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  • Louisiana OMV Warns Residents of Ongoing Text Message Scam

    Louisiana OMV Warns Residents of Ongoing Text Message Scam

    Baton Rouge — The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV), in cooperation with the Louisiana State Police, is alerting residents to a recurring text message scam that attempts to steal personal information and charge bogus fees.

    In this latest version of the scam, many Louisiana residents have reported receiving text messages falsely claiming that they have an “outstanding traffic ticket” and must pay a fine to avoid penalties. Authorities confirm that these messages are fraudulent and urge the public not to click any links, respond to the messages, or submit payment.

    The OMV has emphasized that it does not send text messages or emails threatening legal action for traffic or fee violations. Residents are advised to ignore and delete any suspicious messages immediately.

    To help the public avoid falling victim to this and similar scams, the OMV has issued the following safety tips:

    • Do not click on links contained in unsolicited messages from unknown sources

    • Do not respond or provide personal information via text message

    • Delete all suspicious texts and emails and report them to reportfraud.ftc.gov

    • Be cautious with any communication from unverified or anonymous senders

    • Confirm that any message was generated from a legitimate source

    • Watch for common warning signs of scams such as vague website links, poor grammar, and promises of rewards

    Louisiana residents looking to conduct legitimate OMV business are encouraged to visit the official website at www.expresslane.org.

    Authorities continue to monitor the situation and advise the public to remain vigilant. Anyone who suspects they have been targeted or victimized by a scam is encouraged to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission and local law enforcement.

  • Hood Container plans $118.9 million investment in St. Francisville paper mill

    Hood Container plans $118.9 million investment in St. Francisville paper mill

    Hood Container announced a nearly $120 million modernization project at its historic St. Francisville paper mill. The project will center around upgrading the mill’s primary paper machine to increase production capacity by 80,000 tons per year. West Feliciana Parish President Kenny Havard says Hood’s success is the community’s success.

    “Any time they can modernize it, you know, that’s going to help them be more efficient and make money. So if they’re making money, then that’s good for everybody. Again, we’re excited about it. We look forward to any additional jobs that it may get, you know, come with it,” Havard said.

    The mill was first opened in the late 1950s, and since taking ownership in 2015, Hood Container has invested more than $160 million in the facility. Havard says the project will help retain 295 jobs in the parish.

    “Lot of people here have worked there, and the families have been committed to working there. Hood has committed to West Feliciana over the last several years and they’ve been a great community partner,” Havard noted.

    Upgrades will begin in late 2026, and phase two of the project will be completed during the mill’s annual outage in May of 2027. The state offered the company an incentive package including an $800,000 tax credit to secure the project. Havard hopes this won’t be the last investment that comes to the area.

    “That whole area down there where they’re located is where we call our industrial area, zoned for industrial. We’re starting to see several things kind of popping up down there. We’re excited about the area and, you know, West Feliciana, we’re open for business,” Havard said.

  • Relief in Sight: Repairs to Begin on Vidalia Sinkhole

    Relief in Sight: Repairs to Begin on Vidalia Sinkhole

    VIDALIA, LA (July 21, 2025) — Mayor Buz Craft announced Monday that repairs are set to begin on the sinkhole at the intersection of Elm Street and Concordia Avenue, a problem the town has been monitoring closely since mid-April.

    Crews will begin work Tuesday, with all materials and equipment already on-hand. The town’s goal is to have the intersection reopened before school starts, pending weather and ground conditions.

    An initial attempt to begin repairs in mid-July had to be postponed due to standing water in the sinkhole and saturated soil conditions, making it unsafe and ineffective to proceed at that time. Since then, conditions are believed to have improved enough to allow work to begin.

    Investigations determined the sinkhole was likely caused by an underground stream, not a utility break, which gradually eroded the soil beneath the roadway. When culverts lost support and collapsed, stormwater was diverted, accelerating erosion and creating the large depression currently visible.

    Despite challenges like persistent groundwater and rising river stages, Mayor Craft emphasized that reopening the road safely and quickly remains a top priority.

    “It’s always been a priority,” Craft said. “We’re ready to get it done and do it right.”

    The town will continue to monitor conditions closely.

    You can view Mayor Buz Craft’s update below:


  • Bettye McGehee Jenkins, Longtime Natchez Businesswoman and Civic Leader, Dies at 98

    Bettye McGehee Jenkins, Longtime Natchez Businesswoman and Civic Leader, Dies at 98

    Natchez, MS – Bettye McGehee Jenkins, a pioneering businesswoman and pillar of the Natchez community, passed away Friday, June 27th, 2025 at the age of 98. Just weeks before her passing, she was awarded the Key to the City — a tribute to her lifetime of dedication, leadership, and service.

