A GoFundMe page has been set up for the 12-year-old boy that died in an Attala County hunting accident.

The account is set up in the name of Garret Morgan.

Morgan died in a tree stand accident near McCool Monday, Dec. 26. A native of Vancleave, MS, Morgan was in Attala County visiting family for the holidays.

“Garret’s love and laughter will always ring in our hearts,” reads a statement on the account page. “He loved playing football, fishing, hunting, card games, and loved the outdoors in general. Also, he was a proud member of the Vancleave Youth Football League. He enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, and with the family associated with his faith and congregation. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Morgan’s family set-up the account for help covering funeral expenses.

As of this report, the account has raised over $6,500.

12-26: Breezy News has learned that a 12-year-old boy died in a hunting accident in Attala County Monday afternoon.

The accident occurred in the eastern part of the county near McCool.

The child was not a native of Attala County.

Lt. Chris Reed with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) said the the case is under investigation, but no details surrounding the accident have been released.

“Before we get all the facts in, I don’t want to speculate on anything that may or may not have happened,” said Reed. “When we find out some facts, we will pass on some information.”

Attala County Sheriff Tim Nail said his office is also involved in the investigation. Nail said that the case is being investigated as an accident and no foul play is suspected.

Breezy News will continue to follow the story.

The defense for a former Columbus police officer accused of manslaughter has suggested Attala County as a possible location for the trial.

The Commerical Dispatch reports Attala and six other counties have been suggested as venues for the trial of Canyon Boykin.

Boykin is accused of shooting 26-year-old Ricky Ball in Columbus the night of Oct. 16, 2015.

The publication reports the defense also suggested Walthall and Montgomery Counties as locations.

The other three counties, suggested by prosecutors with the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, are Marhsall, Pike, and Lauderdale.

Attala County Circuit Clerk Wanda Fancher told Breezy News that her office has not been contacted concerning the trial.

Attala County will have its own court session in February and March.

At 9:06 am Kosciusko Police were called to a report of a fender bender on the Courthouse Square between an 18 wheeler and a white van. No injuries were reported.

The date for the 2017 Kosciusko Junior Auxiliary Charity Ball has been set.

The 24th annual event will be held at the Attala County Coliseum on Saturday, Jan. 28.

This year’s theme is Winter Wonderland.

The court will begin at 6:00 pm, followed by dinner at 7:00 pm and a dance at 9:00 pm.

A silent auction will also be held from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm.

See any member of the Kosciusko Junior Auxiliary for tickets.

It’s time to ring in the new year and local fire officials want to remind you to be responsible when celebrating with fireworks.

Fireworks are fun, but can also be dangerous.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks were involved in an estimated 10,500 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2014.

Kosciusko Fire Chief Duane Burdine says that are a few simple measures to take to keep fireworks from causing a larger fire situation.

In addition to those warnings, the National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends the following safety tips to ensure your family has a safe holiday weekend:

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities.  Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.  Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.

At 8:00 am Attala Deputies, The  Mississippi Highway Patrol, MedStat EMS, Carmack Volunteers along with Attala Fire and Rescue responded to a report of a one vehicle MVA on Highway 35 North approximately 14 miles from Kosciusko near Carmack. Chief Roy Williams arrived on scene and said the one car was off the roadway and into the tree line. He advised for MedStat to continue on stating it didn’t appear to be and serious injuries but wanted medics to check the driver.

At 5:51 pm Kosciusko Police, MedStat EMS and City Fire responded to a report of an MVA on the 400 block of Love Road. Dispatched said the driver hit a parked vehicle.

The Attala County Fire Department is taking applications for the position of entry-level firefighter.

Entry-level firefighters provide fire and rescue services to Attala County. This includes fire suppression, rescue, and fire prevention.

Applicants should be in sound physical condition and capable of working in high heat to freezing temperatures, heights, small/confined spaces, and other hazardous environments.

Employees at the Attala County Fire Department work a rotating 24-hours on/48-hours off schedule, and must be able to work effectively within a team dynamic.

Minimal Requirements:

• Between the ages of 21-35
• Valid Mississippi Drivers License with good driving record
• Must pass extensive, confidential background investigation (No felonies and/or repeat offenses)
• Possess a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must be a resident of Attala County (or become one within 6 months)
• Must be a citizen of the United States (Fluent in English, both written and spoken)
• Must pass all written, physical, and skills testing required by the Attala County Fire Department
• Must pass a medical physical and drug screen

Applications can be picked up at the Attala County Fire Department Station #1 at 216 West Jefferson St. Kosciusko, MS.

The deadline to apply is 5:00 pm Friday, Jan. 13.

The staff of Boswell Media would like to wish you a very Happy New Year!

We hope you had a wonderful 2016 and wish you the very best in 2017!

Happy New Year!

On December 29, 2016, Javonta Phillips, a 20-year-old black male, was arrested for burglary of dwelling at Cannonade Apartments by Investigator Greg Collins.

On December 29, 2016, Charles Erving, a 42-year-old black male, was arrested for possession of firearm by felon and possession of controlled substance on West Jefferson Street by Captain Danny Groves.

