Mississippi
Mississippi colleges, school districts announce Wednesday closures amid winter weather
Universities, colleges and public school districts throughout Mississippi closed Tuesday in anticipation of potentially dangerous winter weather. Some have now announced extended closures through Wednesday.
By Tuesday afternoon, some areas of the state faced icy roads and several inches of snow while other parts got only a few snow flurries.
Temperatures are expected to warm slightly by Wednesday morning, but several parts of the state, especially Southern Mississippi and along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, will still face potentially dangerous conditions. A state of emergency declared by Gov. Tate Reeves will remain in effect through Wednesday, Jan. 21.
As a result, several schools have announced extended closures or modified operations through Wednesday.
Universities and colleges
Many universities and colleges had not yet made an announcement regarding campus operations for Wednesday, Jan. 22, by press time for this story.
The following universities and colleges have canceled or modified classes:
- Jones College implemented modified operations starting Tuesday. Campus will remain open, but all classes will transition to remote through Wednesday, Jan. 22.
- The University of Southern Mississippi announced Tuesday afternoon that all campuses will remain closed through Wednesday, Jan. 22, and all classes will be canceled. The university will make a decision on Thursday’s campus operations by 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
- William Carey University announced Tuesday afternoon that all campuses including Hattiesburg, Biloxi and Baton Rouge will remain closed through Wednesday, Jan. 22, due to the continuing winter storm. Normal operations will resume Thursday, Jan. 23.
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School districts
Many of Mississippi’s school districts throughout the state closed on Tuesday due to winter weather. Potentially dangerous conditions and cold temperatures are expected to continue through Wednesday, especially for southern and coastal counties.
The following school districts have announced canceled classes for Wednesday:
- Bay St. Louis- Waveland School District announced Sunday all schools will be closed Tuesday, Jan. 21, and Wednesday, Jan. 22, after Monday’s MLK Day holiday in order to “ensure the safety of our students, staff and families.” The district shared photos on Facebook of the mascot Bayland the Tiger enjoying the snow day.
- Forrest County School District announced Tuesday afternoon all schools will remain closed on Wednesday, Jan. 22, at the advice of Forrest County Emergency Management due to the possibility of dangerous road conditions.
- Hattiesburg Public Schools will remain closed through Wednesday, Jan. 22, with plans to resume normal operations on Thursday, Jan. 23.
- Ocean Springs School District met with Jackson County Emergency Management officials Monday afternoon and decided to extend its closure through Wednesday, Jan. 22. As of Tuesday afternoon, the district plans to reopen Thursday, Jan. 23, and will keep community members updated on any changes through social media.
- Petal School District met with Forrest County Emergency Management officials Tuesday afternoon and decided to keep all schools closed through Wednesday, Jan. 22, due to snow covered roads. Extracurricular activities have also been canceled. The district will continue monitoring weather conditions and provide updates on the rest of the week’s schedule.
This is a developing story. Check back in with the Clarion Ledger for updates.
Mississippi
Mississippi Highway Patrol deployed to Goodman after viral gun video, leaders explain goals
GOODMAN, Miss. — The Mississippi Department of Public Safety has deployed state troopers to the Town of Goodman indefinitely following a viral video showing people waving guns and mocking the absence of police in the town.
DPS Commissioner Sean Tindell and other department leaders flew into Goodman on Thursday to meet with town officials. Tindell said the video drew the attention of both himself and Gov. Tate Reeves.
“We felt like there needed to be a presence of law enforcement in Goodman to send a message,” Tindell said. “That it’s not a town or any town in Mississippi that we’re going to allow lawlessness to prevail.”
Troopers conducting stops, working alongside sheriff’s office
Since Wednesday, troopers have been stopping drivers in downtown Goodman and in neighborhoods. Tindell said the Mississippi Highway Patrol is working alongside the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office as part of the investigation.
“It’s more regular law enforcement duties at this point,” Tindell said. “You know, we’re looking at individuals in the video to ask who they were and go from there.”
Tindell said MHP deployments to towns across the state are not uncommon, and include safety checkpoints, driver’s license verifications and insurance verifications.
“So that’s not unusual anywhere on any given day,” Tindell said. “We just happen to be in Goodman because they needed additional help at that time.”
Mayor supports presence; some residents question it
Mayor Michael Howard said he supports MHP’s increased presence in the town. However, resident Keni El questioned whether the deployment was necessary.
“It really doesn’t change anything because if the people they’ve seen on the video are who they came for then that’s who they need to be looking for,” El said. “Because in a way, it’s kind of harassing the people for stupidity of some younglings.”
El said leaders should instead focus on providing resources to mentor young people.
“The youth need to be taught the right knowledge, right wisdom, right understanding,” El said. “But I’m not going to be afraid of no child.”
Tindell said he is unsure how long state troopers will remain in Goodman but will stay in contact with town officials until a departure date is determined.
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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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