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LAUREL, Miss (THN News)- There were intense moments during a special called budget meeting today as Ward 7 Councilwoman Marian Allen fights to increase the raises of all city employees. During the special called meeting, Councilwoman Allen said all city employees should get at least a 10% raise across the board. Mayor Johnny Magee says no. He's proposing a 5% raise. Councilwoman Allen says it's not enough for everyday working people and stands alone fighting for the city employees as other council members agree with the mayor. At one point during the meeting, the mayor told Councilwoman Allen a 10% raise is going to cost a million dollars asking her "Where are you going to get the million dollars from?" Councilwoman Allen fired back by asking to see all of the mayors contracts asking, "How much do we pay for these contracts, where are they, who are they and when do the contracts end?" which brought an abundance of silence to the room. The fight over the city budget continues. This is a developing story.

SENATOBIA, Miss (THN News) - Northwest Mississippi Community College DeSoto Center's Lead Practical Nursing Instructor Paula Geeter received the Sandy Grisham Excellence in Teaching Award at Northwest the college's Convocation held on Aug. 11 in the Heindl Center on the Senatobia campus. This award is given to those who show outstanding excellence in their teaching and a dedication to the profession. This honor is the highest teaching award given at Northwest, and is meant to celebrate their hard work. The award is named after Sandy Grisham, who was a long-standing social science educator at the college. Previously this award was reserved for social science instructors only, but in the past few years has been open to all instructors at the college. "This was truly an honor, and I want to show my appreciation to my Northwest family for recognizing my work and honoring my dedication to nursing education," Geeter said. "My parents taught me that you never know who is watching you, so act accordingly and give flowers to people while they are still alive. I remember my parents saying to be mindful of how my actions reflect on me as an individual. People judge us not just by what we say, but by how we carry ourselves in public. Acting accordingly isn't about performing a false version of yourself-it's about showing up as your best self, with awareness and respect for the moment." Selfless in and out of the classroom, Geeter has a deep empathy for others as students and patients. She dedicates much of her time to taking care of her mother who suffers from dementia. She said that she enjoys time meditating alone and observing the world around her. Geeter started teaching over 20 years ago, starting first in 2001 at the TCAT Memphis, and at that point she'd been a nurse for five years. She said she had a lot to learn at that point and was still learning all the ropes. She said even now, she's still learning as she's continuing her education by getting her doctorate in nursing practice with a concentration in nursing education at the University of Arkansas Jonesboro. She found inspiration to become a nurse and an educator through life and her mentors, including Northwest DeSoto's Tamara Pittman-Johnson. "I admire her tenacity in educating practical nursing students," Geeter said. "I am so thankful we crossed paths when I was working at Baptist Memorial Hospital - DeSoto many moons ago." Learning from her past, she said she'd tell anyone considering nursing to embrace every moment in life, learn to be patient with yourself and others, and give grace to those around you including yourself. She said that she always strives to learn more, especially in the ever-changing health care system. Geeter received a Bachelor of Science in natural science from LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis in 1992, then attended the University of Tennessee Health Sciences College of Nursing in 1994 and received a Bachelor of Science in nursing within four semesters in 1996. Afterward she attended Central Michigan University where she got her Master of Science in administration with a concentration in human resource management. She earned her second master's degree in nursing administration from the University of Alabama Huntsville. In 2022, she received her Academic Clinical Nurse Educator Certification (CNEcl) through the National League of Nursing, which recognizes excellence in clinical nursing education within an academic setting.

