Mississippi
Mississippi Survivors Prayed Their Way Through the Storm
Volunteers from everywhere in the nation at the moment are serving Mississippi communities that had been fully devastated by the March 24 tornadoes.
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At dusk on Friday, March 24, lethal tornadoes in Mississippi left a path of widespread injury—trapping households within the rubble of their properties, ripping off roofs, and taking the lives of 26 individuals. An EF-4 twister left Rolling Fork, dwelling to Josephine Turner and her household, fully unrecognizable.
Josephine, 86, wakened Friday evening to her daughter shaking her and saying, “There’s a storm coming, Momma. We don’t have time to get within the closet, however let’s pray.”
As Josephine’s daughter shielded her mother along with her physique, the home windows in the home shattered and glass flew all over the place. “It hit—it hit as a result of I might really feel it, the glass coming down over my head,” Josephine stated.
Josephine and her daughter noticed the roof of her dwelling, the place she’s lived for the previous 40 years, carry off of the partitions with particles flying beneath. “The twister lifted it up, however the Lord put it proper again down,” stated Josephine, “and in a couple of minutes, it was over.”
Inside hours of the lethal storms, Samaritan’s Purse despatched employees to Mississippi to evaluate the injury. Two Catastrophe Reduction Items had been deployed—tractor-trailers stocked with instruments and gear: one to the Rolling Fork and Silver Metropolis area and one other to Amory, Mississippi.
Josephine’s dwelling was one in every of many who volunteers have helped clear up because the storm. Over 700 volunteers have tarped roofs, cleared particles, salvaged private belongings, and eliminated timber in Jesus’ Identify throughout Mississippi since Sunday, March 26.
“Lord, This Is How We’re Going to Die!”
Josephine’s son Michael Myles, Rolling Fork’s police chief, lives only a few homes down from his mother. He, his spouse Becky, and their 9-year-old granddaughter had been collectively when the ferocious tornado fully destroyed their dwelling, leaving 18 years of reminiscences in a pile of rubble. However they thanked God that He spared their lives.
“After they say it’s going to storm, you by no means suppose it’s going to be a twister,” Becky stated. The evening the twister got here, Michael turned on the native information and so they heard the phrases, “A twister might be in Rolling Fork in three minutes—take cowl!”
Instantly, the ability went out and she or he heard what gave the impression of a freight prepare headed straight towards their dwelling. The household rushed into the toilet and inside seconds, the tornado arrived. Michael shortly coated his spouse and granddaughter—precisely like his sister did to his mom, Josephine.
Becky shared, “We acquired down and we heard roaring sounds—it was our home breaking up. My husband was yelling, my grandbaby was yelling and I used to be calling on Jesus.” In that second, Becky believed they might not survive this storm. “We had been down on the bottom and I stated, ‘Lord, that is how we’re going to die.’ I used to be simply ready for the home to fall on us,” Becky stated.
Immediately, she felt an amazing sense of peace rush over her. “Within the midst of all of that, it was like as if God stated, ‘Relax—I acquired you.’” She opened her eyes, seemed up and noticed the sky—her home was gone—however they had been alive.
After they emerged from the rubble, all you can hear had been the neighbors’ cries for assist. Becky defined, “They had been screaming saying ‘assist me, assist me’ as a result of they had been all trapped.”
Becky glanced over on the rubble of her dwelling and stated, “How will you not have religion and belief and imagine in Him? He spared us.” She defined, “God is so good. My mother-in-law [Josephine] says it on a regular basis, so we are saying it additionally, God is so good.”
The Myles and Turner households related with Samaritan’s Purse when volunteers canvassed the neighborhood to see who wanted help. Though Chief Michael and Becky’s house is past restore, volunteers eliminated a big tree and helped salvaging valuable belongings to get them one step nearer to restoration. One particular merchandise Becky requested volunteers to search for was her marriage ceremony album. After hours of looking, they discovered the album intact.
Discovering valuable objects like Becky’s marriage ceremony album is one-way volunteers from everywhere in the nation help households with the method of restoration after a life-altering catastrophe happens.
“I’m so grateful. It was nice. It was fantastic. The spirit in them [the volunteers], it’s not faux, it’s not phony, it was so real,” Becky stated.
Spared to Be Saved
Chief Michael’s sister, Julia Powell, additionally survived with Jermaine Myles and their 2-year-old daughter. Nevertheless, their dwelling sustained vital injury.
When a large tree fell within the entrance yard, it shattered home windows and severely broken their roof. Jermaine ran to guard Julia and their daughter from the particles flying round them. He tried his greatest to consolation Julia as they each clung to their younger baby because the storm handed.
Moments later it was throughout. Inside a number of days, Samaritan’s Purse volunteers arrived to their dwelling. They lower up and eliminated the big tree, cleared particles, and secured a tarp on the roof. “They [the volunteers] did an exquisite job. I’m so glad the Lord introduced you right here. You’ve been a blessing to the entire group,” Julia stated.
