[vc_single_image image=”1514″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”1515″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][headerText widget_name=”Birthday and Anniversary Cakes Provided By Dairy Queen” level=”h3″ url=”” el_class=””]
Happy Birthday to Harry Rogillio!
Birthday Cake winner 3/13/26
According to reports from Tom Pelissero, Demario Davis is signing with the New York Jets on a two-year, $22 million deal, which includes $15 million fully guaranteed. The move marks Year 15 in the NFL for the longtime defensive leader, who recently turned 37 years old.
Davis spent the past several seasons with the New Orleans Saints, where he became one of the team’s most respected veterans and defensive anchors. Known for his leadership, durability, and playmaking ability, Davis earned multiple Pro Bowl selections during his time in New Orleans.
The signing also marks a reunion with the Jets, where Davis played in 2017 before joining the Saints.
COUSHATTA — According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), a magnitude 4.0 earthquake struck just north of Coushatta, Louisiana, at 4:41 a.m. Monday. The quake occurred at a relatively shallow depth of about 5 kilometers (around 3 miles) beneath the surface.
The tremor is believed to be an aftershock of last week’s magnitude 4.9 earthquake, which struck the same area and was one of the strongest earthquakes recorded on land in Louisiana in decades. That earlier quake was felt across parts of north Louisiana and surrounding areas.
While Monday morning’s earthquake was smaller, residents in nearby communities may have experienced brief shaking as it passed through the region. As of now, no damage or injuries have been reported.
Earthquakes are relatively uncommon in Louisiana, making the recent cluster of seismic activity around Red River Parish and Coushatta particularly notable. Scientists continue to monitor the area to determine whether additional aftershocks could occur in the coming days.
Residents who felt the quake are encouraged to report their experience through the USGS “Did You Feel It?” reporting system to help researchers better understand the event.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Mississippi voters will choose nominees for Congress in a state primary Tuesday. The state’s junior Republican U.S. senator and the entire U.S. House delegation are up for reelection, and all but one have drawn multiple challengers from one or both major political parties hoping to replace them.
Republicans hold slim majorities on Capitol Hill, but control of either chamber in November likely won’t come down to Mississippi, where no federal office has changed party hands since 2010.
At the top of the ballot, Republican U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith faces a primary challenge in her bid for a second full term from physician and novelist Sarah Adlakha. The Democratic primary field includes Scott Colom, a state district attorney covering Clay, Lowndes, Noxubee and Oktibbeha counties. President Joe Biden nominated Colom to the federal bench in 2023, but Hyde-Smith blocked his confirmation.
Hyde-Smith received about 54% of the vote in her two previous Senate general elections, both against former U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Espy. She did not face a primary challenge in 2020. Mississippi has had relatively little turnover in its two U.S. Senate seats. Since 1989, the state has had only four U.S. senators, all of them Republicans.
In the 2nd Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, Mississippi’s longest-serving current member of Congress and the delegation’s lone Democrat, faces two primary challengers in his bid for an 18th term. Among them is attorney Evan Turnage, one of the latest young Democratic hopefuls looking to unseat a longtime incumbent from their own party. Turnage is a former adviser to Democratic Sens. Chuck Schumer of New York and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.
Thompson’s most competitive primary as an incumbent was in 2006, when he received about 64% of the vote against then-state Rep. Chuck Espy, nephew of Mike Espy, whom Thompson succeeded in Congress in 1993.
Republicans Ron Eller and Kevin Wilson compete for the GOP nomination. Eller is a physician assistant who lost the 2024 general election to Thompson. Wilson is an Adams County supervisor.
The massive district stretches along the Mississippi River, bordering Arkansas and Louisiana, and comprises about 40% of the state’s geography. It includes most of the state capital of Jackson. About 64% of the district population is Black, the highest in the state. The current boundaries were adopted in 2022. Voters in the district supported Democrat Kamala Harris over Republican Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election, 60% to 39%.
The Associated Press does not make projections and will declare a winner only when it’s determined there is no scenario that would allow a trailing candidate to close the gap. If a race has not been called, the AP will continue to cover any newsworthy developments, such as candidate concessions or declarations of victory. In doing so, the AP will make clear that it has not yet declared a winner and explain why.
Mississippi does not have automatic recounts or permit candidates to request a recount. Recounts in the state are held only in the event of a court order. The AP may declare a winner in a race that is subject to a recount if it can determine the lead is too large for a recount or legal challenge to change the outcome.
Here are some of the key facts about the election and data points the AP Decision Desk will monitor as the votes are tallied:
When do polls close?
