to pay $132,000 in restitution.
But according to Jefferson County Circuit Court documents, Sanders failed to comply with the sentencing order and has yet to pay “the majority of the restitution.”
Sanders still owes Mississippi $107,569.50.
Woman who purchased portion of Metrocenter Mall arrested for defaulting on payments in 2013 conviction(WLBT)
“When a defendant sentenced… to make restitution defaults in the payment… the district attorney may issue a show cause citation or a warrant of arrest for his appearance,” court documents read.
“Unless the defendant shows that his default was not attributable to an intentional refusal to obey the order of the court... the court may find that his default constitutes contempt and may order him committed until... the restitution part thereof is paid,” the documents go on to say.
Also, Larry Stamps and the law firm Stamps & Stamps, the attorney who has represented Sanders until now, withdrew as her legal counsel on December 6.
A hearing against Sanders for failure to pay restitution is set for December 12 at 9 a.m. before Jefferson County Judge Tomika H. Irving.
Sanders will remain in Adams County until Jefferson County deputies transport her to their facility.
See full court records here:
Woman who purchased portion of Metrocenter Mall arrested for defaulting on payments in 2013 conviction by WLBT3 on Scribd
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2022-12-07T19:37:36Z
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www.wdam.com
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Woman who purchased Metrocenter arrested for defaulting on restitution in 2013 conviction
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/07/woman-who-purchased-portion-metrocenter-mall-arrested-defaulting-payments-2013-conviction/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/07/woman-who-purchased-portion-metrocenter-mall-arrested-defaulting-payments-2013-conviction/
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2022 Mississippi Fire Chief's Mid-Winter Conference(WDAM Staff)
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) -Firefighters from across the Magnolia State gathered at the Lake Terrace Convention Center to discuss topics on fire safety at the Fire Chiefs Association’s Mid-Winter Conference .
With 25 vendors, Lamar County Fire Coordinator Kyle Hill said the conference is a way to share and discuss topics to help further fire education.
“It’s just a good time for a couple of days networking with each other across the state and learning how to better serve our communities,” said Hill.
Hill said one way to keep communities safe is to ensure your house is free from any fire hazards, especially in fireplaces and chimneys during the winter months.
“You should have a regular maintenance schedule on those, especially down here in southeast Mississippi with birds and nests and things that may be built up in those,” Hill said. “You can have chimney companies to come and clean those for you and prevent from getting birds’ nests.
But just be careful this time of year as you start to fire that up for the first time.:
Although new, fire-extinguishing products were displayed at the conference, Hill says people can prevent their own fires by keeping candles away from flammable items.
“Candles are real popular all year but you want to use something that has a contained flame,” Hill said. “A candle that is like an open stick candle we wouldn’t recommend. But if you do use those, just make sure they are extinguished good when you are done.”
The Mississippi Fire Chiefs Association’s conference runs through Thursday.
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2022-12-08T01:04:49Z
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www.wdam.com
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2022 Mississippi Fire Chiefs Association conference underway in Hub City
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/08/2022-mississippi-fire-chiefs-association-conference-underway-hub-city/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/08/2022-mississippi-fire-chiefs-association-conference-underway-hub-city/
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Salivation Army is hoping to finish filling Angel Tree requests(WDAM)
PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) - The Salvation Army has participated in the Angel Tree Project for more than 40 years.
This year at its Hattiesburg and Laurel locations, SA has made Christmas a bit merrier for more than 500 children combined.
And yet, the need never seems to stop or the work to end.
to continues to here are still around 40 children on their trees that need to be helped.
Laurel commanding officer Keisha McMullin said about 40 children remain on the tree and she was encouraging people to pick up an angel.
“If you can sponsor a child for Christmas, I would definitely encourage you to do that,” McMullin said. “As I said, being on the Angel Tree myself when I was a child, I couldn’t wrap my mind around what it would be like on Christmas morning waking up to not have a gift under the tree.”
In Hattiesburg, Myranda Estudiante said she’s grateful for the way the Salvation Army helped her as a child as well.
“My favorite part honestly, I was an Angel Tree child when I was young and I really just enjoy the full circle moment,” Estudiiante said. “I remember how special this is and the feeling of joy when you open gifts.
“They’re just things, but they bring so much hope into somebody and to a small child.”
Since there were still many children still on the trees, the Salvation Army locations wanted to ensure everyone knew how to sign up.
“So, how the process works is you take an angel, which is the paper describing the child, the ages and sizes and wishes that they need, you take the angel, shop for it and bring it back,” Estudiante said. “The Salvation Army is just a middle person between the families in need and the people who want to help”. says Myranda.
