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Articles by Cadence Renfro
School accountability grades: See how Pine Belt schools scored
PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) - The Mississippi Department of Education has released results for the 2026 Mississippi Statewide Accountability System.
Investigation underway after student brings weapon to Columbia school
COLUMBIA, Miss. (WDAM) - A weapon was discovered this morning at Jefferson Middle School after an investigation into an unrelated, nonviolent matter that occurred off campus, according to the Columbia School District. The Columbia School District said in a statement that the initial investigation was not related to weapons or any known threat of violence. School administrators immediately notified law enforcement. The school district said this is an isolated incident.
Investigation underway after student brings weapon to Columbia school
COLUMBIA, Miss. (WDAM) - A weapon was discovered this morning at Jefferson Middle School after an investigation into an unrelated, nonviolent matter that occurred off campus, according to the Columbia School District. The Columbia School District said in a statement that the initial investigation was not related to weapons or any known threat of violence. School administrators immediately notified law enforcement. The school district said this is an isolated incident.
CHECKLIST: Prepping for Tropical Storm Isaias
PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) - As Tropical Storm Isaias moves through the Gulf, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency urges residents to begin preparing now. Tropical Storm Isaias could bring significant rainfall, flash flooding and other impacts to Mississippi starting Friday and continuing through the weekend. Forecasters predict the storm could develop into a Category 2 hurricane and impact the Mississippi coast by Friday.
Jones County man behind bars after narcotics search warrant
JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - A man is behind bars after the Jones County Sheriff’s Department executed a warrant at a Moselle residence Monday. According to JCSD, the narcotics search warrant was related to the sale of dangerous and illicit narcotics. Joshua Webb, 40, was charged with possession of heroin with intent to distribute and felony possession of meth. Webb also has a hold from another agency.
3 arrested, including South Jones student, in Cob sting by Jones County deputies
JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - Three people were arrested Thursday in Jones County after an investigation by the Jones County Sheriff’s Department into the sale of Cob, a Schedule I controlled substance. JCSD executed an early-morning search warrant at a home in the 200 block of Spur Line Road and arrested Jaquece Heard, 24. Jaquece Heard, 24, was arrested after JCSD executed a search warrant on his residence.(JCSD) Weapons, vapes and vape pods were seized at the residence.
3 arrested, including South Jones student, in Cob sting by Jones County deputies
JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - Three people were arrested Thursday in Jones County after an investigation by the Jones County Sheriff’s Department into the sale of Cob, a Schedule I controlled substance. JCSD executed an early-morning search warrant at a home in the 200 block of Spur Line Road and arrested Jaquece Heard, 24. Jaquece Heard, 24, was arrested after JCSD executed a search warrant on his residence.(JCSD) Weapons, vapes and vape pods were seized at the residence.
Four suspects in custody after search in Marion County
MARION COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - 4:10 P.M. UPDATE: Four people are in custody after a shooting in Marion County that prompted a search when the suspects fled on foot following a vehicle wreck. According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, officers responded at 1:20 p.m. to multiple 911 calls regarding a shooting in the Bethel Church community near Sims Lane. Following the reported shooting, the suspects fled the area in a vehicle before the vehicle wrecked. Four individuals then fled on foot.
Search underway for armed suspect in Marion County Original
MARION COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is searching for an armed and dangerous suspect near Bethel Church Road and Windham Road. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is searching for an armed and dangerous suspect in the area of Bethel Church Road and Windham Road.(Google Maps) The sheriff’s office described the suspect as a Black male and said he was last seen on foot. Residents are advised not to approach the suspect.
5 students hurt in Jones County rollover crash involving pickup truck, officials say
JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - Five students are being treated for injuries following a rollover crash involving a pickup truck in Jones County Friday afternoon.
