Mississippi

Mississippi tornado victims wonder, ‘How can we rebuild?’

Published

1 year ago

March 28, 2023

Mississippi tornado victims wonder, ‘How can we rebuild?’

By EMILY WAGSTER PETTUS, ROBERT BUMSTED and REBECCA SANTANA (Related Press)

ROLLING FORK, Miss. (AP) — The twister that collapsed the roof and two partitions of Jermaine Wells’ Mississippi dwelling additionally hurled a large tractor tire that landed close to him in the lounge as his spouse huddled within the laundry room.

The couple survived the Friday night time storm, however as they picked via the ruins of their one-story dwelling Monday in Rolling Fork, he mentioned they’re unsure how they’re going to pay for each day bills, not to mention long-term restoration.

Wells, 50, drives a backhoe for a street division in one other county, and he mentioned he doesn’t receives a commission if he doesn’t work. His spouse, a cashier at an area retailer, gathered free cash as he regarded for clothes within the rubble.

“I can’t even get to work. I don’t don’t have any car, no nothing,” Wells mentioned. “How can we rebuild one thing that we don’t don’t have anything to construct our basis with?”

The catastrophe makes life much more tough on this economically struggling space. Mississippi is without doubt one of the poorest states within the U.S., and the majority-Black Delta has lengthy been one of many poorest elements of Mississippi — a spot the place many individuals work paycheck to paycheck, usually in jobs related to agriculture.

Two of the counties walloped by the twister, Sharkey and Humphreys, are among the many most sparsely populated within the state, with just a few thousand residents in communities scattered throughout large expanses of cotton, corn and soybean fields. Sharkey’s poverty fee is 35%, and Humphreys’ is 33%, in contrast with about 19% for Mississippi and fewer than 12% for your entire United States.

Individuals in poverty are susceptible after disasters not solely as a result of they lack monetary sources but additionally as a result of they usually don’t have associates or household who can afford to offer long-term shelter, mentioned the Rev. Starsky Wilson, president and CEO of Youngsters’s Protection Fund, a nationwide group that advocates insurance policies to assist low-income households.

“We now have to verify individuals with energy — policymakers — take note of and maintain their consideration on individuals which are usually unseen as a result of they’re poor, as a result of they’re Black, as a result of they’re rural,” Wilson advised The Related Press on Monday.

On Monday, the Mississippi Emergency Administration Company revised the state dying toll from the twister to 21, down from 25. The company mentioned the brand new quantity relies on deaths confirmed by coroners. MEMA spokeswoman Allie Jasper mentioned the company doesn’t know of any individuals nonetheless reported lacking. One individual was killed in Alabama.

Preliminary assessments present 313 constructions in Mississippi had been destroyed and greater than 1,000 had been affected indirectly, the Federal Emergency Administration Company advised emergency managers Monday.

The twister destroyed many properties and companies in Rolling Fork and the close by city of Silver Metropolis, leaving mounds of lumber, bricks and twisted steel. The native housing inventory was already tight, and a few who misplaced their properties mentioned they are going to dwell with associates or relations. Mississippi opened greater than a half-dozen shelters to briefly home individuals displaced by the twister.

The twister obliterated the modest one-story dwelling that Kimberly Berry shared together with her two daughters within the Delta flatlands about 15 miles (24 kilometers) outdoors Rolling Fork. It left solely the muse and random belongings — a toppled fridge, a dresser and matching nightstand, a bag of Christmas decorations, some clothes.

In the course of the storm, Berry and her 12-year-old daughter prayed inside a close-by church that was barely broken, whereas her 25-year-old daughter survived in Rolling Fork. Berry shook her head as she regarded on the stays of their materials possessions. She mentioned she’s grateful she and her youngsters are nonetheless alive.

“I can get all this again. It’s nothing,” mentioned Berry, 46, who works as a supervisor at a catfish rising and processing operation. “I’m not going to get depressed about it.”