God had a higher goal in defending Julia by way of this terrifying storm. Throughout a dialog with a Billy Graham Fast Response Staff chaplain, Julia realized her want for the Savior and positioned her belief in Jesus Christ. We give God the glory for this miracle of recent beginning!
Please proceed to wish for households in Rolling Fork, Silver Metropolis, and Amory, Mississippi as they rebuild their lives, properties and communities. Pray for brand spanking new believers, together with Julia, to develop of their relationship with Jesus Christ. Pray additionally for our twister responses in Arkansas, Indiana, and Tennessee.
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Mississippi
MDOC searching for escaped inmate out of South Mississippi Correctional Institution in Leakesville
LEAKESVILLE, Miss. (WLOX) – The Mississippi Department of Corrections, with the help of other authorities, is searching for an inmate who escaped the South Mississippi Correctional Institution in Leakesville Tuesday afternoon.
According to an alert sent out by the Greene County Emergency Management office, 33-year-old Drew Johnson escaped from the facility around 3:30 p.m. He’s currently serving a life sentence for murder.
He was sentenced on February 14, 2022.
Johnson is described as a 6′0″ male with blue eyes, blond hair, and 200 pounds. He was last seen near Old Highway 24 in Leakesville.
Crews are still out searching for him as of 8:03 p.m. If you have any details regarding the incident or see Johnson, officials say to call 911.
We will update this story as new details become available.
See a spelling or grammar error in this story? Report it to our team HERE.
Copyright 2024 WLOX. All rights reserved.
Mississippi
What MS Coast casino restaurants are open Christmas Day? Here’s our list
Christmas on the Coast is a tradition for many families throughout the Southeast. Mississippi Coast casinos are ready to welcome them with open arms and open restaurants.
Below are the casinos open for dining on Christmas Day, some with limited holiday fare. Reservations may be required for some restaurants.
875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-386-7111.
BR Prime
Reservations required.
- Holiday Bouillabaisse, Icy Blue Mussels, Little Neck Clams, Gulf Shrimp, Seabass $15
- Prime Rib with Demi Glace, Thyme Horseradish Cream, Hasselback Potatoes, Heirloom Carrots, Roasted Brussels Sprouts $72
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake $15
Salt and Ivy
Reservations encouraged.
- Christmas Feature $38: Crab, Shrimp and Spinach-stuffed Flounder with Dill Bearnaise, Wild Mushroom Farro and White Wine-Garlic Broccolini
The Buffet
Holiday Brunch: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Adults, $32.99; Children, $19.99; Under 4, free.
Holiday Lunch/Dinner: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Adults, $49.99; Children $25.99; Under 4, free.Free Under 4
- Features include herb-crusted prime rib, spicy shrimp boil, NOLA BBQ shrimp and grilled sirloin
151 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-435-5400.
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Reservations recommended. Restaurant hours: noon to 9 p.m.
- The Chateaubriand three-course menu for two includes Chateaubriand with Roasted Shallots, Red Wine Demi Reduction, Sauce Bearnaise and Au Jus; Winter Salad to share; choice of two sides; and choice of desserts for $179. Lobster tails or mini crab cakes are available at an extra cost.
Lillie’s Asian Cuisine
Restaurant hours: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saltgrass Steak House
Restaurant hours: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Restaurant hours: noon to 8 p.m.
Michael Patrick’s
Restaurant hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-374-7625.
Christmas Day Buffet, $39.99 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Menu includes starters, a carving station, Satisfaction favorites such as Southern Fried Chicken and Stuffed Crabs, Asian Cuisine, sides and desserts.
711 Hollywood Blvd., Bay St. Louis, 228-469-2100.
Epic Buffet
Restaurant hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- The Epic Buffet features more than 80 dishes including Crab Legs, Peel and Eat Shrimp, Southern barbecue, Asian cuisine, Creole, Italian and fresh seafood.
3300 West Beach Blvd., Gulfport, 228-314-2100.
The Buffet
Christmas Day hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Low Country Crawfish Bisque; Creole Seafood Gumbo; Carrot Soufflé Casserole; Praline-Crusted Sweet Potatoes; Orange Chicken with Vegetables; Crispy Fried Shrimp; Carved Roast Turkey; Carved Strip Loin of Beef; Cornbread Dressing; Sliced Roast Turkey in Giblet Gravy; Carved Round of Beef, Smoked Ham and Cajun Fried Turkey; Cranberry Compote; Roasted Salmon Loin; Boiled Gulf Shrimp with Remoulade Sauce; Happy Family Shrimp and Vegetables; Smoked Pork with all the Trimmings; and more, $29.99.
C and G Grille
Christmas Day hours: 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., $26.
- Choice of Starter: Seafood Gumbo or House Salad
- Choice of Entrée: Roast Turkey and Dressing or Glazed Bone-In Ham Steak. Each served with Green Bean Casserole, Candied Sweet Potatoes and Cranberry Compote
- Dessert: Cookie Butter Banana Pie
The Diner
Christmas Day hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., $20.
- Choice of Starter: House Salad or Seafood Gumbo
- Entrée: Roast Turkey with Dressing, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce and Green Beans
- Dessert: Sweet Potato Pie with Whipped Cream
Dockside Deli
Christmas Day hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., $21.
