Category: Local News

Natchez Workforce Development held a graduation ceremony recognizing participants who successfully completed its Building Trades Program.

The program is part of the Natchez Workforce Development Mission, which focuses on strengthening the local workforce by providing job training, skills development, and pathways to sustainable employment. By working with regional partners, the organization aims to enhance economic opportunity while preparing residents for in-demand careers in skilled trades.

Graduates recognized during the ceremony included members of the program’s first cohort. Those honored were Henry Davis III, Eli Donald, Frank Duson, Sharika Fleming, Reshard Hawkins, Glenn Henderson, Joseph Ivory, Ferlesha Kelly, Bennie Loyd Jr., Anthony McClellan, Nicholas Poole, Lucas Rogers, Anthony Tenner, Weston Watts, Gary White, Giovonni White, Kevin Young, and Eldrick Young.

Program leaders emphasized that training initiatives like the Building Trades Program are designed not only to equip participants with technical skills, but also to promote long-term job stability, economic mobility, and community growth.

Natchez Workforce Development also recognized the many partners who helped make the program possible. Support came from local, regional, and state organizations, including workforce and economic development agencies, educational institutions, and community partners committed to expanding employment opportunities in Southwest Mississippi.

Organizers noted that the program was supported in part by federal and regional funding aimed at strengthening infrastructure and workforce readiness, underscoring the broader investment in skilled labor throughout the region.

Natchez Workforce Development continues to offer training, development, and workforce solutions for both employers and job seekers, with the goal of building a ready, reliable, and skilled workforce for the Miss-Lou area.

For more information about upcoming programs and opportunities, residents can visit natchezworkforce.com.

VIDALIA, La. — The Town of Vidalia is seeking a historical marker to commemorate the Miss-Lou Memorial Day Parade, one of the longest-running Memorial Day traditions in the United States.

On December 9, the Vidalia Board of Aldermen approved $1,000 for the marker, which it hopes to acquire through the Louisiana Historical Marker Program.

Vidalia Mayor Buz Craft said in a recent interview that the cost is not an issue. “I think this is a worthy project,” he said. “Commemorating that parade would be a really nice thing to do. We will get it no matter what it takes. The price isn’t a heavy lift.”

Craft said the location will be determined later. “We want it to be placed in an area where it can get some traction. We will try to come up with the best possible location for it where people can see it,” he said. However, he added, he will support any location decided by the board.

Once the Louisiana marker is officially approved, Vidalia will join Natchez in honoring the Memorial Day tradition. Natchez’s marker was approved earlier this year by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Its installation, approved for 639 S. Canal St., is expected in 2026.

Craft said the idea for the marker originated with Aldermen Tron McCoy of District 1 and Robert Gardner of District 2.

According to Gardner, the marker will highlight a long-held tradition and important piece of African American history in Vidalia and Natchez.

“It all started in Vidalia,” said Gardner in a recent interview. “I remember as a kid participating in the parade. I’ve been walking in the parade since I was eight.”

He said participation in the parade has been a lifelong family tradition not just for his family but for many families in Vidalia. “We have really never not marched,” he said.

James Theres, historian and director of “The 30th of May” documentary, said he was pleased to learn of Vidalia’s interest in the marker.

“I’m delighted to hear that the citizens of Vidalia will be recognized with a marker commemorating their contribution to the historic ‘30th of May’ parade,” he said. “This marker is for those patriots who have passed on, but as important, it’s for future generations to carry the torch forward. This tradition must not extinguish because based on my research, it’s one of the longest-running, consecutive Memorial Day traditions in the United States.”

Historian Cheryl Wilkinson has noted, “The earliest days of the parade can be documented at least to 1884, but possibly earlier though I’ve not been able to document. Newspaper accounts of the earliest events emphasize that it is the Black community holding the observance.”

The Memorial Day parade, which started in the late 1800s, was originally held on May 30, and was called “The 30th of May Parade.” Participants began the procession in Vidalia at the Parson Brownlow Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Post #23 at its original location in Old Town Vidalia, according to Wilkinson. “At some point after the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, the Post’s headquarters was moved to its current location on Magnolia Street,” she said.

Before the original Natchez-Vidalia Bridge was built in 1940, Parson Brownlow GAR members and other parade participants sailed from Vidalia on a ferry to Silver Street, where they joined up with the General John A. Logan Post No. 24 of Natchez. Together they marched to the Natchez National Cemetery, where a ceremony was held to honor the deceased military service members.

After the bridge was built, hundreds of participants began their trek at the Vidalia GAR Post #23’s headquarters on Magnolia Street. From there, they marched to the Louisiana side of the bridge and crossed over to Natchez. They met up with the Natchez GAR at the toll booth for the bridge and then proceeded to the cemetery.

The tradition now includes a stop at the Natchez Visitor Center at 640 S. Canal — which is near the site of the historic toll booth — before proceeding to the cemetery. The entire trek is about four miles.

The City of Natchez announced this week that Sparklight is officially launching its new Multi-Gig internet service in Natchez, bringing significantly faster broadband speeds and expanded service options to local residents and businesses.

