Sethanie Smith

United States

Journalist at WJTV-TV (Jackson, MS)

Articles

Madison man sentenced for possessing child exploitation material

3 days ago | wjtv.com | Sethanie Smith

MADISON COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – A Madison man pled guilty to two counts of possession of child exploitation material. Attorney General Lynn Fitch (R-Miss.) said the case against Britton Butler was initiated from several Cybertips and was investigated and prosecuted by her office. “My office will continue to hold those who exploit and prey on Mississippi’s children accountable,” said Fitch. “Together, we can make Mississippi a safer place for everyone. But we need your help.
Mississippi State, Department of Public Safety sign forensics agreement

6 days ago | wjtv.com | Sethanie Smith

STARKVILLIE, Miss. (WJTV) – Mississippi State University (MSU) and the Mississippi Department of Public Safety (DPS) have formally agreed to work together on forensic investigations, including recovery of human remains, exhumations, surface scatter and burial recoveries, as well as identification of human skeletal remains. MSU President Mark E. Keenum joined Public Safety Commissioner Sean J. Tindell for a Memorandum of Agreement signing in Jackson on Thursday, April 17.
New Hilton Home2 Suites hotel breaks ground in Brandon

6 days ago | yahoo.com | Sethanie Smith

BRANDON, Miss. (WJTV) – Brandon officials broke ground on a new hotel on April 17. Officials said construction is underway on the Hilton Home2 Suites hotel on Stribling Lane. The four-story, 99-room facility will offer extended-stay amenities for visitors, said Sunny Desai, CEO of Desai Companies. Brandon officials broke ground on a new hotel on April 17. (Courtesy: City of Brandon)Brandon officials broke ground on a new hotel on April 17.
GE Aerospace to expand Batesville plant, adding 100 jobs

1 week ago | wjtv.com | Sethanie Smith

PANOLA COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – GE Aerospace will expand its manufacturing capacity in Batesville. According to officials, the expansion will include an $11 million investment and will create 100 new jobs. The expansion will add industrial equipment, precision measuring tools and high-precision machines.
Mississippi's 2025 Municipal Primary Runoff set for April 22

1 week ago | wjtv.com | Sethanie Smith

by: Sethanie Smith Posted: Apr 17, 2025 / 10:15 AM CDT Updated: Apr 17, 2025 / 10:15 AM CDT JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Mississippi’s 2025 Municipal Primary Runoff Election Day will be held on Tuesday, April 22.
Southern Miss to host week of free band concerts

1 week ago | wjtv.com | Sethanie Smith

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) – The University of Southern Mississippi’s Bands Department will host a week of free, family-friendly concert events. The events will begin April 25 at 7:30 p.m., when the Symphonic Winds performs Dr. Colin McKenzie’s favorites as he steps away from the podium after the event to focus on his role as director of the School of Music.
Burglary suspect shot by homeowner in Jones County

1 week ago | wjtv.com | Sethanie Smith

JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT) – Jones County deputies said a burglary suspect was shot by a homeowner. The incident occurred on Monday, April 14 in the 600 block of State Street in northern Jones County. Deputies said the suspect, Marcus Crosby, 40, was arrested at South Central Regional Medical Center (SCRMC) in Laurel. He suffered a single gunshot wound to his arm.
Hattiesburg police to hold fundraiser for Dispatcher Jason Foxworth

1 week ago | wjtv.com | Sethanie Smith

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) – The Hattiesburg Police Department will host a lunch fundraiser to support Dispatcher Jason Foxworth. According to police, Foxworth is facing unexpected health challenges. The lunch will be held on Thursday, April 17 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Hattiesburg Police Department’s parking lot. The hamburger meal is $10, and the hotdog meal is $8. Donations can also be made out to the Hattiesburg Police Benefit Fund.
Club will dedicate Blue Star Memorial marker on USM campus

1 week ago | wjtv.com | Sethanie Smith

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) – The Hub City Garden Club and The Garden Clubs of Mississippi, Inc., will dedicate a Blue Star Memorial marker. The event will take place at 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 25 at the Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families on The University of Southern Mississippi’s Hattiesburg campus. Veterans, civic leaders, garden club members and the public are invited to attend.
Laurel man arrested on drug charges after high-speed chase

1 week ago | wjtv.com | Sethanie Smith

JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT) – Jones County deputies said a Laurel man was arrested after a high-speed chase on Tuesday, April 15. According to investigators, Joe Evans, 48, sped away from a traffic stop in Laurel and made his way to Lone Oak Apartments on Hoy Road. They said he crashed at the location and ran away. Investigators said deputies chased Evans through the apartment complex. During the chase, they said Evans tore open a bag of powdered fentanyl and threw it at Sergeant Joel Brogan.