The Adams County Sheriff’s Office reports that a man was arrested on multiple drug‑related and other charges following a vehicle chase on Monday. Deputies initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Gregory Hammett when he fled, leading officers through the Liberty Road area. During the pursuit, law enforcement observed Hammett throwing items from the vehicle, including a plastic bag and what appeared to be a handgun. After the chase ended, a search of the vehicle uncovered multiple empty marijuana packaging materials and handgun ammunition. Hammett was arrested and charged with felony fleeing or eluding a law enforcement officer, possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle, and tampering with physical evidence. Authorities say he was on parole for an Adams County aggravated assault conviction at the time of his arrest.
In St. Tammany Parish, Randy Smith pled guilty to attacking a critic at a Madisonville restaurant and has resigned as sheriff. He entered guilty pleas to second‑degree battery, a felony, and disturbing the peace by public intoxication, a misdemeanor. As part of the agreement, Smith’s felony charge may be reduced if he completes an 18‑month intensive treatment program. Prosecutors said the resignation allows the sheriff’s office to move forward in an orderly manner.
The Mississippi Poison Control Center has launched a dedicated medical cannabis hotline in response to the growth of Mississippi’s medical cannabis program. The hotline is free, confidential, and available daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. It connects callers with trained poison specialists who can provide guidance on symptoms, dosing questions, side effects, drug interactions, and accidental exposures. Officials noted that calls related to non‑medical cannabis exposures had been increasing prior to the creation of the hotline.
Planned Parenthood is returning to Louisiana, with the first clinic reopening this fall in New Orleans. The facility will provide contraception, STI testing and treatment, cancer screenings, and general wellness services. The clinic will not offer abortion services because the procedure is illegal in Louisiana. Planned Parenthood officials said they can assist patients with travel to clinics in states where abortion is legal.
The Mississippi River at Natchez‑Vidalia is recorded at 37.51 feet and rising.