Polls close at 7 p.m. local time, which is 8 p.m. ET.
What’s on the ballot?
The AP will provide vote results and declare winners in the Democratic and Republican primaries for U.S. Senate and contested U.S. House primaries in the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Congressional Districts.
Who gets to vote?
Mississippi does not register voters by party, so any eligible voter may participate in any party’s primary. Voters may not participate in more than one party’s primary. Voters who participated in one party’s primary may not vote in the April 7 runoff of a different party.
What do turnout and advance vote look like?
As of Feb. 2, there were nearly 1.9 million active registered voters in Mississippi.
The 2024 Republican presidential and U.S. Senate primaries each had about 248,000 votes cast, about 13% of registered voters. There were about 91,000 votes cast in the Democratic presidential primary and about 82,000 in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, which was about 5% and 4% of registered voters, respectively. About 6% of the total votes cast in both the Republican and Democratic primaries that year were cast by absentee ballot.
As of Friday, a total of 13,473 ballots had already been cast in the 2026 primaries
How long does vote-counting usually take?
In the 2024 primaries, the AP first reported results at 8:07 p.m. ET, or seven minutes after polls closed. The last vote update of the night was at 12:35 a.m. ET, with about 95% of total votes counted.
When are early and absentee votes released?
There is not a standard, uniform practice across counties when it comes to releasing results of absentee voting. Some counties may provide a subtotal of absentee voting at the end of the tabulation process, while others might merge them with other results in their respective precincts and release them throughout the night.
Mississippi does not have in-person early voting.
Are we there yet?
As of Tuesday, there will be 238 days until the 2026 midterm elections.
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Follow the AP’s coverage of the 2026 election at https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/.
NATCHEZ, Miss. – The Natchez Powwow, a festive cultural event that has captivated locals and visitors for over 30 years, will take place March 28-29, 2026, at 319 N. Broadway St. on the Natchez Bluff.
“As we say each year, this is a wholesome family event that provides good entertainment and a celebration of the Native American culture in a safe environment,” said Natchez Powwow Chairman Dr. Chuck Borum. “We invite everyone to come enjoy themselves. This is a great time to meet people and build relationships while learning about Native American traditions.”
The Natchez Powwow is an annual event that celebrates Indigenous culture through music, singing, and traditional dance. In addition to participants wearing colorful Native American regalia, the event features food, arts and crafts, and more.
Admission is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating.
Powwow program
This year’s powwow will feature Frank Carson, Otoe-Pawnee, of Stillwater, Oklahoma, as master of ceremonies; and Darsh DeSilva of Round Rock, Texas, as arena director.
Eddie Yellowfish, Osage-Otoe-Comanche, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, will serve as the head singer of the Southern Drum; and Free “Bird” Kasler, Otoe, of Chouteau, Oklahoma, as head man dancer.
The program will also feature Wonzie Kline Kole, Mescalero Apache-Comanche, of Dallas, Texas as the head lady dancer; and James Barton of Summerville, South Carolina, as the head gourd dancer.
Yellowfish said Tuesday that he is looking forward to the Natchez Powwow, which will be his first visit.
“I feel honored to do this,” he said. “Everyone speaks highly of this dance and gathering.”
He said other singers have told him that “they always enjoyed the dance” at the powwow in Natchez.
Yellowfish said a powwow is special for many reasons. In addition to being a “gathering of tribes” and recognizing one’s culture, “it’s a chance for us to honor tradition and sing old songs and help everyone have a good feeling,” he said.
He added that he appreciates the community coming together for the powwow events. “I think the powwow is a good thing to share with people of other cultures,” he said.
Oscar-nominated songwriter
Supporting Yellowfish at the drum this year will be Oscar-nominated songwriter Scott George of Hominy, Oklahoma will return to Natchez. He has participated in the Natchez Powwow around five or six times, he said.
George composed, “Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People),” that was featured in Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon.” On Sunday, March 10, 2024, George and the Osage Tribal Singers performed the song at the 96th Academy Awards.
George said in a recent interview that it is hard to describe the experience and recognition he and the Osage Singers received for their performance at the Oscars.
“We were caught up in the moment doing what we were asked to do,” he said. “We didn’t think too much about it until it was done, and then we couldn’t believe we were there.”
He added that “it was an overwhelming opportunity” for them. “We didn’t have time to get nervous,” he said. “We practiced many times, and we got through it without any mistakes.”
Because of the bright stage lights, they could not see the massive audience during the performance. George said it was only when they watched the performance on YouTube and television did they truly see and feel the power of the standing ovation, he said.
George said they also enjoyed seeing the celebrities, like Dwayne Johnson, who took photos with them.
