LUY-Development

Category: Local News

  • Champions: Trojans Outlast East Iberville in Lake Charles Thriller

    Ferriday High School’s boys basketball team returned to the top of LHSAA Non-Select Division IV  ranks with a 59‑55 victory over East Iberville in Lake Charles.  The win secured the Trojans’ first boys’ basketball title since 1989 and capped a 33‑2 season.

    According to the Natchez Democrat, senior guard C.J. Washington steadied the Trojans late, hitting four free throws in the final 24 seconds to preserve the win.  Washington finished with 14 points and nine assists, while senior BeDe Terrell scored 18 points and was named Most Valuable Player.

    They’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” Trojans head coach Shawn Davis told the Natchez Democrat, after the game. “It’s a good day to be a Trojan.”

    Ferriday took control early by forcing turnovers with a 1‑3‑1 defense and raced to an 18‑7 lead.

    East Iberville, playing in its first state championship game, refused to quit.

    the East Iberville trailed by as many as 20 points in the third quarter before a 14‑5 run cut the deficit to 11 by the end of the period.

    East Iberville hit three‑pointers in the fourth quarter, and trimmed Ferriday’s lead to two points with 28.7 seconds left.  Ferriday’s seniors responded with clutch free throws and defensive stops to seal the game.

     

     

  • Natchez Police Chief Cal Green Defends Department Amid Criticism Ahead of Retirement

    NATCHEZ, Miss. – The mayor and aldermen applauded ready-to-retire Natchez Police Chief Cal Green on Tuesday as she gave an emotional rebuttal to criticism voiced at last month’s city board meeting against her and the Natchez Police Department.

     

    “I will not have anybody ever question the job that I did with my best intentions, and I will continue to do that job,” she told Mayor Dan Gibson and the Board of Aldermen.

     

    The mayor — telling Green how much “I appreciate and admire and respect you” – gave her time to respond to complaints largely recounted in February by Alderman Billie Joe Frazier.

     

    This came as the mayor — allied with three aldermen – have clashed with three other aldermen on how to find someone to replace Green as she plans to retire. She announced in January she’s ready after three years as police chief and 28 years in law enforcement.

     

    Aldermen deadlocked 3-3 last month in moving forward with the search for someone to replace Green as they argued over the credentials set for applicants. Gibson broke the tie to officially start seeking candidates suited for the job requirements, which include having at least 15 years experience in law enforcement.

     

    During the debate at the Feb. 24 meeting that split the board, Frazier criticized the NPD’s operations under Green’s leadership the past three years. At Tuesday’s board meeting, Green took the podium to defend herself and her police officers.

     

    “I would like to give them all the accolades that they deserve for the job that they have done for this city and for me for the time that I’ve been here,” she said.

     

    Gibson commended Green and led a round of applause as she concluded her remarks.

     

    “Thank you for your service all these 28 years, and going on longer,” he told Green, who worked for the Adams County Sheriff’s Office before coming to the NPD.

     

    Frazier – a former Natchez police officer who voted against appointing Green chief in 2023 – said he hasn’t demeaned her in critiquing the department.

     

    “You did the best you can with what you had,” he told Green, the first Black female ever to head the Natchez Police Department. “I would never belittle you in any kind of way – because I had the utmost respect for you as the first Black woman police chief.”

     

    In last month’s vote to advance the search process for a new chief, Gibson joined Aldermen Valencia Hall, Sarah Carter Smith and Curtis Moroney to set the job requirements and seek applicants. Frazier was joined by Aldermen Ben Davis – also a former Natchez police officer – and Felicia Bridgewater Irving in dissent.

    Applicants to consider must have at least 15 years experience as a professional police officer with at least three years in a high-ranking commanding post. Aldermen said they prefer to have someone with a bachelor’s degree, but that’s not required.

     

     In speaking out against the job prerequisites as approved, Davis alleged the standards were lowered to ensure a candidate already favored to be appointed would qualify.

  • Plans being finalized for Natchez riverboat dock

    NATCHEZ, Miss. – American Cruise Lines is finalizing plans to build its Natchez dock along thebein Mississippi River this year and give the city $500,000 to enhance Natchez Under-the-Hill.