Photo Credits: 5518 Designs BUTTE, Mont (THN News) – After dropping their first match of the day to Eastern Oregon, #24 William Carey upset Montana Tech in a five-set thriller to finish play in the Big Sky Challenge. Against #5 Eastern Oregon, WCU got off to a slow start, falling behind early 9-4. After some back and forth, the Mounties seized control of the set behind a 7-1 run to take a 17-7 lead before going on to take the set 25-12. Set two started like the first with EOU taking an early lead before using an 11-2 run take control, eventually taking the set 25-7. The Mounties wasted no time in set three, racing out to an 11-2 advantage and never looked back, taking the set 25-16. Things were much different in their final match of the Big Sky Challenge against #17 Montana Tech. Set one saw a late rally be the difference as both teams were locked in. Things were tight early on, as neither team led by more than two points until the Orediggers went on a 9-2 run to take an 20-13 lead. Despite the seven-point deficit, the Lady Crusaders regained their footing, rallying behind an 8-1 run of their own to tie the set at 21. However, those would be the last points Carey picked up, as Montana Tech closed the set with four straight points. Set two saw the same back and forth from set one with WCU slowly building a 15-9 advantage. Just as Carey battled back in the first set, the Orediggers did the same, cutting the deficit to 17-15. The Lady Crusaders stopped the run and responded with an 8-4 run to close the set and even things up. Nothing changed in the third set, except that there were no big rallies by either team to take control of the set. The largest lead of the set was held by Montana Tech at 14-11 which was quickly erased by WCU. From there it was a series of both teams taking turns with the lead eventually leading to extra points being needed to determine the winner. The Lady Crusaders were the first team to have set point at 24-23 but a service error kept the set going. After trading points, it was the Orediggers turn to try and clinch the set but a kill by  Natalie Bartholomew  kept Carey alive. Bartholomew followed that kill with an ace to again give WCU set point. This time though, an attack error on the next play by Montana Tech sealed the win for Carey. The Lady Crusaders stumbled a bit starting the fourth set, allowing the Orediggers to take an early 11-5 lead. WCU found their footing and battled their way back to take a 12-11 lead. After a little back and forth. The Orediggers seized control of the set behind a 9-0 run before going on to take the set 25-14 and force the deciding fifth set. The Lady Crusaders quickly shook off the fourth set loss, resuming the back-and-forth battle to start the fifth set. With things remaining tight, it was Carey that slowly built a 12-9 advantage. The Orediggers would not go quietly and fought their way back to tie the set at 13. Carey would retake the lead on a kill by  Sofia Bettini  to put the Lady Crusaders within one point of victory and just like the ending of the third set, a Montana Tech error proved costly, sealing the victory for Carey. WCU is back in action Friday, August 29-30, as they head to Omaha, Neb. To take in the CSM Labor Day Classic. On day one, Carey will take on #10 Providence (Mont.) at 2:00 pm and #23 The Master's (Calif.) at 6:00 pm.

Emil Corfitzen (Copenhagen, Denmark) celebrates with teammates following his first goal of the season. (Melany Carrasco/PRCC Athletics). POPLARVILLE, Miss. (THN News) —  In a season-opening clash of national contenders, No. 8 Pearl River men's soccer delivered the first statement of the year, blanking No. 9 Johnson County 3-0. "Johnson County is a really good team — there's a reason they're in the top-10," head coach Drew Gallant said. "It was exciting to host an opponent of that level. Teams of their talent are exactly what we'll see the rest of the non-conference schedule, so it was good to get some experience under us." It didn't take long at all for the Wildcats (1-0 overall) to break down the defense of Johnson County (0-2) as international striker Viktor Hammer (Fredensborg, Denmark) netted his first goal in the maroon and gold in the 16th minute. The freshman received a pass in a one-versus-two situation, drove between defenders before weaving back and forth to keep the Cavalier centerback off balance. He finally got into the box, faked a shot and promptly laced the ball into the bottom corner of the net, 1-0. Johnson County had numerous opportunities throughout the first half to equalize against the Wildcats. In the 27th minute, JCCC skied a penalty kick. Four minutes later, Cameron Kent (Brandon) came up big for the first of many huge saves throughout the day, diving to his left to turn a shot away. The 34th saw him come crashing out from the near post before dropping to knock the ball out of play. "Our team works together so well," Kent said. "I don't make any of those saves if they don't put me in the position to do it. We showed some personality on the field, and it was good to do it early." Hammer came through once more for Pearl River after 38 minutes in the opening half. Tycho van Haaren (Doetinchem, Netherlands) sent a pass ahead and into the box. Before getting onto the ball, Hammer spun to make some space. He then put a left-footed strike into the ball and sent it past the Johnson County goalkeeper at the near post. On the first goal, I saw a lot of space between the defenders and knew it had to be a goal," Hammer said. "The second goal — it was pure instinct. When I turned, I knew I had to smash it in." Hammer's brace sent Pearl River into halftime with a commanding 2-0 lead. When the second half rolled around, Pearl River raised the defensive intensity, giving very few opportunities to Johnson County down the stretch. Emil Corfitzen (Copenhagen, Denmark) gave Pearl River additional breathing room in the 52nd minute. He cut inside to lose a pair of defenders before bending a shot from the left side of the goal around the goalkeeper and into the net at the far post, 3-0.  Pearl River had a few additional opportunities down the stretch, with Julian van Rijsdam (Badhoevedorp, Netherlands) having a shot deflected and Zach Howard (Ocean Springs) having one saved. Kent managed to deny a few more Cavalier shots down the stretch to seal a clean sheet and a commanding 3-0 victory to open the season. NEXT UP The Wildcats return to the pitch Friday at Gulf Coast. Kickoff against the rival Bulldogs is scheduled for 7 p.m. The game will be livestreamed at MGCCCBulldogs.com/watch .

