Local News 

Sheriff David Hedrick    See our CPSO Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CPsheriff.

Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson said the asphalt laid on Homichitto to MLK Street will have to be redone. Even though it is new, it’s already crumbling. The new asphalt is defective. It will have to be torn up, removed and repaved. Either the mix was incorrect, or it was improperly laid or both.

After-school funding

The Jefferson County School District has been awarded a remarkable $500,000 21st Century Community Learning Center supplemental grant. The monies will enable the district to enhance after-school programs with expanded academic enrichment and innovative STEM-related activities.

Natchez police arrested Marcus Taylor, 21, of Natchez, for disturbing the peace, obstruction of justice and aggravated assault. Adams deputies arrested Damone R. Johnson Jr., 34, of Natchez, for possession of weapons by a convicted felon. He was arrested for aggravated assault in May.

Kacie Woods’ bond has been reduced from $300,000 to $150,000. The Franklin County woman is charged with the second degree shooting murder of her husband, Marshall.

Extra pay

Adams supervisors have allocated $80,000 for Natchez-Adams County’s crime-fighting initiative. “Operation Safe Neighborhoods” has Natchez police officers and Adams County sheriff’s deputies engaged in extra patrols throughout the city and county to curb and investigate crimes. The money will be used to pay overtime for deputies.

The Natchez School District has agreed to lease part of Frazier School for a new chapter of a Boys and Girls club. The lease is for a $1 a year for 30 years. A a start-up date for activities has not been announced as yet.

JGB Plantation Park is Natchez is set for foreclosure Dec. 30. Owner of the park is Bruce Easterly of Baton Rouge. I do not know if the foreclosure entails the entire park or a portion of it.

Catahoula Police Jury

Following the trend of the last several years, the Catahoula Parish Police Jury 2025 proposed budget predicts operating in a deficit. Total revenue of combined funds totals $6,444,836. When revenue is compared to expected expenditures of $7,049,728 the jury is faced with difficult decisions to balance the budget. If a long-term solution is not found to resolve the $604,000 deficiency, major cuts will have to be made.

A small electrical fire in the roof broke out at the Natchez Mall near the front entrance put out. Firemen put out the smoldering quickly. Mall stores remained open.

The Concordia Police Jury agreed to purchase a chemical for $53,000 and put it on six miles of parish roads as an experiment. The new chemical seals the asphalt and clay turning it into a harder, more concrete-like substance. It's still uncertain whether the low cost fix will work. Bt other communities have had some success with it.

School board votes

The Concordia Parish School Board met with citizens at the Vidalia Convention Center and voted 6-0 to reject a plan proposed that would move Vidalia students to Ferriday schools. The parish is under a desegregation order, and the federal court is likely to insist on racial balancing of the student population. But it’s uncertain what the final plan will be.. But it’s uncertain what the final plan will be. The Attorney General's Office has pledged to provide its legal servces on behalf of the parish.

The Adams County Board of Supervisors will borrow up to $487,500 from the Mississippi Development Authority to complete the Chester Willis restroom and locker room facility.

Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Investigator Dewayne Whestone was among the 17 graduates of the Mississippi Certified Investigator Program. Whestone was honored as part of Class 2024-C during a Thursday, Dec. 12 graduation hosted by the the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers’ Training Academy, which conducted the training. 

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Marshall Woods

Franklin County deputies arrested Kacie Woods, 28, for shooting and killing her husband, Marshall Woods, 53, on Dec. 13 near Old Loop Rd. in Franklin County. She has been charged with second degree murder, and bond has been set at $300,000.

Natchez sales tax collections continue to be slightly less than last year. For July-November this year, the city received $2.35 million, versus $2.41. million for July-November last year, a decline of 2,5 percent. The Dept. of Revenue sales tax year begins in July.

Natchez aldermen have gone back to Gillon and Company for accounting and the annual audit at $65,000 for the services. The city had been with Silas Simmons for a number of years. While city leaders spoke up, saying Silas Simmons was too slow, the fact is the city has had significant negative findings every year in their audits for more than 20 years, with major accounting bookkeeping problems and illegalities. Those mishaps were the result of the work of incompetent and dishonest employees in the city clerk’s office, including stealing money. The problems continued through the Brown, Grennell and Gibson administrations.   

Larry Griffin Jr.

Natchez police arrested Nalonna Paul, 25, and Larry Griffin Jr., 33, as accessories before the fact for participating in the Wednesday double murder near Lewis Drive. Police said the murdered couple was Keitra McDonald, 39, and Londell Willliams, 43. A third person was wounded in the attack. McDonald and Williams were sitting in a car and their vehicle was peppered with bullets. Griffin was arrested for the drive by killing of Roderick McKnight in Cannonsburg in 2018. He was also arrested for participating in an armed robbery on the Alcorn campus in 2022 in which a car, wallets, money and cellphones were stolen.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office reports that an ex-wife shot her ex-husband on Friday, killing him. She is in custody. No other details are available yet. 

The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office received a report on Dec. 12 n reference to the sexual and physical abuse of juveniles. An investigation was immediately launched by Detectives with the Concordia Sheriff's Office Special Victims Unit and Investigators with the Vidalia Police Department. The suspect in question was identified as James Larry Corley Jr. of Vidalia, who is a Tier 2 Registered Sex Offender with a past conviction for the sexual assault of a juvenile. Detectives established probable cause during their investigation, which included the assistance of the Alexandria Children’s Advocacy Center, and obtained arrest warrants for the suspect for the sexual and physical abuse of juveniles. While serving the arrest warrant the suspect’s vehicle was located and a traffic stop was attempted. The suspect fled, leading to a vehicle pursuit that ended in the suspect’s death from a self-inflicted gun shot wound. 

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Superintendent Toya Bachus

The Concordia Parish School Board has been in negotiations with the United States in an attempt to move the School Board’s pending desegregation case toward dismissal. The desegregation case was originally filed in 1965. As a result of those negotiations, counsel for the United States and counsel for the School Board have developed this proposal which, if accepted by the School Board and implemented over the next three years, would entitle the School Board to seek dismissal of this longstanding matter. The Court has ordered that the School Board vote on this proposal before Dec. 31. The plan would shift Vidalia students into poorer performing Ferriday schools. The School Board is expected to listen to opposition at a public hearing on Dec. 17 a 6 p.m. at the Vidalia Convention Center and then almost immediately approve the consent plan.

Federal, state and local authorities rounded up a dozen indicted suspects on drug dealing and weapons charges in the Vidalia and Ferriday area. 27 persons were arrested on federal charges. One of those indicted is still on the loose. Most of the dealers were based in Ferriday, but some arrested included dealers in Vidalia, Ridgecrest, with two from Texas who were operating here. FBI, DOJ, DEA, State Police, CPSO, Vidalia and Ferriday police participated in the raid. The drug dealers were arrested for conspiracy, peddling meth and other drugs and illegally converting pistols to fully auto fire. The arrested and indicted persons face federal sentences of 10 years to life in federal prison, if convicted. 

The City of Natchez may pay for upfront design and engineering costs to move the Walmart at Natchez High intersection slightly north to accommodate a proposed shopping center. The city could recoup those expenses if the city owned land is sold to a Tennessee developer.   

Audrey Minor

Retired Justice Court Judge Audrey Minor says a Rinaldi Report commentary on justice court problems and her actions over the years is slanderous and false. The commentary summarizes allegations made against her by clerks and supervisors. Minor said she served faithfully as a county employee and elected official for 28 years. She said she would provide a formal response to the report this week. Our online sites would publish her views. But she then decided not to respond to allegations made because she is a defendant in a court case where her chief clerk alleges wrongdoing. She said there are other clerks who will testify on her behalf to her good work.   

Concordia deputies arrested Jeremy D. Lee, 43, of Ferriday, for possession of and intent to distribute schedule II drugs. He remains n the parish jail. He was arrested in 2011 for introducing drugs into a penal system. In 2005, he was convicted of possession and intent to sell marijuana and cocaine, having over 100 bags of drugs in his car. He said a sentenced to 20 years in 2005 but released early.

