Local Headlines

Faith-based volunteers lend helping hand to flood victims while sharing words of inspiration

By Roslyn Anderson | February 24, 2020 at 7:43 PM CST – Updated February 25 at 9:53 AM

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Area flood victims are getting a helping hand from strangers as they clean up their homes after the Pearl River flooding.

Faith-based organizations are tackling the wet aftermath while sharing words of inspiration.

On a rainy Monday, Samaritan’s Purse volunteers were removing sheetrock and cleaning a flooded home on Deer Trail.

Volunteers from across the country help flood victims overwhelmed by the waters that damaged their once livable homes.

Dee Chambless is from Tyler, Texas and once lived in Jackson.

“So, it’s coming back here and seeing the houses that have been underwater,” said Chambless. “They’re soaked and it’s still raining. So to come back here and be able to be a part of the cleaning up and renovating and all of that really means a lot to all of us.”

Nearly two feet of water entered Joyce Dubard’s home of over 23 years. She sees the organization as a Godsend.

“They are just wonderful, just wonderful,” said Dubard. “I don’t know what I would do if I did not have Samaritan’s Purse. They’re a lifesaver.”

The North Carolina-based agency monitors disasters across the country and dispatches teams where needed.

“First we send out assessors just to look over the property and see where the water line might have been, what kind of damage the home has sustained, and we’re gonna do our best to make the home contractor ready once we leave,” said Assistant Program Manager Tony Williamson.

The international disaster relief organization has teams throughout the area.

Cloudy, Wet Start to the Week

By Michael Haynes | February 24, 2020 at 4:51 PM CST – Updated February 24 at 4:51 PM

A wet Monday for most locations. The main area of rain along with a few storms will continue to shift into Southeast Mississippi this evening, and will taper down to spotty showers tonight. Fortunately, severe storms are not expected, and the rain is not heavy enough to worsen the ongoing river flooding. Otherwise, dropping into the upper 40s tonight followed by a mostly cloudy and mild day for Tuesday. Another round of rain pushes in Tuesday night into Wednesday morning as a cold front brings a change to sharply colder temperatures Wednesday and Thursday; highs struggle to reach the 50s both days. A freeze is likely Thursday morning as lows dip to near 30. A warmer and overall dry pattern will set up just in time for the weekend.

First Alert Forecast: Damp Start to Week; Colder Weather Ahead

WATCH: 84-year-old Ole Miss fan wins new car with insane golf putt

Top Story

By Jacob Gallant | February 24, 2020 at 3:20 PM CST – Updated February 25 at 5:12 AM

OXFORD, Miss. (WLBT) – One Ole Miss fan attended a basketball game this weekend and left with a new car.

Mary Ann Wakefield, 84, drilled the putt from across the floor of The Pavilion and sank the shot from 94 feet.

For her efforts, she won a 2020 Nissan Ultima and became an internet sensation!

94 Feet? No problem.

Mary Ann walked into The Pavilion tonight for @OleMissMBB. She walks out with a NEW CAR thanks to our friends at @CannonMotors! pic.twitter.com/iZqgA5g73a

— Ole Miss Athletics (@OleMissSports) February 23, 2020

Congratulations to Mary Ann and her new car!

8 Days of Hope organization gives flood victims a helping hand

By Summer Tadlock | February 23, 2020 at 11:17 PM CST – Updated February 23 at 11:17 PM

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Even though flood waters have gone down, the devastation still lingers across the state for many. That’s where the Faith-based organization, Eight Days of Hope, steps in to provide a little extra hope for flood victims.

“We go in and take up carpet. We take up flooring. We take out cabinets. We take out bathrooms. Everything has to come out.”

That’s what the next three weeks will look like for missionaries with 8 Days of Hope.

“We don’t do our work for money. It’s a ministry!”

A ministry that helps homeowners pick up the pieces of what’s left after tragedy strikes.

“When there is a disaster, we try to respond within 72 hours.”

But for this non-profit organization… it’s much more than just lending a helping hand.

“It’s about sharing love.. sharing Jesus.. and when we get that opportunity we give Jesus the glory and honor.”

Lisa Henegar is a local with a hungry heart to serve… even trading in her 9 to 5 job to make a difference.

“Helping however we can, trying to be compassionate and pulling nails.”

Meet the stage four cancer survivor from Buffalo New York, Bruce MacQueen – 16 years in remission… and eager to serve others.

“By bringing his love and compassion to those who are in need.. those who are hurting… it is a blessing to me.”

The 8 Days of Hope organization rebuilds homes and lives… Proving they are Mississippi Strong!

“You don’t have to be skilled.. the Lord just wants you.”

“The goal is help as many people as we can… and share the love of Christ.”

This organization is looking for colunteers… so if you want to join in on restoring hope to those who need, head on over to 8daysofhope.com

McComb police chief testifies during day 8 of Godbolt trial

By WLBT Digital | February 23, 2020 at 8:59 PM CST – Updated February 23 at 8:59 PM

PIKE COUNTY, Miss. (WLBT) – The capital murder trial of Willie Cory Godbolt resumes today.

McComb Police Chief Damian Gatlin took the stand.

Gatlin, being questioned by the Assistant District Attorney, was on the SWAT team for the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, during the deadly shootings in May 2017.

The District Attorney is seeking the death penalty.

Godbolt is accused of killing seven family members and a Lincoln County Deputy.

Highway 465 in Warren Co. closed due to rising backwater

By China Lee | February 23, 2020 at 5:04 PM CST – Updated February 23 at 11:06 PM

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – The Mississippi Department of Transportation closed Highway 465 between Highway 61 and Eagle Lake Shore Road.

