ROLLING FORK, Miss.— Damien Harris dug by way of the rubble on the lot the place his household’s cellular dwelling as soon as stood Sunday morning, determined to search out something from his previous life that he might maintain onto.
Mississippi
‘Everything is gone’: Loss and destruction in a small Mississippi town
He raced again to Rolling Fork round 11 p.m. within the pouring rain, but it surely was too late. His household’s cellular dwelling was gone and his mom useless, a sufferer of a robust twister that tore by way of Mississippi, killing a minimum of 25 individuals.
“It was a cellular dwelling to lots of people,” he mentioned, choosing up an previous baseball mitt of his that he discovered mendacity in a puddle. “However it was dwelling.”
On Sidney Alexander Road, the place Harris lived, and the neighboring blocks that line Mulberry Road, destruction got here shortly. The twister was exceptionally giant, carving a path measuring practically 60 miles, in accordance with the Nationwide Climate Service. Lower than 1 p.c of tornadoes in the USA journey greater than 50 miles.
Earlier than the twister, the road the place Harris and his household lived was lined with cellular houses and low-slung small ranch homes, only a stone’s throw from the county’s courthouse. Now, little is recognizable, buried beneath fallen branches and energy strains, disembodied roofs and twisted vehicles and vans.
What occurs to Harris’s block, on the principally Black and lower-income east aspect of city, shall be an necessary barometer of whether or not this close-knit, small Mississippi Delta city can recuperate from the worst catastrophe to hit the neighborhood in practically a century.
Even earlier than the EF4 twister sliced by way of the city Friday night time, the neighborhood confronted immense challenges. For many years now, Rolling Fork and Sharkey County have been hemorrhaging residents. The small city, with a inhabitants of two,000, is surrounded on all sides by fields of corn, soybeans, rice and cotton.
As soon as made affluent by its tons of of miles of wealthy farmland, in the present day Sharkey County is without doubt one of the poorest within the nation. The typical median family earnings stands at about $32,650, lower than half of the nationwide common and decrease than all however 27 of the nation’s greater than 3,000 counties.
Residents listed here are accustomed to spates of unhealthy climate. However many alongside Mulberry Road mentioned they have been caught off guard.
Across the nook from the Harris’s dwelling, Shay Stamps, 28, mentioned she didn’t hear any sirens Friday night time. What she did hear was the wind coming. That’s when she, her father and her 4-year-old daughter bumped into the lavatory to take cowl. However she shortly remembered that there was a tree on the aspect of the home.
“I simply begin yelling, ‘The tree!’ ‘The tree!’ ‘The tree!’” she mentioned.
The household ran right into a bed room. Stamps and her father tucked her daughter beneath a mattress and started to wish because the cellular dwelling swayed violently within the wind.
“I believed we have been going to die in the home,” she mentioned. “It appeared prefer it was by no means going to cease. I simply stored pondering, ‘Please lord, let it cease, I simply can’t look ahead to it to cease.’”
By 8:09 p.m., the worst had handed, she mentioned. She texted her sister: “One thing hit our home.” 5 minutes later, she texted her sister once more: “A twister hit our home.”
The Stamps’ house is totaled. A tree fell on one finish, a part of the roof ripped off, and a bed room is uncovered to the road. However like others in Rolling Fork, her household shortly sprung into motion to assist others as quickly as they have been secure. Now they’re left making an attempt to determine whether or not they can afford a brand new trailer or must relocate.
“I’d like to be right here, to remain right here,” she mentioned Sunday. “That is dwelling. However as you’ll be able to see, we ain’t received no dwelling.”
A.C. Warfield has lived on Hoyt Road, throughout the road from the Stamps and simply behind Harris’s dwelling, for 18 years. Like Stamps, Warfield mentioned he didn’t hear any sirens Friday night time.
“We simply heard the wind. I by no means heard the wind sound like that,” he mentioned. “We simply hit the ground.”
For the following 10 to fifteen minutes he laid on the ground, what he mentioned felt “like a lifetime,” because the twister blew by way of. His solely thought: his 19-year-old son, who makes use of a wheelchair. After the storm handed, he discovered him pinned beneath the particles of a collapsed ceiling. With the assistance of some storm chasers, Stamps’s father and different neighbors, Warfield pulled his son from the wreckage greater than an hour later.
