Stephen Graham Russell, Jr., was at the Hernando courthouse Monday morning for a plea and sentencing hearing when he escaped briefly.

Jashawn Jefferson, who is currently being held at the Shelby County Jail for an incident in Memphis, is scheduled for a trial in DeSoto County for multiple felony charges.

The release of documents in the Joshua Zimmerman case sheds light on the charges against the suspect and a request to end the gag order on details connected to his escape this past summer.

Jashawn Jefferson was scheduled to appear in court Monday, Nov. 18, for a second attempt to seat a jury, following a delay from April that resulted in the court ordering DeSoto County District Attorney’s Office to pay more than $2,000 in court costs. 

DeSoto County District Attorney Matthew Barton announced “Operation Final Departure” to help the incoming Trump administration with its vow to deport immigrants. Barton’s effort will focus on inmates in the DeSoto County jail.

An employee of the Rankin County Detention Center confirmed Zimmerman was booked into the facility earlier Wednesday but could not provide further information.

The Mississippi High School Activities Association issued a penalty to DeSoto Central on Nov. 4, including a one-year disciplinary probation for the team as well as a $100 fine.

Ongoing complaints about music playing into the night at a Hernando business has city officials looking for ways to strengthen the anti-noise ordinance.

The Dickens of a Christmas event has guides adorned in top hats, morning coats and hoop skirts wandering the city’s historic Town Square as the area is transformed into 1830s England.

Those who cast ballots at the Southaven school didn’t face lines. But the Mississippi Secretary of State reported high traffic at polls across the state.

Election results for DeSoto County, Mississippi including the U.S. Senate Race; Mississippi’s 1st Congressional District; Mississippi Supreme Court; DeSoto County Election Commission, and DeSoto County School Board.

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DeSoto County tops Mississippi in absentee voting

DeSoto County residents successfully submitted more than 18,000 ballots during the early voting period. 

Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch said the use of force was justified in both a 2022 incident in Horn Lake, as well as a shooting in 2023 involving an officer with the Southaven Police Department.

Following a superseding indictment issued last month, both accused parties face a total of 15 felony charges, including grand larceny, aggravated assault and possession of a stolen weapon.

The new polling locations, first introduced during a meeting with the city’s aldermen Oct. 15, would not go into effect until 2025.

“We’ve made tremendous investments in our police department,” said Southaven Mayor Darren Musselwhite. “When your police is more active, your court is more active. So our court is very busy.”

Collierville and Houston (AAA), Briarcrest (Division 2-AA) and Northpoint (D2-A) all have the talent to contend in their respective divisions.

The World Junior Barbecue League, a nonprofit, is hosting its World Championship and Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 19, in Southaven.

In DeSoto County, 6,089 voters have requested absentee ballots. Of those requested, 5,146 ballots have been sent to voters, returned and accepted. 

Before the new application process, the city was issuing permits in some cases just hours before events started.

Based in California, the company manufactures “smart glass” at a single facility located at 12380 Kirk Road in Olive Branch.

The district’s board of education updated its policy on senior class rankings, including requirements for AP calculation. 

The Trojans are hopeful team bonding leads to wins at this year’s state tournament.

Southaven police are investigating a shooting in a neighborhood across from DeSoto Central Primary School that left three individuals wounded.

Authorities are investigating a Friday shooting at the Super 8 motel at 2425 Sloans Way, just off Interstate 55 in Hernando.