Natchez police said a man and woman were shot and killed near at Hope Lane and Lewis Drive. A third person was wounded. No other details are available.

Changes coming to Concordia schools

The Concordia Parish School Board will hold a Dec. 17 6 p.m. hearing at the Vidalia Convention Center riverfront to discuss trying to end the desegregation case that’s been ongoing for more than 59 years. The Board may consider realigning student populations at various schools. Public input welcome.

Ferriday will increase garbage, water and sewer rates. The Council's increases begin in February. The number of utility customers has dropped to under 1,300 and operating cots are increasing. The town has been losing money on its enterprise operations and should increase rates to break even on those services.

Adams County gross retail sales were $316 million from July-October this year compared to $327 million last July-October, a decline of 3.4 percent. 

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Battling crime

Mayor Dan Gibson says Operation Safe Neighborhoods has netted more than 20 felony arrests in just a few weeks. Gibson said the cooperation between police, deputies, the district attorney and judges is working.

Former Adams sheriff's deputy Lee Best has been appointed a Natchez police commander in charge of code enforcement.

The National Wreaths Across America Day will be held Dec. 14. The local wreath-laying ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday at Natchez National Cemetery. The event is free and open to all, and the organization encourages community members to participate by volunteering locally or sponsoring a wreath for an American hero. Home with Heroes and its partner, Wreaths Across America, the national nonprofit whose mission is to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach our children the value of freedom, proudly announce the theme for 2024 is “Live with Purpose.” Home with Heroes President Larry Smith is also asking for volunteers to help place the wreaths at the headstones of servicemen and women whose remains rest in the Natchez National Cemetery. Smith said volunteers are encouraged to meet at Friday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m.

Lobbyist Greg Harper

Alderpersons Billie Joe Frazier and Felicia Irving believe the city should not continue to empoy a lobbyist at $60,000 a year plus expenses. They believe the expense has not brought rewards. Mayor Dan Gibson belives having the lobbyist has brought millions of dollars to the city from both thefeds and state. Former Congressman Greg Harper is employed as the city's part-time lobbyist. The aldermen voted 4-2 to keep the lobbyist.

The State Auditor has once again said any Natchez alderperson who has a conflict of interest on a vote must recuse himself from the meeting and leave the room while the other aldermen discuss the measure and then vote. Alderwoman Felicia Irving has a direct relative serving in the fire department. She should leave the room when an issue comes up that would directly and monetarily benefit thst relative. The Miss. Ethics Commission has also echoed the Auditor's view.

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Lighted bridge

The Miss. Legislature has allocated $500,000 for the lighting of the Natchez-Vidalia bridges. Natchez and Vidalia are checking the old wiring to see if a partial lighting is possible with limited funds.

Natchez Recreation Director Ryan Porter spoke to aldermen and said he plans to bring disc golf to the public schools and use the North Natchez Youth Center as a hub for disc golf recreation and tournaments. The Natchez Community Alliance is working with the city's recreation department to develop a dog park. The city may use the open space near Carroll Jones Field Park for the park. A few pieces of playground equipment could be moved to make the dog park 24,000 square feet. The park would feature separate areas for small and large dogs. Once the plans are completed, a formal proposal will go to the aldermen for approval. Natchez aldermen voted to lease-purchase seven trucks to upgrade the public works department fleet. The additional expense is part of this year's budget.

Vidalia police responded to a frantic call for help from a motel guest at the Budget Inn on the morning of  Dec. 5. The caller stated someone was in her room. Vidalia Police Officers Lt. Spencer McAllister, Officers Roger McDonald Jr. and Daniel Lloyd responded to the call. Once on scene, officers made contact with the caller identified as Deanna Harrison. She appeared shaken and said she locked herself in the bathroom as someone was in her room. Upon clearing the room, Harrison was the only person inside. Officers noticed suspected methamphetamine on the table and detained Harrison. After talking with Harrison, officers were walking by another room and saw a subject bagging up several pills through an open window curtain. Officers made contact with that room and spoke with Bryce Brown of Florida and Whitley Williams of Natchez. Upon Brown opening the door, officers could see several pills on the table, marijuana, a glass smoking pipe and other drug paraphernalia in plain view. Officers detained both Brown and Williams. Brown and Williams were both arrested and charged with possession of schedule II (Adderall), possession of schedule IV (Xanax) and possession of a firearm while in possession of CDS. Harrison was arrested and charged with possession of schedule II (Methamphetamine). Vidalia Police Officers made several arrests on  Dec. 5, relating to two open theft cases. 

Ferriday couple killed

Donnie Joel Free and Carlene Smith of Ferriday were walking along Hwy. 84 near the Quick Stop in Ferriday, when they were struck by a passing vehicle. Both received fatal injuries. State police made no arrest but performed the normal toxicology test on the unnamed driver. Police are still investigating.   

A raid was conducted on a residence in Monterey, Louisiana in a joint operation between members of the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office Narcotics and Special Victim’s Unit Detectives on Dec. 5.  Detectives recovered a 3 month old child as well as firearms and narcotics. The 3-month-old in question is safe and the Department of Child and Family Services are involved at this time. Brandon Wayne Pecanty, 39, and Natalie Nicole Fancher,33, both on Monterey. were both booked into the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Detention Facility on one count each of Child Desertion, one count each of Possession of Schedule II Drugs, and one count each of Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Fancher also had outstanding arrest warrants in Mississippi for Animal Cruelty and Criminal Damage to Property. 

Concordia and Ferriday voters approved tax measures on Saturday, voting in favor of the renewal of the Trinity Medical subsidy and in favor a bond issue and millage increases for Ferriday.

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Benny Ray Reynolds

A Catahoula Parish Sheriff’s deputy was injured while attempting to serve an out-of-parish warrant on Benny Ray Reynolds, 68, of Hwy. 3102 in Jonesville. The warrant stemmed from a violation of a protective order. While attempting to take Reynolds into custody, the suspect struck the deputy in the face and resisted arrest. Despite being tased, Reynolds continued to resist and made verbal threats toward law enforcement. The deputy then retreated to his patrol vehicle and awaited backup. Upon arrival, Captain Darron Cooper established communication with Reynolds, who had retreated into his residence multiple times, claiming he was a “sovereign citizen.” After a brief standoff, Captain Cooper and Chief Ben Adams successfully took Reynolds into custody without further incident. The injured deputy underwent a CT scan, which revealed no major injuries but did confirm a loosened tooth. Reynolds has been charged with the following offenses: Battery of a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest and Public Intimidation.   

Vidalia police received a theft complaint on Nov. 22, from an Eleanor Street resident. The complainant reported their vehicle was burglarized the previous night. The thief stole the victim’s wallet along with a cell phone and several other items. A week later, the victim received phone calls about someone attempting to open credit card accounts in their name. Once this information was discovered, investigators were able to link Dorian Richard Guillot to this crime. On Dec. 5, Investigators Robert Cross and Del’Marcus Johnson along with Vidalia PD S.W.A.T. members Sgt. David Washington and Lt. Mark Davis and patrol Lts. Terence Williams and Clarence Hall Sr. executed a search warrant at Guillot’s home. Guillot was detained, issued Miranda warning and questioned. He admitted to his involvement in the purse case and implicated his thieving associate, Sean Gregory. A search of the home recovered several items of evidentiary value to this vehicle burglary and the victim’s stolen identity. Officers also noticed several tools including power saws and table saws possibly stolen from other cases. Those items were recovered and secured. Another victim came to the station and identified several of the recovered tools as those stolen from their shed on a previous occasion. Guillot and Gregory were both arrested and charged with identity theft, mail theft and theft as it relates to the vehicle burglary. More charges will follow.

Natchez firemen responded to a house fire on Newman Road and a vehicle fire on Nations Road on Dec. 7. There were no injuries.   

Postponed parade

The Vidalia Christmas parade has been moved to Dec. 15 at 3:30 p.m. because of the threat of inclement weather that’s forecast for this Sunday, Dec. 8.   

Louisiana State Police are investigating a vehicular accident involving a Catahoula correctional center staff member. Tasha Rollins was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated first offense, reckless operation with accident, negligent injuring, vehicular and open container. Bond was set at $2175.