    Born in Gloster in 1926, Bettye moved to Natchez in 1937 and later graduated from the University of Mississippi. After starting her career with a company that would become Chevron, she married Hyde Dunbar “Sonny” Jenkins and raised their family while building a successful business legacy.

    In 1955, Bettye co-founded Vidalia Dock & Storage, growing it into a major industrial supplier for the region. She ran much of the business herself — handling everything from accounting to operations — and remained actively involved for decades. At its height, the company supported more than 20 full-time employees and contributed to major infrastructure projects across the area.

    Beyond her professional success, Bettye was deeply committed to civic life. She served on the boards of the Pilgrimage Garden Club and the DAR, and remained an active member of First Presbyterian Church for over 50 years. She also played a key role in local tourism, guiding tours and supporting heritage events throughout the city.

    Bettye McGehee Jenkins leaves behind a lasting legacy — not only as a trailblazer in business but as a mother, a friend, a neighbor, and a proud daughter of Natchez. Her story is woven into the fabric of this region, and her spirit will live on in the city she helped shape.

  • Bridges Have Re-opened – Mississippi River Bridge Closed After Barge Impact

    Bridges Have Re-opened – Mississippi River Bridge Closed After Barge Impact

    Update 6/23/25 @ 9:24pm: The Bridges have been reopened to traffic.

    The Mississippi River bridge between Vidalia, Louisiana, and Natchez, Mississippi, has been closed after loose barges struck the structure.

    According to the Vidalia Police Department, the barges broke loose and were heading toward the bridge. As a precaution, authorities closed all bridge traffic in both directions. The barges made contact with the bridge shortly afterward.

    The video below by Jane Greer shows the moment the bridge was struck.

    The Town of Vidalia confirmed that while the obstruction was cleared, the bridge remains closed pending inspection by the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MSDOT) to assess potential damage.

    The Adams County Emergency Operations Center issued a public notice warning that westbound traffic into Vidalia will be delayed due to the incident. Residents were advised to avoid the area and expect extended delays.

  • Updated Model Released of Vidalia Sinkhole – Minimal New Damage Observed

    Updated Model Released of Vidalia Sinkhole – Minimal New Damage Observed

    Vidalia Sinkhole
    by Distant Grounds
    on Sketchfab

    Updated 5/25/25 to include new sinkhole model generated 5/24/25. A newly generated model of the sinkhole in Vidalia, Louisiana, created on May 17, 2025, indicates minimal change in the affected area since the previous model dated May 8. The extent of the damage appears to have remained consistent over the past week.

    While the site remains accessible, high water levels and an elevated water table continue to delay a full structural assessment and any necessary repair efforts. A more thorough evaluation will be possible once these conditions improve.

    These observations are based solely on our team’s modeling and monitoring of the site. No significant additional ground movement has been detected since the last analysis.

    We will continue to track the situation and release further updates as conditions evolve and new data becomes available.

    [vc_single_image image=”143523″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”]

  • No Wake Zones Enacted for All Lakes in Concordia and Catahoula Parishes

    No Wake Zones Enacted for All Lakes in Concordia and Catahoula Parishes

    In response to elevated water levels and associated public safety concerns, all lakes within both Concordia Parish and Catahoula Parish have been placed under No Wake Zone orders until further notice.

    The order for Concordia Parish was jointly issued by the Concordia Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (OHSEP) and the Concordia Parish Police Jury, and is being enforced by the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office. Boaters and recreational watercraft operators are required to travel at idle speed only in order to prevent wake creation.

    This action has been taken to mitigate the risks posed by high water conditions, including:

    • Shoreline erosion

    • Submerged hazards such as docks, trees, and debris

    • Compromised boat ramps, piers, and walkways

    • Threats to residential and commercial property

    • Navigation and visibility hazards

    • Added stress on flood control and drainage infrastructure

    • Increased risk of injury or damage to watercraft

    Residents and visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution while on or near parish lakes and to comply with all posted restrictions. Violators may be subject to penalties or fines as determined by local law enforcement authorities.

    The Catahoula Parish Police Jury has issued a similar order for its parish lakes, reinforcing the importance of a parish-wide effort to protect lives and property during this period of elevated water conditions.

    Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available. Until then, the No Wake Zone orders remain in effect.