On Sunday morning, one of many dwelling’s bedrooms was uncovered to Hoyt Road, a mattress and mattress body jutting out the aspect of the home. The roof, windowpanes and entrance door are lacking, and the partitions are collapsed. He was capable of salvage two dressers, a few bookshelves, a kitchen desk and 4 chairs. However most of Warfield’s four-bedroom, double-wide cellular dwelling has been decreased to clutter.
Warfield isn’t positive how, or when, he’s going to recuperate. “I actually don’t know what’s going to occur,” he mentioned.
As Warfield picked by way of the detritus scattered round his dwelling, neighbors continued to examine in on him. He pointed to the land subsequent to him — the place two trailers was — and mentioned three individuals lived there. Now he doesn’t know in the event that they’re useless or alive.
Everyone is aware of all people right here, he mentioned, pointing to the plot of land behind his dwelling. “This woman right here, her husband, we’re actual good pals, I heard she misplaced her life.”
Warfield worries about the way forward for his avenue and all of Rolling Fork. With out authorities help, he fears the city won’t ever recuperate. As a substitute, individuals would possibly simply go away.
“Jobs aren’t plentiful round right here,” he mentioned.
Harris isn’t positive whether or not he’ll keep in Rolling Fork.
When he arrived at his dwelling Friday night time, Sidney Alexander Road was a shell of its former self, and his mom and stepfather have been nowhere to be discovered.
His aunt, who lives subsequent door, went exterior after the storm handed. Her husband found the couple ripped from their dwelling and tossed on the bottom.
Harris’s mom was useless. His stepfather was alive, however his again was damaged. He stays hospitalized, and his restoration is prone to be lengthy.
Harris was born and raised in Rolling Fork. And his future was at all times synonymous with the city that’s dwelling. Maybe he might relocate to Ridgeland or Madison, suburbs of Jackson, Mississippi’s capital metropolis. However that felt like a frightening prospect.
On Sunday morning, he was capable of finding a few of the mementos of his life. He discovered a laminated certificates along with his sister’s identify on it — an old-fashioned award — and a framed picture of himself from highschool. He positioned them in a laundry basket he was carrying across the block, amassing something with a semblance of his dwelling. A inexperienced bag sat on the high. That was the bag he and his mom would chuck spare cash in.
Mates considered her because the “lifetime of the occasion,” Harris recalled, and he regretted that she was the one who died within the storm, not him.
“I don’t really feel nothing. I’m empty,” he mentioned. “I got here dwelling to no dwelling. Mother is gone. Home is gone. Every part is gone.”
Mississippi
Possible overdose at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility, according to officials
RANKIN Co., Miss. (WLBT) – The Rankin County Sheriff’s Department reports that they have been called to the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility for an alleged overdose.
The Rankin County Coronor, David Ruth, confirmed to WLBT staff that he was called to the scene to recover a body. He said he was unable to comment on the cause or manner of death until he performs an autopsy.
The Department of Health also says they have been called by the facility for a hazmat situation.
More law enforcement vehicles were seen by WLBT crews entering the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility as authorities continue to investigate a death at the prison.
Details are currently limited. WLBT has reached out to the Mississippi Department of Corrections for a statement on the situation but have yet to hear back.
WLBT 3 on your side will update with information as it is made available.
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STARKVILLE – Mississippi State debuted 41 new players against Eastern Kentucky, including 23 transfers. But one of the biggest transfer portal additions wasn’t on the field and may not be again this week.
Senior receiver Kelly Akharaiyi was left off Mississippi State’s depth chart that was released and coach Jeff Lebby didn’t provide much clarity on the situation either.
“He’s getting closer and closer,” Lebby said at Tuesday morning press conference. “We need to be patient with him. We hope he has a good week and can create some confidence for himself more than anything. But I’m not ready to say he’s going to be available.”
Akharaiyi was one of the transfers most were looking forward to seeing in Lebby’s fast-paced, passing offense. But he was held out of season-opener for what was thought to be a minor injury. However, his uncertain status might be a sign of a more serious injury?
Or is Lebby playing a game of cat-and-mouse with Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham? We’ll found out soon enough.
QB1 – 2 Blake Shapen, 6-1, 210 lbs., Sr.