When Great River bought the Huber water system in Morgantown, they raised water and sewer rates from a little over $50 to more than $100 in three years. While customers are alarmed at such a big increase, the Public Utilities Commission is expected to give final approval to the increase after saying it will study the request.

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E-911 building

Adams County supervisors will have spent more than $600,000 on purchasing and equipping this Feltus St. building for a new E911 dispatch center for use by the city and county. However, Emergency Services Director “Brad” Bradford said the building is a bit flimsy and may not stand up to a storm with high winds that could damage or wipe out the community’s ability to communicate during a crisis.

The Bude Christmas Parade will be held Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. Free hot dogs will be served after the parade near the Town of Bude offices. The Meadville parade is Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. The Jonesville parade will also be Dec. 5 but at 6 p.m. Ferriday’s parade is Dec. 7 at 1 p.m., Natchez Dec. 7 at 6 p.m., and Vidalia Dec. 8 at 3:30 p.m.

Donnie Holloway has passed an age 77. He served as Natchez City Clerk from 2000-2016. When Holloway was elected, he faced several challenges. The city was massively overspending and the mayor and aldermen did not pay close enough attention to budget. He spearheaded a computer hardware and software change that improved city bookkeeping and accounting and gave city leaders the information they needed to monitor cash flow. He also assisted in a major redistricting effort and cooperated closely with the Adams Election Commission to run city primaries and general elections. Holloway volunteered for many community events, including the Santa Claus Committee, which provides Christmas gifts for needy kids. He was also very active in his church, St. Mary, which played a major role in his life. He served as a Cathedral School board member and on the county port commission.

Dec. 7 General Election

Voters go to the polls Dec. 7 in Concordia Parish for the General Election. They will decide on a 1/4 cent sales tax renewal parish-wide for Trinity Medical. The renewal is for 10 years, estimated to net $888,000. Miss-Lou Magazine encourages you to vote yes on this measure.

Voters in Ferriday will consider a bond and two millage proposals. They will be asked if the town council can issue a general obligation bond up to $775,000 for up to  15 years with an interest rate not exceeding eight percent. The bond will be paid for from property taxes. The bond will be reschedule all or a portion of the town’s current outstanding general obligation bonds. Voters will also decide on a proposed 12-mill special tax for a period of 15 years beginning in 2025. The proposed millage is estimated to generate $140,000 annually to be used for general municipal purposes, including the payment of debt service. A third proposed millage if passed would levy a special tax of 10 mills for 10 years. It is expected to bring in $120,300 annually. The purpose of the proposed millage would be to provide public safety for the town, including the payment of salaries and other personnel costs related to fire protection and police protection and acquiring, constructing, improving, maintaining and operating fire protection and police facilities and equipment. Ferriday finances are a mess. The mayor and aldermen have not proposed a means by which they will professionally manage revenues, expense and personnel. They simply ask for permission to raise taxes and put the town further in debt. Miss Lou Magazine believes voters should reject all three proposals.

Louisiana State Police are investigating a vehicular accident involving a Catahoula correctional center staff member. Tasha Rollins was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated first offense, reckless operation with accident, negligent injuring, vehicular and open container. Bond was set at $2175.

Holly Trolley

Fridays and Saturdays, December 6-21, find unique handmade crafts and seasonal treats from local vendors and artisans at the “European Christmas Shopping Village” and hop on the Downtown Trolley for a free ride to more adventures. Local stores, restaurants, and attractions are also ready to help you find the perfect Christmas gift, tour the sites, grab a bite, or toast in the season."The European Christmas Shopping Village on the Bluff," sponsored by American Cruise Lines, is at 107 S. Broadway Street with its stunning view from the Mississippi River Bluff. It will consist of local vendors featuring handmade crafts and seasonal treats, in addition to an ice-skating rink experience, vintage animated displays, and convenient downtown shopping trolley rides. "The European Christmas Shopping Village on the Bluff" runs from December 6 through 21 and is open on Fridays from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and Saturdays from 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Local shops will also contribute via the "Holiday Host and Toast" program running through December 24, with participating downtown Natchez stores open for extended shopping hours on Sundays.On Saturday, Early birds can check out the Downtown Natchez Farmers Market from 8:30 am to noon, then catch a ride on the Trolley from the Bluff to other spots throughout! Downtown activities include tours of historic homes, beautiful churches, exhibits at the Historic Natchez Foundation, Norman's Natchez Photography at First Presbyterian Church, Museum of African American Culture and History (NAPAC), Arts Natchez and Conde Contemporary, as well as Self Guided Walking trails, Civil Rights tours, Scavenger Hunts, and Family Itineraries. Scanning our QR Code or visiting https://trolley.OneNatchez.com will display our Mobile GPS “Trolley Tracker,” letting you follow the Trolley stops in real-time. The Trolley loops Downtown Natchez to and from the Bluff every 30 minutes. There are seven marked stop points, starting at the Downtown Depot, going down Canal Street, through Downtown and past the Christmas Tree at Main and Commerce Streets, and the MLK Triangle.Information on the Downtown Trolley, route map, and the Trolley Tracker can be found at https://trolley.OneNatchez.com. For info on the European Christmas Village, visit their website at www.christmasinnatchez.org. You can find tour and activity details at visitnatchez.org.

Contractors are finishing work on re-asphalting Canal Street Natchez and are expected to begin milling and laying down new asphalt overlay on Homochitto Street sometime next week, depending on the weather.  Striping will be put down on both streets when the overlay is completed. 

Adams supervisors voted to give their county employees a bonus of $1000 each, a total of $220,000, using some of the remaining federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. Supervisors have not considered using the leftover $1 million in federal largesse to reduce garbage collection fees or property taxes. 

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Frazier re-opens

Frazier School in Natchez has reopened as a non-profit cultural, education and entertainment center. For more information, please contact Bettye Bell at 601-334-4104. 

La. State Police arrested Kenderrick Green, 31, of Ferriday, for failing to register as a sex offender and violation of a protection order. He was previously arrested in 2018 for forgery. He was arrested in 2013 for failing to register as a sex offender. He has bonded out of jail.

Adams deputies arrested John Guy Sanders, 43, of Natchez, for aggravated assault. He was released on a bond of $25,000. In 2020, he was sentenced to 90 days for domestic abuse and assault. In 2018, he was charged with felony child abuse and released on a $5,000 bond.

Terric Cyantre Thomas

Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies were contacted on Nov. 18 in reference to the sexual assault of a juvenile. Deputies contacted detectives with the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit, at this time an investigation was immediately opened. The suspect in question was identified as Terric Cyantre Thomas, 29, of Ferriday. With the assistance of the Children’s Advocacy Center and the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Cyber Crimes Unit probable cause was established and arrest warrants obtained. It was also learned that Thomas had an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court in reference to a child pornography charge. Detectives learned that Terric had fled to Texas, at which time a multiple agency operation was initiated for the apprehension of the suspect. On Dec 1, Terric Thomas was taken into custody by the Dallas Police Department. Terric will be booked into the Concordia Parish Detention Center on the following charges: three counts of 1st degree rape. victim under 13 years of age, aggravated flight from an officer, simple criminal damage to property, and a bench warrant for failure to appear on child pornography. 

Adams deputies arrested John Guy Sanders, 43, of Natchez, for aggravated assault. He is expected to be released on bond within 48 hours. In 2020, he was sentenced to 90 days for domestic abuse and assault. In 2018, he was charged with felony child abuse and released on a $5,000 bond.

Concordia Parish has 6,538 people employed, up 19 jobs from a year ago. The jobless rate is 6 percent.

Lilly-Anne Bryan

Lilly-Anne Bryan, 11, of Ferriday, has lost her battle with cancer. She fought the disease for seven years, showing courage and determination. She will be remembered for her loving and happy personality and true goodness.