5 students hurt in Jones County rollover crash involving pickup truck, officials say
JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - Five students are being treated for injuries following a rollover crash involving a pickup truck in Jones County Friday afternoon. According to sources, the crash took place on State Route 588 close to Sandhill Road in Ellisville. Rollover crash involving students in Jones County(WDAM 7) According to officials, four teenagers and one elementary-aged child were involved in the crash.
IHL approves Pete Taylor Park renovations
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - Plans to renovate Pete Taylor Park at the University of Southern Mississippi were unanimously approved today by the Mississippi Institute of Higher Learning. The renovations would entail changes to the baseball stadium’s exterior design, expand seating along the third-base line and will be part of a future project pending fundraising efforts. The USM Athletic Foundation has retained Wier Boerner Allin Architecture as the design professional for the project.
Sword-wielding man arrested after barricade standoff with Jones County deputies
JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - The Jones County Sheriff’s Department arrested a man on Thursday morning after a standoff in Eastabuchie. Authorities say 43-year-old Lonnie Lankford barricaded himself inside a residence when they attempted to check on Lankford following a report that he was a risk to himself and others. According to JCSD, Lankford threatened an active shooter event at two local businesses.
Sword-wielding man arrested after barricade standoff with Jones County deputies
JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - The Jones County Sheriff’s Department arrested a man on Thursday morning after a standoff in Eastabuchie. Authorities say 43-year-old Lonnie Lankford barricaded himself inside a residence when they attempted to check on Lankford following a report that he was a risk to himself and others. According to JCSD, Lankford threatened an active shooter event at two local businesses.
Man charged with felony fleeing, weapons offenses after Lamar County arrest Original
LAMAR COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - A man is behind bars without bond following a multi-agency arrest, the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office said. According to LCSO, James Wesley Ladner was arrested on Wednesday by LCSO narcotics officers and LCSO criminal investigators, with help from Lamar County Emergency Management. He was arrested in the Baxterville community.
Hattiesburg-Laurel airport to host TSA PreCheck event
MOSELLE, Miss. (WDAM) - The Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport will host a TSA PreCheck enrollment event from Sept. 1 through Sept. 4, allowing local travelers to enroll or renew their membership close to home. The event is in collaboration with IDEMIA, an authorized TSA PreCheck enrollment provider. It will take place at 1002 Terminal Drive in Moselle.
Sumrall man killed in Highway 42 crash in Jefferson Davis County
JEFFERSON DAVIS COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - A Sumrall man died Thursday after a car crash on Highway 42 in Jefferson Davis County. According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, officers responded to the crash at 7:47 p.m. MHP determined that a 2005 Toyota Camry was traveling west on Highway 42 when it collided with a 2018 Ford F-250 that was traveling east. Following the collision, the driver of the Camry, identified as Dantirrean Smith, 42, of Brookhaven, left the scene.
Sumrall man killed in Highway 42 crash in Jefferson Davis County
JEFFERSON DAVIS COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - A Sumrall man died Thursday after a car crash on Highway 42 in Jefferson Davis County. According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, officers responded to the crash at 7:47 p.m. MHP determined that a 2005 Toyota Camry was traveling west on Highway 42 when it collided with a 2018 Ford F-250 that was traveling east. Following the collision, the driver of the Camry, identified as Dantirrean Smith, 42, of Brookhaven, left the scene.
Hattiesburg stabbing suspect apprehended in Connecticut, extradited to face charges Original
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - A man was returned to Hattiesburg to face an attempted capital murder charge after he was apprehended in Connecticut, the Hattiesburg Police Department said. According to HPD, the charge stems from an investigation that began May 6 when officers responded to the 1500 block of Country Club Road. Investigators determined that the suspect, Aliseit Rakiposki, 44, stabbed the victim multiple times.
Southern Miss announces 2026 football ticketing schedule
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - The University of Southern Mississippi announced its football ticketing timeline for the 2026 season and a new football flex plan on Wednesday, July 22. The football flex plan is already live for fans. The plan allows fans to select the number of games they would like to attend at a discounted rate from single-game tickets. Fans must choose a minimum of three games but can choose up to all six home games.
