UPDATE:

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that Wesley Douglas was located and taken into custody prior to 4:30 p.m. today following a coordinated law enforcement effort.

Authorities say Douglas was apprehended on Ferriday Drive in Ridgecrest, Louisiana, with assistance from Louisiana Probation and Parole and the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office. He is currently being held in the custody of the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office and will remain there pending extradition to Adams County, Mississippi.

Sheriff Travis Patten expressed appreciation for the swift response and professionalism of law enforcement partners in Louisiana, noting that the case demonstrates the importance of strong cooperation between agencies, particularly when working across state lines.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office also thanked members of the media and the public for helping share information quickly, stating that their assistance played a key role in bringing the situation to a safe and timely resolution.

Officials say these partnerships remain vital to maintaining public safety and thank everyone involved for their continued cooperation and support.

Original Article:

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating Wesley Estis Douglas, who is currently wanted in connection with felony charges related to an incident in Adams County.

According to court records, Douglas has been indicted by an Adams County Grand Jury on multiple charges, including Crimes Against a Person, specifically Simple Assault and Aggravated Assault with aggravating circumstances, in violation of Mississippi law. A valid Capias has been issued by the Circuit Court of Adams County, ordering that Douglas be taken into custody and brought before the court.

Authorities say Douglas was required to appear before the Circuit Court of Adams County but failed to comply with the court’s order. As a result, law enforcement officials are actively attempting to locate him.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about Douglas’s whereabouts to contact the Sheriff’s Office immediately at 601-442-2752. Those who wish to remain anonymous may provide tips through Southwest Mississippi Crime Stoppers at (888) 442-5001.

Officials emphasize that the public should not attempt to confront or apprehend Douglas. Any information should be reported directly to law enforcement to ensure public safety.

NATCHEZ, Miss. — A new historical marker honoring civil rights leader George Metcalfe (1911-1989) has been approved by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, Caleb Ellison, MDAH Program Manager, announced recently.

“The story of George Metcalfe is extremely important in the history of Natchez,” said Ellison. “This marker is a well-deserved tribute to his remarkable and enduring legacy.”

The marker will be installed in or near the triangle between Kelly Avenue, Brenham Avenue, and South Concord Avenue, which is the site where Metcalfe’s car was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan on August 27, 1965. This site is on the west side of the Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company, where Metcalfe was employed.

“George Metcalfe is representative of the thousands of Black World War II veterans who came home and launched the modern Civil Rights Movement,” said Michael Morris, historian, and director of The Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson. “He is more than deserving of a state historical marker, which will detail the horrific violence he faced as he led the Natchez movement in the 1960s.”

It will take at least six months for the marker to be manufactured and delivered to Natchez. Mayor Dan Gibson said he hopes it will arrive before August 27 – the anniversary of the bombing. He said it would be quite fitting to dedicate the marker on that date.

“I am so grateful to see the day that our city properly pays tribute to the legacy of Mr. George Metcalfe, a pioneer in civil rights history – a man who did so much to engage our Black citizens in the electoral process and bring needed change to our city and state,” Gibson said. “The cowardly attack upon his life only served to bring more attention to the need for change to happen. He and his family suffered greatly, and all who believe in freedom and justice should never forget the price he paid.”

‘A born leader’

Local historian Royal Hill Jr. said he is grateful to Metcalfe and others for their contributions to the Civil Rights Movement in Natchez.

“It’s due time for a marker honoring Mr. Metcalfe,” he said. “When we speak of ancestors, we often speak of their sacrifices as blood, sweat, tears, or death. Mr. Metcalfe and the NAACP created the model as to how to lead and get results during the civil rights era. He was an icon and a born leader, that truly sacrificed for our race of people.”

Metcalfe was a World War II veteran who worked multiple jobs leading up to his work with the Natchez branch of the NAACP, where he served as president. He and his wife, Adell, moved to Natchez from Louisiana around 1940. He worked as a truck driver for a sawmill and sold burial insurance. He also drew income from his rental property.

His work with the NAACP made him a target of the Klan. In addition to leading a successful voter drive that resulted in over 8,000 African Americans registering to vote, he and the NAACP called on the Natchez city administration to denounce white supremacist groups and to end police brutality, among other things. They also urged the city to hire Black employees and to desegregate swimming pools, parks, and other public facilities.

