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  • Natchez Native Angelica King Honored for Academic Excellence, Headed to Harvard

    Natchez Native Angelica King Honored for Academic Excellence, Headed to Harvard

    Mayor Dan Gibson presented a certificate of recognition on Wednesday afternoon to Ms. Angelica King, commending her exceptional academic achievements and remarkable journey.

    A graduate of Natchez High School and a lifelong Natchez resident, Angelica King is set to make local history as the first Natchez High graduate to attend Harvard University on a full scholarship. Her academic record is nothing short of extraordinary, including an impressive 33 on the SAT, a score that places her in the top 7 percent of students nationwide.

    King’s accomplishments have also earned her the prestigious STAR Student designation for the 2024–2025 school year. The honor, bestowed by the Mississippi Economic Council’s Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program, highlights her academic performance and leadership.

    In addition to her scholastic success, Angelica most recently served as a student leader on the Mayor’s Youth Council.

  • Amy Gamberi

    [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 Amy Gamberi!

    Birthday Cake winner 8/7/25

  • Tree Removal to Temporarily Impact Traffic in Adams County

    Tree Removal to Temporarily Impact Traffic in Adams County

    The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced that tree removal work will take place in Adams County near the Fartherland Road and Melrose Montabello areas.

    This project will require a temporary traffic adjustment on Highway 61 South, where motorists can expect single-lane traffic from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

    Drivers traveling through the area should anticipate potential delays and plan accordingly. MDOT urges all drivers to use caution and watch for workers and equipment in the affected zone.

  • City of Natchez to Ensure Compliance With State Homeless Encampment Legislation

    City of Natchez to Ensure Compliance With State Homeless Encampment Legislation

    Natchez, MS – The City of Natchez has announced that it has begun efforts to ensure compliance with House Bill 1203, recently passed legislation that requires municipalities to take action to prevent and remove homeless encampments on public land.

    Effective August 1st – The Natchez Police department will begin posting signs at known homeless encampments to alert those taking up residence that they are not permitted to remain on city property, giving 24 hours notice to vacate.

    Mississippi House Bill 1203, passed on April 17th, 2025, is summarized as:An Act To Prohibit Camping On Certain Public Property; To Provide Definitions For This Act; To Provide That No Person May Occupy A Campsite Inconsistent With The Regulations Of This Act Unless Specifically Authorized By The Applicable Governing Authority On Which The Campsite Is Located; To Provide Penalties For Violations Of This Act; To Authorize The Court To Mitigate Penalties For Violations Of This Act; To Amend Section 97-35-25, Mississippi Code Of 1972, To Conform To The Preceding Sections; And For Related Purposes.

    It is the goal of The City of Natchez to comply with this newly enacted state legislation, and to be responsible custodians of city-owned property, ensuring the continued safety and cleanliness of public city land.

  • Natchez Alderwoman Valencia Hall Earns Prestigious Municipal Certification

    Natchez Alderwoman Valencia Hall Earns Prestigious Municipal Certification

    The City of Natchez is celebrating the continued professional development of one of its public servants. Alderwoman Valencia Hall has achieved the Professional Development Level certification through the Mississippi Municipal League (MML), marking the highest level of distinction offered by the organization’s Certified Municipal Official (CMO) program.

    The accomplishment places Alderwoman Hall among a group of municipal leaders in Mississippi who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to excellence in governance. To reach this level, she completed 140 hours of comprehensive training in areas critical to effective municipal leadership, including municipal law, finance, land use, community and economic development, and leadership communication.

    The MML’s CMO program is designed to enhance the skills of local elected officials across the state. With its tiered structure—Basic, Advanced, and Professional Development—participants build upon a strong foundation of municipal knowledge to better address the complex challenges facing cities and towns today.

  • Natchez Board of Aldermen to Hold Special Call Meeting Tonight to Address Infrastructure and Community Initiatives

    The City of Natchez will convene a Special Call Board of Aldermen meeting this evening at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers Building. The meeting will also be streamed live via Facebook and YouTube. The agenda outlines several high-impact topics ranging from infrastructure improvements and public safety technology to environmental initiatives and recreation development.

    Public Hearing: Adjudicated Properties

    A public hearing is scheduled to address adjudicated properties.

    Department Reports: Infrastructure, Grants, and Public Facilities

    Several department heads are slated to present updates and requests for board approval, including:

    James Johnston – Community Development

    • Commerce Street ADA & Aesthetic Improvements

    • Natchez Convention Center Bid Package #2 (linked to the 2022 GOB)

    • Request for Proposals for Qualified Environmental Professionals for a Brownfields Assessment Grant

    • Morgantown Road Drainage & Reconstruction (tied to MS DEQ funding)

    • Convention Center Roof Replacement (also part of the 2022 GOB bond)

    Jody Rutter – City Inspector

    • Seeking approval to accept the low bid for a dumpster enclosure at the Civic Center.

    Carla Monroe – Senior Center Director

    • Requesting approval for Co-Lin’s involvement in the Senior Job Seeker Program.

    Ryan Porter – Parks & Recreation Director

    • Requesting permission to advertise for construction of a proposed multi-use trail at Duncan Park.

    Lee Best – Code Enforcement Commander

    • Approval sought for contracts involving:

      • AD&S Fingerprint Scanner for Law Enforcement

      • iSOMS Data Report Migration

    Edmond Perrault – Network Administrator

    • Requesting board approval for new computer systems for the city’s operations.