Natchez attorneys Everett and Aisha Sanders have successfully appealed the decision of Judge Carmen Drake to hold accused shooter, Cameron Harris, 21, of Natchez, in jail, pending indictment. Judge Drake ruled that there was enough evidence to hold Harris for the shooting. But the Miss. Appeals Court disagreed. The DA’s office is waiting for a ballistics report that may have tied the shooter to empty shell casing found at the scene of the crime. The appeals court believes more firm evidence should have been presented to a grand jury by now to continue holding Harris in jail on a high bond. His initial bond was $500,000 The Sanders attorney team are expected to secure the release of the accused shooter, unless more evidence is immediately submitted to the circuit judge. Both Harris and a companion were arrested at the time of the shooting in their car with weapons that may or may not been used in attack. Both men have felony histories. The woman wounded in the murder attempt was hospitalized in Jackson and recovered from her wounds. There were several prosecutorial and judicial errors in the case. Justice court bound Harris over to the grand jury on a charge of felon in possession of a weapon, when the actual charge should have been attempted murder. In more than a year since his arrest, deputies and investigators have not secured additional firm evidence that Harris committed the crime. No case had been presented to the grand jury. And the Miss. Crime Lab is so far behind in providing lab results, that this case and many others are in jeopardy. The state crime lab is not properly staffed and funded, so hundreds of cases across the state have not been prosecuted, which means many shooters and killers may go free. Supervisors could authorize the sheriff and the district attorney to use outside, private sector labs. But supervisors would have to increase the investigative budget to do so. They have not agreed to spend more. 

The La. General Election is Dec. 7. A parish wide ballot proposition includes renewal of the hospital 1/4 cent sales tax for 10 years to benefit Trinity Medical. Miss-Lou Magazine encourages passage. Ferriday voters will consider allowing the Town Council to issue a bond of up to $775,000 to pay for negative cash flow and capital improvements. Two other levies will be considered, one for 10 mills and another for 12 mills. Ferriday mayors and the council have ignored their financial obligations for so many years. They’re two years behind in their audits. Miss-Lou Magazine believes you should vote No on the three additional taxes, until town leaders follow state law and mandated accounting and bookkeeping procedures. It is poor policy to give more money to people who do not keep track of the money they already receive. 

New report

Adams County reports 10,160 workers employed, up 350 jobs from a year ago and a 4 percent jobless rate.

Natchez police and Adams deputies arrested Tyrell L. White, 28, of Natchez, after he shot and wounded a man on Daisy Street on Nov. 17. His victim was shot three times in the head but is recovering. He has been charged with attempted murder and shooting into a vehicle. In 2019, he was arrested for possession of a stolen firearm and suspected of participating in a drive by shooting that killed a man. He was charged then with conspiracy to murder, drive by shooting and shooting into a vehicle. 

Vidalia High students participated in the All American Dance Team at Disney’s Thanksgiving Parade in Orlando. Kylie Ann Seale, Kayla Smedley and Dusty Wilson will represent their school and town. Vidalia also had several cheerleaders who made All American and were also in this parade: Chesney Williams, Britton Whittington, Adaija Harris, Chaney Mearday, Landry Merritt, Kolbee Kenney and Chloe Carter.   

Parades set

The Bude Christmas Parade will be held Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. Free hot dogs will be served after the parade near the Town of Bude offices. The Meadville parade is Dec. 5 at 5 p.m. The Jonesville parade will also be Dec 5 but at 6 p.m. Ferriday’s parade is Dec. 7 at 1 p.m., Natchez Dec. 7 at 6 p.m., and Vidalia Dec. 8 at 3:30 p.m.

Natchez aldermen used Jordan Kaiser engineers to survey the bluff to see if repairs are needed since the stabilization project was completed 25+ years ago. Only $20,000 in minimal repairs are needed and will be completed by G. Rayborn Construction. 

Architects contracted with the United States Forestry Service were in Meadville to conduct a needs analysis to make improvements to the Okhissa Lake Master Recreation Plan. The Forestry Service has hired TSW Architects to develop the master plan for future development through an analysis of the site and information from the public. The lake currently offers opportunities for bass fishing, water skiing, power boating, canoeing, sailing and swimming.

Homeless in Natchez

Since the Mississippi Department of Education is monitoring the number of homeless students in each county, and Natchez Adams County has approximately 41 such students, Natchez aldermen are considering allocating funds to help the homeless. Mayor Gibson said any additional allocations must be discussed in advance, budgeted and be according to law. Alderman Curtis Moroney said the board should discuss whether helping the homeless is actually a city responsibility, or whether private sector groups, like churches and other nonprofits, should take responsibility. Alderwoman Felicia Irving made a very loosely worded motion to try to help the homeless immediately with cash, but her motion was rejected by the board for being vague and not following the specifics of state law. The federal government says that approximately 64 percent of homeless across the country have drug and alcohol problems. Whether the aldermen will deal with the substance dependency issue as part of homelessness is uncertain.   

The Canal St. Bridge in Natchez will have one lane closed Nov. 27-28 as part of the repair process. 

In July, Russell Handjis, 45, of Natchez, was arrested for felony domestic violence and DUI released on bond. Now Adams deputies caught him after he broke into a home for a burglary.

Jail needs

Jail consultants have advised the Adams County Board of Supervisors to build new jail that could house more than 200 inmates, which would require a massive property tax increase. In recent years, Adams County has held an average of 65-95 prisoners. Right now, the inmate population, including those held here in Adams and those held in Concordia, is 81. The cost to build a new prison in Adams County should run $50,000-$100,000 per inmates or $10-$20 million, even with the donated land. Cost to run the prison would add $3-$5 million more annually to the current $8 million sheriff’s office budget.

Jarita Frazier-King has been hired as the director of the Women’s Business Center at Alcorn’s Natchez Campus. 

Vidalia police officers, including Dartavious Bethley, Roger McDonald Jr. and Chief Investigator Sam King, conducted “power patrol” Nov. 21, which yielded over 10 traffic stops and two drug arrest in an hour time span. Bethley stopped a vehicle after seeing an infraction. While talking with the driver, identified as Bill Graham, age 45. McDonald engaged the passenger, identified as Jason Dale Wiley, age 50. Graham was seen grabbing a clear plastic baggie from the center console and attempting to conceal it on the back seat floorboard area. Wiley was removed from the vehicle and found to be in possession of suspected Xanax that was hidden under his clothes. He was detained and issued Miranda warnings. Graham was removed from the vehicle, detained and issued Miranda as it was revealed his driver’s license was suspended. Upon search of the vehicle, a clear plastic baggie was found in the area Graham was seen reaching. That baggie contained suspected marijuana.  Both subjects were transported to Vidalia Police Department for booking. As Wiley was being removed from the patrol unit, officers discovered a chunk of a white, crystallized substance later testing positive for methamphetamine and suspected marijuana at Wiley’s feet along with approximately 19 Alprazolam pills and over $1,000 in cash. “Chief Merrill’s focus is to combat drugs in the town of Vidalia,” said King. “Power patrols and officers being proactive, recognizing the clues, will continue to yield this type of arrest.” Graham was booked for driving under suspension and possession of schedule I (marijuana). Wiley was possession of possession of schedule I (marijuana), possession of schedule II (methamphetamine) with intent to distribute and possession of schedule IV (Alprazolam) with intent to distribute.

Fewr suspensions

The Natchez School District has 2,565 students enrolled. The district had 2,842 students in 2020 and 3,460 students in 2016. Attendance is approximately 93 percent. There were 155 disciplinary incidents in October that resulted in an in-school or out-of-school suspension. The percentage of students attending has improved slightly this year, and there’s been a drop in the number of disciplinary incidents.

Yvonne Lewis Day will talk about the collision and loss of the steamboat Monmouth at the November 26 meeting of the Natchez Historical Society. Her presentation will be given at the Historic Natchez Foundation, 108 S. Commerce St. It will begin with a social at 5:30 p.m., followed by Day’s presentation at 6 p.m. The program is free to the public. It is part of a lecture series that is funded by a grant from the Mississippi Humanities Council through funding by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Day’s topic is, “Who Will Sing My Name? The Loss of the Steamboat Monmouth.” She will discuss the loss of the steamboat, which occurred on October 31, 1837, just north of Baton Rouge. The tragedy resulted in the deaths of about 400 Muscogee/Creek Indians who were being forcibly transported to Indian Territory in Oklahoma. Day’s illustrated presentation incorporates her original research conducted over the last decade. For more information, call 281-731-4433 or 601-492-3004 or send email to info@natchezhistoricalsociety.org.

