Mississippi morning rundown: Southaven lab investment, Sardis rescue and Northwest soccer wins

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 — Morning edition

A planned laboratory operation bringing more than $30 million in investment and 234 jobs to Southaven leads this morning’s Mississippi rundown. Newly published coverage also details the rescue of a missing ATV rider near Sardis Lake, while dangerous heat remains a concern. In sports, Northwest opened conference soccer play with two wins, and Southern Miss golfer Benjamin Fernandez captured his first collegiate title.

This edition draws from articles originally published during the 24 hours ending at 7:57 a.m. Central on September 16.

Featured image: Promotional image accompanying the Mayo Clinic Laboratories expansion announcement. Source: DeSoto County Government. The image is not confirmation that the new Southaven operation is already open.

Mississippi News

Mayo Clinic Laboratories plans Southaven testing operation

Mayo Clinic Laboratories is establishing a testing operation in Southaven, according to DeSoto County Government. Mississippi News Group’s report puts the investment at more than $30 million and the planned job creation at 234 positions. The facility is intended to expand testing capacity and service to patients and health care providers across the region.

The county describes the project as growth for its health care and life sciences sector. The report does not provide an opening date or hiring timetable, so the announced jobs should be understood as planned positions rather than hires already completed.

Missing ATV rider rescued from Sardis Lake bottom

An Abbeville woman was found alive after a multi-agency search in the southeast portion of the Sardis Lake bottom, according to the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office account reported by Mississippi News Group. The rescue occurred Monday; the detailed report was published overnight.

Deputies were dispatched at 8:56 a.m. after an ATV carrying two people became disabled. One person walked out for help while the other remained with the vehicle. Searchers located Mariah Estes at 1:51 p.m. Paramedics reached her on foot and began treatment as rescuers arranged to move her to a clear area. Hospital Wing of Oxford transported her to Baptist North Mississippi in stable condition.

Sheriff’s personnel, fire crews, emergency management teams and wildlife officers took part in the search and extraction, with ambulance and air transport services assisting.

Heat danger continues along and west of I-55

An early Wednesday heat update attributed to the National Weather Service in Jackson warns of elevated heat danger, particularly along and west of Interstate 55. Afternoon heat-index values are expected to reach 105 to 110 degrees. The update advises limiting time outdoors and avoiding extended outdoor activities. Those figures describe how hot conditions feel, rather than forecast air temperatures.

October 5 voter-registration deadline highlighted

The City of Olive Branch is reminding Mississippi residents to register by October 5 to participate in the November 3 election, according to Mississippi News Group’s registration report. The reminder directs residents to the Mississippi Secretary of State’s election resources for registration, ballot and other election information. It was issued in recognition of National Voter Registration Day.

DeSoto prepares for October cleanup week

DeSoto County’s Fall Cleanup Week is scheduled for October 10–18, with dumpsters planned at 16 locations, according to the county update carried by Mississippi News Group. Groups and individuals organizing neighborhood or roadside cleanups can request free kits containing trash grabbers, gloves, safety vests and trash bags. DeSoto County Solid Waste can be reached at 662-469-8162 to organize a cleanup.

Mississippi Sports

Northwest men upset ranked Co-Lin; women win 8-0

Northwest Mississippi Community College earned two Tuesday soccer victories in Senatobia. The men defeated No. 20 Copiah-Lincoln 3-1, sister site Sports Mississippi reports. Jaylen Gray scored in the 19th minute, Luke Lowrimore added a second goal eight minutes later, and Joseph Jackson scored in the 62nd minute. Co-Lin’s late goal did not erase the Rangers’ lead.

The Northwest women won their conference opener 8-0 to improve to 6-0. Yazzlyn Alex recorded her first career hat trick, while Hayden Moneymaker scored twice. Rylee Ringold, Olivia Miller and Mary Logan Clark also scored. It was Northwest’s fourth consecutive shutout and fifth in six matches. The women next travel to Southwest Mississippi on Friday.

Fernandez wins first collegiate golf title

Southern Miss senior Benjamin Fernandez shot a career-low final-round 64 to win the JT Poston Invitational at 17-under 196, according to Sports Mississippi. He began the day tied for third before birdieing four of his first five holes and eagling the sixth. His 54-hole total set a course record by four strokes, the report says.

The Golden Eagles finished fourth as a team at 24-under after a final-round 270. South Carolina won at 31-under, with NC State and Virginia Tech tied for second at 26-under. Southern Miss next competes in the Badger Invitational September 27–29.

Ole Miss volleyball falls at Memphis

Ole Miss won the opening set but lost 3-1 at Memphis on Tuesday, dropping to 6-3. Jorda Crook led the Rebels with 18 kills, nine digs and five blocks. Ole Miss took the first set 25-13, but Memphis won the next three, closing the match with a 30-28 fourth set after the Rebels forced extra points.

The Rebels continue their road stretch Friday against No. 22 Kansas at the Jayhawk Classic in Lawrence. Sports Mississippi lists the match for 6 p.m. Central on ESPN Plus.