Some Angel Tree locations include Sawmill Square Mall in Laurel, Old Navy n U.S. 98 and Walmart on U.S. 49.
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2022-12-08T01:48:24Z
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www.wdam.com
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Angel Tree project continues across the Pine Belt
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/08/angel-tree-project-continues-across-pine-belt/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/08/angel-tree-project-continues-across-pine-belt/
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HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - Southern Miss begins each practice with high-intensity, high-energy defensive drills which include taking charges and diving after loose balls.
It’s a mentality coach Jay Ladner’s drilled home – he wants the Golden Eagles to be stingy on defense. Through nine games USM is the best scoring defense in the Sun Belt and ranks No. 17 in the NCAA, allowing just 58 points per game.
“We’re a defensive-minded team and we know that we play defense in the first half, shots are going to fall,” said junior guard Austin Crowley. “It’s a lot of pride on defense and that’s what we have bought into and we understand the message,” said grad transfer Felipe Haase.
“I’m sure coach [Scott] Berry or coach [Will] Hall would tell you the same different things,” Ladner said. “Winning in any sport has to start with defense. I think we have a system instead of compartmentalize, hey our defense does this but our offense doesn’t really complement. I think they complement each other.”
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2022-12-08T06:01:12Z
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www.wdam.com
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Defense a catalyst for USM basketball
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/08/defense-catalyst-usm-basketball/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/08/defense-catalyst-usm-basketball/
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Allen Chance(Photo provided by Thomas Ramos)
MARION COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - A dedicated member of the Southwest Marion Volunteer Fire Department passed away earlier this week.
According to SMVFD Chief Thomas Ramos, Allen Chance passed away Wednesday around 6:04 p.m. at Forrest General Hospital. He was 50 years old.
Ramos said Chance served his community on the fire department for over 20 years. During this time, he served as its chief, assistant chief and lieutenant. Chance also worked at the Marion County Regional Corrections Facility.
Information about the funeral arrangements is expected to be released tomorrow afternoon. This story will be updated when more information is provided.
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2022-12-09T03:37:24Z
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www.wdam.com
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Southwest Marion volunteer firefighter passes away
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/09/southwest-marion-volunteer-firefighter-passes-away/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/09/southwest-marion-volunteer-firefighter-passes-away/
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A Laurel murder suspect who was arrested in Ohio is still in custody in the Buckeye State.
PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) - A Laurel murder suspect who was arrested in Ohio is still in custody in the Buckeye State.
According to Laurel Police Cheif Tommy Cox, Ronald Buckley has decided not to waive extradition from Ohio.
“If a subject waives extradition, you get him pretty immediately, usually they give you within 10 days, depending on how far it is,” said Cox. “If it was just across the state line it might be a little bit quicker.”
Cox said LPD is in contact with Sandusky County Prosecutor’s Office and has been working with Jones County District Attorney Brad Thompson and his staff to obtain a governor warrant through the attorney general’s office in order to force extradition back to Mississippi.
“Our district attorney’s office will be handling the majority of it with our assistance,” said Cox. “They’ve been great in that aspect. It’s going to draw out the time until we get him back down here, but we are working toward that effort now.”
“I haven’t run across one of these maybe once or twice in my career but he could drag it out a month or two,” Cox added. “At this point, we just wanted to give a little update about why it’s taking a little bit longer than it normally would take but we are working to get Mr. Buckley back down here and into the judicial system in Jones County.”
To read more about the case, click the links below:
2 killed, 1 injured in Monday shooting in Laurel
Tips on Laurel double homicide suspect lead to search warrants in Ohio
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2022-12-09T03:37:30Z
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www.wdam.com
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UPDATE: Laurel murder suspect still in custody in Ohio
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/09/update-laurel-murder-suspect-still-ohio-custody/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/09/update-laurel-murder-suspect-still-ohio-custody/
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(From L to R) Sergeant Derick Knight, Sheriff Joe Berlin and Deputy Jared Hutto(Jones County Sheriff Department)
JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - With the holiday season getting closer, law enforcement agencies in the Pine Belt begin to issue annual reminders to “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
The Jones County Sheriff’s Department announced on Friday that they will participate in the “2022 Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” impaired driving enforcement campaign. This year’s campaign will run from Dec. 16 - January 1.
“Our goal is to interdict impaired drivers traveling on Jones County roadways while putting others’ lives in danger, not to mention their own,” said Sheriff Joe Berlin. “On average, each year in America, 10,000 people lose their lives in impaired driving crashes.”