City officials and Sparklight representatives marked the announcement with a public celebration on Thursday, December 18, on the front steps of Natchez City Hall. Mayor Dan M. Gibson and company leadership spoke on the importance of high-capacity broadband as a driver for economic growth, education, and remote work opportunities.

According to the city, Sparklight’s Multi-Gig service offers internet speeds up to 2 Gig with low latency and unlimited data, supporting everything from streaming and gaming to home offices and small businesses. Over the past three years, Sparklight has invested more than $1 billion in network upgrades across its service areas, including nearly $14 million in the Natchez region, positioning the area for future 10-Gig capabilities.

In addition to the new Multi-Gig infrastructure, Sparklight is offering several residential internet plans in Natchez, including promotional and affordability-focused options.

For qualifying households, Sparklight’s Lift Internet program provides up to 200 Mbps download speeds for $29.95 per month. The Lift plan includes unlimited data, equipment at no additional cost, and no installation fees, deposits, or auto-pay requirements. Eligibility is limited to households that qualify through federal assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or other verified programs, and service availability is determined by address.

Sparklight is also promoting limited-time Gig-speed offers for new residential customers. A 1-Gig fiber internet plan is currently advertised at $39.95 per month for the first five months, after which pricing increases to $69.95 per month. This promotion requires auto-pay and paperless billing and includes unlimited data and no long-term contracts. Installation terms and equipment requirements may vary by location, and additional taxes or fees may apply.

For customers seeking even higher speeds, Sparklight’s 2-Gig fiber-fueled internet plan is available for $69.95 per month for the first 12 months with auto-pay and paperless billing. As with other plans, availability depends on service area, and standard rates apply after the promotional period ends.

City officials say the arrival of Multi-Gig internet represents a major step forward for Natchez, particularly as more residents rely on digital connectivity for work, school, healthcare, and commerce.

 Adams County is poised to install a new state historical marker on the grounds of the Adams County Courthouse that will honor its 10 Black legislators elected during Reconstruction. The marker is part of the “Making Their Mark” project, a statewide, grant-funded initiative to recognize the first African Americans to hold legislative office in Mississippi after the Civil War.

The Adams County Board of Supervisors approved a request for the marker, presented by DeeDee Baldwin of Mississippi State University, on November 17.

“This marker recognizes an important chapter in Adams County’s history and the men who served during a transformative period in Mississippi,” said Board President Kevin Wilson. “By acknowledging their service, we are helping preserve the full historical record for future generations and providing an opportunity for education, reflection, and community dialogue.”

The marker will be acquired through the Mississippi Department of Archives and History. Installation is planned for late 2026. The exact location on the courthouse grounds will be determined later as the matter is reviewed by the Natchez Preservation Commission.

According to Baldwin, the unveiling of the marker will be accompanied by a community event featuring creative performances by local students. All costs for its manufacture and installation will be covered by the “Making Their Mark” project through a grant from Monument Lab, a public arts nonprofit based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

As of December 11, a total of 11 markers has been approved by county boards of supervisors across the state.

“We are so appreciative of the county supervisors who have worked with us so far to make this project a reality,” said Baldwin. “The support we’ve encountered is wonderful to see.”

The draft text for the front side of the marker reads:

The First Black Legislators

After the Civil War, the 14th Amendment and a new state constitution enabled the people of Mississippi to elect 162 Black men to state or national office over the next 20 years, more than any other state. Ten of these legislators represented Adams County, including Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American to serve in either house of the U.S. Congress. The overthrow of Reconstruction and passage of the 1890 state constitution ended multiracial democracy in Mississippi for over 70 years.

The text proposed for the back side reads:

The following Black Men from Adams County served in the legislature from 1870-1891:

United States Congress: John Roy Lynch and Hiram Rhodes Revels

State Senate: Jeremiah M.P. Williams

State House of Representatives: George F. Bowles, Felix L. Cory, Willis Davis, William W. Hence, Henry P. Jacobs, William H. Lynch, George R. Washington

Baldwin and Chuck Yarborough of the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science are co-directors of the “Making Their Mark Project” team, which comprises researchers and historians working to install markers and spearhead community programming in 22 counties.

Team members include Brother Rogers, historian and former employee of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History; Dr. Roscoe Barnes III, cultural heritage tourism manager at Visit Natchez; Dr. Robby Luckett, professor and director of the Margaret Walker Center at Jackson State University; Heather Denne, executive director for Community Engagement at Jackson State University; and Vickie Roberts Ratliff of Land, Literacy, Legacy LLC.

Baldwin, who serves as associate professor and engagement librarian at Mississippi State University Libraries, is a leading authority on the Black legislators who served during Reconstruction. Her website, “Against All Odds: The First Black Legislators in Mississippi,” provides biographies, photos, newspaper clippings, and other resources to assist people researching these elected officials.

For her work on the website, Baldwin received an Award of Merit from the Mississippi Historical Society in 2025 and has been honored with the 2026 Humanities Scholar Award by the Mississippi Humanities Council.

