Updated: 7:22 PM A trial jury in Lauderdale County convicted James Boggan of Collinsville on three counts of statutory rape.

Updated: 6:11 PM Jasper County Jail escapee, Paul Kelly Brown, Jr., was apprehended Wednesday by Lauderdale County sheriff's deputies.

Updated: 10:36 AM So far, nine people have been killed in sniper shootings in and around Washington D.C. Heightened security in the area, is not only causing concern for residents there, but also for many here.

Updated: 6:56 PM On Oct. 15, 1940, the 153rd National Guard unit in Meridian was called up by the federal government in anticipation that World War II was coming to America.

Updated: 10:32 AM Reverend M.L. Sampson, known as the "Christmas Light Man", passed away at the age of 67.

Updated: 7:13 PM An investigation into recent vandalism at West Lauderdale and Southeast high schools resulted in the arrests of 12 suspects, a mix of adults and juveniles.

Updated: 9:37 AM The Mississippi Department of Health has released a list of 115 schools with cafeterias that have failed at least one inspection within the past two years.

Updated: 6:46 PM Meridian received a visit from Asst. Commerce Secretary David Sampson, who toured various ongoing economic development sites.

Updated: 6:33 PM An inmate escaped the Clarke County Jail early Monday morning, but was caught again within hours.

Updated: 5:11 PM Congressmen Chip Pickering and Ronnie Shows have both agreed to take part in an upcoming debate, which will be televised on WTOK.

Updated: 6:57 PM Budget woes continue for the city of Meridian.

Updated: 6:52 PM Secretary of State Eric Clark paid a visit to a Lauderdale County school on Monday to encourage eligible young people to vote.

Updated: 4:57 PM When it comes to fighting fires, the primary mission of fire fighters is to save lives. For its efforts, one local department is being honored.

Updated: 11:18 AM The former speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives died Sunday.

Updated: 11:16 AM The West Nile epidemic is showing signs of waning, at least for this year.

Updated: 10:55 AM New Wine Ministries will conduct its inaugural church service through a "block party" Saturday evening.

Updated: 11:14 AM A decision on cameras in Mississippi's local courtrooms could be coming soon.

Updated: 6:52 PM WTOK-TV presents a live television debate on Oct. 23 between Rep. Chip Pickering and Rep. Ronnie Shows.

Updated: 6:49 PM A total of five suspects were charged in connection with the Oct. 6 armed robbery of Conoco Super Stop on Hwy. 19 in Collinsville.

Updated: 6:27 PM Mississippi lawmakers go back to Jackson Monday at 3 p.m. to tackle more tort reform issues. One legislator sees a possibility for agreement.

Updated: 6:24 PM State and local officials in West Alabama are investigating the discovery of two girls, who were recently found hungry and partially nude on the side of the road.

Updated: 10:56 AM The First Annual Rooster Days Art Festival will be Oct. 12 and 13 in downtown York, Alabama.

Updated: 6:10 PM The Mississippi Republican Party is challenging a state campaign finance law.

Updated: 9:26 AM The Kemper County Sheriff's Department has charged two Lauderdale County residents in a recent carjacking incident.

Updated: 9:43 AM The Meridian City Council met in a work session Thursday to attempt a solution for its 2003 budget.