    Cal Green – Chief of Police

    • Requesting permission to advertise for a public hearing on taxicab services regulation.

    City Officials’ Reports & Administrative Business

    Reports are expected from the alderpersons: Hall, Frazier, Smith, Irving, Davis, and Moroney. The City Clerk will present the 2nd July Claims Docket and the July 22 Mini Claims Docket for approval.

    Legal and Mayoral Items

    The City Attorney will present the Natchez Balloon Festival Licensing Agreement for board consideration.

    Mayor Dan Gibson will also lead discussion on:

    • A promotional campaign for police officers

    • Key points related to the 2026 MS Violent Crimes Reform Act

    • An agreement with the Mississippi Department of Corrections for an inmate work program

    • Other miscellaneous updates

  • Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel to Host “Tools for School Bash” to Support Local Families and Teachers

    NATCHEZ, MS (Tuesday, July 29) – Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel is helping local students gear up for a successful school year with its “Tools for School Bash”- a community-focused event offering free school supply kits and hot meals. The giveaway takes place Thursday, July 31, on The Bluffs in downtown Natchez.

    The event is made possible through the combined generosity of Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel and its employees, who together donated 1600 school supplies to support local teachers and families.

    “We’re consistently striving to come together as a team to make a direct impact on our community,” said Eugene Gibson, General Manager at Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel. “This is more than just supplies – it’s about showing up for local teachers, students and families in a meaningful way.”

    Guests can pick up pre-packaged school supply kits, conveniently organized by grade level, and enjoy a free hot meal featuring Frito chili pies, hot dogs, and lemonade.

    Event Details:
    What: Tools for School Bash – Community School Supply Giveaway
    When: Thursday, July 31 | 11am-2pm

    Where: The Bluffs in Downtown Natchez (near the Gazebo)
    Cost: Free and open to the public while supplies last

     

  • Kylee McGehee

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    Happy Birthday to Kylee McGehee!

    Birthday Cake winner 7/25/25

  • Hulk Hogan, Wrestling’s Towering Pop‑Culture Icon, Dies at 71

    Hulk Hogan — born Terry Gene Bollea but known worldwide as “The Hulkster” — died Thursday morning, July 24, after suffering an apparent cardiac arrest at his Clearwater, Florida home. Emergency crews answered a 9:51 a.m. 911 call, treated the WWE legend on site and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

    Clearwater Police said additional details will be released at a press conference later today. Witnesses told TMZ Sports that multiple patrol cars and ambulances lined Hogan’s street as first responders provided care.

    A onetime Tampa bar‑band bassist, Hogan burst onto the national scene when he toppled the Iron Sheik for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship in 1984, kicking off “Hulkamania.” His larger‑than‑life charisma, red‑and‑yellow gear and “say your prayers, take your vitamins” mantra drew entire families to arenas and helped catapult pro‑wrestling into mainstream entertainment throughout the 1980s.

    Ever the showman, Hogan reinvented himself in 1996. Taking on the mantle of “bad guy” at WCW’s Bash at the Beach, he linked up with Scott Hall and Kevin Nash to form the New World Order, adopting the moniker “Hollywood” Hulk Hogan and fueling the famed Monday‑night ratings wars that defined wrestling’s 1990s boom.

    Across a 35‑year career, Hogan captured 12 recognized world championships, headlined eight WrestleManias, starred in films such as Rocky III and fronted the VH‑1 reality hit Hogan Knows Best. His outsized persona also landed him in controversy — from steroid admissions to a sex‑tape scandal — yet his influence on sports‑entertainment’s growth is undeniable.

    Official WWE statement:
    “WWE is saddened to learn WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has passed away.
    One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s.
    WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans.”

    Fans will learn more when Clearwater authorities brief the media later today, but one fact is already clear: Hulk Hogan’s 24‑inch “pythons” and outsized showmanship forever changed what it means to be a sports‑entertainer.

    Rest in peace, brother.

  • Former Mayor Tony Byrne Receives Award at Mississippi Municipal Leauge Luncheon

    Former Mayor Tony Byrne Receives Award at Mississippi Municipal Leauge Luncheon

    Former Natchez Mayor Tony Byrne was recognized today with standing ovation by over 1000 MS Municipal Officials at the Mississippi Municipal League Awards Luncheon in Biloxi. He was presented the award by Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson who recapped the inspiring history of Mayor Byrne and his leadership of Natchez from 1968 – 1988.

    Mayor Byrne served as President of the statewide municipal association from 1974 – 1975. He is the only Mayor of Natchez to be elected to this statewide position.

    He shared words of wisdom as he graciously accepted the award from Mayor Gibson and current MML President Patti Pettit of Woodland. He was also congratulated by Shari Veazey, MML Executive Director.

    Mayor Byrne provided crucial leadership to Natchez during the dark days of America’s Civil Rights moments, he used his influence to champion minority representation on the Municipal Association Executive Committee, resulting in the appointment of his friend and fellow mayor, Honorable Charles Evers of Fayette, MS.

    During his speech Mayor Byrne shared an adage his mother frequently told him as a child, framing it as as good advice for any politician to this day: “Wash your feet every morning so they will be clean when you put them in your mouth!”