Southern Miss announces 2026 football ticketing schedule Original
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - The University of Southern Mississippi announced its football ticketing timeline for the 2026 season and a new football flex plan on Wednesday, July 22. The football flex plan is already live for fans. The plan allows fans to select the number of games they would like to attend at a discounted rate from single-game tickets. Fans must choose a minimum of three games but can choose up to all six home games.
One dead, two injured in Saturday I-59 crash Original
JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - A multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 59 southbound in Jones County on Saturday killed one person and left two injured. The Mississippi Highway Patrol said a Nissan Rogue SUV driven by William Garrett, 27, of Gulfport, was traveling southbound on the interstate when it collided with a Ford Explorer SUV.
Police searching for missing Hattiesburg man Original
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - The Hattiesburg Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in finding a missing man. Gregory Easterling, 59, of Hattiesburg, was last in contact with family on Thursday, July 23. HPD says he was last seen in the 800 block of Main Street wearing blue overalls and driving a green Buick Regal.
Multi-vehicle accident causes standstill on I-59 South
JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - UPDATE: I-59 Southbound has been reopened. ORIGINAL STORY: A multi-vehicle wreck on Interstate 59 southbound near mile marker 78 has left traffic at a standstill Saturday afternoon. The Mississippi Highway Patrol has responded to the wreck. MHP said that the southbound lanes are blocked. MHP said that two vehicles were involved in the wreck, and one person suffered serious to life-threatening injuries.
Manhunt underway after man shoots at deputies in Smith County
SMITH COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - SATURDAY 3 P.M. UPDATE: The Smith County Sheriff's Office is still searching for Kevin Clay Adams, with no confirmed sightings in the last 24 hours. The sheriff's office said that they have searched wooded areas and cutovers on foot since this morning, and that they have received no reports of any vehicles or property being stolen that could have been used to flee the area. Anyone with information is asked to call 911.
Multi-vehicle accident causes standstill on I-59 South Original
JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - A multi-vehicle wreck on Interstate 59 southbound near mile marker 78 has left traffic at a standstill Saturday afternoon. The Mississippi Highway Patrol has responded to the wreck. MHP said that the southbound lanes are blocked. Travellers heading southbound should expect delays. Traffic at standstill(WDAM) Traffic at standstill(WDAM) WDAM will provide updates as information is released.
USM sets date for 2026 Fan Fest Original
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - The Southern Miss Department of Athletics will host Fan Fest on August 22 to celebrate the start of the 2026-27 athletic year. The free family event will begin at 10 a.m. at the Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M.M. Roberts Stadium.
Manhunt underway after man shoots at deputies in Smith County
SMITH COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - SATURDAY 3 P.M. UPDATE: The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is still searching for Kevin Clay Adams, with no confirmed sightings in the last 24 hours. The sheriff’s office said that they have searched wooded areas and cutovers on foot since this morning, and that they have received no reports of any vehicles or property being stolen that could have been used to flee the area. Anyone with information is asked to call 911.
Manhunt underway after man shoots at deputies in Smith County Original
SMITH COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - The Smith County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents to keep their doors and vehicles locked after a man shot at deputies and fled on foot. The sheriff’s office said that Smith County deputies were serving a warrant in Polkville on Highway 13 when the suspect retrieved a firearm and started shooting at deputies. The suspect was identified as Kevin Clay Adams, a white male wearing a blue shirt and gray pants.
Waynesboro police seeking information after man found in critical condition
WAYNESBORO, Miss. (WDAM) - The Waynesboro Police Department is looking for information on a fight that left a man in critical condition on Thursday afternoon. According to Chief Brian Everett, two black men had been fighting on Spring Street nearBlue Crab Grill. Upon arrival, officers did not see anything until a bystander pointed out a man lying in the tall grass. Everett said the victim was taken to Wayne General Hospital and then transferred to a different area hospital.
