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Mississippians cross TN border to play the lottery

MEMPHIS, TN- (WMC-TV) - The Powerball jackpot is worth at least $600 million. The lottery game is played in Tennessee but not in Mississippi. That has people jumping the state line for a chance to win.

For most of Friday morning and afternoon, Mississippians crossed into Tennessee to buy tickets.

Many of the customers at the gas station at the intersection of Germantown Road and State Line Road were from Olive Branch.

Some picked their own numbers, while others let the machines do the choosing. Some players say they only buy tickets when it is worth it.

"It's like a mile from my house," said Debbie
McCord. "I don't really play that often but with $550 million, who wouldn't?"

Now they will have to wait to see if their trips over the state line was worth it.

The Mega Millions drawing is Friday night but the main Powerball drawing will not happen until Saturday.

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A look ahead: Andy Wise and the mayor team up in sting operation

OLIVE BRANCH, MS- (WMC-TV) - A man who admitted to Andy Wise that he was part of a scam is back in business, and our chief consumer investigator is back on the job.

The more things change, the more they stay the same.

"You've definitely got mold in your system," Greg Brooks told our undercover producer back in November when she answered a newspaper ad for a $99.95 air duct cleaning.

Little did he know that we already had an HVAC contractor and a certified mold inspector confirm there was no mold in the house.

Now, Brooks is running his own business and he is using the same techniques without credentials. Andy Wise confronted him about his business practices for a second time, this time, with the city's mayor. They wanted to see if Brooks and his new crew have learned from his mistakes.

It's an undercover investigation you will not want to miss Friday on Action News 5 at 10 p.m.

Teen honored for saving child from drowning

Travis Bennett was honored for saving a 3-year-old boy from drowning.

OLIVE BRANCH, MS- (WMC-TV) - A North Mississippi teen was honored by police for his heroic actions of saving the life of a little boy.

Usually it police officers that are recognized during National Police Week. In Olive Branch Thursday, it was the officers who handed an award to a local teenager who got help for a 3-year-old boy who could have drowned.

Queen Merriweather was taking a shower when her grandson ended up in the pond behind their home.

"Someone was banging on the door really loud, so I ran down stairs," she said.

At the door was freshman Travis Bennett. He was going fishing when he saw the boy.

"I've seen his hands keep going up in the air and I've seen his head bob," Bennett described the scene.

It was just after 5 p.m. No one was on the nearby golf course, and Merriweather fears it could have been a much worse ending if it was not for Bennett.

Crown Royal, White Russian among items on Davis' receipts

Davis walked up to the witness stand in civil trial Thursday to testify.

JACKSON, MS- (WMC-TV) - In the fourth day of his own spending trial, Southaven Mayor Greg Davis took the stand in his own defense. His testimony focused on exactly what he bought, when he bought it, and whose money he was spending.

Davis walked up to the witness stand in civil trial Thursday to testify about, what the state auditor's office said is, unsubstantiated spending of city dollars.

The state is trying to recover $70,000 the auditor believes he owes.

Davis acknowledged he did not provide many receipts with his invoices, which is something he never denied. He said credit cards statements create documentation within itself.

Davis did return to businesses like the Mesquite Chop House months later to get receipts when the Mississippi State auditor started looking at his spending. He said he did a lot of business for the city there.

DeSoto County road workers recognized for hard work

DeSoto County road workers recognized for hard work

SouthGroup Insurance Services rewards the road department by sponsoring the luncheon each year. “They encourage safety and the luncheon is a way to show their appreciation for the departments participating and practicing the material learned in the training classes,” said Lee Caldwell, Supervisor of District 4.

Officials say the real purpose of the luncheon is to celebrate another year of successful risk management training. Another reason is to gather the entire Road Department staff together to reconnect, revitalize, and recharge the group for the next year. Caldwell said, “When employees are able to share a meal together, to engage in camaraderie, it makes for a much better workforce.”

Spending in Key West discussed during Davis trial

Southaven Mayor Greg Davis' spending trial continued Monday.

JACKSON, MS- (WMC-TV) - An investigator for the Mississippi state auditor's office testified Monday during Southaven Mayor Greg Davis' questionable spending trial. She testified Davis made claims that were not true.

The Mississippi state auditor is trying to collect more than $70,000 in public money allegedly spent on personal matters.

The state of Mississippi arrived with reinforcements Monday. There were four attorneys from the attorney general's office and one from the state auditors office.

"I said, 'We have a receipt for $1,400.09.' You said that you entertained reps, and it's a clothing store. He said, 'I bought clothes for the reps,'" said investigator Karen Swain in regards to a trip Davis took to the Key West.

Davis and his family went to clothing stores with names like Flirt, French Kiss, and Jungle Paradise.

Substitute teacher accused of statutory rape

Julie Pope, 27, was arrested by Olive Branch Police Wednesday.

DESOTO COUNTY, MS- (WMC-TV) - A former substitute teacher is accused of statutory rape involving a 14-year-old.

Investigators said the teen was a student of the teacher's at some point. Julie Pope, 27, was arrested by Olive Branch Police Wednesday.

Pope is off the substitute teacher list for DeSoto County schools. She was charged with statutory rape, and it involved a relationship with a 14-year-old boy.

A DeSoto County schools spokesperson said the former substitute was employed through a temp agency. They will not say what schools she worked in.

Olive Branch police said the alleged incident occurred earlier this year and did not happen on school property. The alleged victim was a student of the substitute's at one time, according to police.

Pope has not worked in a DeSoto County school since December of last year. The case is still under investigation.