As for the song itself, George said its inspiration came from his tribal history. “The words in the song are asking my people to stand up,” he said. “’Stand up. God made this for us.’ We always heard our old people, even back before the Civil War, pray that we would still be here.”
Since its founding in 1988 by Borum, the Natchez Powwow has generated national publicity through its participants and performers. In 2018, the Natchez Powwow was listed as one of the top 20 events of that year by the Southeast Tourism Society.
Powwow schedule
Saturday March 28, 2026
9 a.m. — Food and Craft and Farmer Market Vendors open
12:30 p.m. — Gourd Dance
2 p.m. — Grand Entry and Intertribal Dancing
4 p.m. — Camp Feed for Singers and Dancers and family/friends
6 p.m. — Gourd Dance
7 p.m. — Grand Entry and Intertribal Dancing
9 p.m. – Closing
Sunday March 29, 2026
9 a.m. — Food and Craft Vendors open
12:30 p.m. — Gourd Dance
2 p.m. — Grand Entry and Intertribal Dancing
As noted on the event’s website, alcohol is prohibited at the powwow. It is not allowed in the powwow area or in the trader or food vending area.
Borum said the powwow is financially supported by local Natchez businesses, individuals, and the Natchez Convention Promotion Commission/Visit Natchez.
For more information on the powwow, visit https://www.natchezpowwow.com, or send email to Powwow Chairman Dr. Chuck Borum at cborum@hotmail.com.
As we close out the month of February, it is important that we not let the month pass us by without recognizing that February is known nationally as Cancer Prevention Month—a time dedicated to raising awareness about reducing cancer risk, encouraging regular screenings, and promoting early detection. For Natchez, this month carries special meaning thanks to the many great organizations and volunteers in our region who work throughout the year to make a difference. From the Miss-Lou Relay for Life to Monica’s Hope, Joyce Washington Ivery’s “Hats and Glove” annual fundraiser to Merit Health’s collaboration with the City of Natchez each year for “Paint the Town Pink Day”, we are blessed to have so many who do so much to make a difference.
Words are inadequate to thank all in our healthcare community for all they do every day to save lives. And when speaking of life-saving partners, it goes without saying that having Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center and its dedicated staff in our city has been a game changer for our region.
Serving all of the Miss-Lou region, and areas even beyond the Miss-Lou, Mary Bird Perkins provides access to high-quality cancer care for countless cancer patients. Providing advanced technology, compassionate staff and oncology specialists, and comprehensive treatment options to our region has been both convenient and life-saving. Patients who once had to travel long distances for radiation therapy and other services can now receive expert care right here at home, close to family, friends, and church.
Mary Bird Perkins has significantly invested in the latest cancer treatment technology available, committing over $1 million in recent years to upgrades that now deliver state-of-the-art services . And through community outreach programs and screening opportunities, such as the “Live Well” event coming to the Natchez Bluff on April 11, MBP has made free testing available for countless Natchez residents, allowing for the early detection of serious cancers, free of charge.
While February is officially Cancer Prevention Month, we should be at work every day to help spread the message that while not all cancers are preventable, many risks can be reduced. Lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, and protecting skin from excessive sun exposure all play a significant role in lowering cancer risk.
Prevention, however, goes beyond healthy habits. Regular medical checkups and recommended screenings are critical for detecting cancer early, often before symptoms even appear, extending life spans as survival rates are increased.
For women, routine mammograms can detect breast cancer early enough for treatment and life-saving measures to be applied. Similarly, cervical cancer screenings can detect precancerous conditions before cancer even develops.
For men, regular screenings are equally important. Prostate cancer, one of the most common cancers among men, often grows slowly and may not show symptoms right away. Early detection can truly save lives. Waiting for symptoms to develop can make detection too late for effective treatment, severely inhibiting a man’s prognosis for survival.
Colonoscopies are equally important for both men and women in ruling out early evidence of colorectal cancer, in addition to removing polyps that can in time become cancerous. Again – waiting on symptoms to appear can severely limit treatment options. Early detection is key to survival.
Cancer Prevention Month is a powerful reminder that knowledge, prevention, and early detection save lives. The time is NOW. Through regular checkups and timely screenings, both men and women can dramatically lengthen their lifespans and overall chances of survival. And with devoted organizations and volunteers working to find a cure, along with trusted institutions like Merit Health, Mary Bird Perkins, and other local physicians, hospitals and healthcare heroes working every day to save lives, we can beat cancer—not just in February, but all year long.
