Prominent lot sold, writers arrested and more: Top Sun Herald stories from May 3-10
From a six-figure casino jackpot to a high school football championship won on the final play, South Mississippi made headlines this week. Here’s a roundup of the top stories from the Sun Herald.
Here are key takeaways:
Monday
A Las Vegas resident hit a $100,509.15 jackpot on the Spooky Link slot machine at Beau Rivage Resort and Casino in Biloxi on Sunday after betting $10. It marks the 14th jackpot of $100,000 or more at South Mississippi casinos in the first 17 weeks of the year.
Murphy USA closed on the purchase of three lots at the northwest corner of U.S. 90 and Washington Avenue in Ocean Springs after holding the land under contract for a year. The site currently has a boatyard, trees and open land.
Tuesday
Qdoba Mexican Eats will replace Castaways restaurant at 2114 Bienville Blvd. in Ocean Springs, with demolition of the 16-year-old building set for this week. The new location is planned to open in early December.
The historic Lovelace Oak in downtown Ocean Springs was cut down after the Board of Aldermen voted 6-1 for its removal. The tree was found to be completely rotten inside, posing a safety hazard.
The St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office recovered a body near the Chandeleur Islands on Tuesday, one week after shrimper Lam Tra, 56, of D’Iberville went missing. The body has not been identified and will be sent to the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office for an autopsy.
Wednesday
“American Idol” finalist Daniel Stallworth returned home to perform a free concert at Jerry D. Alexander Stadium in Moss Point, drawing hundreds of fans. Stallworth made the show’s final seven before being eliminated last week.
Thursday
Three teens ages 16 to 19 were arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after a shooting on Palmer Creek Drive left a man in critical condition. Each suspect was issued a $500,000 bond.
A Harrison County judge ruled that Gulfport can acquire wetlands acreage from the Land Trust for $157,169 to build the Interconnecting Gulfport road project. Residents and environmental groups have long opposed the project over flooding and water quality concerns.
Community advocate Jarrod Fusco and Yuri Petrini were charged with obscene electronic communication over online posts that used derogatory language about a Biloxi code enforcement administrator. Mayor Andrew Gilich said city leaders were not involved in the charges.
Friday
Chicago 6ix Street Food held a soft opening at 1224 Bienville Blvd. in Ocean Springs, the former site of Kenny Ward’s. The restaurant features Chicago-style cheesesteaks made with Amoroso rolls along with hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches and pizza puffs.
Saturday
George County defeated reigning champion St. Martin 12-6 to capture the state championship after freshman Ava Hall caught a game-winning touchdown pass from Lani McDoniel with four seconds remaining. The Rebels finished the season 8-1.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.