LIST: First day of school schedules in the Pine Belt
PINE BELT, Miss. (WDAM) - Getting ready for the 2026-2027 school year?
WCU Crusaders win 10th consecutive Commissioner’s Cup
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDAM) - The William Carey Athletic Department won the Southern States Athletic Conference Commissioner’s Cup for the tenth year in a row on Sunday, June 28. Alongside the overall award, WCU also won the women’s division and men’s division. Athletic Director Tracy English was named the SSAC Athletic Director of the Year. During the 2025-2026 athletic year, WCU won 13 conference championships.
Andretta English, Forrest County Sheriff’s Office investigator, dies after crash Original
FORREST COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - A Forrest County Sheriff’s Office investigator died early Sunday morning after sustaining injuries from a motorcycle accident on Saturday. Investigator Andretta English joined the Forrest County Sheriff’s Office on Feb. 26, 2024. English first served as a patrol deputy and was assigned to the Investigations Division earlier this year. Before working in law enforcement, English spent nearly 10 years working with the AAA Ambulance Service.
Victim identified, man charged with murder in Marion County shooting
MARION COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man for the murder of a woman found shot Friday night in Marion County. According to Marion County Investigator Jamie Singley, Raymond Johnson, 89, of Foxworth, turned himself in Friday night. Johnson has been charged with first-degree murder.
3 injured in motorcycle benefit ride in Columbia Original
COLUMBIA, Miss. (WDAM) - Three people were injured Saturday in Columbia while participating in a motorcycle benefit ride for injured Covington County Deputy Yates Rodney. Columbia Police Chief Adrian Fortenberry said the ride was about 90% complete when two vehicles collided at the Highway 13 and Highway 35 intersection around noon. One motorcycle carried two people.
Victim identified, man charged with murder in Marion County shooting
MARION COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - The Marion County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man for the murder of a woman found shot Friday night in Marion County. According to Marion County Investigator Jamie Singley, Raymond Johnson, 89, of Foxworth, turned himself in Friday night. Johnson has been charged with first-degree murder.
HPD searching for driver who fled after utility pole crash Original
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - The Hattiesburg Police Department is investigating a hit-and-run accident after a car struck a utility pole and the driver fled the scene Sunday. PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Car crashes into utility pole in Hattiesburg HPD said officers and emergency responders were dispatched to the single-vehicle accident at 3:26 p.m. and that the driver, described as a Hispanic man, fled the scene before officers arrived. HPD searched the area but did not find him.
Hattiesburg police make quick arrest in Saturday armed robberies Original
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - Two armed robberies in Hattiesburg Saturday led to the arrest of a Jackson man, the Hattiesburg Police Department said. HPD said that the first call about a robbery came in at 12:14 p.m. While officers were on the scene, a second robbery was reported at 12:26 p.m., involving a suspect who matched the description from the first call. Officers were able to locate the suspect, who was identified as Daniel Mason, 21, of Jackson.
Jane Granberry crowned as Miss Mississippi 2026
VICKSBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - Miss Mississippi 2025 Anna Leah Jolly passed on her crown and sash to Miss Capital City, who will take on the title of Miss Mississippi 2026. Jane Granberry is from Hattiesburg, and this is her third time competing for the chance to represent the Magnolia State. She is also a former Teen Miss Mississippi. She is passionate about removing barriers from reading and fostering literacy.
USM faces Virginia Cavaliers in elimination game | Live updates Original
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - The Golden Eagles are battling the Virginia Cavaliers today for the chance to go into the winners’ bracket after falling to Little Rock in Friday’s regional opener. The game began at 1 p.m. at Pete Taylor Park. The game was originally scheduled for 3 p.m. but was moved up due to expected rain. WDAM 7 will provide updates on the game below: LIVE UPDATES Top 1st- Virginia scored the first point of the game. AJ Garcia drove in an RBI single. Southern Miss 0-1.
