Mississippi

Mississippi deer season 2024-25: Where to take tissue samples for CWD testing

Published

2 years ago

September 27, 2024

Press Room

Mississippi deer season 2024-25: Where to take tissue samples for CWD testing

Hunters are asked to submit deer heads at locations across Mississippi to help MDWFP manage the disease which is always fatal for deer.

In the continued effort to manage chronic wasting disease in Mississippi’s deer herd, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks is again asking hunters to have their deer tested for CWD. Since the disease was first detected in Mississippi in 2018, there have been 318 cases in the state as of Sept. 27.

According to MDWFP, knowing where the disease is in the state allows the department to put special regulations in place to help slow the spread of the disease, which is always fatal in deer. Also, hunters should be know if their deer is infected because even though there have been no documented cases of CWD in humans, the CDC warns people against eating the meat of an infected deer.

The department has placed freezers at 59 locations across the state where hunters can leave heads for testing. Antlers may be removed before dropping off the heads and hunters are asked to leave at least 6 inches of neck attached to the heads and to keep the heads cool or frozen before submitting them.

Chronic wasting disease testing drop-off sites

Love VFD7345 US 51 SouthHernando, MS 3863234.7526, -89.9913
Mt. Pleasant VFD194 Mt. Pleasant RoadRed Banks, MS 3866134.9561, -89.5226
Wall Doxey State Park3946 MS 7Holly Springs, MS 3863534.6630, -89.4647
Benton County 911 Dispatch368 Ripley AvenueAshland, MS 3860334.8326, -89.1813
Walnut VFD660 Main StreetWalnut, MS 3868334.9405, -88.9013
MSU Extension Office2200 Old Hwy 45 SouthCorinth, MS 3883434.9125, -88.5465
Tishomingo County Fairgrounds108 County Road 187Iuka, MS 3885234.7882, -88.2178
Hell Creek WMA4120 County Road 825Myrtle, MS 3865034.6199, -89.0644
Panola County EMS100 MSG William J Ferrell DriveSardis, MS 3866634.4400, -89.8997
Fire Station 1401 McElroy DriveOxford, MS 3865534.3800, -89.5318
New Albany Fairgrounds112 Fairgrounds CircleNew Albany, MS 3865234.5127, -89.0329
Pontotoc Ag Center430 CJ Hardin Jr. DrivePontotoc, MS 3886334.2552, -89.0286
Elvis Presley Lake272 Road 995Tupelo, MS 3882634.3046, -88.6474
Canal Section WMA HQ5705 MS 178 WestFulton, MS 3884334.2614, -88.4511
O’Keefe WMAO’Keefe RoadLambert, MS 3864334.1165, -90.2735
North Region Office457 County Road 36Enid, MS 3892734.1565, -89.9127
MDOT Maintenance HQ32988 MS 32Oakland, MS 3894834.0057, -89.9806
Chickasaw WMA770 MS 32 ExtHouston, MS 3885133.9861, -88.9356
Dahomey NWR831 MS 446Boyle, MS 3873033.7042, -90.9108
Deviney WMA171 Hughes-Ertle RoadIndianola, MS 3875133.5876, -90.6361
Fire Department #4412 MS 7Greenwood, MS. 3893033.5209, -90.1514
Malmaison WMA126 Malmaison HQ RoadHolcomb, MS 3894033.6840, -90.0512
MS Forestry Commission1801 US 51 SouthGrenada, MS 3890133.6991, -89.7629
American Legion Building8243 MS 9Eupora, MS 3974433.6311, -89.2877
Trim Cane WMA2025 North Jackson StreetStarkville, MS 3975933.5248, -88.8462
Black Prairie WMA744 Fire Tower RoadCrawford, MS 3974333.3396, -88.5618
Choctaw WMA2121 Webster RoadAckerman, MS 3973533.2737, -89.1267
Yockanookany WMA28329 MS 12McCool, MS 3910833.1665, -89.4258
Fire Station 3257 Gum StreetPhiladelphia, MS 3935032.7744, -89.1215
Holmes County State Park5369 State Park RoadDurant, MS 3906333.0271, -89.9206
District 3 VFD171 Old Benton RoadYazoo City, MS 3919432.8411, -90.3840
Yazoo NWR728 Yazoo Refuge RoadHollandale, MS 3874833.0700, -90.9778
Valley Park Community Center64 Kelso RoadValley Park, MS 3917732.6335, -90.8709
Mahannah WMA1370 Anderson-Tully RoadRedwood, MS 3915632.5490, -90.8708
Phil Bryant WMA11641 MS 465Vicksburg, MS 3918332.4556, -90.9733
Communication Specialist760 US 61 NorthVicksburg, MS 3918332.3552, -90.8283
LeFleur’s Bluff State Park3315 Lakeland TerraceJackson, MS 3921632.3317, -90.1499
Pearl River WMA506 MS 43 SouthCanton, MS 3904632.5234, -89.9704
Caney Creek WMA6373 West Moore Tower RoadForest, MS 3907432.3247, -89.5051
Collinsville VFD11710 Nancy DriveCollinsville, MS 3932532.4974, -88.8475
All Creatures Veterinary Hospital1011 St. Mark DrivePort Gibson, MS 3915031.9675, -90.9802
Canemount WMA17059 Rodney RoadPort Gibson, MS 3915031.9233, -91.1305
MSU Extension Office2040 West Gallman RoadHazlehurst, MS 3908331.9252, -90.4073
MSU Extension Office2785 US 49Mendenhall, MS 3911431.9210, -89.8112
MSU Extension Office101 Westwood AvenueQuitman, MS 3935532.0426, -88.7395
Natchez State Park230-B Wickcliff RoadNatchez, MS 3912031.6026, -91.2347
Jeff Davis Lake16 Lake DrivePrentiss, MS 3947431.5649, -89.8444
MSU Extension Office68 Collins Industrial Park DriveCollins, MS 3942831.6757, -89.5864
Bogue Homa Lake149 Bogue Homa Lake RoadLaurel, MS 3944331.7027, -89.0246
Wilkinson County Sheriff1389 US 61 SouthWoodville, MS 3966931.0861, -91.3002
Pike County Co-Op105 Nehi CircleMcComb, MS 3964831.2308, -90.4517
Marion County WMA652 Game Reserve RoadColumbia, MS 3942931.1741, -89.7327
Purvis VFD805 Main StreetPurvis, MS 3947531.1517, -89.4122
Leaf River WMAForest Service Road 353McLain, MS 3945630.9902, -88.8651
Pearl River County Fairgrounds124 Rodeo StreetPoplarville, MS 3947030.8329, -89.5474
Emergency Operations Center18333 MS 603Kiln, MS 3955630.4369, -89.4327
Little Biloxi WMA HQHickman Tower RoadPerkinston, MS 3957330.7337, -89.2635
Fire Station 823560 Old Still RoadSaucier, MS 3957430.6325, -89.1384
Lower Pascagoula WMA816 Wade Vancleave RoadMoss Point, MS 3956530.5668, -88.6307

Do you have a story idea? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.

Source link

Click to comment

Mississippi

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

Published

1 hour 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_.

Source link

Mississippi

Ben Crump seeks independent autopsy in Nolan Wells death

Published

11 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.

Source link