On one occasion, Metcalfe led a delegation that confronted the school board with a signed petition calling for the desegregation of the public school system.

The car bombing

On Friday, August 27, 1965, Metcalfe completed his shift around noon at Armstrong and walked outside the plant to his 1955 Chevrolet sedan. When he placed his key in the ignition and turned the switch, a bomb, planted inside the car by the Klan, exploded.

Metcalfe survived with severe injuries that included burns, glass lacerations, and a broken arm. His right leg was shattered in three places, and his right eye was permanently damaged, according to historians. No one was ever charged with the crime. Nevertheless, the bombing fueled the local Civil Rights Movement. Historians say it became a turning point in the movement.

Most notably, the bombing galvanized the Black community, prompting them to rise up and organize protest rallies. They marched, and they boycotted white-owned businesses. Many Blacks armed themselves and spoke out against the Klan violence.

In September 1965, the Natchez Deacons for Defense and Justice organized to provide armed protection for Blacks and the civil rights workers against the Klan.

In December 1965, the city of Natchez conceded to the demands of the NAACP. Metcalfe, however, spent a year recovering from his injuries and eventually returned to work at Armstrong, alongside suspected Klan members and people linked to the attack, according to Stanley Nelson, author of “Devils Walking: Klan Murders Along the Mississippi River in the 1960s” (LSU Press, 2016).

Metcalfe eventually moved back to Monroe, Louisiana and died unexpectedly on April 21, 1989, in his home. He was 77.

The National Weather Service is warning residents across the region to prepare for a significant winter weather event that could bring dangerous travel conditions, extended power outages, and life-threatening cold temperatures through early next week.

A mix of freezing rain and sleet is expected to begin impacting northwest portions of the area as early as this evening, gradually spreading southward through Sunday. Areas affected by this ice storm could see hazardous to near-impossible travel conditions, especially on roads, bridges, and overpasses. Downed trees and power lines are also likely, which could lead to widespread power outages, particularly across northwest areas. Some outages could last multiple days.

With the increased risk of downed trees and power outages, residents are urged to stay clear of downed power lines at all times, as they may still be energized and extremely dangerous. Downed power lines should be reported immediately to Entergy at 1-800-ENTERGY (1-800-368-3749) or by calling 911. Additional storm safety information is available through Entergy’s Storm Center.

Concordia Electric is also reminding customers to use proper reporting channels as conditions worsen. Residents are asked to use the Concordia Electric mobile app to report outages only. For other issues, including blinking lights, low voltage, or trees down, customers should call 318-339-7969. Outages may also be reported by phone. If dispatchers are unavailable, callers are encouraged to leave a detailed voicemail, as messages will be checked frequently.

In addition to the ice, extremely dangerous cold is expected to settle in this weekend and persist into early next week. Overnight lows are forecast to fall well below freezing, with single-digit temperatures possible in northern and northwestern areas. Daytime highs during the coldest period, expected from Sunday through early Tuesday morning, may remain at or below freezing across central and northwestern portions of the region.

The National Weather Service warns that frostbite can occur quickly, and hypothermia is likely with prolonged exposure to these temperatures. The cold may also cause damage to exposed pipes and water mains, increasing the risk of water outages. Areas that experience ice accumulation will be more vulnerable to colder temperatures, and power outages in these areas could significantly increase the danger.

Residents are urged to prepare now by limiting travel during the storm, protecting pipes, and ensuring they have a safe way to stay warm in the event of a power outage, especially across central, northern, and northwestern areas. Officials stress the importance of monitoring updated forecasts as conditions evolve through the weekend.

Warming stations for the Miss-Lou area can be found here

With the combination of ice, power outages, and prolonged cold, the National Weather Service is reminding residents to protect the “P’s, People, Pets, Pipes, and Plants.

Residents are encouraged to limit time outdoors, prepare for potential power outages, and check on elderly neighbors and other vulnerable individuals. Frostbite can occur quickly in these conditions, and hypothermia is likely with prolonged exposure.

Pet owners should ensure animals are kept warm, dry, and indoors as much as possible, with access to food and water that will not freeze. Outdoor exposure should be limited, and pets should be properly bundled if they must go outside.

Homeowners are urged to protect pipes by insulating them when possible, opening sink cabinets to allow warm air to circulate, and disconnecting outdoor hoses while turning off water to sprinklers. Damage to exposed pipes and water mains is likely as temperatures drop.