Other recent arrests:

On December 27, 2016, Dannie Boyette, a 37-year-old white male, was arrested for shoplifting (2nd offense) on Veterans Memorial Drive by Officer Nathan Linkins.

On December 27, 2016, Joy Marie Burrchett, a 33-year-old white female  was arrested for trespassing on W. Adams Street by Officer Cody Williams.

On December 25, 2016 Christopher Carr, a 32-year-old black male, was arrested for careless driving and DUI (2nd Offense) on Veterans Memorial Drive by Officer Josh Pinkard.

On December 26, 2016, Christy Carver, 28-year-old white female, was arrested for suspended drivers license on Aponaug Road by Officer Cody Williams.

On December 24, 2016 Patrick Fletcher, a 34-year-old black male, was arrested for failure to appear in court, simple assault, DUI (1st) Refusal, no insurance, seatbelt violation and suspended drivers license on Veterans Memorial Drive by Officer Josh Pinkard.

On December 24, 2016 Deandra Matthews, an 18-year-old black female, was arrested for contempt of court on W. Jefferson Street by Capt. Danny Groves.

On December 24, 2016 James Levy, a 28-year-old black male, was arrested for DUI (1st offense) on Highway 12 West by Officer Mac Burrell.

On December 24, 2016 Byron Stewart, a 43-year-old black male, was arrested for DUI (1st Offense), possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle (Misdemeanor) and no drivers license on Highway 12 East by Officer Mac Burrell.

On December 22, 2016 Dawonkine Luckett, a 25-year-old black female, was arrested for contempt of court and disturbing the peace on N. Natchez Street by Capt Bobby Land.

On December 21, 2016, Davion Rimmer, a 38-year-old black male, was arrested for disturbing the peace on Thornton Street by Officer Josh Pinkard.

On December 21, 2016, Ronnie Tucker, a 49-year-old black male, was arrested for no child restraint, no drivers license, and simple assault on Highway 12 East by Captain Bobby Land.

On December 19, 2016, Ryan Stone Branch, a 24-year-old white male, was arrested for suspended drivers license, expired tag, and no insurance on North Natchez Street by Officer Chase Voyles.

On December 18, 2016 Ryan Primer, a 22-year-old black male, was arrested for DUI (1st offense) and possession of paraphernalia on Highway 12 East by Officer Charles Burrell.

On December 18, 2016, Corey Summerlin, a 29-year-old white male, was arrested for trespassing, contempt of court, possession of paraphernalia, disorderly conduct of business, resisting arrest, and possession of controlled substance (felony) on South Natchez Street by Officer Nathan Linkins.

On December 18, 2016, Matthew Brown, a 28-year-old white male, was arrested for contempt of court at the Carthage Police Department by Captain Chris Busbea.

On December 17, 2016, Rodney Williams, a 28-year-old black male, was arrested for no insurance and no drivers license on West Adams Street by Officer Martin Roby.

On December 16, Michael Brown, a 31-year-old black male, was arrested for disobeying a police officer on East Jefferson Street by Captain Chris Busbea.

On December 16, 2016, John Swanson, a 37-year-old white male, was arrested for disorderly conduct of business and false identifying information on Highway 12 by Officer Nathan Linkins.

On December 16, 2016 Jeffery McBride, a 58-year-old white male, was arrested for no insurance and driving with a suspended license on East Street by Officer Jerry Coleman.

On December 14, 2016, Timmy Lewis,a 45-year-old black, was arrested for public drunk at Exxon by Officer Joshua Pinkard.

On December 14, 2016, Candace Gates, a 24-year-old black female, was arrested for simple assault, disturbance in a public place, and contempt of court on West South Street by Officer Chase Voyles.

At 8:05 am Kosciusko Police were caled to the 300 block of Sailor Street for a report of an auto B&E.

A man has been charged with murder after a shooting involving a shotgun in Leake County Thursday night.

The Leake County Sheriff’s Department says Charles Justin Myers is facing a murder charge after killing Matthew Bishop of Carthage. Police say Bishop was shot in the head with a shotgun while driving.

According to witnesses, there were five men in a car driving south on midway road. Police say one of the men in the car shot Bishop in the head as they were driving.

Myers is being held in the Leake County Correctional Facility.

Mississippi’s 174 legislators will return to the Capitol Tuesday, starting a 90-day legislative session that will run as late as April 2.

There will be touches of festivity, including events celebrating the 200th anniversary of Mississippi becoming a state in 1817, part of the lead-up to the actual date in December.

But leaders are setting an ambitious agenda that could include changes to the state’s public school funding formula.

Other main themes will be efforts to cut budgets to make up for a projected decline in state revenue and continued wrangling over whether Mississippians should pay more in taxes to help maintain roads and bridges.

Debate could also touch on changes to campaign finance and election laws, the state flag and spending a windfall from the 2010 oil spill. (AP)

Southeastern Professional Finals Rodeo is coming to Neshoba County Coliseum Jan. 6-7.

Cowboys and girls are competing to take home the gold. Southeastern Professional Finals Rodeo is coming back to Neshoba County for a 5th time.