Mississippi Coding Academies will open its newest campus at Alcorn State University’s Business Center Jan. 6. The six-month course runs Mon.-Fri. from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. There is no deadline to apply and the six-month course is free. For more info, go to mscoding.org.

Joint operations

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office conducted a an intensified patrol Wednesday in Natchez, part of Operation Safe Neighborhoods. Sheriff’s deputies have joined Natchez Police to combat shootings and violent crime. “During the saturation, deputies conducted several traffic stops in high crime areas and came in contact with numerous people with handguns and an assault rifle,” said Sheriff Travis Patten. “Deputies were able to locate three people who had outstanding warrants for Natchez Police Department and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.” They arrested Barney Hawkins, 29, who is on probation for arson, and charged him with possession of cocaine and crack cocaine with intent to deliver within 1,000 feet of a school zone and with resisting arrest. Deputies also arrested Sam Mason, 26, after a short struggle. Mason has been hiding from law enforcement since 2021, when warrants were signed for his arrest for accessory after the fact for a drive-by shooting. Hawkins was charged with conspiracy to commit murder in 2022 by NPD.   

Monterey Water has had a water line break as well as delivering poor quality, cloudy water. Service should be restored in a few days. 

Work continues on the Highway 98 bridge over the Homochitto River in Franklin County, with the project on target to be completed in summer 2026.

Free holiday meal

Karla Brown leads a group of volunteers providing the Natchez Community Thanksgiving. The free meal will be offered from 11-2 at the convention center on Thanksgiving Day. This is the 4th year of the event, which serves as many as 400 people. Donate by sending your check to NCT, PO Box 2265, Natchez 39121.

Jumanne Carter Jr., 17, of Clayton, has been arrested by Concordia deputies for felony illegal possession of a handgun, aggravated flight from and officer and traffic offenses. He remains in the parish jail.  Concordia deputies arrested Richard Farrell, 40, of Monterey, for burglary and theft of greater than $1000. He remains in the parish jail. He was arrested for motor vehicle theft, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, battery, criminal trespass, possession of stolen property and damage to property in 2015. 

Magnolia Bluffs Casino has reopened after being closed for more than a week.  The casino said it had computer-IT problems forcing the teporary closure.

Jimmie Woods Sr.,

Adams supervisors Middleton and Wilson complained to Jimmie Woods Sr., the CEO of United Infrastructure, in this week’s meeting, saying garbage was not picked up on schedule, trash was left on streets and flew out of the company’s trucks. Infrastructure trucks don’t have MDOT numbers, have not passed inspection and he failed to provide proof of insurance. Residents are supposed to get pickup twice a week. But sometimes residents get just one pick up or none at all. The CEO listened carefully and promised to do better. It’s unlikely supervisors would do anything to sanction the company, because Supervisors Hutchins, Gaines and Gray remain close to the company’s founders.   

Concordia deputies are looking for a Ferriday man, accused of crimes against a child, after being led on a pursuit that crossed parish lines on Nov. 18. Terric C. Thomas, 29, of Ferriday evaded law enforcement in the Lake St. John area after exiting his vehicle and fleeing on foot around 1:00 a.m. Tensas Parish Sheriff's Office K-9 tracked Thomas to a family residence in Concordia Parish where the K-9 lost his scent. The Concordia Parish Sheriff's Office is actively working this case and will provide updates when more information is available.

The Mississippi Public Utilities Commission is expected to give final approval to Great River’s water rate increase for its Morgantown customers on Dec. 3. The increase has already gone into effect and brings customers’ bills to over $100 per month. The company serves about 350 customers locally and those customers complain about water quality low water pressure.

Christmas in Natchez

Christmas in Natchez special events have begun: Downtown Natchez Farmer’s Market: Saturdays from 8:30 am to noon • Downtown Shopping “Holiday Host and Toast”: Extended Sunday Hours Through December 24 • Harmonious Traditions For Flute & Guitar: Fundraiser Concert for Temple B’nai Israel: Wednesday, 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm November 17 • Annual Christmas Tree Lighting: Saturday, 3:00 pm lighting at 6:00 pm. November 30 • Art On The Bluff: Saturday, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, November 30 • Alcorn State University Holiday Concert: Tuesday, 6:00 pm, December 3, FREE to the public. • NFOM Christmas Cabaret, “Christmas With The Kings of Swing”: Saturday, 7:00 pm, December 6 • Natchez Merry Market: Friday, 11:00 am -7:00 pm and Saturday, 11:00 pm - 4:00 pm, Dec. 6–7 • European Christmas Shopping Village: Friday, 4:00 pm -7:00 pm and Saturday, 1:00 pm-6:00 pm, Dec. 6–21 • Annual Christmas Parade: Saturday, December 7, 2024, 6:00 pm • Wardo’s Rouxdolph Roll 10K/5K/Fun Run: Saturday, 8:00 am, register online, December 7 • The Little Natchez Theater Presents “The Christmas Bus”: Thursday, 7:30 pm – Sunday, 2:00 pm, Dec. 12–15 • The Polar Express Experience — Movie Event In The Trolley: Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13 & 14, On The Bluff • Caroling In The Park: Date TBA, Memorial Park, Free to the public.

Ferriday police arrested Javonte Beech, 31, of Ferriday, for aggravated assault, domestic abuse and child endangerment. In 2021, he was charged for shooting at the mother of his child and her new boyfriend. The intended victims were not hurt, as Beech’s bullets struck their car. At that time, he was arrested on two counts of attempted murder and aggravated assault with a firearm. In 2016, Ferriday police arrested him for battery and criminal damage. Louisiana lists him as owing $5832 in past due child support. Concordia deputies arrested Christopher P. Penton, 34, of Monterey for battery, aggravated assault, possession of drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia. He remains in the parish jail. He’s faced felony arrest in the past in East Baton Rouge Parish and Livingston Parish and served time in Livingston in 2019.   

Natchez police reported one person was wounded in a shooting near Daisy Street on Sunday. The victim was shot three times but is expected to recover. No arrests yet.

Feriday football fight

The Ferriday-Lake Arthur football erupted in a brawl in the second quarter Friday, as players from both teams fought with each other. Referees should have ejected players for illegal tackles and hits but did not do so, which resulted in the melee after an out of bounds tackle. Both teams were sanctioned, and assigned a loss for the game. Neither team can continue in the playoffs.

Kadeem Conner, 26, of Natchez, had been arrested last year for allegedly shooting and killing two men in front of Cash Savers and attempting to murder three more men in the same attack. He was released this week on a $300,000 property bond set by Judge Debra Blackwell. Blackwell could have given him no bond, since in 2017. Conner was arrested at age 19 for felony possession of a stolen weapon and possession of drugs. in 2019, he was captured in Houston, TX and returned to Natchez on a felony warrant. He has faced charges for shooting into a dwelling and shooting into a house. He was released from MDOC after serving time for arson and intimidation.

The Concordia Parish School Board expects to issue a bond to cover $5.5 million in renovations to Ferriday High. Taxes will not be increased.     

Jaylen Jefferson

Jaylen Jefferson, 21, of Natchez was arrested by Adams deputies for possessing and installing a device to make a firearm fully automatic. Putting an auto sear into a pistol or rifle can make the weapon fully automatic. Then it operates like a machine gun, a violation of state and federal law, if prior approval from the ATF is not received. And the government does not allow criminals to have such permits. Jefferson was arrested in 2022 for participating in a shooting on Red Bud Road near Morgantown. Bond was set at $26,000. He has posted bond and been released.

Vidalia will use some its extra hydro revenues to fund local projects: $2 million for Polk Park development, $500,000 for street overlays, $100,000 for cutting down dangerous trees, $100,000 to clean up blighted properties and another $60,000 for the veterans memorial wall. The town had already allocated $40,000 for the wall, making Vidalia’s total contribution $100,000. Another $250,00 will be spent on replacing the HVAC system at the convention center and $300,000 on painting at the riverfront, repairing the splash pad and upgrading restrooms. Vidalia utility rebates will be mailed to customers the week of Nov. 18. Customers will receive as a rebate 50 percent of their annual bills. Rebates will total $2.8 million to the community.   

