Mississippi

Jackson water ‘just the canary in the coal mine’ in MS infrastructure grades. Get details

Published

2 years ago

November 14, 2024

Jackson water ‘just the canary in the coal mine’ in MS infrastructure grades. Get details

Even if you were to take Jackson’s water woes out of the equation, drinking water and waste water throughout Mississippi are still in dire need of improvement.

“Jackson is really just the canary in the coal mine,” said Jennifer Sloan Ziegler, chair of the 2024 Report Card for Mississippi’s Infrastructure. “The failures that are happening in Jackson are not just simply happening in Jackson. They are happening across the state. So, even if we were to take Jackson out of the equation, we would probably see the same grades (across the state). Maybe a little higher, but not much.”

Water was just one part of the equation as the Mississippi Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers released the 2024 Report Card for Mississippi’s Infrastructure Thursday in front of the state capitol in Jackson.

It includes 12 categories of infrastructure that received an overall grade of “C-,” which the ASCE said is a one-step increase from the 2020 Report Card for Mississippi’s Infrastructure and matches the national average on the 2021 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure. A “C-” grade means Mississippi’s infrastructure is in fair condition and requires attention to ensure it remains reliable in the future.

Four of the 12 infrastructure categories (Bridges, Dams, Rail and Solid Waste) saw their grades increase compared to the previous 2020 Report Card, while two categories (Drinking Water and Wastewater) saw their grades drop one level compared to the 2020 Report Card.

The individual rankings:

B: Rail
B-: Ports
C+: Solid Waste
C: Aviation
C: Energy
D+: Bridges
D+: Dams
D: Inland Waterways
D: Levees
D-: Drinking Water
D-: Roads
D-: Wastewater

By comparison, according to the last testing results for neighboring states, Mississippi’s results are similar.

Alabama had an overall score of C- in 2022. Arkansas had a C- in 2021 and Tennessee had a C in 2021. Meanwhile, Louisiana was rated with a D+ in its last grading in 2017.

While the C- may only be an average score, it does represent a significant improvement from the last report card in 2020 when Mississippi scored just a D+.

The uptake is that overall Mississippi could be worse, but still has work to do, particularly in a few areas.

“Mississippians have witnessed the consequences of underinvestment and deferred maintenance in infrastructure systems, especially when it comes to our most valuable, life-sustaining resource, the water we all need to survive,” Ziegler said. “We cannot continue to kick the proverbial can down the road, regardless whether it is water or roads or bridges.”

The only two categories to see grade decreases in the 2024 report card were drinking water and wastewater. Both fell from a “D” in 2020 to a “D-” in 2024.

However, Ziegler expects an improvement in those grades for the next testing period in 2028 because of significant investment from the federal government in the last 18 months.

“We are already seeing signs that would lead us to believe the grades on water will go up,” Ziegler said. “It just will not show up officially for some time.”

Central District Transportation Commissioner Willie Simmons said that while there needs to be improvement for roads and bridges, there needs to continue to be more investment from the legislature.

Mississippi’s bridges saw a two-step grade increase to a “D+” according to the 2024 report card, compared to a “D-” in 2020. Over the last four years, the percentage of bridges in poor condition dropped from 9.8% to 6.3%. However, in this same timeframe, the percentage of bridges in good condition fell from 58.4% to 56.1%, and the number of bridges that have limits on the weight they can carry grew by more than 400. The grade for roads in Mississippi is unchanged in the 2024 report card at a “D-.”

Simmons said that while the 18-cent gas tax has not been increased since it was implemented in 1987, the decision in 2018 to add funds through the lottery bill has been helpful in getting more resources into the transportation system.

“These grades are not where we want them to be, but good research, good information and good data is good for us to have,” Simmons said. “Resources are very important. We have been very fortunate to get new money into our system the last few years.”

He went on to say, however, that roads and bridges need a total $650 million in recurring money to maintain what Mississippi already has without talking about improvements and additions.

The report suggested four key areas to focus on so as to improve the state’s score for the next reporting period.

