The Adams County Justice Court reported that Jeremy Johnson exercised his right to trial rather than resolving the case through a plea agreement. After presentation of evidence, Justice Court Judge Danny Barber found Johnson guilty on all six counts. Johnson was sentenced to pay a $1,000 fine for each count, for a total of $6,000, and was also sentenced to three years in jail.
In U.S. House qualifying news, Rick Edmonds qualified for District 6, while Blake Miguez had not qualified for any race at the time of the report. Edmonds characterized the situation as a response to endorsement activity in earlier proceedings and also referenced outside groups in support of candidates.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves provided an update on the state’s rural health transformation program. The state received more than $205 million in first-year federal funding to improve health care in rural communities. The first application period for the program has closed. Reeves also said Mississippi made nearly $82 million available through three grant opportunities aimed at addressing health care gaps, strengthening health care technology, and expanding telehealth services. The report stated the state received applications from more than 236 organizations requesting more than $676 million in funding.
Applications for Louisiana’s black bear hunting lottery are open. There are 42 tags available in seven designated bear management areas statewide. To apply, hunters must have a bear hunting license and pay a $50 application fee. Successful lottery applicants receive a lottery tag whether they use it or not, and if a tag is won, the recipient is out for two years. A bear hunter training course is required if selected. The hunting season is scheduled to begin December 5 and last 16 days. Applications can be submitted through the LDWF website.
The Mississippi River at Natchez Vickelia is reported at 21.47 feet and falling.
