Local News 

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

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.

Hot air balloons and top bands

The Natchez Balloon Festival runs Oct. 17-20. Live entertainment will perform on the grounds of Rosalie Tickets are available at the Historic Natchez Foundation and at natchezballoonfestival.com. (Friday $20, Saturday $35 ($40 at the gate), Weekend $40 ($50 at the gate), VIP  Saturday Only $130 ($155 at the gate), VIP Weekend $325 ($375 at the gate). Weekend VIP passes include dinner and open bar on Friday night, private and shaded VIP area with seating overlooking the beautiful Mississippi River, private air-conditioned bathrooms, and a private cash bar on Saturday night! 

The Vidalia Riverfront will host a flea market and carnival Oct. 18-20. Activities include food, fireworks, a balloon glow, and music. Admission is free. Hours Friday, Oct. 18, noon-10 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, 8 a.m.-8 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 20, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 

The State of Mississippi sends sales tax distributions to City of Natchez. Here are the amounts sent to the city for July-Sept. The Department of Revenue fiscal year started July 1. The figures are based on local sales. 2023: $1,449,000, 2024: $1,442,000, -1.9%.

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Remembering Ibrahima

The Natchez Historical Society has donated $3400 to erect a historic marker commemorating the life of Prince Ibrahima. Born in 1762 in Timbuktu in North Africa, Ibrahima was a military officer in his father’s army and was captured by the enemy. He was sold to slave traders in Africa and transported to Natchez. His life story has become nationally recognized because of the suffering he and his family endured. As an Islamic prince in Africa, he was very well educated, spoke several languages and, as mentioned, served as a military leader for his father’s troops. Despite his education and noble birth, his Natchez owner refused to free him even when offered excessive compensation. It wasn’t until after his owner’s death and nearly 40 years enslaved, that he was finally freed, and used to trade for American hostages held in North Africa. He had hoped to buy his American children out of slavery but was unable to raise the funds. He was sent to Liberia with his wife, but died from yellow fever shortly after arriving in 1829. The Natchez Historical Society has asked Archives and History to do the marker, which will be placed near Historic Jefferson College in Aug. 2025. 

Several thousand people participated in Natchez High homecoming activities, which included tailgating at the Natchez High parking lot, a football game and a downtown parade. Supporters of the school are now using the annual get-together as a reunion celebration for all classes and plan to do the same next year. 

The Concordia Parish Police Jury has appointed Juror Cornell Lewis to the parish’s economic development board. The board has been inactive since 2022, when Heather Malone moved to Texas. Lewis is expected to work with the mayors of Vidalia, Ferriday and Ridgecrest and the business community to resuscitate the board’s economic development efforts. 

Federal funds for Concordia schools

Concordia schools have made facilities improvements. New windows are being installed on the front of Ferriday High. Vidalia High and Monterey High also have new windows and new heating and cooling systems. The district will now spend $130,000 to improve drainage at Monterey High. Federal funds will pay for the upgrades. 

Adrian Brown, 19, of Natchez, was found guilty of manslaughter for a mistaken identity shooting. The jury deliberated 40 minutes before rendering the verdict. Brown shot and killed Terry Lewis, 20, in Montebello subdivision, mistakenly thinking he was someone else in Nov. 2023. The penalty includes 1-20 years in jail.

Adams deputies arrested Adrianna V. Murphy, 27, of Natchez, for felony malicious mischief of $1000-$5000 in value. She will be released on bond of $2500. If convicted, she faces up to $5000 in fines and up to 10 years in jail. She was charged with aggravated assault earlier this year, with her case remanded to the file.

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Early voting begins

Louisiana Early Voting runs Oct. 18-29 for the November election. Voters can call the parish registrar of voters to request a mail-in ballot or vote in person at the registrar’s office.

The contractor will begin repairs and improvements on the Canal St. bridge project as soon as this week. Expect traffic delays. 

Adams deputies arrested Jordan J. Stewart, 18, of Natchez, for possession of drugs with intent to distribute. He’s been arrested before with minor amounts. This time, he had more. He remain in jail.   

Stores closing

Channel Control Merchants has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and says it will close all its Dirt Cheap and Treasure Island stores, including the Dirt Cheap in Natchez. Most of the stores are expected to run “Going Out of Business” sales. 

Natchez has placed a second marker on the Mississippi Freedom Trail, located at Donnan’s Barbershop, the birthplace of the Deacons for Defense and Justice in Natchez in the 1960s. The Deacons for Defense and Justice was organized in Natchez in 1964 in response to increasing violence against civil rights activists and the lack of protection for Black communities. The Deacons aimed to provide armed protection for civil rights workers and the Black community against the Ku Klux Klan. 

Adams deputies Byleigh Rayborn, 24, and Sunshine Robinson, 22, both of Ferriday, for aggravated assault after they beat their female victim, causing injury. Bond was set at $50,000 each.