  • Fighting Like a Girl: Concordia Bank Leads the Charge at Relay for Life

    Fighting Like a Girl: Concordia Bank Leads the Charge at Relay for Life

    Natchez, MS — Concordia Bank & Trust Company made an inspiring statement at this year’s Miss-Lou Relay for Life, proving once again that compassion and community go hand in hand. Under the powerful and empowering theme “Fight Like A Girl – The A-Team,” the Concordia Bank team didn’t just show up—they showed out with unmatched energy, purpose, and heart.

    This year’s event carried even deeper meaning, as the bank rallied in honor of one of their own who is currently fighting breast cancer. With determination in every step and purpose behind every gesture, the team transformed personal challenge into powerful action, standing united for a cause that touches so many.

    A Night of Victories and Dedication

    Their efforts did not go unnoticed. The Concordia Bank team earned an impressive list of accolades during the event, including:

    • Most Funds Raised – $13,000 (a personal all-time high)

    • Winner of Several Theme Laps

    • Overall Judges Pick

    • Best Team Banner

    • 2nd Place in Luminaria Design

    • Most Spirited Team

    More than awards, their accomplishments reflect the spirit of giving and the strength of community that define both Relay for Life and Concordia Bank’s continued commitment to service.

    A Community United

    The heartfelt gratitude expressed by the bank speaks volumes: “We are beyond grateful to our team, our community, and everyone who donated, supported, and walked beside us. Every step we took last night was for those who have fought, are fighting, and will fight.”

    This sentiment reminds us all why Relay for Life matters—and how institutions like Concordia Bank continue to be pillars of compassion and courage in the Miss-Lou region.

    Congratulations, Concordia Bank

    We extend our warmest congratulations to Concordia Bank & Trust Company for their phenomenal achievements and steadfast support of the Relay for Life mission. Your dedication uplifts our community and strengthens the hope that one day, we will live in a world without cancer.

  • New 3D Model Shows What the Vidalia Sinkhole Looks Like Now

    New 3D Model Shows What the Vidalia Sinkhole Looks Like Now

    Vidalia Sinkhole
    by Distant Grounds
    on Sketchfab

    VIDALIA, LA — With Mississippi River levels beginning to drop, conditions are gradually becoming more favorable for the Town of Vidalia to begin addressing the large sinkhole at the intersection of Concordia Avenue and Elm Street.

    The sinkhole, which formed during a period of elevated river conditions, has remained barricaded for public safety. Mayor Buz Craft and city officials have emphasized that while repairs have been delayed for safety reasons, the project will be treated as a top priority once conditions allow.

    Residents are encouraged to stay informed and avoid the affected area. Visual resources shared in this article are intended to help the public stay updated without approaching the sinkhole site directly.


     

     

  • Relay For Life Rescheduled for Tuesday, May 13

    Relay For Life Rescheduled for Tuesday, May 13

    After the cancellation of the original Relay For Life event due to inclement weather, a modified version has been scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The event will take place at the Vidalia Conference & Convention Center in the Vidal Bowie Room, located at 112 Front Street, Vidalia, LA 71373.

    Entry Instructions:
    Guests should enter through the front of the convention center and walk around to the promenade entrance for access to the Vidal Bowie Room. Parking is available under the bridges. Parking at the Doctors Pavilion or at the Convention Center is not allowed. Golf carts will be provided to assist with transportation from the parking lot to the entrance.

    Schedule of Events:

    • 4:00–5:30 PM – Survivor Reception
      Hosted by the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office, Dr. Jack Rodriguez, The Market’s, and the Vidalia Women’s Club.
      (For those unable to arrive during this time, reception service will continue until 7:00 PM.)

    • 5:30 PM – Welcome from the Relay Committee

      • Opening Prayer

      • Song: “The Climb” performed by Aubri Moss

      • 1st Lap: Survivor Lap

      • 2nd Lap: Caregiver & Survivor Lap

      • 3rd Lap: Team Introductions – All team members walk together with banners

    • Theme Laps:

      • Limbo Lap

      • Birthday Lap

      • 80’s Theme Lap

    • 6:30 PM – Luminaria Service

      • Scrolling presentation of memorials and honors on overhead screens

      • Silent Lap following the presentation
        (Teams that purchased items for the glow-themed lap are welcome to use them during the Silent Lap.)

    • 7:00 PM – Closing Activities

      • Announcement of Silent Auction and Raffle Winners
        (Winners must be present to claim Silent Auction items; payment is due at the end of the evening.)

      • Team Awards Presentation

    Additional Information:

    • Silent auction items may still be brought to the event.

    • For decorated luminaria bags, coordination is requested in advance to ensure placement before 4:00 PM.

    • Yard signs will be displayed Tuesday. Teams are asked to take signs sold by their team before leaving.

    • This is a non-smoking event.