Ensure that infrastructure investment is strategically focused on efforts that maximize good-paying jobs, promote the state’s economic competitiveness, and enhance usability so that all Mississippians continue to proudly call our state home.
Increase funding for state agencies to ensure these critical agencies can carry out their mandated missions. Insufficient funding for decades has resulted in a lack of proper staffing, leading to delays in permitting, necessary approvals and project execution, causing delayed or missed economic investments across the state.
Design, operate, maintain, and expand Mississippi’s infrastructure systems using consensus-based codes, specifications and standards that reduce the potential loss of jobs, economic opportunity and critical natural resources. This includes advancing resiliency and mitigation measures to ensure better long-term use of taxpayer dollars.
Invest in programs for technical career training — especially in the drinking water and wastewater sectors. Not only can investment help retain Mississippi’s talent and prevent continued “brain drain,” but it can also help mainstream tools for data-driven decision-making, such as the use of asset management software and life-cycle cost analysis to inform affordable rate structuring for the use of our infrastructure systems.

Ross Reily is a writer for the Clarion Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at rreily@gannett.com or 601-573-2952. You can follow him on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter @GreenOkra1.

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Mississippi

Where Ace Reese, Mississippi State signees appear in latest MLB mock drafts

Published

6 hours ago

July 9, 2026

Press Room

Where Ace Reese, Mississippi State signees appear in latest MLB mock drafts

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State baseball could have its first position player picked in the first round of the MLB draft since 2020.

That’s where star third baseman Ace Reese is ranked ahead of the 2026 MLB Draft. He has two years of eligibility remaining but is not expected back with the Bulldogs because of his high draft ranking.

There are other draft outcomes that can impact MSU’s 2027 roster for coach Brian O’Connor’s second season. The draft begins July 11 (noon, NBC/Peacock) with Rounds 1-4 and continues July 12 with Rounds 5-20.

Here’s a look at where Mississippi State players are ranked for the draft, including high school signees.

MLB draft rankings for Ace Reese, other Mississippi State players

MLB.com’s list of the top 250 prospects has Reese at No. 18. He’s the highest-ranked third baseman. USA Today’s mock draft predicts the Miami Marlins to select Reese with the No. 14 pick, which has a slot value of nearly $5.5 million.

If Reese is picked in the top 10, he’d be Mississippi State’s first top 10 pick since Paul Maholm in 2003.

The only other Mississippi State player in MLB.com’s top 250 is relief pitcher Ben Davis at No. 232. Davis does not have any college eligibility remaining.

That does not mean there won’t be more MSU players drafted. MSU has two starters in particular, catcher Kevin Milewski and outfielder Aidan Teel, who are draft eligible. If they are drafted, they’ll have to decide whether to sign with the pro team or return to Mississippi State. Relief pitcher Maddox Webb is in the same situation.

None of Mississippi State’s incoming transfers are ranked as top 250 draft prospects.

Mississippi State baseball signees rankings for MLB draft

Mississippi State has the No. 6 recruiting class, according to Perfect Game, and there are many players who are draft risks.

Eight of the signees are ranked inside MLB.com’s top 250 with four in the top 100.

Catcher Will Brick is the top signee at No. 46 after reclassifying to the 2026 class. Shortstop Rocco Maniscalco is just behind him at No. 49, followed by pitchers Landon Brown (No. 77) and Denton Lord (No. 80).

Other signees in the top 250 are pitcher Wilson Andersen (No. 111), outfielder Martin Shelar (No. 175), pitcher Jake Carbaugh (No. 203) and shortstop Noah Danza (No. 239).

Last summer, Mississippi State got signees Jack Bauer and Jacob Parker to turn down the MLB draft and play for the Bulldogs. Bauer was ranked as the No. 44 prospect and Parker, who turned into a freshman All-American, was No. 109.

The deadline for draftees to sign contracts with pro teams is July 27 at 4 p.m. CT.

Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.

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Mississippi

Ben Crump seeks independent autopsy in Nolan Wells death

Published

16 hours ago

July 8, 2026

Press Room

Ben Crump seeks independent autopsy in Nolan Wells death

Attorney Ben Crump says Nolan Xavier Wells’ family is pursuing an independent autopsy. Investigators continue working to determine what happened to the 18-year-old after his body was found on Horn Island this week.