ELLISVILLE, Miss, (THN News)  – Jones College athletics will host its annual "Night with the Bobcats" on Tuesday, August 19 starting at 6 o'clock on the C.L. Neill Student Center Plaza. The event is free to the public and kicks off a busy fall semester for athletics. It is open to all Bobcat students, staff, families and friends in the surrounding community.  Student-athletes from our 12 programs will be on hand to sign autographs. Posters and pocket schedules for fall sports will be available and winter and spring sports will have cards to autograph for anyone interested. Select members of each team will be recognized and Bobcat cheer, the Typhoon and Touch of Gold will perform. Numerous local businesses will be set up around the plaza with giveaways as well as games.  Fans are encouraged to stick around after the event for a free concert featuring the Cadie Calhoun Band set to start at 7:30.

HATTIESBURG, Miss (THN News) - One of the most anticipated days in high school football is almost here, The Mississippi Media Day. This statewide event is Wednesday, August 27, 2025, in beautiful downtown Hattiesburg at the Jackie Dole Community Center, 220 W. Front Street. Doors open at 6pm. The event is free for athletes and coaches. Tickets are available to the public. Over 50 news agencies and organizations will participate in voting in the all-new Mississippi High School Players Rankings to kick off the 2025-26 season, the most accurate ranking of high school athletes in Mississippi, including determining who’s the #1 overall football athlete in Mississippi. Only athletes who signup to participate will be ranked and evaluated. Each athlete submitted will be evaluated and ranked based on their own merits. Athletes’ grade, classification, nor school will not be a determining factor. Upon signing up to attend and participate in the event, athletes must complete an evaluation form turning in basic information, submit content, and other details members of the press need to evaluate each athlete. Extensive research will be done prior to the event. The event itself features a red-carpet entrance with photographers, a press conference room, a state-wide meet & greet for all attendees, a dinner, & the releasing of the Mississippi High School Players Rankings 2025-26. Coaches & athletes will be interviewed on the red carpet, in the press conference room or at the end of the event. MAP said the rankings will be updated throughout the season as members of the press will vote weekly according to athlete’s performance on a week-to-week basis. Participating coaches need to fill out a coach’s pass. Participating athletes need to login their MAP Student Account & signup for the event on the “Athlete’s Tab.” Athletes who don’t have a MAP Account can simply create a student account, tap on the ‘Athletes’ tab and sign up for the red-carpet event or call our office 601.255.8504. Questions? Call The MAP Office to speak with their membership team (601.255.8504), email ( info@playersms.com ), tap “Let’s Chat” on their online platform to chat live with our staff or visit playersms.com/events .

JACKSON, Miss. | The 2025-26 Jackson State athletics year officially begins with the women's soccer team's regular season opener on Thursday against Kentucky on the road. Thursday, August 14 | Women's Soccer at Kentucky | 7:30 p.m. (ET)  Watch Live (SECN+) | Live Stats Jackson State opens the 2025 campaign on the road against SEC power Kentucky who is receiving votes in United Soccer Coaches preseason top 25. The Wildcats made the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament. Friday, August 15 | Bleed THEE Blue Fall Fan Fest | 6 - 8 p.m. Fans will get a chance to meet the 2025-26 fall student-athletes from Jackson State at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium. The family-friendly event is free. Friday, August 15 | Thee Country Boy Experience | 8 p.m. Tickets Following the Bleed THEE Blue Fan Fest, fans can purchase a ticket to Thee Country Boy Experience. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the show in style with Stephanie Luckett, S. Dott, LJ Echols, PC Band, and Arthur Young.  Sunday, August 17 | Women's Soccer at Middle Tennessee | 1 p.m. Watch Live (ESPN+) | Live Stats Jackson State continues its season opening road trip in Murfreesboro (Tenn.) against Middle Tennessee who finished the season in the Conference USA Tournament second round.

OKLAHOMA CITY, Ok (THN News)- The Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame (OSHOF) released the fourth annual Aeneas Williams Award Preseason Watch List that includes Jackson State senior defensive back Shamar Hawkins and 14 other of the nation's best defensive backs in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Division I football. The preseason watch list is selected by a screening committee in partnership with DraftHBCUPlayers and the Paycom Jim Thorpe Award. This list is not final, and players who have outstanding seasons may be added to the semifinalists and finalists lists as the the season progresses. He was named to the list after a season in which he played in 14 games with five starts in the defensive backfield. The senior finished the year with 49 tackles, including 33 solo stops, while also recording 4.5 tackles for loss and three sacks. Hawkins intercepted a pair of passes and recorded one pass breakup. The senior recorded six or more tackles four times, including a career-high eight against UAPB (Nov. 2).  The list includes Diego Addison (South Carolina State), Herman Brister III (Southern), Jadon Carter (Morgan State), Blake Davis (Grambling State), Wayne Favors III (Delaware State), Aaron Harris, (North Carolina A&T), Johnny Harris III (Bethune-Cookman), Hawkins, Kahleef Jimmison (Norfolk State), Horacio Johnson (Southern), Keane Lewis (Alabama State), Twillie Lovette (Alabama State), Malcolm Reed (North Carolina Central), Jameel Sanders (Florida A&M), and Jarod Washington (South Carolina State). The Aeneas Williams Award is presented by the Chickasaw Nation and awarded to the best defensive back in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Division I college football based on performance on the field, athletic ability and character. This award was established in 2022 and serves as the first of its kind in HBCU history in honor of its namesake, Southern University walk-on and Pro Football Hall of Famer, Aeneas Williams. The contribution of HBCUs to the landscape of college football and the NFL has forever left an impact on the game. HBCUs hold an incredibly rich athletic tradition, tied to the game of football, that continues to exemplify the culture of these schools for over the past century. Jackson State opens the season at home against Hampton on Aug. 30.

