Category: Local News

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office is searching for an escaped inmate who walked away from a county inmate trash detail Friday in the Jeanette Road and Springfield area of Adams County.

Authorities identified the inmate as Houston Tyler Dunson, 46, of Natchez.

According to the sheriff’s office, Dunson was assigned to a supervised roadside litter detail when he fled from custody. Multiple deputies and other law enforcement officers are actively searching the area.

Officials said there is currently no information indicating Dunson is armed. However, the public is urged not to approach him under any circumstances.

Residents in the Jeanette Road and Springfield communities are being asked to remain vigilant and take precautions while the search continues. The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who sees Dunson to call 911 immediately and not attempt to confront or apprehend him.

Authorities are also asking residents and business owners to review security camera footage for any suspicious activity, lock their homes, vehicles and outbuildings, and report any suspicious persons or activity to law enforcement.

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office said it will provide updates as more information becomes available and thanked the public for its cooperation as deputies work to safely locate and apprehend Dunson.

The Natchez-Adams County Airport has announced the winner of its Fly for Free Sweepstakes, celebrating the launch of new daily United Express service between Natchez and Houston.

Monique Taylor was named the grand prize winner, receiving two round-trip airline tickets to Houston. The prize was presented during a ceremony at the airport, where Taylor was joined by family members and airport officials.

The contest coincided with the launch of United Express service, operated by SkyWest Airlines, which began on July 1. The daily nonstop flights connect travelers from Natchez-Adams County Airport (HEZ) to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, providing access to United Airlines’ worldwide network while eliminating the need for many local travelers to drive to larger airports.

Airport officials have described the new service as an important milestone for Natchez and the surrounding region, offering residents and visitors greater convenience and improved connectivity through the airport’s recently completed terminal.

A Natchez man is facing an attempted murder charge after authorities say he fired multiple rounds at his adult son during a domestic dispute Thursday before barricading himself inside a home with his wife and later surrendering to law enforcement.

According to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a reported shooting at a residence on Canvas Back Court on Thursday, July 9.

Investigators identified the suspect as 64-year-old Ben Thames of Natchez. Authorities allege Thames fired multiple rounds at his adult son during the incident. The victim suffered minor injuries and was able to escape to a nearby residence, where he called 911 for help.

When deputies arrived, investigators said Thames had barricaded himself inside the home with his wife, who was being held against her will. Authorities said Thames was armed with a long gun and other firearms.

Before officers could fully secure the residence, Thames reportedly fled through the back of the home in a Chrysler 300 and drove toward the Kingston area.

An investigator with the Adams County Sheriff’s Office established telephone contact with Thames and persuaded him to return to the residence, where he surrendered without incident. Members of the Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the Natchez Police Department took Thames into custody. The Mississippi Highway Patrol had also been requested to assist but was no longer needed after Thames surrendered peacefully.

Thames has been charged with one count of Attempt to Commit Murder under Mississippi Code § 97-1-7(2). The Sheriff’s Office said additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.

Authorities said the victim’s injuries are believed to be minor. Investigators are still working to determine whether the injuries resulted from a grazing gunshot wound or from debris caused by a projectile striking a nearby object.

Sheriff Travis Patten praised the response of the officers involved in bringing the situation to a peaceful conclusion.

“This situation had the potential to end in tragedy for everyone involved. I am grateful for the quick actions of our deputies, the assistance provided by the Natchez Police Department, and the calm, professional efforts of our investigator who was able to convince the suspect to surrender peacefully. Incidents involving domestic violence and firearms are among the most dangerous calls law enforcement responds to,” Patten said.

The investigation remains active, and the Adams County Sheriff’s Office said additional charges may be filed as investigators continue gathering evidence.

The Sheriff’s Office also reminded the public that domestic disputes can escalate quickly and urged anyone experiencing domestic violence or who believes they are in immediate danger to call 911 immediately.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

NATCHEZ, Miss. – Like communities across the United States, ArtsNatchez Gallery will celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary with a special patriotic- themed art exhibit on Saturday, July 11, at 425 Main Street. The reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. and is free to the public. Refreshments will be served.

“We’re inviting all of our artists to participate,” said Gallery Director Leon Hollins. “We’re asking them to showcase their work using the colors red, white, and blue. We’re expecting to have photographs, banners, and paintings, and other pieces of art. It will be a great show for the public.”

