The number of requested absentee ballots this year has already outpaced the number of absentee ballots cast in 2016.

In the last presidential election, Mississippians requested 110,812 ballots. Circuit clerks sent out 110,810 ballots received 102,915. Of those, 101,339 were accepted.

This year, as of Sunday, Oct. 18, voters requested 120,253 absentee ballots and 115,848 ballots have been sent. Clerks have received 89,499 absentee ballots according to Secretary of State Michael Watson.

The in person absentee voting deadline is Saturday, Oct. 31, at 5 p.m. All mail-in absentee ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, and received within five business days of the election to be counted.

Investigator Carlton Phillips with the Claiborne County Sheriff Department has received the Deputy of the Quarter Award for the first quarter of 2020.

This award recognizes department employees who have provided exemplary service to the community or performed in a manner worthy of recognition. This award is the result of a peer nomination and action by the supervisory and leadership team of the Claiborne County Sheriff Department.

Phillips started his law enforcement career with the Port Gibson Police Department in June 2018. He attended the Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Academy in September 2018 and graduated in November 2018 with top scores. Phillips started working with the Claiborne County Sheriff Department as a part-time deputy. A short while later Phillips was promoted to investigator

Investigator Carlton Phillips is the recipient of this award for the first quarter of 2020 due to his diligence, tenacity, professionalism and self-motivation investigating felony incidents that occurred during the first quarter of 2020, according to Sheriff Edward Goods. In addition, Investigator Phillips is being recognized for his proactive approach to crime prevention.

During the first quarter of 2020, Phillips was recognized for the following incidents:

1. Investigator Phillips conducted an auto burglary investigation involving a local citizen. Phillips’ rapid response and immediate investigation identified a suspect and subsequently resulted in locating the vehicle.
2. While conducting a self-initiated special attention check, Investigator Phillips observed a large crowd that had gathered in the parking lot behind the police after a party. Upon further investigation, Phillips saw a male inside a vehicle with the alarm going off. After Phillips tried to stop the suspect, he fled on foot. Phillips gave chase and apprehended the individual. At the time of the arrest, Investigator Phillips recovered large amount of drugs from the suspect and was able to contact the owners of vehicle. Investigator Phillips’ actions demonstrated true courage and selflessness in protecting our community
3. While working with the Mississippi Agricultural Theft Bureau, Investigator Phillips along with Investigator Major Troy Kimble recovered several stolen vehicles and heavy-duty equipment.

“The Claiborne County Sheriff Department is proud to recognize Investigator Carlton Phillips with this award,” said Deputy Chief Christy Sykes in a statement. “In addition to the noteworthy actions and incidents listed above, Investigator Carlton Phillips excelled in conducting self-initiated investigation activities that have resulted in preventing crime and improving community relations with those we all are proud to serve and protect.”

A fire in the Openwood Plantation subdivision was quickly extinguished by Warren County firefighters Tuesday afternoon.

The fire was located at a wooden fence at 102 Plantation Drive, and a passerby alerted firefighters to the scene shortly after 4 p.m. The adjacent homeowner was burning leaves and the fire spread catching the fence on fire, according to Warren County Fire Coordinator Jerry Briggs. A classic pickup parked near the fence was not damaged and no one was injured.

Culkin Engines 204 and 209 responded to the scene.

See our live on-the-scene report on our Facebook page.

(photo by Thomas Parker)