If you haven’t been screened lately, make plans to get your screening done today. Hope is a real thing. Many great stories of survival are being shared every day. And more great stories have yet to be shared. Because Natchez Deserves More.
[vc_single_image image=”1514″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”1515″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center”][headerText widget_name=”Birthday and Anniversary Cakes Provided By Dairy Queen” level=”h3″ url=”” el_class=””]
Happy Birthday to Sidnee Roth!
Birthday Cake winner 2/19/26
NATCHEZ, Miss. – February 9, 2026 – Natchez, Mississippi will soon dedicate the city’s second Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) historical marker honoring Prince Abdul Rahman Ibrahima (1762–1829), an African nobleman who was enslaved in the Natchez area for about 40 years before ultimately regaining his freedom.
The marker will be dedicated on April 8, 2026, during a public ceremony on Silver Street near the Under-the-Hill docks. The event is free and open to the public.
“I am so grateful for the continued progress we are making in better telling all of the great stories of Natchez,” says Dan Gibson, Mayor of Natchez. “The story of Prince Ibrahima is one of those remarkable stories that for many years has gone largely untold. But gradually many are learning this story. There are even books and documentaries on it – Prince Ibrahima is a big deal. His is a story of love overcoming hate and of courage overcoming fear. I am excited that this marker will soon grace our riverfront, and I encourage all lovers of freedom to learn more about this amazing man and his amazing story.”
The location was intentionally selected as the place where Ibrahima first arrived in Natchez as an enslaved man and later departed the city as a free man with his wife, Isabella. The dedication date marks April 8, 1828, the day the couple left Natchez following Ibrahima’s emancipation, creating what organizers describe as a powerful “full circle” moment in the city’s history.
Born into royalty in Futa Jallon in present-day Guinea, Ibrahima was a scholar and military leader before being captured in battle and sold into slavery. Transported to Mississippi, he spent decades enslaved before an international campaign involving the U.S. government and global advocates led to his release and return to freedom.
The new marker builds on ongoing efforts to expand and deepen interpretation of African American history in Natchez through public history initiatives, education, and community-led storytelling. The dedication will complement February programming and look ahead to additional heritage initiatives planned for spring 2026.
“This marker allows us to more fully tell Prince Ibrahima’s story in the very place where his journey in Natchez began and ended,” says Dr. Roscoe Barnes III, cultural heritage tourism manager at Visit Natchez and president of the Mississippi Historical Society. “It is an important addition to how our city showcases its history and a meaningful step in how we recognize the people that shaped this city.”
Additional details about the dedication ceremony and related programming will be announced closer to the event.
Two Sundays ago, when everyone was safe inside watching what the winter weather was bringing to Natchez, an entire team of city workers had already been outside in freezing conditions for hours, preparing for the worst while we all prayed for the best. I call them our “First, First Responders” – the hardworking men who wear the uniform of Natchez Public Works. And it’s time they received their due.
During my first seven months in office, as we dealt with two hurricanes in the fall of 2020 and a historic ice storm in February of 2021, I learned very quickly just how important these public servants are to our city. If a tree falls, it is a PW Crewmember who has to cut it up and clear the road before anyone else can pass. It doesn’t matter if it is fire or police, sheriff or ambulance – if Public Works isn’t on the job clearing the street, no one is getting past. And in a city as old and as beautiful as Natchez, that is one thing we have in abundance: trees. And oh, how they have fallen, multiple times and in multiple storms. In every situation, our PW Department, consisting of about 15 strong and dependable crew members, has exceeded all expectations. I am not sure that anyone can operate a chainsaw as quickly or as safely as them, and time after time they prove that they are more than up to the task. Over the past two weeks they have been working – six different crews with dump trucks and trailers in every neighborhood of our city to get Natchez clean. And with assistance from state prisoners and Meridan Waste, I anticipate Natchez will be back to normal in no time.
Keeping a city going requires a lot of teamwork, and in Natchez – Adams County, we are blessed to have a fantastic “First Responder Team”. Our Police and Sheriff Departments work well together to keep us safe. Our Fire Department, working both in the city and with volunteers in the county over the years have saved multiple structures, and more importantly, multiple lives. AMR and Pafford are great team members, along with Natchez Water Works, Entergy, Southwest Electric, and all other emergency agencies and personnel, not the least of which is our Adams County Emergency Management agency. It serves as the glue that holds us all together in times of crisis.