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Chief Cal Green

Natchez Police Chief Caroline Green gave a report to aldermen that serious crime is decreasing in 2024 compared to 2022-2023. Green provided statistics that showed complete tallies for 2022 and 2023 and statistics for January through September of this year. The chart she provided for city leaders compared nine months of statistics for 2024 to 12 months of statistics for 2022 and 2023. That left Alderman with the impression that crime is down more than it actually is. The Chief said there’s been 546 crimes so far this year. At the present pace, criminals will commit 728 serious crimes by the end of the year. That would be a decrease of 90 crimes for 2024 compared to 2022. Of course, no one knows what exactly will happen in terms of the total number of crimes between October and December of this year. Green is confident that her department is doing a good job and the coordination with the sheriff’s office is resulting in more arrests. The police department keeps track of homicides, rapes, robberies, aggravated, and simple, assaults, burglaries, grand and petit larcenies, and arsons. City leaders commended Green and her department for their good work. However, with three months of statistics still to be tallied for 2024 the congratulations, well deserved for the first nine months of this year our premature considering the year is not over. Natchez’s worst epidemic in crime in recent memory was during the early 1990s, when the crack epidemic took hold. However, crime increased again in the period of 2010 to 2021, when shooters, gangs and drug dealers ran wildly over the city, and many break-ins and burglaries occurred. Police and sheriff’s deputies have made more 4000 felony arrests in the last four years, a consequence of the upswing in violence and criminal activity. Green is confident the worst is behind us. 

APAC-MS of Ridgeland submitted a $1.4 million low bid to asphalt eight streets in Vidalia. Aldermen accepted the bid. The streets to be repaved include North Oak, Florida, Georgia, South Spruce, Debra, Lynn, Pear, Carolina and Miller. 

Kevin Samrow, CEO of Merit Health Natchez said his hospital has dramatically improved its ability to hire and retain nurses in the past two years to give the hospital the staffing it needs especially during high demand times. Samrow said Merit has invested another $3.4 million in the last two years in its equipment and facilities. The incidence of employee accidents and patient infections has decreased significantly. He also mentioned that if more progress is made in hiring, the hospital would consider opening a swing bed floor. U.S News and World Report grades 5,000 hospitals across the nation and gives Merit a grade of 3 out of 5, with 5 being excellent. The grades are compiled from patient satisfaction surveys. 

Judge Walt Brown

Judge Walt Brown is Adams County Judge and supervises two drug courts. One is for adults who have neglected or abused their kids. As part of court rules, the adults must participate in drug education, test drug free and stay clean. Many of the adults who abuse or neglect their children have problems with drugs or alcohol. The other drug court works with kids who are before the court also with drug problems. Adams County is one of the few Mississippi counties that uses a drug court as part of its family services. Judge Brown recently asked the aldermen and supervisors for a share of the opioid lawsuit settlement funds to expand his programs. Brown also supervises the court appointed special advocate program which provides trained volunteers to improve the quality of life for abused and neglected kids. 

Concordia deputies arrested Jayden L. Simpson, 17, of Ferriday, for felony aggravated battery and illegal use of a weapon. He is being held in the parish jail.

Adams County supervisors agreed to Sheriff Travis Patten’s request to purchase $100,000 worth of computer equipment as an emergency purchase. Patten said some of the office’s computers keep crashing and cannot be repaired. The emergency purchase allows the county to bypass the state’s bidding requirements. The monies for the buy will come from seized drug funds. 

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Jordan Sanders

Jordan Sanders, 21, of Natchez, has died of injuries he suffered in an accident while riding his four wheeler on Tate Rd. Emergency personnel took him to Merit for treatment, but his injuries were so severe, he could not be saved. 

Adams County supervisors appointed Shameca Collins to replace retired Justice Court Judge Audrey Minor. As justice court judge, one of her primary tasks is to set bond on accused and repeat felons. 

The Franklin County Fair returns Thursday-Saturday, Oct . 10-12 at the Fairgrounds in Bude. Armbands will be available for $20 and can be used from 6-10 p.m. on Thursday and will cost $25 on Saturday and be eligible for use from 1-5 p.m. The Midway will be conducted by Mississippi Delta Shows. There will be homemade funnel cakes, footlong corndogs, various sweets and treats, fun, games and rides. The ticket box, games, bungee jumps and food are cash only. ATMs will be available for patrons. There will be no refunds nor rain checks on armbands or tickets. Residents are encouraged to put their talents on display at the fair by 
 exhibiting home grown vegetables (canned or free), handmade items and more. Community booths are also welcome. Exhibits will be displayed in the Exhibit Hall. Set up time for entering exhibits and community booths will be from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Oct. 9. The Exhibit Hall will be open as follows: Thursday, Oct. 10, 6-9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 11, 6-9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12, 1-3 p.m. Exhibits can be picked up on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 3-5 p.m. To reserve a spot in the Exhibit Hall, or for more information, call 
 601-384-2349.

Truck driving school

Copiah-Lincoln Community College is excited to announce the opening of its new truck driving school location at Co-Lin’s Natchez Campus. Starting September 9, 2024, the program began offering both day and night options, providing flexibility for students pursuing careers in trucking. The program is committed to offering the most affordable training options in the area. Additionally, funding assistance may be available through the WIN JOB Center located on the Natchez Campus for those who qualify, making it even easier for students to achieve their career goals.Co-Lin is currently enrolling for October and November classes with future classes to be added to the training schedule.  For more information about the program, including details on funding assistance, and to register, please visit www.colin.edu/truckdrivingschool or call 601-446-1134.

Meridian Waste, headquartered in Charlotte, has purchased Arrow Services, so the Natchez household trash pickup contract has been assumed by the larger company. 