Wells, 18, went missing on Saturday, July 4, after taking a boat to the island with friends. A body was found Monday, ending a two-day search.

Jackson County Coroner Bruce Lynd told the Sun Herald on Tuesday that the body was identified as Wells. The State Medical Examiner’s Office used dental records to confirm his identity. Officials did not release his cause of death.

In an exclusive interview with Don Lemon on Wednesday, Crump said the body was being flown to Washington, D.C., for a medical examiner to study.

Wells’ disappearance led to an outpouring of prayers, volunteer efforts and community support. By Wednesday morning, a GoFundMe to help the family had raised more than $237,000.

There are still many questions about why Wells was on the island after the boat with his high school friends left. What happened before his death remains unclear.

On Tuesday, his family hired nationally known civil rights attorney Crump and his team to help them find answers in the case.

What was Nolan Wells’ cause of death?

Crump said the second autopsy will find out “if he had any physical injuries to his body beyond drowning.” He was unaware of the physical condition of the body at the time of the interview.

The remains were being flown to Washington on Wednesday. Crump said his team expects the results on Friday.

Crump said investigators in Mississippi have not given them information about the state’s autopsy.

Crump says family is living in a nightmare

Crump told Lemon the family is living in a nightmare, and they still have many questions about the young man’s death.

He was clear, however, that his investigation is still in very early stages and they are not sure yet if they will find signs of foul play. If they do, he said, they will work with local law enforcement and the state if there’s anyone who should face criminal charges.

According to the attorney, the sheriff’s office has not shared information with the family about what happened and whether the sheriff’s office suspects criminal behavior.

“There’s no information that we have right now that would lead us to believe that a crime has occurred,” Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter told ABC News earlier this week.

He said the family has concerns about “inconsistencies” including texts deleted from Wells’ phone. They don’t want Wells’ death to be called an accident and swept under the rug if it wasn’t.

Crump said Wells had a tryout to play Division I football on Monday. The teen was reportedly avoiding substances that could affect his performance. His family said he was an extraordinary athlete and strong swimmer.

There was allegedly an argument on the island, Crump said. Now, Wells’ family isn’t accepting that his death could be a coincidence.

Lemon asked if they knew what the argument was and if Wells and his group were involved. Crump said they have an investigator talking to Wells’ friends. He plans to share the information when the issue becomes clear.

Crump said investigation, not speculation, is the goal.

Questions remain after Horn Island death

Ledbetter said the county’s investigation is still active.

According to reporting from TMZ, the sheriff’s office was investigating a video shared on social media that appears to show people arguing on Horn Island on the holiday. It’s unclear if the footage, which shows a crowded beach, is related to the case.

Crump and his legal team are planning their independent review. They have committed to urging “the timely release of all records, witness accounts, and autopsy findings.”

What investigators know so far

Wells was reported missing over the holiday weekend after traveling to Horn Island with friends on July 4. The barrier island is part of Gulf Islands National Seashore.

Wells, who also went by Nono, was last seen on the northwest tip of Horn Island on the afternoon of Saturday, July 4. He did not come back to the mainland with his group, and his mom reported him missing that night.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office led a search on land and water Sunday and Monday. The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources, National Park Service employees and the U.S. Coast Guard helped with the search. The United Cajun Navy and other volunteers also worked to find Wells.

His mother, Christine Wonsley, said during the search that she and his father had received Wells’ phone. Location tracking wasn’t an option while they looked for him.

A park ranger found the body Monday morning. The identification was confirmed Tuesday following an autopsy.

Investigators are still trying to determine why he didn’t leave the island and who he was with. They’re limiting the information released at this time as deputies work to find witnesses and collect evidence.

Authorities seek witnesses, photos and video

Ledbetter issued a statement saying rumors, commentary and unchecked information spreading on social media have been a challenge in the investigation.

Deputies need to speak to people who were at Horn Island. They’re also looking for original photos, video or sound recordings.

They are asking anyone who saw or heard an “argument, disturbance or other unusual activity” on the island to come forward.

Call 228-769-3065 during regular business hours or 228-769-3063 after hours if you have firsthand information about the case.

Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with USA TODAY Network. Email her at bbolden@usatodayco.com.

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