Natchez is set to reconnect with the skies in a major way. Beginning July 1, 2026, United Express will launch daily jet service between Natchez–Adams County Airport (Hardy–Anders Field) and George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, operated by SkyWest Airlines in partnership with United Airlines.

“We’re thrilled that this new flight service will open the door for even more travelers to experience Natchez,” said Lynsey Gilbert, interim director of Visit Natchez. “This expansion marks an exciting step forward for our community, and we look forward to welcoming new visitors to discover our rich history, vibrant culture, and signature Southern hospitality along the Mississippi River.”

The route will be served by a 50-passenger CRJ200 aircraft, with a flight time of less than 45 minutes to Houston. Travelers will complete full TSA screening in Natchez, allowing for seamless single-ticket connections to United’s global network at IAH without additional security checks.

An independent study projects more than 10,000 passengers within the first 12 to 18 months, highlighting strong demand for air travel from the Miss-Lou region.

The return of commercial air service is also expected to further strengthen Natchez’s tourism economy. In 2024, tourism generated $129 million in direct visitor spending and a total economic impact of $193.9 million, according to Visit Mississippi’s 2024 Economic Contribution Report by Tourism Economics. Tourism currently supports more than 1,300 local jobs in Adams County and contributed $10.3 million in state and local taxes, with those figures expected to rise as access improves.

“This achievement is a game-changer for Natchez,” said Mayor Dan M. Gibson. “For the first time in over thirty years, we will not only have commercial air service again, but we will have the best. SkyWest and United are the premier partners for airports all over the world. Natchez will now be connected by air to those markets.”

With daily jet service on the horizon, Natchez is poised to welcome a new wave of visitors and opportunities, reinforcing its place as a premier destination in the region.

When Thelma Newsome learned that Wyatt Waters had painted the watercolor, “Dr. John Banks House,” back in July, she became excited and curious.

Newsome, a manager of the Dr. John Bowman Banks Museum, said the museum staff wanted a copy of the painting, but she wondered if she could purchase one with the help of her children.

“When I contacted Wyatt Waters Gallery, I was told that Mr. Waters would be happy to donate a giclée print of the original painting to the museum,” she said. “I just couldn’t believe it. We were on Cloud 15 all day. We really do appreciate his gift.”

Newsome shared these remarks Friday, December 12, at the museum, where Wyatt Waters and his wife, Kristi, officially presented the artwork to the Rev. LeRoy White, pastor of Rose Hill Missionary Baptist Church, and the church’s staff that manages the museum.

The church inherited the Banks house in 2011 from Frank Robinson Jr., the grandson of Banks. The house, located at 9 St. Catherine St., became a museum in 2020. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also the site of Natchez’s first Mississippi Freedom Trail marker.

Banks was the first Black physician in Natchez, and his home served as the headquarters for the Natchez NAACP during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

Newsome is one of several volunteers who operate the museum. She is joined by Dora Hawkins, Willie Woods, Jacqulyn B. Williams.

At Friday’s presentation, White thanked the Waters for their donation. He said he is excited about Rose Hill’s ownership of the house. “We’re going to show it off to make sure everybody all over Mississippi, as well as the world, know what Dr. John Banks stood for,” he said.

Mayor Dan Gibson also participated in the presentation. “What a blessing it is to have Kristi and Wyatt here in Natchez,” he said. “What is also such a blessing is, Wyatt is capturing so much of our history in such a beautiful way through his art, and it’s being shown all over.”

Gibson said people are discovering Natchez because of Wyatt Waters’ art. “He is internationally known, internationally travelled, and he is also a fabulous painter,” Gibson said.

Speaking to Wyatt Waters, Gibson said, “I’m grateful that you have done this for the Dr. John Bowman Banks Museum.”

Wyatt Waters replied, “It’s our honor to be able to document this. A big part of our book is the story and not just the building.”

When Newsome thanked Wyatt Waters for the painting, he said, “Without y’all, there wouldn’t be anything for me to paint here. Thank you for maintaining this building and for keeping this history alive.”

In April 2025, Gibson met with the museum staff and kicked off a campaign to raise $15,000 to repair the building’s aging roof. The two-story wood-framed house was built in 1892. Gibson also honored Banks posthumously with a Key to the City, which he presented to Hawkins and other museum staff.

According to Williams, a museum volunteer, the mayor’s campaign succeeded. She said they hired Chimneyville Roofing of Jackson to repair the roof, and the company finished the job in October.

However, there is more work to be done. “We still need about $10,000 to $15,000 to repair the ceiling inside that was damaged by the roof leaks,” Williams said. “We also want to expand the museum to the rooms upstairs for our civil rights history. However, we need an elevator for ADA purposes.”

Williams said there is also a need for cosmetic work for the porch.

Tours of the museum are available by appointment. Information on tours or donations is available by calling 601-807-2537. All donations are tax-deductible. Checks should be made out to the Dr. John Bowman Banks Museum and mailed to P.O. Box 501, Natchez, MS 39121.