Is the tranquility of small-town life in Mississippi always what it seems? Recent events in Carthage, Mississippi, paint a picture of a community grappling with a range of challenges, from vehicular mishaps to violent crime, alongside the everyday rhythms of life.
On Thursday, January 2nd, Carthage police and Leake County first responders were kept busy managing several incidents that highlighted the diverse nature of their responsibilities. One of the first calls of the day came in at 7:19 a.m., with Carthage police dispatched to Fair Oil after a customer allegedly drove over the gas pumps. The details of the incident remain unclear, but the incident served as an early indication of the day's potential for unexpected events.
Beyond the immediate response to accidents and disturbances, law enforcement in Carthage also dealt with a number of arrests and legal proceedings. Among those facing charges was Frank Miramontez, 38, of Carthage, who was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance and illegal possession of alcohol in a dry county. His case will be heard in Leake County Justice Court. Additionally, Candace Palmore, 24, of Carthage, was arrested on charges of possession of a controlled substance and sale/possession of intoxicating beverages, also slated for a hearing in Leake County Justice Court.
| Subject: | Frank Miramontez |
| Age: | 38 |
| Residence: | Carthage, Mississippi |
| Charges: | Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance, Illegal Possession of Alcohol in a Dry County |
| Court: | Leake County Justice Court |
| Legal Status: | Pending |
| Reference: | Leake County Sheriff's Office |
The news of the day extended beyond the immediate concerns of law enforcement. Local residents were also impacted by other events, like the opening of a new business. On Tuesday, April 15th, Mattress By Appointment, a new business, officially opened its doors in Carthage, an event that was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The business is owned by Nathaniel Settlemir. This expansion in business landscape shows an effort to give better products to the locals.
The news shared by local media outlets, such as Kicks 96, also reported on other significant incidents that occurred in Carthage, including a man who was shot Tuesday evening while driving on Hayes Street. Carthage police were alerted to gunfire on Hayes Street at approximately 10 p.m. The investigation is ongoing.
In a separate incident that same night, police responded to a disturbance on Dickens Street at 10:45 p.m. An ambulance was dispatched to the scene to provide treatment to someone who had sustained a head injury, though details about the cause and severity of the injury were not immediately available.
The community also received updates from religious organizations. The Church at the Arc announced a special worship service to celebrate Resurrection Sunday, to be held on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 8 a.m. The service will take place at the Squareview Inn, located in downtown Carthage. The event is open to all.
Radio station Kicks 96 continues to be a source of information and entertainment for the local population, broadcasting a country music format and keeping listeners up-to-date on local happenings. The station also serves as a platform for the promotion of local events and businesses, creating connections to communities. The station also has online platforms for its fans.
Another aspect of the local radio scene is the show, "The Midnight Rider," hosted by Charlie Derek, which airs weeknights from midnight to 5 a.m. on Kicks 96. This programming gives a sense of community and entertainment during those late-night hours.
The area also saw other incidents that tested emergency responders. On Monday, April 21st, authorities responded to several incidents across Leake County. Carthage police were alerted to a situation on Cook Street where a caller reported that their vehicle tires had been slashed and a weapon had been stolen. At 2:20 p.m. that day, Leake County deputies, reformation volunteers, and Mississippi Highway Patrol responded to Highway 25 North near Richardson Road to a vehicle that had wrecked and gotten stuck in the median.
On Thursday, January 2nd, Carthage police and Leake County first responders were kept busy managing multiple incidents. The day began with a call to Fair Oil at 7:19 a.m. after a customer allegedly drove over the gas pumps. Later in the day, emergency crews responded to a disturbance on Dickens Street at 10:45 p.m., dispatching an ambulance to treat someone for a head injury.
| Event: | Multiple Incidents |
| Location: | Carthage, Mississippi |
| Date: | Thursday, January 2nd |
| Details: | Customer drove over gas pumps at Fair Oil (7:19 a.m.), disturbance on Dickens Street, and head injury treated by ambulance (10:45 p.m.). |
| Response: | Carthage Police, Leake County First Responders |
The city also mourned the loss of Samuel Sammy Ellis, 69, of Carthage, who died tragically on the evening of Saturday, March 16, 2024. Ellis was traveling along Highway 16 in his motorized wheelchair when he was struck by a vehicle. Carthage police, EMS, and the Carthage Fire Department all responded to the scene.
In a separate incident, Mike Chambliss, a former coach for the Carthage High School girls basketball team, was inducted into the Mississippi Association of Coaches Hall of Fame. The announcement was made on Tuesday. This recognition highlights the success of local athletes and the contributions of dedicated coaches in the community.
On the entertainment front, listeners can tune into Cruisin' 98.3 for a mix of hits from the 1960s and 1970s, including rock and roll and Motown classics. The station features core artists such as The Beatles, The Four Tops, The Temptations, The Rolling Stones, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, and more, serving as a way to connect with music fans.
The local media, like Kicks 96, also serves as a source of breaking news, with the latest updates available on their website at www.kicks96news.com and through social media channels like Twitter (@kicks967) and Instagram (@kicks96.7). In addition to local news, Kicks 96 broadcasts a country music format, offering a blend of music and local news for its listeners.
Another case, emergency crews were dispatched at approximately 1:41 p.m. Multiple residents were displaced after a fire at Forrest Knoll apartments on Sunday afternoon in New Castle. The authorities looked for people who had possibly been shooting and did not report back finding anyone. The area continues to be impacted by crime and incidents.
The area is a place where crime incidents take place. A man was shot Tuesday evening while driving on Hayes Street in Carthage. Police were alerted to gunfire on Hayes Street at around 10 p.m. Calls were made just before 2 a.m. The law enforcement is still working on the case.
Kicks 96 also reported on the communitys efforts to welcome new businesses and celebrate significant events, such as the opening of Mattress by Appointment. Owned by Nathaniel Settlemir, the new store opened its doors on Tuesday, April 15th, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. In addition, the Church at the Arc has invited the community to celebrate Resurrection Sunday with a special worship service at 8 a.m. on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the Squareview Inn in downtown Carthage.
| Event: | Samuel Sammy Ellis Lost his Life |
| Date: | Saturday, March 16, 2024 |
| Location: | Hwy 16, Carthage |
| Details: | Ellis was in a motorized wheelchair when he was struck by a vehicle. |
| Response: | Carthage police, EMS, and the Carthage Fire Department |