Mississippi Miss Hospitality announces record scholarships for 2026 competition Original
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - The Mississippi Miss Hospitality Program announced Saturday that contestants competing for the title in 2026 will be eligible for the organization’s largest scholarship offerings in its 77-year history. Contestants will be eligible for more than $105,000 in scholarships and prizes, including $32,500 in direct cash scholarships.
Bonds set for the 4 arrested on drug trafficking charges Original
COVINGTON COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - The four people arrested by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics on Thursday, April 30, had their first appearances in court Saturday morning. Donnis Gray’s bond was set at $50,000 for the charge of aggravated trafficking of a controlled substance. Susan Collins’ charges were updated to two counts of trafficking a controlled substance and one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent. Her bond was set at $150,000.
Driver rescued after truck flips into water-filled drainage canal Original
JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - A driver is recovering after being rescued from a drainage canal by first responders early Sunday morning. The Jones County Sheriff’s Department said it responded to a vehicle crash alert on Highway 15 south at the intersection of Whispering Sage Drive shortly before 1 a.m. When the first officer, Deputy Stephen Graeser, arrived, he located a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck upside down in a water-filled drainage canal.
Forrest County Fair extended to Sunday
FORREST COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - The Great Forrest County Fair is extending its stay through Sunday, April 26, and will have a special deal to close out the event. The “Last Blast Buddy Day” promotion on Sunday will have two-for-one admission and two-for-one ride bands available to encourage people to come out with friends to enjoy the last day of the fair. The fair is being held at The Center at Forrest County.
Remembering Dr. Shelby Thames, former USM president and polymer science pioneer
The eighth president of the University of Southern Mississippi and a pioneer in polymer science, Dr. Shelby Thames, passed away on April 17, leaving behind a legacy of impact in higher education and science. Thames served as president of Southern Miss from May 2002 to May 2007. Before serving as president, he worked in faculty and administration roles for nearly 40 years. “Shelby Thames is an iconic force in the history of the university,” Dr. Joe Paul, current president of USM, said.
Traffic backed up on I-59 N after wreck
HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) - Traffic on Interstate 59 North near Evelyn Gandy Parkway is heavily backed up after a car wreck. WDAM 7 has reached out to the Mississippi Highway Patrol for more information. This story will be updated as information is made available. Want more WDAM 7 news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Southern Miss Student Media wins 15 MAB awards
Categories: Students with the Southern Miss Student Media attended the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters awards on April 11 and brought home multiple awards. The award banquet was held in Jackson, and student media centers along with professional media companies were in attendence.
Elderly man, 87, found alive after being missing for nearly a week
JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - UPDATE: APRIL 17, 10:15 A.M. After being missing for nearly a week, 87-year-old Harvey Lee Roberts was found alive on Friday morning in the Currie community. Harvey Lee Roberts, 87, of Jones County(Mississippi Bureau of Investigation) According to Laurel Councilwoman Marian Allen, a person found Roberts in a heavily wooded area near a few homes and the fire department. Early reports say that a neighbor went into the woods after hearing calls for help.
Jones County Sheriff’s Department searching for missing elderly man Original
JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WDAM) - The Jones County Sheriff’s Department is seeking help in locating a missing man from the Currie Community. Harvey Lee Roberts, 87, was reported missing from a home on Currie Road. He was last seen at 4 p.m. April 12 by others at the residence; they took a nap and awoke to find him missing.
Two arrested in Columbia on Maryland kidnapping charges
COLUMBIA, Miss. (WDAM) - The Columbia Police Department arrested two people who were wanted in Maryland on kidnapping charges this weekend. According to the Columbia Police Department, officers pulled over a vehicle for speeding on Saturday, April 11. Further investigation revealed that the driver, Celso Galvez Morales, was wanted in Maryland on kidnapping charges. Celso Galvez Morales was arrested by the Columbia Police Department on April 11.
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