Without our dedicated crew members in Natchez Public Works, however, and also the Adams County Road Department, our First Responder Team would be like a truck missing a front wheel. During the early hours of every storm, they are out working to clear storm debris in all areas of the city and county. They truly are the “First” First Responders. And when it comes to daily maintenance, I honestly don’t know how they do it all. From grass cutting to street and road repairs, clearing ditches, gutters and drains, maintaining public property, maintaining all types of vehicles and equipment, keeping Natchez beautiful, and constantly battling the litter problems that seem to plague all communities these days, their plate is full every day. We are fortunate to have them also to have Justin Dollar, Director of Natchez Public Works and his father Robbie
Dollar, who leads the County Road Department. I shared at a recent meeting of our emergency team members that we are blessed to have “two dollars for the price of one” – and while funny it happens to be the truth!
In the days and weeks to come, I hope everyone affected by the recent winter storm will report damage, large and small, to our Adams County Emergency Management department by visiting www.adamscountyms.net/county-departments/emergency-management and clicking the “Report Damages” button. It could help qualify our area for much-needed state and federal funds.
But in the meantime, take a moment to thank a Public Works Crewmember. Honk and give them a friendly wave when you see them. Buy them a coke. Drop off some donuts, a few pizzas or boxes of food for lunch. Their main office is located at 233 1/2 D’Evereux Drive. The county road department is located at 337 Liberty Road. We are grateful to have these public servants working so hard to keep our city clean and safe. Because Natchez Deserves More.
It’s finally here – the MS Songwriter Festival, Capital River Region – Natchez, kicks off this weekend! Presented by Taco Bell and a host of other sponsors and friends both in Natchez and throughout the state, we are ready to heat up venues all over downtown Natchez with over 50 songwriters, including some major Nashville talent, descending upon our beautiful city.
Founded in 2010 by Gulf Coast native George Cumbest, the MS Songwriters Festival has become a statewide program, meeting every few months at various perennial locations throughout Mississippi. For the first time ever, Natchez has now been added to this impressive list of host cities, and this year’s festival weekend will be the first of many more to come, taking place every last weekend of January from now on.
Starting Friday, January 30, and continuing through Saturday, January 31, downtown Natchez and the Natchez Civic Center will be transformed into a vibrant hub for live music, storytelling, and industry insight—all free and open to the public. Faced with some tough weather conditions earlier this week impacting upon some performers travelling long distances, festival organizers, including George Cumbest, Natchez legend and Nashville songwriter Tommy Polk and local musician Richard Burke, pivoted and made the festival even better. Rather than scaling back, we have expanded our lineup, adding fresh talent and creating an even more dynamic experience for attendees. Music lovers can expect an energetic mix of performances, conversations, and demonstrations that celebrate songwriting at its core.
The festival kicks off Friday evening with “Restaurants and Dives Live” from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. More than 11 downtown venues will host live performances, allowing attendees to stroll through historic Natchez while enjoying intimate shows in restaurants, bars, and local gathering spots. This format gives audiences a rare opportunity to experience songwriters up close, hearing the stories behind the music in relaxed, welcoming settings. Later in the evening, an “after party” kicks off at the historic Under-the-Hill Saloon.
Saturday begins at the Natchez Civic Center bright and early at 9:00 a.m. with music industry talks and demonstrations designed for aspiring songwriters, musicians, and fans curious about the creative process. These sessions will provide behind-the-scenes insight into songwriting, publishing, and performing, offering valuable takeaways for artists at every stage of their journey. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, live music returns to downtown restaurants, continuing the festival’s signature blend of great food, historic charm, and original music. The energy builds throughout the day, leading into what organizers promise will be a standout highlight: Saturday night performances from 5 p.m. until, allowing festival goers time to warm up to great tunes and fellowship with some of our region’s greatest talent. Don’t miss the “Nashville
Finale”, beginning around 8 p.m. as writers of tunes made famous by the likes of Garth Brooks, Sammy Kershaw and Jeff Bates – and the “after party” at Smoots.
To view an updated schedule and full lineup of performers, visit www.songwriters.onenatchez.com. And be sure to thank our sponsors! In addition to Taco Bell, our presenting sponsor, Platinum sponsors include the City of Natchez, Visit Natchez, and the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance; Gold sponsors are Concordia Bank, Delta Bank, and United MS Bank; Silver sponsors include Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel, Natchez Festival of Music, and Bryant Hammett & Associates; and Bronze Sponsors are Home Bank, Coca Cola and Shantybellum Guest House, and in-kind Platinum Sponsor Listen Up Y’all Media/95-Country.
We are blessed Natchez. With two days of music, education, and community celebration, the MS Songwriter Festival, Capital River Region – Natchez, presented by Taco Bell, promises to be an unforgettable winter weekend with music galore! And it is only fitting that it should be. Because Natchez Deserves More.