Adams deputies arrested Derrick D. Bates, 43,  of St. Joseph, La., for aggravated assault on an officer, possession of drugs with intent, and possession of drug paraphernalia, after he fled a traffic stop on foot on Sgt. Prentiss Drive. Bates was a passenger in a car that was stopped on a law enforcement traffic stop. He fled on foot toward the Walgreens parking but stumbled and was captured. As he was about to be caught, he tried to pull a pistol from a black bag and was tased. Bates had marijuana and a scale as well as the 9mm pistol. He is presently being held in jail. He also has an outstanding warrant from Tensas Parish. In 2010, he was arrested in Ferriday for accessory to murder after the fact, when he tried to hide a murderer from police. Louisiana says he owes $36,193 in court ordered back child support.

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Chuck Mayfield

Former Adams County Sheriff Chuck Mayfield has died at the age of 71 after a long illness. Mayfield served as head of Metro Narcotics for more than 15 years and rose through the ranks to become known as a professional and conscientious law enforcement officer. Mayfield served as sheriff from 2009-2015, when Travis Patten beat Mayfield in a re-election bid. Chuck will be remembered as friendly and outgoing. He played a major role in successfully combating the cocaine epidemic in the 1990’s. Reflecting changing times, he was the first Adams sheriff to really go after animal abusers. And he worked closely with state narcotics officers to curb drug trafficking in Adams County. Prayers for Chuck and his family. 

Travion Williams, 34, of Natchez, remains in jail, having been arrested by Adams deputies for burglary of a dwelling. He had already been out in bond for accidentally shooting and killing his sister in law in 2019. For that shooting, he was charged with manslaughter with culpable negligence and possession of a firearm by a felon. In 2017, he was arrested for repeatedly punching his girlfriend in the face and head as she drove her car. He was a passenger during the assault. Due to his history and the three current felony charges pending against him, including violating the terms of his bond, it is unlikely that he will be released before trial.   

Adams deputies arrested Cartrell Harris, 67, of Natchez, for failure to register as a sex offender, felony. In 2004, he was convicted of sexual battery. In 2015, he was arrested for aggravated assault. He is being held, already on probation from MDOC.

Vidalia couple charged with child desertion

The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a Lynn Havens Dr. address in reference to multiple 911 calls coming from that address. Responding deputies found the calls to be coming from a young child who had intellectual disabilities and was nonverbal. The child was nude, dirty, emaciated, and was home alone. Due to the sensitive nature of the situation, Deputies contacted Detectives with CPSO's Special Victims Unit. The guardians of the child, identified as Laurie Maegan Stewert, 32, and Tony Curtis Williams, 27, both of Vidalia, arrived at the residence shortly before Detectives arrived. The pair became noncompliant while being interviewed and were taken into custody. Detectives contacted the Department of Child and Family Services and the child was taken into states custody. This investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected. Williams and Stewart were charged with child desertion and resisting an officer.

On Oct. 2, around 1:30 a.m., the Sandy Lake Fire Department responded to the 4200 block of Highway 923 for reports of a mobile home fire. Upon arrival, firefighters learned there had been eight people in the home at the time and that two were unable to escape. A man and toddler boy did not survive. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The 2022 Concordia Parish Police Jury Audit has just been released. The Jury had a budget of $9.9 million. Silas Simmons CPAs recommended that the Police Jury continue to provide the necessary oversight in their current internal control procedures, specifically in the areas of cash receipts, collection receipt activities, recordation of those receipts, depositing of funds collected, and review of checks written. Due to the smaller size of the bookkeeping staff, this oversight is necessary to safeguard assets, prevent fraud and maintain compliance with good accounting practices. The Police Jury's audited financial statements were not submitted to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor by the statutory due date of June 30, 2023. Several issues arose throughout the audit that required additional audit testing. The Police Jury is not in compliance with Louisiana R.S. 24.513.556 which can potentially effect state funding. The Legislative Auditor office has worked with the Police Jury by granting extensions to the Jury to remain off the noncompliance list. However, the Parish still has not remedied this problem, as it has not completed and submitted its 2023 audit by the due date of June 30, 2024.

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Miss. Roots Music Retreat

Mississippi's rich and colorful musical heritage will be celebrated and on  display during the "Mississippi Roots Music Retreat" Oct. 11-13 at Clear Springs Recreation Area in Roxie. The three-day camping event is steeped in the tradition of "old-time porch picking'." It celebrates the tapestry of Mississippi's music woven with the sounds of folk, blues, country, gospel and jazz. The gathering is open to all musicians with acoustic instruments in hand who are eager to share their love of music in a relaxed, informal setting. "This isn't going to be a festival with formal performances," said event organizer Tom Bonnette. "We want something more interactive. People can come just to listen, but we don't want a stage separating folks from the musicians. The idea is for everyone to join in however they feel comfortable." Clear Springs Recreation Area offers 22 campsites with water and electricity hookups, available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Campsites can be claimed in person, and cost $20 per night. For those not planning to stay overnight, day passes are available for $5. The campground is equipped with two bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers, and for those seeking a more rustic experience, there's a dispersed, primitive camping area that's free of charge. For information, contact Bonnette at 423-404-1155. --- (Franklin Advocate)

Adams deputies arrested Damien L. Strickland, 30, of Natchez, for possession of a stolen firearm and possession of drugs. He is being held without bond. Adams deputies also arrested Leonard Chester Woods Jr., 55, of Natchez, for grand larceny. Likewise, he is being held without bond. Concordia deputies arrested Samuel Johnson III, of Vidalia, for battery of a dating partner and child endangerment. He has been placed on bond and released. 