Plants may also be impacted by the cold, and residents should be aware of temperature thresholds for sensitive vegetation. When possible, plants should be covered ahead of the cold to help retain heat.

Governor Jeff Landry on Thursday unveiled the Whole-of-Louisiana Energy Strategy, a comprehensive plan designed to align state agencies, regional and local partners, regulators, utilities, and private industry under a unified vision to expand Louisiana’s energy leadership at both the national and global levels.

State officials say the strategy is intended to strengthen coordination across government and industry while accelerating investment, innovation, and job creation throughout Louisiana’s energy sector. Governor Landry emphasized the role energy plays in the state’s economy and its importance to long-term growth.

“Energy has always shaped Louisiana’s economy, and under President Trump’s leadership, it is once again driving America’s future,” Landry said. “With record investment and the creation of high-wage jobs, energy is at the center of Louisiana’s economic momentum. This strategy brings clarity and coordination to the assets that make our state exceptional while reinforcing our commitment to American energy dominance.”

The plan outlines eight statewide priorities aimed at expanding Louisiana’s industrial footprint and positioning communities for long-term economic success. Those priorities include growing the industrial base, attracting global investment, accelerating infrastructure development, delivering strategic energy solutions, aligning state services with business needs, strengthening community confidence in major projects, advancing energy innovation, and establishing Louisiana as a national industrial leader.

Supporting those goals are Regional Opportunity Frameworks, which identify how local infrastructure, workforce assets, natural resources, and institutions can align with market demand. State leaders say these frameworks are intended to help investors and regional partners better understand opportunities and streamline pathways for energy and industrial development.

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois said the strategy builds on recent economic momentum and provides a clear framework for continued growth.

“This strategy aligns regional strengths within a statewide vision for energy investment, innovation, and high-wage job creation,” Bourgeois said. “Through a Whole-of-Louisiana approach, we are positioning the state to compete globally while delivering real opportunities for workers and communities.”

The strategy also builds on existing efforts to streamline state government operations, including LED’s 2025 Strategic Plan and the Department of Conservation and Energy’s updated organizational framework. An interagency agreement between LED and C&E, along with Governor Landry’s Louisiana Lightning Speed Executive Order, is intended to improve coordination, speed, and certainty for major projects.

Department of Conservation and Energy Secretary Dustin Davidson said the approach will provide clearer guidance for companies while balancing growth with environmental stewardship.

“By offering predictability in permitting and safeguarding the resources that make growth possible, we are strengthening Louisiana’s energy future while protecting our communities and environment,” Davidson said.

State officials say the Whole-of-Louisiana Energy Strategy reflects a coordinated effort to reduce foreign energy dependence, attract investment, and ensure Louisiana remains a preferred destination for energy production and innovation.

The National Weather Service has issued multiple Winter Storm Watches covering much of the local listening area, with differing impacts and timelines depending on location. Residents are urged to pay close attention to which conditions apply to their area.

For Adams, Concordia, Copiah, Franklin (MS), Jefferson, and Lincoln counties, including Natchez, Vidalia, Ferriday, Brookhaven, Crystal Springs, Hazlehurst, Meadville, Roxie, Wesson, Bude, Fayette, and West Ferriday, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from late Saturday night through Sunday afternoon.
In this area, forecasters are calling for ice accumulations around one-tenth of an inch, with localized amounts up to one-quarter of an inch possible. These amounts could lead to slick roads and difficult travel, especially on bridges and overpasses.

A separate and more significant Winter Storm Watch is in effect for a broader area, including much of central, northern, and western Mississippi, as well as parts of northeast Louisiana and southeast Arkansas. This includes cities such as Jackson, Vicksburg, Greenville, Greenwood, Starkville, Grenada, Yazoo City, Cleveland, Tallulah, Bastrop, and many surrounding communities.
This watch runs from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon and calls for heavy mixed precipitation, with significant ice and sleet accumulations possible. In these areas, the National Weather Service warns that travel could become impossible, with widespread power outages lasting more than a day and extensive tree damage possible due to heavy ice buildup.

Residents across the entire region are encouraged to monitor forecast updates closely, as exact impacts may change. Those in the higher-impact watch area should consider delaying travel altogether, while everyone should begin preparing now for potentially hazardous winter weather this weekend.