We are told the water is slowing creeping toward the road and officials say safety is key when you are dealing with flooding.

Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace said, “Access to Eagle Lake will now be limited to traveling the backwater levee all the way around. We are going to be able to stay on the levee and actually come off at Eagle Lake Shore Road. If that for what ever reason fails then we will have to go all the way to onward, but we feel confident that this time we will be able to utilize the backwater levee as access. It doesn’t look like this flood event is actually going to last that long.”

The road will be closed in both directions until water recedes and it’s safe to travel again.

MDOT closes Highway 465 in Warren County (Source: MDOT)

Highway 465 Closed due to backwater flooding

Man found shot to death inside burned car on South Drive identified

By China Lee | February 23, 2020 at 3:16 PM CST – Updated March 16 at 9:45 AM

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – The Jackson Police Department is investigating after a body was found inside of a car.

Firefighters responded to a car fire in a wooded area in the 4900 block of South Drive just after 12:30 p.m. on February 23, where the body of 34-year-old Johnny Lee Harris was discovered.

The remains and vehicle were sent to the state crime lab for processing.

The following Wednesday, an autopsy revealed the victim had been shot and killed. The case is now being investigated as a homicide.

No suspects have been identified at this time.

Jackson police are working alongside Jackson fire arson investigators.

Anyone with information related to this incident should contact CrimeStoppers at (601)-355-TIPS(8477).

Clouds Increasing; Warmer

By Michael Haynes | February 23, 2020 at 7:50 AM CST – Updated February 23 at 7:50 AM

Once again, starting out dry this morning with temperatures near 40. The warming trend continues today as highs reach the 60s as we become mostly cloudy; a few spotty showers are possible, but the main time frame for rain will hold off until the beginning of the work week. A batch of rain and storms arrive during the day Monday. The severe threat is minimal, but a few storms will be capable of producing gusty wind and heavy downpours. The overall pattern remains unsettled over the next 5 to 7 days bringing additional opportunities for rain throughout the week along with a fluctuation in temperatures.

First Alert Forecast: Clouds Increasing; Rain, Storms Monday

Monticello mayor disagrees with One Lake project as town fights flooding

By Chelsey Sellars | February 22, 2020 at 11:00 PM CST – Updated February 22 at 11:00 PM

MONTICELLO, Miss. (WLBT) – The One Lake project is predicted to save homes in Hinds and Rankin county, but what about the smaller communities on the south end of the Pearl River?

“There’s over 200 river miles below that are getting no attention that are absolutely, as you can see, affected by Ross Barnett and anything that happens on the Pearl. It flows down here,” said Martha Watts, the mayor of Monticello.

She could not drive in and out of her home due to flood water, Saturday.

“We can either boat out, like you saw a while ago. Or we can hike out, which is about 3/4 of a mile I guess through a swamp,” she said.

City Hall was blocked off by yellow tape and flood water. A moat now surrounded a home and less than a mile away, the local water park was under several feet of roaring water

While there is lots of support for the One Lake Project in Rankin and Hinds Counties, Watts believes it could possibly make things worse for towns like Monticello.

“A one lake will clog up the tributaries just that much more. There are other alternatives that are less environmentally destructive and would actually do better. You can have a dry pond, you could relocate levees, build some more levees,” said Watts.

She said the economic impact of this current flood will make it hard for some people to bounce back.

“Columbia and Monticello are really the largest entities on the river. We don’t have the money. We don’t have the resources to fight this in any other larger way than what we’re trying to do here,” she said.

Evacuated families allowed back home after large gas leak in Yazoo Co.

By China Lee | February 22, 2020 at 8:36 PM CST – Updated February 23 at 10:40 PM

YAZOO COUNTY, Miss. (WLBT) – The Mayor of Satartia has confirmed that all evacuated families in Yazoo County affected by a large gas leak have been given the all clear to return home.

This after a 24-inch high-pressure pipeline containing carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide burst and over 222 barrels escaped into the air.

More than 300 people were evacuated and 46 were hospitalized. All first responders treated for their injuries at area hospitals have now been released.

All those who were hospitalized are expected to be okay.

MEMA assisted the Yazoo County Emergency Management Agency and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality worked to determine if the area was safe for residents to return home.

Environmental Specialists conducted air quality tests to ensure no gas was lingering in low-lying areas.

Residents in the area at the time of the gas leak complained of green gas and a noxious odor. Some experienced shortness of breath.

The company who owns the pipe, Denbury Onshore, was contacted and the pipe was shut off.

They released the following statement:

“At approximately 7pm on Saturday, February 22nd, a leak was detected on a carbon dioxide pipeline operated by Denbury Onshore in Yazoo County, MS near the town of Satartia. The affected area of the pipeline was isolated within minutes, and the leak site was evacuated as a precaution. Denbury has been working closely with state and local officials in the response and evacuation efforts to ensure the safety and welfare of the community, its residents and the environment, which is Denbury’s top priority. It is important to note that no injuries have been reported, the area is secure and poses no threat to the public, and local authorities lifted the evacuation at 8am Sunday morning permitting residents to return to their homes. Company and local officials are available to assist residents as they return. The cause of the release is under investigation.”

Through an initial investigation, MEMA reports that the rupture may have been the result of recent weather events.

The ground appeared to have caved into a ravine, damaging the 24-inch pipe.

A 1/2 mile area around Satartia was evacuated and first responders went door-to-door to make sure that everyone had gotten out.

The Yazoo County Sheriff’s Department assisted by Warren County and MHP helped turn drivers around to keep them away from the area.

Warren County and Yazoo County Fire and Rescue also assisted.

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