Fayette police arrested a Warren County man in connection to a shooting after a homecoming celebration. Investigators said the shooting occurred on Main Street in Fayette on Sept. 21. Police said one man was shot and several vehicles and an apartment building were damaged by the gunfire. Authorities arrested Ronald Thompson III, 25, for aggravated assault, shooting into an occupied dwelling and shooting into a vehicle. He was later released on a $40,000 bond after his initial appearance in court.

Polk Park

Vidalia aldermen accepted a low bid of $1.9 million to make improvements to Polk Park. The town had expected to spend $1.5 million on the project and will trim back the wish list of upgrades to come close to the original forecast budget. The improvements will include a splash pad, outdoor fitness center, asphalt parking lot, new playgrounds and pavilions.

The Concordia School Board has honored retired Coach Robert Cade by naming the Ferriday High Gym after him. Cade was a state championship basketball coach at Ferriday. He also coached football at Alcorn and football and basketball at Natchez High and other schools, as well as serving as athletic director at Natchez. Cade retired from education to go into the ministry and now serves as Bishop for the Word of Faith Ambassadors Centers in Natchez and Ferriday. Cade is acknowledged to be one of the best coaches in the Miss-Lou to ever lead kids. A large crowd of well-wishers congratulated him at the recent honoring ceremony at Ferriday High.

The Natchez Preservation Commission has an opening on its board. Persons interested in being appointed to the volunteer position can apply through the Planning Department. Deadline to submit a letter of interest and resume is Oct. 21. Aldermen make the appointment. 

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Charity closes

Catholic Charities has closed its operations in Natchez. The agency had provided counseling, financial support, violence shelter housing and food to aid the needy for nearly 40 years. St. Mary Catholic Church said it will take over providing food for the poor as part of its commitment to the community.   

When the feds raided the home of Kevin Singleton in Adams County in 2018, they were able to arrest the drug dealer with over $1 million in cash and several million dollars worth of heroin, ecstasy, meth and cocaine. Singleton pleaded guilty in 2021 and received 35 years in jail. A total of 10 people in the area, including dealers from Concordia and Wilkinson, were also arrested for distributing Singleton’s drugs. They received lengthy sentences, too. Now in 2024, Adams County will receive $274,000 in cash from the seized proceeds because Adams deputies participated in the investigation, seizure and arrests. The monies will be used by the sheriff’s office for drug enforcement.

The Miss. Department of Revenue starts its sales tax year in July. For the two months, July and August, city of Natchez sales tax collections have dipped 4.1 percent compared to last year. The state shares sales tax revenues with cities and towns. Here are the amounts distributed to Natchez: July-Aug. 2024 $942,000 ; July-Aug. 2023 $981,000.

Emanuel Jones and Jeromy Stewart arrested

Adams County deputies arrested Emanuel Jones, 24, of Natchez, who shot at Jeromy Stewart at a residence on Myrtle Drive. Jones was charged with aggravated assault. The victim was injured when he dodged bullets but was not struck by the bullets themselves. Stewart as also arrested because he had outstanding warrants in Concordia. Jones was shot and wounded multiple times at his residence on Myrtle Drive in 2021 in an attack that wounded Jones and another man. Jones returned fire, shooting at his assailants but did not hit anyone. Stewart has an arrest record that includes assault and grand larceny.

Natchez aldermen voted for raises. Mayor Dan Gibson wiil now earn $94,500 and City Clerk Megan McKenzie 90,000. Aldermen increased their own pay to $23,760. Alderman Billie Joe Frazier receives half of what the other aldermen receive because he is on state retirement, having served as a Natchez police officer. The aldermen voted 5-1 for the raises, with Felicia Irving voting against. The administration packaged the raises with an increase in pay for public works employees. Starting pay in public works had been $10 per hour. Now it will be $13.75 per hour. All current public works employees received pay increases as well. 

Vidalia aldermen decided to rebate 50 percent of the electricity bills of the past year to utility customers. A total of $2.8 million will be sent back to business and residential customers. 

More moisture in harvest

The remains of Hurricane Francine did affect the quality of the harvest of cotton, soybeans and rice in the Miss-Lou area. Harvested crops with too much moisture bring a lower price to the farmer. 

Natchez police and the county coroner recovered the very decomposed body of a man from the woods next to Natchez High. Authorities believe the man was living in the woods before his death. An autopsy will be performed. 

A man’s cousin has been charged after the victim was shot in the upper body area. According to authorities, the shooting occurred in the McNair community of Jefferson County. When deputies got to the scene, they found LaJhavian Clark, 20, with a gunshot wound. Ezekial King, 26, Clark’s cousin, has now been charged with aggravated assault. 