- Starter: Crab and Corn Bisque or Seafood Gumbo
- Choice of Entrée: Debris-Style Turkey Dressing, Green Beans, Cranberry Compote and Carrot Soufflé Casserole or Sausage Sampler with pineapple jalapeno, knockwurst and green onion sausages. Served with red kraut and warm potato salad.
- Dessert: Spiced Applesauce Cake
Prime Cut Restaurant
Christmas Day hours: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., $45.
- Starter: Crab and Artichoke-Stuffed Mushrooms Drizzled with Hollandaise
- Choice of Entrée: Beef Tenderloin au Poivre or Pan-Seared Sea Bass with lemon beurre blanc. Each served with a side of choice
- Dessert: Pumpkin Swiss Cake Roll
158 Howard Ave., Biloxi, 228-432-8888
Restaurant hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., $40.
- Traditional Christmas menu plus Prime Rib, Smoked Baked Ham, Sliced Turkey Breast, Boiled Shrimp and dishes from the Grill, Comfort, Wok and Coastal stations.
9380 Central Ave., D’Iberville, 888-752-9772.
Under the Oak Cafe
Christmas Day hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Herb Dijon Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes Puree, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Cranberries and an Herb Dijon Reduction, $25.
- Creamy Eggnog Bread Pudding, $14.
Scarlet’s Steaks and Seafood
Reservations recommended. Christmas Day hours: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Lobster Thermidor, Broiled Coldwater Stuffed Lobster topped with Mushroom Cognac Cream Sauce, Parmigiana Reggiano, Garlic Butter Breadcrumbs and Wilted Arugula Salad, $80.
- Beef Wellington, 8-ounce filet mignon, with Mushroom Duxelles, Prosciutto and baked in Puff Pastry, served with Bordelaise Sauce, $78.
- Creme de Mint Cheesecake, $13
5000 South Beach Blvd., Bay St. Louis, 228-469-2777.
Jubilee Buffet
Christmas Day hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Traditional holiday menu plus, all-you-can-eat Dungeness Crab and Jumbo Shrimp, $49.95.
Blue Bayou Bar and Grill
$58 per person.
- Salad: Baby Spinach with Candied Pecans, Dried Cranberries, Mandarin Orange, Goat Cheese, Roasted Cacao Nibs and a Citrus Vinaigrette.
- Entrée: Choice of Crispy Roasted Half Duck, Braised Red Cabbage, Port Wine Demi Glaze and Whipped Roasted Garlic Mash or Blackened Pork Loin, Pomegranate Glaze, Bacon Braised Crispy Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potato Gratin
1980 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-385-6000.
Infinity Buffet
Christmas Day hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Carved ham, roasted turkey, roast brisket and more, $47.99 with crab, $25.49 without crab.
The Den
Christmas Day hours: 11 a.m. to midnight.
- Bacon-wrapped stuffed pork loin, $38; or prime rib, $45.
The following casinos will be open Christmas Day but restaurant options were not available:
280 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-436-2946.
850 Bayview Ave, Biloxi, 228-436-3000.
Lici Beveridge is a reporter for the Hattiesburg American and Clarion Ledger. Contact her at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on X @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge.
Mississippi
Santa Claus, reindeer team cleared for Christmas Eve travel across Mississippi – SuperTalk Mississippi
State travel agency officials are expecting the holiday travel season to be particularly hectic this year, and one of the world’s busiest travelers has now gotten the green light from the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT).
At Santa Claus’ request, MDOT staff thoroughly inspected his extra wide sleigh load, ensuring it met all safety requirements. Permits were also issued for the abnormally large sack of toys, which surpassed posted weight limits, and Rudolph’s bright red nose apparently met, but did not exceed, the illumination threshold.
All takeoffs and landings to and from the homes of good Mississippi children have been approved, and exceptions were also granted for any last minute “Nice List” additions, according to the agency. On the heels of the festive certification, MDOT leaders reminded those around the state to follow Saint Nick’s example.
“Santa knows the importance of being prepared no matter how you choose to travel, and he’s a staunch, yet jolly, safety advocate to boot,” MDOT Executive Director Brad White said. “Before Santa Claus comes to your town, make sure your elf-size family members always travel in car seats, wear your seatbelt and check it twice, and remember, he sees you when you’re speeding, and he knows when you’ve been texting.
“Take it from Kris Kringle: Put safety first so everyone can have a Merry Christmas.”
Santa also received driver conduct reports from MDOT elves Darryl and Cheryl, suggesting that some of the state’s motorists could very well get a lump of coal this year. But Santa insisted that a few behavioral adjustments and a dash of Christmas spirit can change the fate of even the most egregious drivers.
Current forecasts suggest favorable conditions for sleigh flights on Christmas Eve. Magnolia State motorists are advised to drive slowly and be alert for sleighs, reindeer, and their white-tailed cousins after dark. “Blitzened driving is strictly prohibited,” concluded agency officials in a press release.
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