HATTIESBURG, Miss (THN News)- Bad weather tonight as showers and thunderstorm come into the area. Expect showers and thunderstorms all week & all next week at least until next Thursday. Here's a more detail forecast. Tonight, there's a chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1am, then a slight chance of showers between 1am and 2am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 74. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Thursday will be showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 103. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Thursday Night you can also expect showers and thunderstorms likely before 10pm, then a slight chance of showers between 10pm and 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Friday there's a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 95. Heat index values as high as 103. Calm wind. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Friday Night will be partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Calm wind. Saturday, there's a 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 96. Calm wind becoming north northwest around 5 mph. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Saturday Night will again be partly cloudy, with a low around 75. Calm wind. Sunday, there's a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 95. Calm wind becoming north northeast around 5 mph. Sunday Night will be mostly clear, with a low around 74. Calm wind. Monday, there's a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Monday Night will be mostly clear, with a low around 74. Tuesday, there's a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny, with a high near 95. Tuesday Night will be mostly clear, with a low around 74. Wednesday, there's a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Sunny and hot, with a high near 97.

JACKSON, Miss. (THN News)- The Jackson State University Division of Athletics will hold its annual Bleed Thee Blue Fall Fan Fest at Veterans Memorial Stadium on Friday, August 15. Fans will get a chance to meet their favorite student-athletes and coaches beginning at 6 p.m., and will also be able to get the 2025 schedule poster signed. All fans must enter through Gate 6 at Veterans Memorial Stadium, and the Clear Bag Policy will be in place on Friday, and the event is free. Following Fan Fest, Thee Country Boy Experience will take place at 8 p.m. and tickets are available by visiting www.myimpacttickets.com . Come join the Jackson State football coaching staff at the kickoff block party and un an unforgettable evening celebrating Jackson State athletics with great food, fellowship, and fun as we kick off the 2025 JSU Football season in true Mississippi fashion! The live concert kicks off at 8 p.m. with an all-star Southern Soul lineup that includes Stephanie Luckett, S. Dott, LJ Echols, PC Band, and Arthur Young. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the show in style! There will be a Kid Zone with inflatables and games ensures fun for the entire family, while food and beverage vendors on-site offering a variety of local favorites. Don't miss this high-energy celebration hosted by coach T.C. Taylor and Jackson State football. It's more than a concert, it's an EXPERIENCE. Get your tickets now at www.myimpacttickets.com !

LAUREL Miss (THN News) - Less than 72 hours after being released from jail, Community Activist Anthony Hudson, an outspoken critic of Jones County and The City of Laurel local government, is currently on life support at a local hospital according to reports submitted to the news. Hattiesburg News has not verified these reports and we are not willing to release the photographs we've received allegedly of Anthony Hudson in ICU. This medial emergency is following his recent release from jail after he was arrested by Jones County Sheriff Department for allegedly threatening local judicial officials in one of his Facebook Live videos. His bond was set at $150,000 by Jones County Judge Sonny Saul. However, the public outcry about his detention including his high bond was overwhelmingly in his favor as many in the community claimed his arrest was illegal and violated his federal "free speech" rights. Many people, including both white and black citizens, offered to donate towards his bond. This is a developing story.

MOORHEAD, Miss. (THN News) - Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) is proud to announce the appointment of Ernest T. Jones as the Interim Head Football Coach for the Trojans. Coach Jones brings an extensive and impressive background in collegiate football, combining on-field coaching, player development, and athletic administration. His career highlights include a head coaching tenure at Alcorn State University and his most recent role as secondary and special teams coach at Alabama A&M University. Additionally, Coach Jones has contributed his expertise to esteemed programs such as Notre Dame, UConn, Morgan State, Cincinnati, and Central Michigan. A former wide receiver at Alcorn State University, Coach Jones holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Alcorn State (1995) and a Master of Science in Human Services from Concordia University (2002). He is deeply committed to fostering athletic achievement while emphasizing the personal and academic growth of his student-athletes. Coach Jones and his wife, Kimberly, are proud parents to two sons, Kgai and Myles. MDCC looks forward to the leadership and vision Coach Jones will bring to the Trojan football program.