New radar may curb speeding

Natchez aldermen are thinking about contracting with Intellisafe to provide officer assisted and computerized radar enforcement in school zones to slow drivers down. With Intellisafe, the officer reads the passing motorist’s tag with a computer linked radar gun. If the motorist is speeding, the computer software remotely captures a picture of the license plate. The offender gets his ticket in the mail. If the offender does not pay, then his license is suspended by the state. The program has already been in place in Hattiesburg, slowing drivers down in school zones and generating enough revenue to pay for the system and the officers assigned to this duty. While Mississippi bans automated speed traps, since the device is officer assisted, it is legal. However, the officer probably could not claim in court that he saw that driver speeding, as he would be too far away from the offender to positively identify the driver in most cases. Dozens of people in Hattiesburg report they got tickets even though it was family members, friends and employees driving their vehicles. Hattiesburg city leaders say the pilot program has cut speeding in school zones dramatically. 

The Louisiana opioid settlement fund will provide $140,000 this year for Concordia Parish. The money will be used to support the sheriff’s office, public defender’s office and the district judges’ office. 

Franklin County Supt. of Schools Chris Kent acknowledged the disappointing accountability scores earned by the district this year. Franklin dropped from a B to C. The high school dropped to a B, the middle school earned a C and the lower and upper elementary schools fell to a D. Kent did not say specifically what caused the precipitous decline, but did say some changes have been made that should improve grades in the coming year.

Employment numbers improve

Adams County has 10,150 people with jobs, up from 9,870 employed a year ago, an increase of 280 jobs. The August figures are the best of the past year. The jobless rate is 4.4 percent.

The Natchez Music Festival celebrates the legendary Henry Mancini in a night of iconic jazz with The Sam Bruton Jazz Ensemble, featuring special guests John Christopher Adams and Maryann Kyle. Timeless hits like “The Pink Panther” and “Moon River” will be performed Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Natchez Civic Center. Get your tickets for $30 each at www.natchezfestivalofmusic.com. 

Adams County deputies arrested Terence King, 35, of Natchez, for failure to comply with the sex offender registry law, a felony. He served three years in a Texas jail for aggravated assault of a child. Penalty upon conviction can bring up to five years in jail and up to a $5000 fine. 

Utility rebate coming

Vidalia aldermen meet Tuesday, Sept. 25 to discuss dog pound rules and policies, the expansion of Polk Park and setting the amount of the annual utility rebate. The rebate has been as much as 50 percent of the annual electricity bill in recent years.   

Miss. circuit clerk offices are open Monday-Friday 8a-5p for services including absentee voting for the November election. The offices will also be open Saturday mornings 8a-noon on 10/26 and 11/2, so voters can cast absentee ballots.

Adams deputies arrested Sonya I. Robertson, 43, of Natchez, for car theft. She was released on a bond of $10,000. In 2018, she was charged with assault, after she stabbed her boyfriend with a sword and threatened to do the same to deputies. In 2009, she was arrested with two men in Concordia Parish, after she and her friends burglarized camps and homes, stealing guns, cash and jewelry.   

Escapee captured

Accused murderer Jaccory Carr, 26, of Woodville, escaped from the Wilkinson County Jail Wednesday but was recaptured Thursday. Carr was charged in 2022 for shooting and killing of Gerrit Decody and wounding of Carr’s own girlfriend, as well as shooting at the Centreville police chief. He will stand trial in Wilkinson and escape charges will added. 

Natchez aldermen will open bids Oct. 22 for a separate paving and striping project for Homochitto and Canal streets. The work should be completed by the end of the year. 

Co-Lin Natchez Homecoming Maids have been selected. They are Jada Stampley and Kia Anderson. 

Annitta Taylor arrested for murder

Natchez police investigated the Thursday death of Pete Taylor, 77, as a homicide. Taylor died from blunt force trauma to the head at his home. An autopsy has been ordered. Police have arrested Annitta Taylor, 31, his granddaughter, for the murder.

The Concordia Chamber of Commerce announced its award winners: Joey Martin (Concordian of the Year), Concordia Sheriff’s Office (Large Business), Book’s Pharmacy (Small Business), Rushing Boots (50 Year Service Award), Ples Arthur (Farmer of the Year), Ronnie Calhoun (Guy Murray Volunteer), Matt Taunton (First Responder) and Jonathan Willard (Young Professional Under 40). 

Two vehicles traveling Hwy. 547 in Claiborne County hit head-on the morning of Sept. 18. One of the drivers, Shanetra Johnson, 44, of Pattison, was killed in the accident. The other driver was seriously injured. Johnson was a Port Gibson teacher, known for her dedication to her students.

12 homes on tour

Natchez Fall Pilgrimage runs Sept. 19-Oct. 19. Homes on tour include: Longwood, Stanton Hall, Rosalie, The Burn, Concord Quarters, Green Leaves, Myrtle Terrace. Holly Hedges, Lansdowne, Rip Rap, Sweet Auburn and. Propinquity. Tickets may be purchased online at or at the door of each home, at natchezpilgrimage.com or by calling (601) 653-0919.

Richard Hudnall, 58, of Natchez, was arrested for felon in possession of a weapon and possession of methamphetamine. With guilt determined, Circuit Judge Debra Blackwell considered the appropriate sentence. Both are felonies. The weapons charge carries a sentence of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $5000. The drug charge brings up to 8 years, even more if the amount of drug seized is over 10 grams.  Despite his history of felonies and criminal history, he was given probation.

Concordia PAWS has received a land donation that will allow dogs at the animal shelter a place to play and run. No more kennels will be built. But the extra space will improve the quality of life for the dogs. The property was donated by Hal Samuels and Betty Claire Pasternak Samuels. Linda Huffman fenced the space in honor of her father, Raymond Huffman.