She spent the weekend with family and friends sorting via salvageable objects. Her sister, Dianna Berry, mentioned her own residence a couple of miles away was undamaged. She works at a deer camp, and she or he mentioned her boss has provided to let Kimberly Berry and her daughters dwell there for so long as they want.

President Joe Biden issued an emergency declaration for Mississippi on Sunday, making federal funding obtainable to hardest-hit areas. However Craig Fugate, who headed FEMA when Barack Obama was president, mentioned it’s necessary to keep in mind that the company won’t pay for all bills after a catastrophe.

“In these communities the place individuals don’t have insurance coverage and the properties had been destroyed, their means to do restoration will probably be examined,” Fugate mentioned.

FEMA supplies momentary housing and helps with some uninsured losses, however he mentioned the company isn’t designed to exchange every little thing if properties are uninsured or underinsured. Lengthy-term restoration will probably be closely depending on cash from Housing and City Improvement.

“That cash received’t move quick,” he mentioned.

In recent times, FEMA has moved to cut back boundaries in order that “all individuals, together with these from susceptible and underserved communities, are higher in a position to entry our help,” mentioned FEMA spokesperson Jeremy Edwards. He cited company modifications increasing the sorts of paperwork survivors can present to confirm they lived in or personal a selected dwelling.

Marcus T. Coleman Jr., who heads the Middle for Religion-Primarily based and Neighborhood Partnerships with the Division of Homeland Safety, mentioned after visiting Rolling Fork he’s involved about each the psychological well being and monetary challenges for individuals struggling within the twister’s aftermath. “Disasters usually exacerbate preexisting inequities,” mentioned Coleman.

Denise Durel heads United Approach of Southwest Louisiana, the place residents are nonetheless recovering from hurricanes Laura and Delta that struck in 2020. The group has been serving to individuals rebuild broken properties, and a few had been uninsured or had too little protection.

“Simply drive via city,” she mentioned. “Blue tarps are nonetheless there. The homes are in worse form.”

Louisiana has lastly obtained a big infusion of federal cash to assist these nonetheless struggling from the 2 2020 hurricanes. Durel mentioned if individuals didn’t register with FEMA quickly after the storms, they’ll’t qualify for this new cash. She mentioned the appliance course of is tough and requires web entry, however many households had been targeted on gutting their properties and won’t have identified about registration or understood its significance.

“The individuals in Mississippi have to know loud and clear: By some means it’s important to discover a solution to get these individuals registered with FEMA,” Durel mentioned.

This story has been up to date to right the title for Marcus T. Coleman Jr. He works for the Division of Homeland Safety.

___

Rebecca Santana reported from Washington, and Related Press/Report For America reporter Michael Goldberg contributed from Rolling Fork.

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Mississippi

Possible overdose at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility, according to officials

Published

3 hours ago

September 6, 2024

Press Room

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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See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Please click here to report it and include the headline of the story in your email.

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Mississippi

Mississippi State Football Depth Chart for ASU: Kelly Akharaiyi Status Uncertain

Published

10 hours ago

September 5, 2024

Press Room

Mississippi State Football Depth Chart for ASU: Kelly Akharaiyi Status Uncertain

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.

Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Blake Shapen looks to pass against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels during the second quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

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.

Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Davon Booth (21) runs the ball against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

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.

Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Jordan Mosley runs the ball while defended by Eastern Kentucky Colonels defensive back Sam Robertson during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

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.

Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Kedrick Bingley-Jones (22) reacts after a play against Eastern Kentucky.

Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Kedrick Bingley-Jones (22) reacts after a play against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels during the third quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

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.

Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Kevin Coleman (3) runs the ball against the Eastern Kentucky Colonels during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. / Matt Bush-Imagn Images

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.

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Mississippi

Arizona State eyes first win against an SEC opponent vs. Mississippi State

Published

17 hours ago

September 5, 2024

Press Room

Arizona State eyes first win against an SEC opponent vs. Mississippi State

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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