As part of the campaign, JCSD deputies will work overtime details funded by a grant from the Mississippi Office of Highway Safety. They will conduct saturation patrols and safety checkpoints.
“If you plan to celebrate during the holidays and may become impaired, please use a sober, designated driver to get you home or use a ride-sharing service,” said Berlin. “Don’t make a stupid decision to drive impaired, which can lead to serious injury or death.”
To learn more about the 2022 Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.
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2022-12-09T15:01:57Z
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www.wdam.com
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Jones Co. prepares for ‘2022 Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/09/jones-co-prepares-2022-drive-sober-or-get-pulled-over-campaign/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/09/jones-co-prepares-2022-drive-sober-or-get-pulled-over-campaign/
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Howard Industries also donated 250 boxes of stovetop stuffing, which will be included in meal boxes for families.(Vanessa Pacheco)
LAUREL, Miss. (WDAM) - Many children will have gifts under the Christmas tree this year and it’s all thanks to Howard Industries and its employees.
The company donated more than 175 gifts to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program. The toys and bicycles were picked up Friday by the organization.
Howard Industries also donated 250 boxes of stovetop stuffing, which will be included in meal boxes for families.
Michael Howard, CEO of Howard Industries says this is an annual event that was started decades ago by Linda Howard.
“She was my mom,” Howard said. “She passed away three or four years ago, but she was kind of the driver in all of this. She started it and she really cared about the children. She took pleasure in doing all this and so she is a reason we do this today.”
The Salvation Army of Laurel says Howard Industries adopted a huge amount of their angel trees this year.
“I myself was also an angel tree child and so being able to wake up to toys under the tree on Christmas morning, like that means so much,” Capt. Keisha McMullin, Commanding officer of the Salvation Army of Laurel said. “Without the gifts that Howard Industries have provided for the children on our tree, Christmas would not be as amazing as it should be without these gifts.”
McMullin says, at last check, about 10 angels remained on the tree. The Salvation Army of Laurel serves several counties including Jones and Jasper.
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2022-12-09T18:53:05Z
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www.wdam.com
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Howard Industries donate gifts to Salvation Army of Laurel
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/09/howard-industries-donate-gifts-salvation-army-laurel/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/09/howard-industries-donate-gifts-salvation-army-laurel/
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There is no expected date for reopening at this time.(WDAM)
PETAL, Miss. (WDAM) - A small bridge in Petal is closed until further notice.
The bridge along Eat 8th Street, leading to Petal Upper Elementary has been closed to traffic for inspection.
The bridge has a few noticeable sinkholes, and the city is unaware of the cause.
“We’re in the process of trying to figure out why that’s happening,” said Mike Trest, director of public works for Petal. “For the safety of everybody coming through, we’re making sure that we close the bridge until we find out what’s going on.”
Trest said the city is bringing in engineers to look at the bridge.
As of now, there is no expected reopening date for the bridge.
Parents driving their kids to Petal Upper Elementary are asked to use Hillcrest Loop or Ogilsvie Street instead.
Dawson Cutoff reopens
MHP pursuit ends with suspect’s vehicle in flames
Southern District Transportation Commissioner announces retirement, will not seek reelection
Jones Co. Sheriff Defensive Driving Course
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2022-12-09T22:04:58Z
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www.wdam.com
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Bridge along East 8th Street in Petal closed for inspection
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/09/bridge-along-east-8th-street-petal-closed-inspection/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/09/bridge-along-east-8th-street-petal-closed-inspection/
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-(Live 5)
PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) - The holiday season is in full swing!
Hattiesburg Convention Commission is hosting six holiday events this weekend. They include:
Sixth Street Museum District’s Christmas Open House: (Noon - 2 p.m.) at the African American Military History Museum and Smith Drug Co.
Southern Momma Comedy Tour: (7 p.m.) at the Historic Saenger Theater
Mice Before Christmas: (6 p.m.) at the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum
Lights of the Wild: (6 p.m. - 8 p.m.) at the Hattiesburg Zoo
Sensory Day during Lights of the Wild: (10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) at the Hattiesburg Zoo
For more holiday events happening around the Pine Belt this season, click the link below:
LIST: Holiday parades & events in the Pine Belt
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2022-12-10T00:06:59Z
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www.wdam.com
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Hattiesburg Convention Commission hosts 6 holiday events this weekend
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/09/hattiesburg-convention-commission-hosts-6-holiday-events-this-weekend/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/09/hattiesburg-convention-commission-hosts-6-holiday-events-this-weekend/
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The grants will allow them to hire 2 employees to help connect residences to resources and services in the community.