Eola Hotel

Hayes Dent, the public relations person for the Eola Hotel project provided an update on progress. He said, "Currently, Rob Lubin owns the building, and there will be a new group of owners (along with Rob) in the spring of 2025 when there is a master closing and commencement of work. We are very busy into predevelopment with our design, ID, architect, and construction folks on the ground in Natchez just last week for a couple of days. We are busy in design and are meeting multiple times a week with these groups preparing for construction."

Adams Justice Court Judge Danny Barber has bound over Hollis L. Green, 33, of Natchez, to a grand jury. Green shot at a state trooper multiple times while trying to escape in his car in August. He is charged with aggravated assault on an officer, felony fleeing and possession of a weapon by a felon. Bond is set at $1.5 million.

Approximately 325 runners and walkers participated in Watson Strong 5K Color Run in Vidalia. The event was dedicated to the memory of Watson Calhoun who died from a rare brain cancer last summer. 

Judges want jurors

It is likely that Adams County judges will start issuing bench warrants for the arrest of persons who do not honor summons to show up for jury duty. The county is having difficulty forming jury pools for trials, because so many people fail to show up. The penalty for not reporting is a fine of up to $500, up to three days in jail and community service or a combination of all three. 

Four people have qualified to run for School Board positions in Franklin County this year. School board members will be chosen during the Nov. 5 election. The candidate with the most votes will take office in January. In District 3, Theresa Bee will challenge incumbent Tywanna Lee-Reed for that post. In District 4, Charles Chapman will challenge incumbent Joyce Calcote. In the three Election Commissioner races, all three candidates are running unopposed. Gloria Bonds is running in District 1 unopposed, as is Margie McNair in District 3 and Janet Coleman in District 5.

Adams County supervisors passed a $40 million budget with no employee raises and no millage increase. Property taxes can still rise if a home, land or business is reassessed. The new budget starts Oct. 1.   

Accountability scores

The Natchez School District earns a grade of C again this year. Math proficiency increased from 27 to 33 percent. English proficiency improved from 33 to 34 percent. 19.2 percent of local students were chronically absent. The only school that declined a grade was Natchez Middle from last year’s C to a D this year. The graduation rate remains above state average. College and career readiness remains very poor at 22 percent despite many kids taking accelerated courses. It’s a mixed report including some successes and improvements and some obvious failures. The best news is that math and English proficiency is improving, though at a snail’s pace, meaning a few more students are performing at or above grade level.

Adams County supervisors went into executive session to discuss possible litigation with United Infrastructure, the company that handles county trash pickup. Supervisors already sent a letter to the company asking for a meeting with the company to discuss the poor service. But the company has not responded. Supervisor Kevin Wilson believes service is so bad that United has breached its contract, should be sued and a new garbage company chosen. Supervisor Ricky Gray would like to fine United, but let it continue with service, hoping for improvements. Supervisors have not announced what action they will take, if any, since United has not responded to the county’s letter asking for a meeting. 

On Oct. 7, Adams County supervisors will consider appointing an interim Justice Court Judge for the Northern District to replace Audrey Minor, who has resigned. Supervisor Ricky Gray suggested that supervisors should violate federal law and only consider black candidates for the position. Gray said no white candidates should be considered because the Northern District is majority black. Gray comments revealed he does not want to uphold federal civil rights law. Qualified candidates must be residents of either the Northern or Southern District since the judge serves countywide and have a high school diploma or GED.

Mike Bunn

Mike Bunn, director of Historic Blakeley State Park in Spanish Fort, Ala., will give a lecture at the Tuesday, Sept. 24 meeting of the Natchez Historical Society. His topic is, “Fourteenth Colony: The Forgotten Story of the Gulf South during America's Revolutionary Era.” Bunn’s presentation 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. The program will be held at Historic Natchez Foundation, 108 S. Commerce St., Natchez. It will begin with a social at 5:30 p.m. and Bunn’s presentation at 6:00 p.m. It is free to the public. All are welcome, members and non-members alike."The Gulf South played an important part in America's revolutionary period, though most of us are not as acquainted with this chapter of regional history as we perhaps should be,” Bunn said. “I'm excited to share my research into this important era of our past in historic Natchez, a place which has its own special connection to this remarkable story." The forgotten 14th colony of the America's Revolutionary era was “the British colony of West Florida―which once stretched from the mighty Mississippi to the shallow bends of the Apalachicola and portions of what are now the states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana,” noted Bunn. His presentation will include a discussion of the affairs in Natchez during the Revolutionary era.Bunn is the author or co-author of several books, including “Fort Stoddert: American Sentinel on the Mobile River, 1799-1814; “Fourteenth Colony: The Forgotten Story of the Gulf South During America’s Revolutionary Era,” and “The Assault on Fort Blakeley: ‘The Thunder and Lightning of Battle.’”Bunn is the editor of Muscogiana, the journal of the Muscogee County (Georgia) Genealogical Society. He is a recent recipient of the J.Y. Sanders Research Scholar Award presented by The Center for Southeast Louisiana Studies of Southeastern Louisiana University.As a historian, Bunn has worked with the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, the Historic Chattahoochee Commission, and the Columbus (Georgia) Museum.In addition to chairing the Baldwin County Historic Development Commission, Bunn is treasurer of the Friends of Old Mobile, and a member of the board of the Alabama Historical Association.Bunn is a resident of Alabama. He holds an undergraduate degree from Faulkner University and two master’s degrees from the University of Alabama.For more information on the society’s Sept. 24 meeting, call 281-731-4433 or 601-492-3004 or send email to info@natchezhistoricalsociety.org.