The Natchez Festival of Music presents Nicolas Ciraldo, guitar, and Rachel Taratoot Ciraldo, flute, with inspiring music from Europe, North and South America and Israel. All proceeds will benefit the restoration of Temple B’Nai Israel. This event will be held at Temple B’Nai Israel on Nov. 17 from 4-6 p.m. Tickets are $35 each. For information, natchezfestival@gmail.com or 601-807-4442.

Debbie Hudson, Johnny Byrne

The 2024 Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce award winners were announced Tuesday at the Chamber banquet. The Natchez Woman of the Year award went to Debbie Hudson-Germany, while Johnny Byrne of Byrne Insurance Agency was named Natchez Man of the Year. Smoots Grocery received the Small Business of the Year award, and J.E Hicks Distributing Company was honored as Large Business of the Year.

Operation Christmas Child drop offs begin Nov. 8 in Franklin Cunty. The clock is ticking for those planning to send a familiar red and green Christmas shoebox to a child in need. National Collection Week for Operation Christmas Child will take place Nov. 18-25. Meadville Methodist Church once again serves as Franklin County's drop-off location. Prepared shoeboxes can be brought to the church during the following hours: 3-5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18 through Wednesday, Nov. 20, 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21., 3-5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22,  9-11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24,  8-10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 25. 

Bude's Shop the Block is Nov. 23. The Annual Shop the Block holiday event will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23 on Main Street in Bude. Entry to the event is free, and free vendor set up is available. Food and craft booths are welcome to be a part of the event as well. Shop the Block is hosted in order to help kick off holiday sales and to emphasis the importance of shopping local. For more information about the event or be reserve a space, contact Wes  Arnold at 318-230-0626.

When the paper mill was operating

Mississippi has awarded Adams County $3.54 million to clean up and develop the IP mill site. After the county purchased the land from Rentech for $9.5 million in 2013, it allowed the cleared property to return to a wooded state and did little or no maintenance. Supervisors borrowed the money for the purchase in 2013 and taxpayers are still paying the note. The county purchased the property on the recommendations of Natchez Inc’s Chandler Russ and Supervisors Darryl Grennell and Mike Lazarus. 

Laura Godfrey of Natchez has died at the age of 69. She had served as executive director of the Natchez Adams County Chamber of Commerce, the public relations director for the Natchez Convention and Visitors Bureau and as our area’s representative to the Miss. Film Commission. She was very active in the work of the Historic Natchez Foundation, the development of downtown Natchez, the Natchez Food and Wine Festival and the Lake St. John Flotilla. She, and her late husband, Ed, were energetic supporters of the Natchez Balloon Festival. Laura was known for her intellect, friendliness and her commitment as a volunteer for many community projects. Ed passed in 2017.

Brian Isaac of Natchez has signed to play indoor football with the Amarillo Dusters. Isaac is a very talented player and has played football in the USA and internationally. 

Felicia Irving

Mississippi has tightened its rules on conflicts of interest. The Attorney General and the Ethics Commission has advised the Natchez aldermen and Adams supervisors they should not sit in on meetings where they could personally benefit or their relatives could benefit from the discussions. So Supervisor Kevin Wilson leaves the meeting room when discussions of his planned oil disposal site occur. Alderwoman Felicia Irving has a relative in the fire department. So she cannot vote on fire department policy or fire budget issues. But she refuses to leave the room as suggested by the AG and the Ethics Commission. She says she’s not trying to gain advantage for herself or her family but simply represent her ward at the meetings. Her refusal is expected to bring a complaint to and investigation by the state. If the state decides to sanction her, she can be fined or suspended from office. If she refuses to comply a second time, she can be removed from office. Irving said at the aldermen’s meeting that she will not comply.   

The City of Natchez is considering selling its land north of Walmart for a new shopping center. The city and MDOT will likely approve moving the intersection at Walmart and Natchez High slightly north. An access road would be built into the now wooded area just north of Walmart. The shopping center developers, Horne Properties of Knoxville, would also build another entrance on the D’Evereux Drive side of the property. The proposed shopping center would be the largest commercial development built in Southwest Miss. since the Natchez Mall was finished in 1979. The development is still in the planning stage and the developers have not yet made a final commitment to the project. 

Natchez aldermen continue to upgrade city facilities. They plan to let bids for painting, carpeting and remodeling bathrooms on the second floor of the convention center. The city was also replace the heating and air conditioning system of the building. Aldermen met and voted to allocate $873,000 in leftover federal American Rescue Act funds for police and fire department payrolls over the next year. The city also plans to borrow $1.2 million from the Miss. Development Authority at 2 percent interest to help fund the Morgantown Rd. project. Additional monies are needed from the city and county to do the widening and paving. The $4 million initially allocated from the federal, state and local governments is being used for the engineering and drainage work. 

D.A. press conference

District Attorney Tim Cotton led a news conference Tuesday on the steps of city hall asking the community to provide more leads and tips to law enforcement to help combat crime, including violent crime and property crimes. Cotton said citizens should work closely with law enforcement because their help is necessary to capture lawbreakers and make the city and county safer. Cotton said both sheriff’s deputies and police accept anonymous tips as does Crimestoppers. The assembly of law enforcement and the District Attorney’s remarks were prompted by Monday’s killing on MLK Street. 

James Mitchell, 61, of Natchez, was killed by a single gunshot wound at his home at 841 Martin Luther St., Monday afternoon. Mitchell was found dead on his screened-in porch. Police do not have witnesses or a motive for the killing. Prayers for James and his family.

Adams County supervisors have appointed Stephanie Anderson as an election commissioner. Larry Gardner has retired.

Christmas Pilgrimage

The Natchez Garden Club Christmas Pilgrimage Tours of Homes run Nov. 15-Dec. 31. The Christmas tours offer a delightful blend of tradition, history, and holiday cheer, From exploring beautifully adorned historic homes to strolling through festive markets and attending lively holiday events, these tours and events are offered in conjunction with the club and Little Easy Tours, 601-890-2388.

Adams County supervisors will ask the Legislature to provide funds for upgrading Morgantown Road. While work has begun to fix the road’s drainage problems, more will be needed to actually widen and repave it. The drainage improvement project began last month with land-clearing work from U.S. 61 to Red Loop Road. Widening and repaving the road will be a separate project. So far, more than $4 million in federal, state and local funds have been committed. But that's not enough for the widening and repaving to be done. When supervisors and aldermen delayed funding the project for so many years, the cost of completion tripled. While leaders haven't said specifically how much extra funding is needed, Morgantown Rd. from Hwy. 61 to Redd Loop is just over a mile and would likely cost 1.5-$2 million to widen and the same amount to repave.

A woman and man were sitting in a car near St. Catherine St. and Holy Family Church when two people approached the woman at her car window. She was then shot and wounded with multiple shots fired. The man was not hurt. Police found the victim, and she was taken to the hospital in Jackson. Her condition is not known.  No other details were released.