    Meeting Tuesday with the Natchez Board of Aldermen, Mayor Dan Gibson said ACL is spending more than $4 million to build the long-planned facility for its riverboats to dock. The company’s additional $500,000 could be combined with other funds the city gets to beautify the riverfront along Silver Street, Gibson said.

    ACL, which leases the city-owned riverboat landing at the end of Silver Street, has been bringing its riverboats to Natchez since 2012. It docks more than 100 times annually with about 20,000 passengers, according to statistics provided by the company.

    ACL’s wharf has been on the drawing board since 2020. Viking – the other cruise line that brings riverboat visitors to Natchez – has also had plans to build a separate dock on Silver Street.

     

    ACL’s dock is being built at the family-owned company’s expense, but Gibson has said it’ll be available for the general public’s use to view the river and sunsets.

     

    The Mississippi River mooring facility’s design and placement are subject for review and approval by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which regulates river structures, the Mississippi Department of Archives & History and the Natchez Preservation Commission, which evaluate alterations to historic sites such as the Natchez Under-the-Hill area.

     

    ACL’s fleet of ships includes American Melody, American Serenade, American Symphony, American Splendor and American Heritage. The Connecticut-based company pays Natchez a per-passenger fee each time it docks in the city.

     

    Gibson also noted Tuesday that work is nearly complete to rebuild the Silver Street retaining wall. The structure near The Camp restaurant and Under-the-Hill Saloon was deteriorating.

  • 4.0 Magnitude Earthquake Reported Near Coushatta Louisiana

    4.0 Magnitude Earthquake Reported Near Coushatta Louisiana

    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.

  • Natchez Launches Mayor’s Book Club to Provide Free Books for Children

    Natchez Launches Mayor’s Book Club to Provide Free Books for Children

    Natchez Mayor Dan M. Gibson has announced the launch of a new early childhood literacy initiative designed to encourage a love of reading among the city’s youngest residents.

    The program, called the Mayor’s Book Club, will provide age-appropriate books to children from birth to age 5 by mailing them directly to families each month at no cost.

    A community celebration to launch the program will take place Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Dixon Books, located at 514 Main Street in historic downtown Natchez.

    “We are excited to share the love of reading with future generations,” Gibson said. “Today’s young readers will be tomorrow’s great leaders. Statistics prove that introducing our children to books at an early age significantly increases their odds of success. Reading is exercise for the imagination, stimulating young minds to imagine and achieve great things.”

    The Mayor’s Book Club is believed to be the first mayor-sponsored program of its kind in Mississippi, with a goal of reaching 500 children each month.

    “This will indeed be impactful upon our community,” Gibson added. “I can’t wait to hear the stories of young families finding new books in their mailboxes each month. As a child, reading made a profound difference in my life. I can’t wait to see the difference it will make in the lives of children across our community.”

    Additional details about the initiative, including key sponsorships and partnerships helping make the program possible, will be announced during Thursday’s launch event.

    Parents and caregivers with children from birth to age 5 will be able to register their children for the program during the launch celebration. Registration will also be available afterward at Natchez City Hall, Dixon Books, the George Armstrong Public Library, and other locations around the city.

    “This project reflects our dedication to the future of Natchez,” Gibson said. “We look forward to sharing more details in the coming weeks and invite stakeholders to join us as we embark on this exciting journey. Look for the Mayor’s Book Club logo and sign up your children.”

  • AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Mississippi’s state primaries

     

    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.

    ___

    Follow the AP’s coverage of the 2026 election at https://apnews.com/projects/elections-2026/.

     

  • Natchez Powwow set for March 28-29 on the Bluff

    Natchez Powwow set for March 28-29 on the Bluff

    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.

  • Central Louisiana Secures Four Sites in State’s Historic FastSites Economic Development Initiative

    Central Louisiana Secures Four Sites in State’s Historic FastSites Economic Development Initiative

    Central Louisiana is gaining significant momentum in economic development after four sites in the region were selected to move forward in the inaugural round of Louisiana’s new FastSites program, a major statewide effort designed to attract high-impact industries and investment.

