Mississippi
MDWFP appoints first female wildlife bureau chief, others take new roles
‘My goal was to be a biologist and be the best one I could be. I try to do the best I can do at whatever I’m doing.’
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A number of familiar names have shifted into new roles at the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks and among them is Amy Blaylock who is the first woman to lead the wildlife division.
“I feel honored and blessed,” Blaylock said. “I’m excited.
“I wouldn’t say it was necessarily a goal of mine. My goal was to be a biologist and be the best one I could be. I try to do the best I can do at whatever I’m doing.”
Blaylock joined the department in 2007 after receiving her undergraduate degree in forestry and master’s degree in wildlife science at Mississippi State University. It was an education and career path that came naturally for her.
Her father, Larry Castle, had a career with the agency as did an uncle, Bennie Herring.
“Of course, I love the outdoors and hunting,” Blaylock said. “I hunt as much as I can.
“My kids take up a lot of my time now, but deer hunting is what I do most of. I’ve grown up with the agency with my daddy and my uncle. I guess that encouraged my passion for the agency.”
New role as wildlife chief is not Blaylock’s first groundbreaking move
Blaylock began her career with MDWFP as a biologist with the deer program. She then moved into the role of East Central Region wildlife management area biologist where she oversaw management of 11 WMAs. During that time, she also served as wildlife restoration coordinator and was responsible for writing and managing grants that assisted in funding the Wildlife Bureau.
In 2017, Blaylock accepted an offer to become the assistant chief of the wildlife division. With that, she became the first woman to serve in a top role in the agency.
“I enjoyed being in the assistant chief position, and, so far, I love being in this position,” Blaylock said.
More position changes in MDWFP
Blaylock is not the only person to recently take on a new role at MDWFP. Russ Walsh left the position of chief of the wildlife division, which Blaylock assumed and is now the director of public policy.
Adam Butler also moved into a new position. Butler was previously the director of conservation programs and before that, he was the Wild Turkey Program coordinator. Butler was recently named the assistant chief of wildlife.
A lifelong outdoorsman and wildlife enthusiast, Brian Broom has been writing about hunting, fishing and Mississippi’s outdoors for the Clarion Ledger for more than 14 years. He can be reached at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.
PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) – Mississippi lawmakers will return to the State Capitol later in May after Gov. Tate Reeves called a special session.
According to Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann, the session will be limited to redistricting the state’s Supreme Court districts. He emphasized that lawmakers can only address the issues outlined by the governor in the official call.
He says after a recent Supreme Court decision, federal requirements driving previous plans are no longer in play.
Hosemann argued that redistricting decisions should remain in the hands of state leaders, taking into account factors like geography, economics and the interests of communities across Mississippi.
“We believe one man, one vote,” Hosemann said. “I mean, everybody ought to be able to vote. I’ve never liked it where the federal government told me that I had to have so many people for this or that or the other. Running our elections and redistricting ourselves is given to the legislature that’s elected by the people. And we ought not be ordered by the federal court to do something like that. That’s one of the few states’ rights we have left in this country, is that we can redistrict and run our own elections.”
The special session is scheduled for later this month.
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STARKVILLE — Mississippi State baseball is playing its final midweek game of the season.
The No. 11 Bulldogs (36-12) are hosting Nicholls State (25-22) at Dudy Noble Field on May 5 (6 p.m., SEC Network+).
MSU is aiming to solidify its resume to host an NCAA Tournament regional. It’s done that so far by going 22-0 in Quad 3 and 4 games. Nicholls will be a Quad 4 game.
The Clarion Ledger is bringing you live updates from the game. Follow along.
Watch Mississippi State vs Nicholls
Mississippi State vs Nicholls score updates
- Presbyterian College at Tennessee
- Louisville at Vanderbilt
- North Florida at Florida
- Prairie View A&M at Texas A&M
- Alabama at Troy
- Auburn at UAB
- Tulane at LSU
- UTSA at Texas
What time does Mississippi State vs Nicholls start today?
- Date: May 5
- Time: 6 p.m. CT
- Location: Dudy Noble Field
What channel is Mississippi State vs Nicholls on today?
The game between Mississippi State and Nicholls State will air on SEC Network+.
Mississippi State vs Nicholls starting pitchers
- RHP Chris Billingsley Jr. (1-0, 4.87 ERA) vs. LHP Austin Vargas (0-2, 7.50 ERA)
Mississippi State vs Nicholls injury report
There is no official injury report for this game.
Mississippi State baseball 2026 schedule
Next five games:
- May 7: vs. Auburn
- May 8: vs. Auburn
- May 9: vs. Auburn
- May 14: at Texas A&M
- May 15: at Texas A&M
Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for The Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.
Odds of winning the Powerball and Mega Millions are NOT in your favor
Odds of hitting the jackpot in Mega Millions or Powerball are around 1-in-292 million. Here are things that you’re more likely to land than big bucks.
The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 4, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from May 4 drawing
03-06-08-11-21
Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from May 4 drawing
Midday: 8-9-0, FB: 4
Evening: 6-2-7, FB: 7
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from May 4 drawing
Midday: 2-8-8-8, FB: 4
Evening: 4-8-5-3, FB: 7
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from May 4 drawing
Midday: 02
Evening: 14
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Story continues below gallery.
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.
Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:
Mississippi Lottery Corporation
P.O. Box 321462
Flowood, MS
39232
If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.
Mississippi Lottery Headquarters
1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100
Flowood, MS
39232
Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.
When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?
- Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
- Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.
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