Mississippi rundown: DeSoto voter deadline, Southaven search and weekend football

Friday, October 2, 2026 — reporting through 4:45 p.m. Central.

A Monday voter-registration deadline in DeSoto County and a search for a missing Southaven teenager lead Friday's Mississippi news and sports rundown. Lee County authorities reported two misdemeanor arrests, and Toyota announced support for Tupelo students. In sports, Mississippi State and Jackson State prepare for Saturday tests, Northwest and Co-Lin have football wins to build on, and a nationally ranked women's soccer matchup ended Jones College's unbeaten start.

Mississippi News

DeSoto voter-registration deadline arrives Monday

The deadline to register for the November 3 general election in DeSoto County is Monday, October 5, according to election information shared by the City of Olive Branch and DeSoto County Government. The county's voter guide also lists a Saturday registration opportunity October 3, with the circuit clerk open from 8 a.m. to noon.

The registration deadline and Election Day are separate dates: the approaching Monday cutoff concerns getting registered for the November election. The guide accompanying Mississippi News Group's report includes absentee-voting information and the races and candidates on the county's ballots. Residents can review that guide alongside the deadline notice.

Southaven police seek missing 14-year-old

Southaven police are asking for help locating Sherlin Danae Barreto-Mendoza, 14, who was last seen around 10 p.m. September 29 in the Desoto Woods area. Police described her as 5 feet tall and 140 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The report did not provide a clothing description.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts is asked to contact the Southaven Police Department at 662-393-8652 or email tips@southaven.org. Mississippi News Group's Friday report relays the department's appeal for information; it does not report that she has been found.

Lee County investigation brings two misdemeanor arrests

Sheriff Jim H. Johnson said agents investigated alleged kratom possession and sales at two Lee County businesses after receiving anonymous information. Michael D. Brown, 54, of Brown's Grocery near Mooreville, and Eyad Fathi Ibrahim, 60, of County Line Store near Guntown, were arrested on charges of possessing kratom in violation of a county ordinance, according to the sheriff.

Brown also faces an alcoholic-beverage charge involving a beer permit. The sheriff's department said all charges are misdemeanors and will go to Lee County Justice Court. The allegations remain subject to that court process; the arrests are not findings of guilt.

Toyota gives $60,000 to Tupelo Middle College

Toyota USA presented Tupelo Middle College with $60,000, with the donation intended to help more students participate in the Tupelo High School–Itawamba Community College partnership. The announcement ties the gift to the Corolla's 60th year of production and notes that the car is manufactured at Toyota's Blue Springs facility north of Tupelo.

The report identifies expanding participation as the purpose of the contribution. It does not specify the number of additional students who will be supported or announce individual awards.

Mississippi Sports

Mississippi State hosts Alabama in ranked SEC matchup

No. 16 Mississippi State is scheduled to host No. 7 Alabama at 11 a.m. Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium. Sports Mississippi's preview lists both teams at 4-0 overall and 2-0 in the SEC, giving the Starkville matchup immediate importance in the conference race. ABC will televise the game.

The report credits Bulldogs quarterback Kamario Taylor with 14 touchdown passes and 1,377 total yards of offense. It also highlights Mississippi State's pass defense against Missouri, including 15 pass breakups. Those are pregame figures from the preview; Saturday's outcome was still ahead at the reporting cutoff.

Jackson State seeks another Gulf Coast Challenge win

Jackson State and Alabama A&M take four-game winning streaks into Saturday's Gulf Coast Challenge at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. on SWACTV. Mississippi News Group reports that Jackson State has won the teams' previous four meetings at the event.

Both teams arrive after SWAC victories: Jackson State defeated Southern, and Alabama A&M won at Florida A&M. The report highlights the Tigers' offensive production and national rankings for several players, including Justin Foster in sacks per game. Another meeting in Mobile gives Jackson State an opportunity to extend its success in the series.

Northwest takes control early against Coahoma

Northwest Mississippi Community College beat Coahoma 45-7 in Senatobia. The Rangers built a 35-0 halftime lead and finished with 449 total yards, according to Sports Mississippi's account of Coahoma's Thursday road game.

Coahoma's touchdown came in the fourth quarter, when Jacob Clopton found Jaden Moses on an 18-yard pass. The Tigers finished with 191 total yards. The report lists Coahoma's next game as an October 8 home meeting with East Mississippi Community College at 6:30 p.m.

Co-Lin wins Southwest's homecoming game

Copiah-Lincoln Community College defeated Southwest Mississippi 28-13 in Thursday's homecoming game. The recap credits Southwest quarterback Jakhari Williams with 198 passing yards and one touchdown, while Deori Pope caught two passes for 60 yards and a score.

The defeat left Southwest at 1-5 overall and 0-3 in division play, according to Sports Mississippi. The Bears are scheduled to travel to Perkinston to face Mississippi Gulf Coast on Thursday, October 8.

Holmes hands No. 1 Jones its first soccer loss

No. 3 Holmes defeated No. 1 Jones College 5-1 Friday in Ridgeland, ending the Bobcats' unbeaten start to the women's soccer season. Jones trailed only 1-0 at halftime before Holmes scored four times after the break. Jones added a late goal, according to Sports Mississippi.

The Bobcats' next scheduled match is Tuesday against No. 6 Gulf Coast at the Bobcat Soccer Complex, with kickoff set for 5:45 p.m. The result makes that return home a chance to respond immediately after Jones' first defeat.

Featured image: DeSoto County's 2026 general-election voter guide. Source: City of Olive Branch – Government.

This edition summarizes original articles from Mississippi News Group and sister site Sports Mississippi published after 21:45 UTC October 1 through 21:45 UTC October 2, 2026. Stories were selected for Mississippi relevance, public impact and significance.