Drugs and stolen car

A fleeing felon bolted from a vehicle after being stopped by a Vidalia police officer on Nov. 7, at approximately 3:32 p.m. Vidalia Police Lt. Clarence Hall Sr. observed a vehicle with an expired license plate. The vehicle pulled to the side of the road along Martin L. King Avenue after blue lights were activated. As the driver was coming to a stop, the front seat passenger hastily exited the vehicle and ran into the wood line. The driver was identified as Jon Dale Adams Jr., 53, aka “Jonny Pig” of Natchez. Adams was detained along with the rear seat passenger, Victor Curry, 38, of Vidalia. Both Adams and Curry were detained and issued Miranda warnings. Officer Dartavious Bethley and Lt. Del’Marcus Johnson arrived and searched the wood line unsuccessfully for the fleeing felon. Upon search of the vehicle, officers recovered approximately 2.9 grams of methamphetamine in the vehicle along with a wallet containing two suboxone strips. The vehicle was towed for no insurance and Adams and Curry were both arrested. As officers were wrapping up the traffic stop, a concerned citizen reported seeing a male subject walking along Logan Sewell Road with no shirt or pants on, only what appeared to be boxer briefs. Officers went to the area to locate that subject but the subject ran off again upon seeing the police. The subject managed to evade capture by running through the Town of Vidalia sewer treatment area towards Westside Drive. At approximately 7:06 p.m., Concordia Parish Sheriff Office received a call about a stolen pickup truck from a residence on Westside Drive. The vehicle was eventually tracked to Natchez and located by Natchez Police Department along Maplewood Drive. With the assistance of Natchez Police Officers and Adams County Sheriff Deputies, the stolen vehicle was recovered and returned to its rightful owner undamaged. “We highly suspect the fleeing felon from our traffic stop is responsible for stealing the vehicle,” said Sam King, Vidalia PD Chief Investigator. “We’re working closely with all agencies to identify this subject and issue the necessary warrants for their arrest.” Adams was issued traffic citations for expired license plate, expired motor vehicle inspection sticker, no insurance and driving under suspension. He was also arrested for possession of schedule II (methamphetamine) and possession of schedule IV (Suboxone). Curry was arrested for possession of schedule II (methamphetamine), possession of schedule IV (Suboxone) and Concordia Parish warrant for simple burglary. “This is a testament of all agencies working together to combat crime in our communities,” said King. “We thank Chief Joey Merrill, Chief Cal Green, Sheriff David Hedrick and Sheriff Travis Patten for allowing our departments to work towards the common goal of keeping our communities safe.” John Dale Adams has been previously arrested for dog fighting, possession of drugs and grand larceny.

Vidalia police arrested Jamaya Frazier, 17, of Vidalia, for felony criminal damage to property and illegal use of a weapon. She remains in the parish jail.

In 2012, Jon R. McClellan robbed the Gas Lane on 61 South with a shotgun, netting $170 in the heist. Adams deputies have now arrested the 32-yeae-old for receiving stolen property. Bond was set at $5000. 

Cook-Off returns

The Rotary Club of Natchez Chili Cook-Off will be Nov. 9 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on the Natchez Bluff across form the Grand Hotel. Tasting kits are $10 and proceeds benefit Natchez Children’s Services. There will be beer, soft drinks, funnel cakes and root beer floats for purchase. It’s always a great time for an even better cause. Admission is free.   

Mississippi shares sales tax revenues with towns and cities. Natchez received $1.42 million from July-September 2024, as compared to $1.45 million for July-September 2023. The Miss. Department of Revenue starts its fiscal year in July.

A class lawsuit has been settled surrounding the Jonesville grain storage facility that burned for months in 2022-2023. The $3 million settlement, which includes attorney fees, provides compensation for individuals, families and businesses that suffered harm and damages from the fire. For more information, call 318-336-1999 or go to jonesvillegraintankfireclass.com. Claimants must apply for compensation, and the court has to approve the settlement plan in January. 

Hurricane not a threat to Natchez

Hurricane Raphael is expected to stall and wander in the Gulf of Mexico, becoming less powerful and a tropical storm. Rain and practically no wind are forecast for the Miss-Lou this weekend. 

Concordia deputies arrested Jaylon Mitchell, 18, of Ferriday, for possession of a weapon while in possession of drugs and intent to distribute. He was released on bond. Concordia deputies also arrested April E. Beetz, 45, of Jonesville, for battery of an officer, remaining after forbidden, resisting arrest and outstanding warrants. She remains in the parish jail. Deputies charged Roy T. James II, 52, of Monterey, for illegal use of weapons. He remains in the parish jail. In August, he was arrested for criminal damage to property and battery and released on bond. Diamond Barber, 18, of Ferriday, was arrested for intent to distribute drugs and then released on bond. 

Natchez police arrested Barbara H. Doyle, 56, of Natchez, for felon in possession of a weapon, possession of drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia. In a separate incident, police arrested Logan F. Owens, 28, of Natchez, for felony assault on a police officer, resisting arrest and two counts of disorderly conduct.

Summit woman missing

Lottie Myers, 73, of Summit, is missing. She was last seen in Franklin County wearing gray tee shirt and blue jean shorts and driving a 2015 Jeep Cherokee. She may need medical assistance. Contact authorities if you see her. 

9120 people voted in Adams County, with Harris receiving 57 percent of the vote. Congressman Bennie Thompson received 58 percent of the Adams vote. Trump carried Mississippi, and Thompson won re-election district-wide easily. Donald Trump won Concordia Parish with 64 percent of the vote. 7755 voters went to the polls in Concordia. Julia Letlow easily beat both her opponents in the 5th Congressional District. In Concordia, David Turner and Sheila Gardner won their JP races. Connie Adair re-elected as mayor of Ridgecrest.

ACCS Headmaster David King confirmed that Athletic Director Matthew Freeman is no longer employed by the school. No reason was given for Freeman’s departure. A new athletic director has not been named.

Casino closes

Magnolia Bluffs Casino and its co-owned sister casinos in Colorado and New York have been closed since November 1. No official reason for the closures has been offered.

Adams Circuit Clerk Eva Givens says 2000 absentee votes have been cast fpr the November election. Four years ago, it was 4000.

Lysa Richardson, a Noah’s Ark daycare defendant, as been released, after serving two years of her nine year sentence. Co-defendant Bridget Delaughter, also sentenced to nine years, is scheduled to be paroled in December.

Concordia Parish has 6,662 employed, up 9 jobs from a year ago. The jobless rate is 5.5 percent.

Vondell Hawkins

Vondell Hawkins, 36, of Ferriday, was involved in an incident in Jonesville that led to a pursuit into Concordia Parish. Near the Frogmore area, Hawkins lost control of his vehicle and exited on foot. He was captured and placed in jail. Hawkins was given a suspended sentence and probation after convicted on five counts of aggravated assault in 2017. He was sentenced to seven years suspended and five years probation. Subsequent to being freed, shooter Hawkins committed more crimes and was arrested for stalking, criminal trespass and criminal damage to property. 

Michael Strawberry, director of the Armstrong Library in Natchez, has died unexpectedly. Strawberry was formerly the Acquisitions Librarian and Public Services Director at the J. D. Boyd Library at Alcorn. He also had served as a high school English instructor at Central Alternative School in Natchez. He has been the Judge Armstrong Library director since 2022.

Renovations to the Catahoula Parish Courthouse’s heating ventilation and air conditioning are underway. Hendry Electrical Plus and Womack and Sons Construction Group are in the process of tearing out the ceilings to replace the unit. Funding through the American Rescue Place Act capital outlay allowed the police jury to update the system.

Hope's Space

The Concordia Parish Sheriff's Office operates Hope’s Space at its community justice center in Ferriday. The setting allows female victims of crime to tell their stories and receive support and counseling. More than 150 women have been served by the program since 2022.  

The annual Sunday Open House event with Downtown Natchez merchants returns Nov. 10 from noon to 4 p.m., kicking off the Christmas shopping season. Downtown shops, galleries, and eateries will offer sidewalk sales, exclusive in-store discounts, festive refreshments, music, children’s activities, holiday photo ops, and nostalgic holiday music.

Concordia Parish Sewerage Dist. 1 plans to raise household rates from $40 to $50 per month starting in November. The district reported it had revenues of $579,000 and expenses of $954,000 in 2022 but has failed to file its required audit in 2023, so its finances are a bit of a mystery. In past years, when the district had a net loss, it used existing cash balances to make up the difference, a poor management practice. Police Juror Cornell Lewis believes the district did not follow the law for the rate increase, where both a public hearing and a publication of the increase are required. Jurors sent a letter of complaint to the district, which could delay the increase. The district has repeatedly promised to turn in its audit on time and reputedly fails to do so, leaving its Concordia Parish ratepayers and the general public in the dark as to finances. The district is on the state auditor’s non-compliant list.

Ferriday shooting

A juvenile was shot and wounded in the shoulder at Adams Grocery #1 in Ferriday Tuesday evening. The youth was taken to Trinity Medical for care and then airlifted to Baton Rouge for surgery. He was in stable condition. No arrest has been made as yet.