QB2 – 16 Chris Parson, 6-1, 215 lbs., Rs Fr.
or – 0 Michael Van Buren Jr., 6-1, 200 lbs., Fr.
RB1 – 24 Keyvone Lee, 6-0, 225 lbs., Sr.
-or- 21 Davon Booth, 5-10, 205 lbs., Sr.
RB2 – 20 Johnnie Daniels, 5-10, 200 lbs., Jr.
SLWR1 – 3 Kevin Coleman, 5-11, 180 lbs., Jr.
SLWR2 – 8 Creed Whittemore, 5-11, 185 lbs., So.
SLWR 3 – 80 Kade Kolka, 5-11, 190 lbs., Sr.
WR1 – 6 Jordan Mosley, 6-0, 195 lbs., Jr.
WR2 – 5 Stonka Burnside, 6-0, 200 lbs., Fr.
WR3 – 13 Sanfrisco Magee, 6-2, 200 lbs., Fr.
WR1 – 14 Trent Hudson 6-3 180 Jr.
WR2 – 7 Mario Craver 5-10 170 Fr.
WR3 – 11 Jaden Walley 6-0 190 Sr.
TE1 – 18 Seydou Traore, 6-4, 235 lbs., R-Jr.
– or – 84 Justin Ball, 6-6, 250 lbs., Sr.
TE2 – 86 Nick Lauderdale, 6-3, 225 lbs., Sr.
or – 10 Cameron Ball, 6-6, 250 lbs., So.
LT1 – 66 Makylan Pounders, 6-5, 310 lbs., Jr.
LT2 – 51 Luke Work, 6-6, 305 lbs., Fr.
– or – 74 Jimothy Lewis Jr., 6-6, 310 lbs., Fr.
LG1 – 75 Jacoby Jackson, 6-6, 320 lbs., Jr.
LG2 – 53 Malik Ellis, 6-5, 285 lbs., So.
C1 – 67 Ethan Miner, 6-2, 305 lbs., Sr.
C2 – 72 Canon Boone, 6-4, 315 lbs., Jr.
RG1 – 77 Marlon Martinez, 6-5, 320 lbs., Sr.
RG2 – 52 Grant Jackson, 6-6, 325 lbs., Sr.
RT1 – 76 Albert Reese IV, 6-7, 330 lbs., Jr.
RT2 – 55 Leon Bell, 6-8, 325 lbs., R-Jr.
RT3 – 78 Amari Smith, 6-7, 325 lbs., R-Fr.
DT1 – 22 Kedrick Bingley-Jones, 6-4, 310 lbs., Jr.
– or – 23 Trevion Williams, 6-4, 295 lbs., R-Fr.
DT2 – 98 Ashun Shepphard, 6-3, 280 lbs., Jr.
DT1 – 35 Kalvin Dinkins, 6-2, 315 lbs., So.
– or – 8 Sulaiman Kpaka, 6-3, 300 lbs., Sr.
DT2 – 92 Eric Taylor, 6-4, 310 lbs., Jr.
– or – 90 Kai McClendon, 6-2, 305 lbs., Fr.
DE1 – 9 De’Monte Russell, 6-4, 285 lbs., Sr.
DE2 – 91 Deonte Anderson, 6-3, 270 lbs., Jr.
– or – 46 Joseph Head Jr., 6-4, 240 lbs., R-Fr.
JLB1 – 11 Ty Cooper, 6-4, 245 lbs., Jr.
– or – 44 Branden Jennings, 6-3, 240 lbs., Jr.
JLB2 – 36 Donterry Russell, 6-4, 225 lbs., So.
MLB1 – 7 Stone Blanton, 6-2, 230 lbs., Jr.
MLB2 – 26 JP Purvis, 6-1, 245 lbs., Sr.
DLB1 – 40 Nic Mitchell, 6-2, 230 lbs., Jr.
– or – 5 John Lewis, 6-3, 240 lbs., Jr.
DLB2 – 16 Zakari Tillman, 6-2, 225 lbs., So.
FS1 – 2 Isaac Smith, 6-0, 205 lbs., So.
FS2 – 12 Tyler Woodard, 6-2, 200 lbs., Jr.
SS1 – 21 Hunter Washington, 5-11, 190 lbs., Jr.