Adams deputies arrested two men for burglary in separate, non-related incidents. George Thompson, 59, of Natchez, was charged with burglary of a dwelling. Jake K. Jones, 38, of Vidalia, was arrested for burglary of a business.

Brandon Trahern, 29, of Natchez, has been arrested by Adams deputies for felony false pretense. Bond was set at $10,000. In April 2023, he tried to escape from Adams and Concordia deputies, being wanted for felony aggravated domestic violence and parole violations. Adams deputies arrested his girlfriend, Audrey L. McCurdy, 27, of Natchez, for felony credit card fraud. Bond was set at $10,000. She was arrested in April 2023 for felony hindering prosecution, harboring a fugitive and possession of meth with intent to distribute.

Daniel Feibus 

The CEO of Vidalia Mills said his company did not pay its employees last week as required. He pledged to give workers an extra bonus because they’re waiting for their checks. CEO Daniel Feibus said the company currently employs 135 workers, less than the 300 it promised to have within its first two years of operation.

Hurricane Francine came ashore as a strong Cat. 2 storm, but tracked east of the Miss-Lou area, leaving Natchez with light winds of 10-20 mph and a good rainfall. Most schools closed as a precaution.   

Vidalia will use a $30,000 grant and add $165,000 to it and build an outdoor fitness facility with activity stations at Polk Park. 

Joe Fortunato

The late Joe Fortunato of Natchez has been nominated for the National Football Hall of Fame. Fortunato played for the Chicago Bears and was active for decades helping scholar-athletes get a college education. He died at age 87 in 2017.   

The 2024 Miss-Lou Job Fair will be held Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Natchez Convention Center. The fair is open to the public and more than 20 employers will participate, looking for employees.   

State Rep. C. Travis Johnson asked the Concordia Parish police jurors to consider changing parish government to a home rule charter. Jurors aren’t interested. Johnson was unable to convince jurors to study the matter. And they, more or less, rejected the idea out of hand. 

Arsonist wanted

Adams County Sheriff Travis Patten said an arsonist tried unsuccessfully to burn a house down with the family inside in Montebello subdivision in Natchez on July 26. If you have any info, contact Crimestoppers. A $3000 reward is offered. 888-442-5001.

Natchez police arrested Jamarii White, 17, of Natchez, after shot and killed a 31-year-old woman at a home on George F. West Blvd. on Sunday. The teen and and another male adult were involved in an argument when the teen used a modified shotgun to attack the man. The teen shot and killed the woman instead. Dambrell L.. Thomas was identified as the murdered victim. 

Tremesha Corey, 22, is being held in the Concordia jail, charged with aggravated assault, after she purposely used her vehicle to back into a parish deputy, slightly injuring him. Corey tried to flee in her car but deputies and Vidalia police captured her near Sprint Mart and Logan Sewell Road. A woman had called police saying Corey was chasing after her in a vehicle. Deputies directed the frightened woman to the sheriff’s office parking lot for safety. When deputies tried to intervene to protect the woman, an angry Corey struck the deputy with her car to escape. She has also been charged with battery, felony flight and traffic violations. 

Congressman Bennie Thompson and Xavier Hawkins

Congressman Bennie G. Thompson welcomed new Case Manager and Field Director, Xavier Hawkins to his Natchez Office which serves Adams, Amite, Franklin, and Wilkinson Counties. Xavier is a distinguished graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and a 2016 honors graduate of Cathedral High School. He holds a double major in Marketing and Political Science, and his academic journey is marked by numerous accolades. As an undergraduate, he was a Luckyday Scholar, a recipient of over twenty scholarships, awards and endowments within his college of business and liberal arts department and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. His commitment to leadership and excellence was further recognized when he became a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Emerging Scholar- Alumni. Hawkins interned with Congressman Steven Horsford of Nevada, the state’s first African American Congressman. During his high school and college years, he gained valuable experience as a two-year intern with the Adams County Chancery Clerk’s office, working under Brandi Lewis. Upon graduation, Hawkins joined the campaign of former Mississippi Congressman Mike Espy, who ran for U.S. Senate in 2020, where he served as the Assistant Digital Coordinator. His work in political strategy and digital correspondence extended to working during the 2021 gubernatorial campaign in Georgia.

Javontrics Murphy, 27, of Natchez, a hospital security guard employed by the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office since March 2024, has been arrested and terminated from his position with CPSO. Murphy has been charged with three counts of malfeasance in office, three counts of first-degree rape, obstruction of justice, and simple battery. On August 30, the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office received a criminal complaint alleging misconduct by Murphy. Murphy was placed on administrative leave and the investigation was referred to the Louisiana State Police for review. Upon completion of the investigation, Murphy was arrested and terminated from his position with CPSO. He has been charged with three counts of malfeasance in office,  three counts of first degree rape, obstruction of justice and simple battery.  

