A 16-year-old has died after a shooting at a Vicksburg apartment complex, and police say a 14-year-old is wanted for questioning. That overnight update leads Saturday morning’s Mississippi news briefing, along with the state’s report of record tourism activity, an Oxford naloxone event and a dry weekend forecast.
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The morning also brings a preservation-grant deadline, a Panola County scam warning and practical details for major Saturday events in New Albany, Tupelo and Starkville. Sports remains in its separate section.
Vicksburg teen dies after apartment shooting; 14-year-old sought for questioning
A 16-year-old boy has died from injuries suffered in a Friday night shooting at New Main Apartments, the Vicksburg Police Department said in a Saturday update. Police identified 14-year-old Kingston Holly as a suspect who is wanted for questioning. The department did not announce a charge.
Officers responded at about 8:12 p.m. Friday to the complex at 2727 Alcorn Drive and found the victim with two gunshot wounds. The investigation remains active, and police asked anyone with information about Holly’s whereabouts to contact the department.
The department’s updated account changes two important details from its first notice: the victim has now died, and police describe the person sought as 14 rather than 13. Mississippi News Group’s original Vicksburg report carries the initial response information. Holly’s identification as a suspect is a police allegation, and the matter has not been adjudicated.
State says tourism reached record 45.5 million visitors
The state described the visitor count, spending and economic impact as records. The report attributed 137,728 jobs, $4.8 billion in personal income and $1.2 billion in state and local tax revenue to tourism. It also estimated that tourism reduced the average Mississippi household’s state and local tax burden by $1,081.
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Those figures are the state’s presentation of Tourism Economics estimates, not a direct count of every visitor or transaction. The release says all 82 counties benefited and links the supporting report for readers who want the methodology and county-level context.
Oxford agencies set free naloxone training after two student deaths
Oxford and university-area agencies will offer free naloxone training from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, October 1, in the Oxford Police Department training room at 9 Industrial Park Drive. No registration is required, and attendees will receive naloxone, according to the joint agency notice.
The event follows the deaths of two students this week and is being organized by Oxford police, the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, University Police and Communicare Mississippi. The announcement does not identify the students or state a cause of death, so the training should not be read as an official finding about either death. Mississippi News Group’s Oxford event report has the local details.
Naloxone can reverse an opioid overdose. The Mississippi State Department of Health says residents who suspect an overdose should give naloxone and call 911; the agency also offers free kits by mail. Someone who cannot be awakened, has slowed or stopped breathing, makes choking or gurgling sounds, or has discolored lips or pinpoint pupils may need emergency help.
Dry weekend gives way to a warming trend and later rain chances
Saturday should stay dry across Mississippi, with afternoon highs ranging from the 80s in much of the state to around 90 in some western and southern communities. The National Weather Service in Jackson projected highs of 87 in Meridian, 88 in Jackson and Hattiesburg, 89 in Vicksburg, Greenville and Greenwood, and 91 in Natchez.
The Memphis office expects dry weather and mainly 80s in north Mississippi through early next week, with a few locations approaching 90. Forecast discussions from the New Orleans/Baton Rouge and Mobile offices also call for a quiet, less humid weekend in southwest and southeast Mississippi.
Rain could return as early as Wednesday, but the stronger signal is for late next week and the following weekend. Jackson and New Orleans/Baton Rouge forecasters noted that the evolving pattern could support locally heavy rain if it holds, while emphasizing that timing and amounts remain uncertain. Mississippi News Group’s statewide forecast update tracks the transition.
Historic-preservation grant applications are due Friday
Applications for the Mississippi Community Heritage Preservation Grant Program must reach the Mississippi Department of Archives and History before 5 p.m. Friday, October 2. The program supports preservation, restoration, rehabilitation and interpretation work at courthouses, schools and other eligible Mississippi Landmark properties.
Since 2001, lawmakers have authorized more than $61 million for 355 projects in 71 counties, according to the MDAH program page. The Board of Trustees is expected to make the next awards in January 2027. Applicants can contact the department at 601-576-6535 or chpg@mdah.ms.gov. Mississippi News Group’s grant deadline guide summarizes the eligible property categories.
Panola County warns residents about jail-payment scam
The Panola County Sheriff’s Office is warning residents about callers who claim to be a jail nurse or jail employee and demand money to release a family member. A resident recently reported such a call, the department said.
The sheriff’s office says it does not call people demanding payment for an inmate’s release, a fine or a warrant. Requests for gift cards are another warning sign. Residents should end the call and independently contact the jail or sheriff’s office through a published number. Mississippi News Group’s scam alert has the original notice.
Riverfest, Tupelo music and Starkville safety rules shape Saturday night
New Albany’s Tallahatchie Riverfest runs from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, with a marketplace, daytime performances, a noon duck regatta and an evening concert headlined by Paul Thorn and Bobby Rush. Admission is free; the Kid Zone wristband costs $10, according to the Mississippi Main Street event listing.
In Tupelo, Down on Main is scheduled for 6 to 10:30 p.m. at Fairpark with a free concert by Wyly Bigger. The event follows an Elvis ’56 reenactment by Nick Perkins at the Elvis Presley Birthplace. Attendees may bring lawn chairs; Mississippi News Group’s Down on Main guide has the schedule.
Starkville police also remind Cotton District visitors that the safety zone is active from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Bags must be clear and no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches. Rideshare pickup and drop-off remains at the designated site used since 2024.
Featured image: Vicksburg Police Department news release graphic. Credit: Vicksburg Police Department, via its approved source feed.