SS2 – 27 Chris Keys Jr., 6-0, 190 lbs., Jr.
– or – 17 Jordan Morant, 6-0, 210 lbs., Sr.
CB1 – 1 Kelley Jones, 6-4, 195 lbs., R-Fr.
– or – 6 Traveon Wright, 6-0, 180 lbs., R-Fr.
CB2 – 13 Raydarious Jones, 6-2, 180 lbs., Sr.
– or – 18 Khamauri Rogers, 6-0, 180 lbs., So.
CB1 – 14 Brice Pollock, 6-1, 190 lbs., So.
CB2 – 4 DeAgo Brumfield, 6-0, 190 lbs., Sr.
K1 – 80 Kyle Ferrie, 6-1, 205 lbs., So.
K2 – 82 Nick Barr-Mira, 6-0, 185 lbs., Sr.
K3 – 49 Marlon Hauck, 6-3, 195 lbs., So.
P1 – 82 Nick Barr-Mira, 6-0, 185 lbs., Sr.
P2 – 83 Zach Haynes, 6-1, 195 lbs., Sr.
P3 – 88 Ethan Pulliam, 6-1, 190 lbs., R-Fr.
KO1 – 49 Marlon Hauck, 6-3, 195 lbs., So.
KO2 – 82 Nick Barr-Mira, 6-0, 185 lbs., Sr.
PR1 – 3 Kevin Coleman, 5-11, 180 lbs., Jr.
PR2 – 8 Creed Whittemore, 5-11, 185 lbs., So.
KR1 – 21 Davon Booth, 5-10, 205 lbs., Sr.
– or – 20 Johnnie Daniels, 5-10, 200 lbs., Jr.
– or – 3 Kevin Coleman, 5-11, 180 lbs., Jr.
Mississippi State at Arizona State: How to Watch Bulldogs Football vs the Sun Devils
Mississippi State vs Ole Miss: 2025 Recruiting Battle Heats Up
Mississippi State vs. Arizona State: Top 5 Sun Devils to Watch
Mississippi State at Arizona State, Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
BetMGM College Football Odds: Arizona State by 6 1/2.
Series record: First meeting.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Arizona State and Mississippi State both had dominant wins in the season-opening weekend and now have a tougher challenge when they face each other on Saturday night. The Sun Devils are trying to build off an impressive 48-7 win over Wyoming and prove they might be a factor in the Big 12 race. Arizona State has never beaten an SEC opponent. Mississippi State plays its second game under new coach Jeff Lebby. The Bulldogs beat Eastern Kentucky 56-7 in their season opener..
KEY MATCHUP
Mississippi State QB Blake Shapen vs. the Arizona State defense. The Sun Devils scored a touchdown on the second play of their opener when Zyrus Fiaseu picked off a pass and returned it to the end zone. It was one of two interceptions on the day for Arizona State. Shapen had a great debut against Eastern Kentucky but will face a much tougher defense on Saturday.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mississippi State: Shapen had a terrific first game with the Bulldogs, throwing for 247 yards and three touchdowns while also running for 44 yards and a TD against Eastern Kentucky. The 6-foot-1 senior played the previous three college seasons at Baylor with mixed success. Shapen has thrown a TD pass in 12 consecutive games dating to this time at Baylor in 2022.
Arizona State: RB Cam Skattebo led a balanced rushing attack against Wyoming, gaining 49 yards and scoring a touchdown. Skattebo was a do-it-all player for Arizona State last year, spending time at quarterback, running back and receiver. The Sun Devils might not need him to be as versatile this season, but he’s still a threat from just about anywhere on the field.
FACTS & FIGURES
Mississippi State had six different players score touchdowns against Eastern Kentucky. … The Bulldogs’ 93.7 passing grade in the opener was the second-best mark in all of the FBS, trailing only Purdue, according to Pro Football Focus. … Mississippi State’s Kevin Coleman Jr. returned five punts for 117 yards last week. … Arizona State was credited with just two missed tackles on defense in the opener, tied for the third-lowest tally among FBS schools. … Skattebo is 270 rushing yards away from reaching 3,000 in his career. He is 342 all-purpose yards away from reaching 4,000 and 202 receiving yards away from reaching 1,000.
___
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