LAUREL, Miss. (WDAM) -The Laurel Housing Authority received two resident opportunity and self-sufficiency grants, otherwise known as ROSS grants, worth $255,750 each.
Aldrick Young, the executive director, says these grants allow them to hire 2 employees to offer more than just housing.
“Their job is really to connect the residences to resources and services in the community that helps them achieve self-sufficiency and of for elderly residences to help them age and place independently,” said young.
Both ROSS coordinators will focus on helping individual residents complete their personal goals surrounding housing independence, job training and self-sufficiency.
“[We] work with those families on an individual basis to assess their needs, work with them to set goals and then connect them to the resources and services within the community with our community partners to help them achieve those goals,” said Young.
Young says this is a huge benefit not only for residents but also for the City of Laurel.
“If we can help that family improve their quality of life and they become productive citizens of the community, it benefits us all, but especially that family,” said Young.
The Laurel Housing Authority encourages all its residents to take advantage of this free opportunity.
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2022-12-10T02:44:07Z
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www.wdam.com
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Laurel Housing Authority receives $511,500 in ROSS grants
|
https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/10/laurel-housing-authority-receives-511500-ross-grants/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/10/laurel-housing-authority-receives-511500-ross-grants/
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JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) -Almost one year after a deadly car crash, Rikki Blackwell had her first appearance before a judge Friday afternoon.
The Jones County Sheriff’s Department received toxicology reports confirming that Blackwell was under the influence of some type of illegal substance when she was in a head-on collision that allegedly caused the death of an unborn child.
Blackwell is now facing a charge of homicide death of an unborn child and a second felony of aggravated DUI.
While walking into court, Blackwell tried to shield herself from the camera and didn’t answer any questions.
“Miss Blackwell made an initial appearance today, and her bond was set at $25,000 for each charge,” said JCSD Investigator Jardian McDonald, the lead investigator on the case. “She’ll be in jail until she can post bond on that, and then we will send our case up to the Grand Jury for indictment and go from there.”
Blackwell’s trial date will be set for early next year.
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2022-12-10T02:44:13Z
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www.wdam.com
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Suspect in DUI crash makes first court appearance, bond set at $50K
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/10/suspect-dui-crash-makes-first-court-appearance-bond-set-50k/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/10/suspect-dui-crash-makes-first-court-appearance-bond-set-50k/
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The collision occurred around 5 p.m.(Jones County Fire Council)
JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - Two people suffered minor injuries after a two-vehicle collision in Jones County.
According to Jones County Fire Council Public Information Officer Dana Bumgardner, the Pleasant Ridge Volunteer Fire Department responded to the collision at Highway 29 and Holly Road to assist with emergency medical care and traffic control. The collision occurred around 5 p.m.
Firefighters from Ovett and Union, who happened to be in the area, stopped to assist at the scene.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol and EMServ Ambulance Service also responded to the scene.
EMServ transported the two individuals to the emergency department for evaluation.
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2022-12-10T04:15:25Z
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www.wdam.com
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Minor injuries reported after 2-vehicle collision in Jones Co.
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/10/minor-injuries-reported-after-2-vehicle-collision-jones-co/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/10/minor-injuries-reported-after-2-vehicle-collision-jones-co/
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HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - The Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority held a scholarship presentation Saturday morning, and in doing so, honored a soror, Dr. Juanita Sims Doty, in the process./
Doty established a $25,000 scholarship with friends, raising money themselves, and Jackson State University matched it.
That created a $50,000 scholarship to help ease the financial burden of a higher education for future JSU students from the Pine Belt.
“Theta Sigma Omega has given to many (Historical Black Colleges and Universities) forever and ever,” Doty said. “I think well I know the interest from this $50,000 dollars will go toward a scholarship for a student every year forever and ever.
“I am just eternally grateful to these wonderful members of this chapter for taking an interest in me, to initiate me into Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.”
Sixth Street offers up sights and sounds of Christmas Saturday
Rail line hoped to be a boost to shopping in downtown Laurel, downtown Hattiesburg
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2022-12-11T06:11:41Z
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www.wdam.com
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Alpha Kappa Alpha scholarship for Pine Belt residents
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/11/alpha-kappa-alpha-scholarship-pine-belt-residents/
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https://www.wdam.com/2022/12/11/alpha-kappa-alpha-scholarship-pine-belt-residents/
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