LAUREL, MS (WDAM)- The 25th silver anniversary of Laurel's annual Mother's Day Blues Festival reeled in over three thousand people. 

Tents littered the South Mississippi Fairgrounds as residents listened to blues stars like TK Soul and Sir Charles Jones perform live.

Promoter John Reid said this could possibly be a record turnout. "It's been a lot of preparation for a day just for moms. I'll have to tally the numbers, but I think this would have to be a record number of people," said Reid.

ELLISVILLE, MS (WDAM)- JONES COUNTY, MS (WDAM) - On Friday, Jones County Junior College graduated its largest class ever, as it marked its Centennial.

School officials say more than 600 students walked across the stage to receive their associate degree during two ceremonies at A.B. Howard Gymnasium.

Many of these students will be moving on to other colleges while others will be going into the workforce.

JCJC President Jessie Smith says despite what their tomorrow holds, each of these students have reached another milestone.

LAUREL, MS (WDAM)- In 1988, 15 year old Jones County resident Karen Knotts, was kidnapped, raped and murdered. The man convicted was her stepfather James Pugh. He was sentenced to life in prison, but became eligible for parole this year.

Karen's Law, a Mississippi bill named in her honor, set out increase the sentence of manslaughter from 20 years to 30 years.

"Well, the bill originally passed the senate with a vote of 51 to 0," explained Senator Chris McDaniel.