More than 500 people attended a Celebration of Black Excellence at the Natchez Convention Center. Approximately 75 were recognized for their contributions to the community. The celebration featured Congressman Bennie Thompson and was co-sponsored with the Natchez Business and Civic League. 

Visit Natchez seeks a public relations agency with experience working in the tourism industry to attract new global media partners and new media strategies. Visit Natchez also wants to hire a separate advertising agency with tourism industry experience who can demonstrate the creativity to create branded messaging and ad design content. Under the requests for proposals, The city does not have to accept a low bidder.

Adams Sheriff Travis Patten's statement

Jammie Keating, 53, of Natchez, was shot and killed at the Gas Lane on Hwy. 61 North near Washington. Deputies took into custody the man responsible for the killing but released him after it was learned that the shooter may have acted in self-defense, as both men were armed. Sheriff Travis Patten says he’s turning over evidence to District Attorney Tim Cotton concerning the killing, including store video and audio, witness statements and the shooter’s own statement. Patten said he will leave it up to the D.A. whether to call a grand jury or not. Patten said when deputies arrived, the victim was dead on the floor inside the c-store and the shooter was outside. Both men were armed at the time of the killing. The two had argues over a spilled cup of ice. Keating was known as a friendly and conscientious mail carrier and dedicated to his family.

Judiciary Commission of La. and Concordia Justice of the Peace Russell Wagoner have signed a voluntary consent agreement. JP Russell Wagoner was admonished for violating Canons 1-3 of the rules that govern judges. He issued sequestration orders in two matters without following proper procedures, engaged in impermissible ex parte communications relating the sequestration orders and did not recuse himself and issued a stat of execution on an eviction without having jurisdiction following an ex parte conversation. Wagoner must pay a penalty of $1,976 in connection to three instances and receive supervision and training for three years. He must attend at least one in-person training held by the Attorney General’s Office. He must attend three online courses of training and education per year regarding judicial ethics and/or civil procedure preferably involving the topics of ex parte communications, sequestration, jurisdiction, service and/or due process. The commission will assign Wagoner a mentor judge or justice of the peace. He must meet in-person with this mentor at least four times during the first year and at least twice a year during the second and third years. The consent agreement does not mean Wagoner admits guilt but does voluntarily accept the sanctions and punishment as a result of the inappropriate and unethical actions delineated by the Commission. For details on the agreement, click on the link below: https://judiciarycommissionla.org/Documents/Dispositions/0396.pdf

Concordia deputies made three separate felony arrests. They charged Damariea C. Pleasant, 23, of Winnsboro, with illegal possession of a weapon and illegal use of a weapon, domestic abuse against a pregnant woman, aggravated battery and violation of protective orders. In 2023, he was temporarily jailed in Alexandria for contempt of court, driving under suspension and other violations. He is being held in the parish jail. Deputies arrested Kenneth Fife, 23, of Waterproof, for felony theft. If convicted, he faces up to 5 years in jail and a fine of up to $3000. In 2020, he was arrested for violating probation and parole. He is being held in the parish jail. Also arrested was Cameron Taunton, 20, of Vidalia, for aggravated assault, second degree battery and criminal trespass. He is being held in the parish jail.

Ricky Gray

Adams County Supervisor Ricky Gray complained, "The county got nothing" from the Natchez High Homecoming. Gray didn't like that $36,000 went to the school district from the game. He wanted his share of the proceeds for the county budget.The homecoming drew big crowds to the community, and Gray believes the city sees an economic boost, but the county does not. 

Ferriday has been awarded a $19.5 million state appropriations grant for sewer system improvements and a new municipal complex; with $8 million allocated for a new sewer system and $10 million for a new complex for police and fire departments. 

The Judiciary Commission of Louisiana sanctioned Concordia Justice of the Peace of District 3 Russell Wagoner Sr. on three different counts. Wagoner must pay a penalty of $1,976 in connection to three instances and receive supervision and training for three years. He must attend at least one in-person training held by the Attorney General’s Office. He must attend three online courses of training and education per year regarding judicial ethics and/or civil procedure preferably involving the topics of ex parte communications, sequestration, jurisdiction, service and/or due process. The commission will assign Wagoner a mentor judge or justice of the peace. He must meet in-person with this mentor at least four times during the first year and at least twice a year during the second and third years.

New jobs numbers

Adams County has 10,150 people employed, up 300 jobs from a year ago, a positive sign. The jobless rate is 4.1 percent.

The Miss. Home Corporation will provide $557,000 to repair homes of the poor in Natchez. Applicants who want the subsidy should apply at city hall by Nov. 25 and have incomes below $25,000. 

The City of Natchez has $96,000 in grant funds and will use another $38,000 in city funds and donations to build a 2 mile walking trail in Duncan Park. 

Festival returns

The following is the schedule for music and entertainment at the three stages of he 2024 Homochitto River Festival, Oct. 26 in Meadville. East Stage: 12-12:30 p.m.: St. Paul Community Choir, 12:45-1:15 p.m.: Rona Barrett, 1:30-2 p.m.: Homochitto River Boys, 2:15-2:30 p.m.: Glenda Gayle Collins, 2:30-2:45 p.m.: Jordan Gilbert, 3-3:45 p.m.: Lewis & Trout Expedition, 4-5 p.m.: The Bates Brothers. West Stage: 11-11:45 a.m.: The Case Brothers, 12-12:45 p.m.: Sherman Lee Dillon and the Dillonaries, 1-2:15 p.m.: Riders in the Sky, 3-4:15 p.m.: T. Graham Brown. South Stage: 12:45-1:30 p.m.: Mickey Man Band, 1:45-2:30 p.m.: Stormy Monday, 2:45-3:30 p.m.: Iz & The Dukes, 3:45-4:30 p.m.: Ambush, 4:45-5:30 p.m.: Mack Daddy, 5:30-6 p.m.: All-Band Rockin' Homochitto Jam, 7-8:30 p.m.: Foghat.

Adams deputies arrested Raquita Jackson, 49, of Natchez, for aggravated assault domestic violence. She is currently being held in jail. Deputies also nabbed Jordan M. Cable, 38, of Natchez, for burglary of an inhabited dwelling. He remains in jail.

Concordia deputies arrested Deontrae K. Jackson, 39, of Vidalia, for domestic abuse battery, felony criminal damage to property, and flight from an officer. He also had an outstanding bench warrant for failure to show in court. He remains in the parish jail. CPSO deputies charged Gregory Beard, 64, of Monterey, with terrorizing, aggravated criminal damage to property and criminal trespass. He was released on bond. Deputies also arrested Brandy King, 44, of Ridgecrest, for possession of schedule II drugs, theft less than $1,000 value (first offense), and attempted felony criminal damage to property. She remains in jail.

Population numbers update 

The city of Natchez population was 14,433 in 2020 and has dropped to an estimated 13,766 now. The city’s population continues to decline slightly by about .7-.8 percent per year. However, the chart below shows that Adams County as a whole has been actually increasing population slightly in 2023-2024. Even with the city’s decline, the county is adding people. There are several factors that could factor into the improvement: a change in the birth and death rates, more people moving in than leaving or both. The positive change has been reported by World Population Review, an online service that supplements the more detailed Census statistics. World Population Review includes forecasts for a few years, which the Census declines to do. The improved news for Adams County shows that the county has lost population for several decades, but now is increasing a bit. Population usually increases when the number of jobs increases. After terrible job losses during the pandemic shutdown, county employment has very gradually increased to just above 10,000 jobs. While the increases in jobs and population haven’t brought the county back to the levels of 2017, the new figures show some progress. World Population Review expects this new trend to continue through 2025. 

The Catahoula Parish School Board expects to spend $17.8 million for 2024-2025, but revenues will only be $17.1 million. The deficit of $683,000 will be made up by using existing cash balances. The parish is losing population. Student count is down, and operational costs continue to rise. With trends expected to continue, the school board will eventually have to consider consolidating schools. 

Natchez real estate investor J. T. Robinson has completed renovations on the Nellie Jackson house. He hopes to open the home as a museum.

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