MONROE COUNTY

Tacker, Speight get new trial date on fraud counts

- ABERDEEN - William "Tommy" Tacker and H. Max Speight will go on trial Dec. 14 in the U.S. District Courthouse in Aberdeen.

A new trial date was set Tuesday by Senior Judge Glen H. Davidson.

Tacker and Speight are charged with 10 counts of defrauding the U.S. Department of Agriculture's biofuels program out of nearly $3 million in subsidies.

They have pleaded not guilty.

Student expelled for gun possession

- AMORY - An 11-year old East Amory Elementary student has been expelled for one calender year by the Amory school board.

The student was arrested May 6 for bringing a loaded 9-mm handgun on school grounds.

It was discovered by students who reported it to a teacher.

School board taps Leigh as new superintendent

- ABERDEEN - The Aberdeen School Board has hired Charles Leigh as superintendent for the Aberdeen Separate School District.

Leigh is currently the principal at Aberdeen Middle School, a position he has held for 12 years. The board voted on Leigh's hiring Monday.

According to school board member Loretta Braylock, the board is excited about working with Leigh because of his "humility and community dedication."

Leigh replaces outgoing superintendent George Gilreath, whose resignation takes effect June 30.

LEFLORE COUNTY

Illegal gaming operation shut down; one arrested

- GREENWOOD - The Leflore County Sheriff's Department has shut down an illegal gaming operation.

Deputies raided the Umoja Market Saturday evening and discovered eight machines.

Authorities say 56-year-old Roger Crigler was arrested and charged with possession of illegal gaming machines. He is free on bond.