“It has become our home for the Southeastern Professional Rodeo Finals,” says Bill Hudson, chairman of SPRA. “It’s a perfect little community here that supports the rodeo. We’ve got some great, great sponsors here.”

Something new this year is the youth rodeo finals that will take place starting at 10 a.m. prior to the main events that begin at 7 p.m. January 6 and 7.

“Come on out to their finals, says Hudson. “It’s one ticket, one price. If you pay to get in the youth finals, you pay to get in that night so you get two shows for the price of one.”

These competitors have been racking up points throughout the year to make it to the finals.

“You’re going to see the best bareback riders, saddle bronc riders, steer wrestlers, team ropers, barrel racers,” Hudson said.

The rodeo is kid-friendly. Kid’s Night will be Friday night. There will be a jumper and mechanical bull.

“Got a super great, funny man coming this year,” says Hudson. “This will be his third time, second time coming to Philadelphia, but third time being voted Southeastern Professional Finals funny man of the year.”

Not only do attendees get to watch the competitions, but they have the opportunity to meet the acts performing.

Advance tickets cost $10 for adults, $8 for children. Tickets at the gate each night will be $12 and $10. Click the attached link to get a coupon for half-off children’s tickets.

The Mississippi Highway Patrol has released traffic numbers for its New Year’s holiday enforcement period.

Statewide, troopers issued a total of 1, 276 citations over the long holiday weekend, 44 of which were DUI tickets.

There were 94 accidents reported with four fatalities and 24 injuries.

The fatalities were in Jasper County on Interstate 59 and in Jefferson Davis County on US-Hwy 84.

According to Cpl. Tony Dunn, Troop D, which includes the majority of the Breezy News coverage area, wrote 240 citations and worked five accidents that injured two people.

The Attala County Board of Supervisors has a new president for 2017.

During the board’s first meeting of the year Monday, Distric Four supervisor Kary Ellington assumed leadership of the board.

Ellington succeeds District Five supervisor Tim Pinkard as president.

The board also reappointed county attorney Scott Pickle, county engineer Christian Gardner, and board members to the North Central Planning Development District.

Following the meeting, the board entered an executive session to discuss a personnel matter with the Attala County Justice Court.

Mobile users click here for video.

At 4:55 pm Kosciusko Fire was called to Highway 12 West across from Baptist-Attala for a report of the smell of gas. Units arrived on scene and called for ATMOS to come to the location to locate the leak. No injuries were reported.

Mississippi lawmakers are considering a measure that would let school boards appoint replacements for elected school superintendents who resign in the next three years.

In 2016, the Legislature enacted a law making all 55 elected superintendents, included the Attala County School District’s, appointed beginning in 2020.

Webster County Superintendent Jack Treloar, who was elected, resigned Dec. 31. House Education Committee Chairman John Moore, a Brandon Republican, says it would cost the county $60,000 to elect a school chief to serve only part of a term.

House Bill 32 would allow school boards to appoint superintendents to fill any vacancy in the state.

Moore says lawmakers must move quickly on the bill to beat a deadline requiring Webster County to set an election within 10 days, explaining his committee’s unusual action on the session’s first day. (AP)

This week on Minute with the Mayor…

Kosciusko Mayor Jimmy Cockroft stopped by the Breezy 101 studios this morning for Minute with the Mayor.

This week the mayor discuses the city’s comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance, Municipal Government week, and more.

Minute with the Mayor airs on Breezy 10 during “Good Morning Kosicusko” the Wednesday following each meeting of the Kosciusko Board of Aldermen.

Comprehensive Plan

City of Kosciusko Zoning Ordinance

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee has planned a number of events to celebrating the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

The holiday weekend will begin with the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Image Award Banquet on Saturday, Jan. 14. The event will begin at 6:30 pm at the Kosciusko High School Commons. Tickets are $20.

On Monday, Jan. 16, the activities will continue will a prayer service to be held on the steps of City Hall. The ceremony will be led by Pastor Katherine Weatherby of Mt. Pilgrim M. B. Church.

Following the prayer, there will be a commemorative celebration at the Kosciusko High School gym at 10:00 am. Dr. Dwight Luckett, former Kosciusko School District Interim Superintendent, will be the keynote speaker for the program.

For more information on these events, contact any member of the Dr. MLK Jr. Committee.

The qualifying period for 2017 Kosciusko municipal elections is under way.

Municipal elections for 2017 include races for mayor and alderman.

Kosciusko City Clerk Hart Pettit said two candidates have already qualified for their respective positions.

To qualify, interested candidates should visit City Hall to fill out the necessary paperwork.

If running for a party, the candidate should bring $10 check made out the the party.

If running as an Independent, the candidate must obtain 50 signatures from his/her ward or from the city if running at-large.

The deadline to qualify is Friday, March 3 at 5:00 pm.

For more information, call Kosciusko City Hall at 662-289-1226.

Audio: Kosciusko City Clerk Hart Pettit

2017 Municipal Elections:

• Primary election: Tuesday, May 2.
• Run-off election: Tuesday, May 16.
• General election: Tuesday, June 6.