    Louisiana Economic Development recently announced 19 sites across 16 parishes that will advance in the program’s first round of funding. The initiative represents the largest coordinated site investment effort in Louisiana history and aims to strengthen the state’s ability to compete for large-scale projects in industries such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, energy innovation and other next-generation sectors.

    Notably, four of the selected sites are located in Central Louisiana, highlighting the region’s readiness and growing reputation as a destination for major industrial investment. Sites in the region selected for the program include:

    • Beaver Lake Industrial Park — Rapides Parish

    • England Airpark — Rapides Parish

    • Port Distran — Rapides Parish

    • Natchitoches Parish Port Warehouse — Natchitoches Parish

    The FastSites initiative is designed to prepare development-ready locations before companies begin searching for places to build. By investing in infrastructure improvements such as utilities, road access, rail connectivity and environmental readiness ahead of time, Louisiana hopes to shorten the timeline for companies to begin construction and operations.

    State leaders say this proactive approach gives Louisiana—and particularly Central Louisiana—a stronger position when competing nationally for major economic projects.

    The program is funded through the $150 million Site Investment and Infrastructure Fund, established through Act 365 during the 2025 Regular Legislative Session. The fund operates as a revolving investment program. As sites are sold or leased and development begins, the state recovers its initial investment and reinvests those funds into additional projects, creating a long-term pipeline of competitive industrial sites.

    For Central Louisiana, the selection of four sites signals growing confidence in the region’s economic potential. With infrastructure improvements underway, local leaders believe the region will be better positioned to attract larger companies, higher-paying jobs and transformative development opportunities.

    By preparing sites before companies begin their search, the FastSites program shifts Louisiana’s strategy from reacting to opportunities to actively creating them—helping ensure the state, and Central Louisiana in particular, remains competitive in the race for future industry.

  • Natchez Community Invited to Help Fight Hunger with “Jars of Love” Peanut Butter Drive

    Natchez Community Invited to Help Fight Hunger with “Jars of Love” Peanut Butter Drive

    The Natchez-Adams County Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with Merit Health Natchez to help feed local families through the 4th Annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive, running now through March 27.

    The community-wide effort collects plastic jars of peanut butter to support several local food banks serving families in Natchez and Adams County. Peanut butter is one of the most valuable foods for donation because it is high in protein, shelf-stable, and kid-friendly, yet it remains one of the least donated items to food pantries.

    All donations from the drive will benefit three local organizations working to fight hunger in the community:

    • Feed the Hungry

    • First Assembly of God

    • Pilgrim Baptist Church

    Residents who would like to help can drop off donations at Merit Health Natchez at either the Information Desk or Outpatient Therapy Services on the first floor of the Doctors’ Pavilion.

    For those who want to participate but don’t have time to shop, the Chamber has also made it easy to donate online. Community members can send contributions through Venmo to @natchezchamber, and organizers will purchase peanut butter on their behalf. Donors are asked to include “peanut butter donation” in the payment comments.

    Organizers say the goal of the drive is simple: help ensure local families have access to nutritious food while strengthening the spirit of community support in Natchez.

  • Natchez-Adams School District Cancels March 5 Classes to Support Natchez High Boys in State Semifinals

    Natchez-Adams School District Cancels March 5 Classes to Support Natchez High Boys in State Semifinals

    The Natchez-Adams School District (NASD) has announced a calendar adjustment as the Natchez High School boys basketball team advances to the semifinal round of the MHSAA State Playoffs.

    Due to overwhelming support from staff, students, and the community, there will be no school on Thursday, March 5, 2026. District officials said the decision reflects the strong community pride surrounding the team’s playoff run and allows students, families, and employees the opportunity to show their support.

    To ensure instructional time requirements are met, Monday, April 6, 2026, will now be observed as a regular school day for both students and staff.

    District leaders praised the accomplishments of the student-athletes and highlighted the unity displayed throughout the postseason.

    “NASD remains committed to both academic excellence and the celebration of student success in athletics and extracurricular activities,” the district stated.

    Families and staff are encouraged to stay connected through official NASD communication channels for any additional updates regarding the schedule change.