Natchez aldermen are expected to increase their pay to just above $24,000 a year. With retirement, social security and health benefits, total compensation will be around $32,000. The mayor’s salary is expected to be increased to around $75,000. Extra funds have been put in the new budget for the increases, though the exact amount the city officials will earn has not been announced. 

Groundbreaking held again

Officials representing Natchez and Adams County, as well as representatives from associated construction companies, celebrated groundbreaking Sept. 5 on the Belwood site. This site was once home to Belwood Country Club, and is now beginning development by Velocys to become a state of the art plant specializing in the production of sustainable aviation products termed "Bayou Fuels". The project is estimated to create over 100 new jobs at the plant itself, and 200-300 forestry jobs, according to Natchez, Inc. Velocys was purchased in Dec. 2023 for approximately $5 million by Madison Bidco, a consortium of investment companies. Bidco put up another $40 million to keep the Velocys research and planning operations going. Bidco took Velocys private, which means financial reports are no longer available.

Natchez aldermen plan on a new budget of $37.5 million for the coming fiscal year, with no increase in millage. Property owners that have holdings that are reassessed upwards will see an increase in their city, county and school tax bills. The new budget starts Oct. 1. 

Preliminary reports said Justice Court Judge Audrey Minor will resign her position and will retire as judge for the Northern District of Adams County. The Commission on Judicial Performance held a hearing June 5 in Jackson concerning allegations the Judge Minor did not behave according to judicial standards. Testimony was given that Minor falsely accused employees of justice court of misconduct. The judge has decided to retire due to health reasons.

Catahoula drug and weapons bust

Catahoula and Avoyelles narcotics officers used a search warrant to enter a home in Enterprise, arresting Jennifer Lachney, 28, Mark Harrison, 59, both of Marksville, for possession of Schedule I and Schedule II drugs, possession of weapons by a convicted felon, possession of stolen weapons and stolen items. Both remain in the Catahoula jail. 

Vidalia city government will get tougher on littering. Police catching violators can issue a ticket that costs the offender $210. Officers have the option of issuing a warning first. Mayor Craft said the city will intensify its efforts to clean up blighted properties working with property owners and tearing down dilapidated structures. 

Natchez aldermen plan on a new budget of $37.5 million for the coming fiscal year, with no increase in millage. Property owners that have holdings that are reassessed upwards will see an increase in their city, county and school tax bills. The new budget starts Oct. 1. Velocys was purchased in Dec. 2023 for approximately $5 million by Madison Bidco, a consortium of investment companies. Bidco put up another $40 million to keep the Velocys research and planning operations going. Bidco took Velocys private, which means financial reports are no longer available. 

Rashon M. Ellis

Ferriday police arrested Rashon M. Ellis, 48, of Ferriday, on two counts of attempted second degree murder after he shot at a couple sitting in their car at Adams Grocery #2 on Louisiana Avenue. The woman in the car was wounded. The man in the car was not wounded, but later arrested for resisting police. Ellis and the couple had exchanged words in the parking lot. Ellis retrieved a gun from his car and started shooting. His bond was set at $150,000. 

Concordia Parish has 6,684 people with jobs, up 56 jobs from a year ago. The jobless rate is 6 percent.   

Franklin County supervisors are expected to pass a budget of $6.6 million at their Sept. 13 meeting. The new budget starts Oct. 1 and should not require any millage increase.

Project begins

Work on Morgantown Road should begin in October. The $4.2 million project will include drainage improvements as well as repaving. The contractor is Dozier, Inc. Expect traffic delays.

A new training center in Natchez is expected to open in September to teach people computer skills. One of five such centers operated by the Mississippi Coding Academies, the Natchez branch will be located here at Alcorn State University’s School of Business. Mississippi Coding Academies is a non-profit organization that provides tuition-free education to underserved communities in Mississippi. The Jackson-based organization’s mission is to train people for high-wage, high-demand technology jobs. The Natchez Board of Aldermen on Tuesday approved an agreement with MCA that Mayor Dan Gibson noted is being largely aided by a $443,600 federal grant the city received last year for workforce development. Provided by the federal Delta Regional Authority, the money is being programmed to train 125 people a year in partnership with local businesses specifying what skills they need for their workers. Gibson said the academy will be particularly helpful for training people to work at Loss Prevention Services, the automobile debt-servicing company in Natchez that employs more than 200 workers and needs more. (from ListenUpYall.com)

Vidalia police arrested Ronald Scott Smith, 62, of Natchez, for burglary and theft. He remains in the parish jail.

Angelety House

Natchez aldermen will open bids Oct. 1 for exterior repairs to the Angelety House. The city owned property will get new roofing, a handicap ramp and repairs to the wood trim and window shutters. 

Concordia deputies arrested Jlandrick Davis, 23, of Natchez, for second degree battery. He was arrested in Adams County with two fellow conspirators for burglarizing at least eight vehicles in Beau Pre subdivision in 2021. The trio of thieves committed a series of auto burglaries in Baton Rouge as well. Home video showed the men were armed when they committed their crimes. In 2023, the Miss. Department of Corrections released him from jail. For now, Davis is being held in the parish jail.

The Miss. Department of Employment Security said Adams County now has 10,120 workers with jobs. Figures for previous years include: 2023: 9,820, 2022: 9,920, and 2021: 9,720.   

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