Among the many works that will be displayed is Carolyn Terry’s photo of a red, white, and blue hot-air balloon. It was photographed over the Mississippi River three or four years ago, said Terry, who is based in Picayune. This and other images she photographed are “very Americana,” she said.

Terry said she appreciates the patriotic theme. “It’s a wonderful thing to celebrate our 250th anniversary,” she said. “I hope we as a nation continue to grow and that in another 50 years, our 300th’ anniversary will be even better.”

Terry said she remains optimistic about the nation’s future because of the people who want it to succeed. “That’s why we’ve made it to 250 years,” she said.

Terry is a master craftsman photographer, digital artist, and member of Professional Photographers of America Inc. She is the author of “Onward Mississippi,” a coffee table book with 65 images of her digital paintings and explanatory text based on locations throughout Mississippi. Her second book is “The Endurance of the Spirit: Mississippi Episcopal Churches.”

The works of Carolyn Weir, who is experimenting with patriotic colors in her banners, will also be featured in the exhibit. Weir said she is excited about Saturday’s event, which will highlight artwork that reflects what it means to be American.

“Our artists have come together and presented creations that tell a little bit of the story of our great country,” she said. “We invite the public to help us continue to celebrate the wonderful gift we have by living in America.”

In addition to being a painter, Weir is a kinetic mobile sculpture artist who specializes in “things that move,” she said, adding she also does abstract paintings.

Weir was recently awarded a $500 mini-grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission for the creative work she is exploring with banners.

ArtsNatchez Gallery is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes the arts in the greater Natchez area and is managed by a board of directors. It features local artists whose work spans a wide range of media, including photography, painting, ceramics, woodwork, fabric arts, and jewelry. Artwork is presented in oils, acrylics, pastels, charcoal, pencil, and pen and ink.

The gallery is open daily at 10 a.m. For more information, call 601-442-0043.

NATCHEZ, Miss. — The Natchez Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing 27-year-old Natchez man.

Police have issued a Missing Persons Alert for Darron Sherman Jr., who was last seen on Thursday, July 2, near the Magnolia Bluffs Casino near the Roth Hill area in Adams County.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about Sherman’s whereabouts to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Natchez Police Department at 601-445-5565, Commander Felesha Fleming at 601-597-4822, or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-442-5001.

The Natchez Police Department released photographs of Sherman along with the missing persons alert as officers continue their efforts to locate him safely.

Downtown Natchez will get a festive makeover this weekend as the Downtown Natchez Alliance (DNA) hosts its annual Christmas in July celebration on Saturday, July 11, bringing special promotions, seasonal fun and savings to shoppers throughout the downtown district.

The event coincides with Mississippi’s annual Sales Tax Holiday, giving shoppers an opportunity to save on qualifying clothing, footwear, school supplies and other eligible purchases while taking advantage of special offers from participating local businesses.

“Every participating merchant will be offering a little something extra this Saturday,” said Chesney Doyle, executive director of the Downtown Natchez Alliance. One example Doyle highlighted is Natchez Coffee Company, where customers who post a photo kissing the business’s famous Nutcracker decorations can receive a free latte.

Beyond back-to-school shopping, visitors will also find game-day apparel, holiday gift ideas and a variety of everyday services, including hair care, massage therapy, physical therapy, strength training, boxing instruction, prescription eyewear, banking and tax preparation.

Downtown Natchez Alliance President and Promotion Team Chair Elizabeth Greer said the downtown district offers much more than retail shopping.

“Shoppers can enjoy locally owned boutiques, art galleries and three museums, test their skills in the Escape Room, and browse over 40,000 square feet of furniture showrooms, both modern and antique,” Greer said.

Several new businesses have recently opened downtown, including Nova Boutique, Miss Lou Pack and Ship, Ritual & Bloom, My Besties, Elevate Salon, Boudreaux Candle Shop, The Natcheezian Pizza and Daiquiris, and The Sugar Emporium, which will celebrate its grand opening Saturday morning.

“Downtown truly offers something for everyone,” Greer said. “Whether you’re checking items off your back-to-school list, getting a head start on holiday shopping, or simply spending the day exploring all that Downtown Natchez has to offer.”

Visitors can look for red and green balloons marking participating businesses throughout the downtown area as merchants celebrate with special promotions, discounts and holiday-themed activities.

Businesses participating in Christmas in July span Main Street, Commerce Street, Broadway Street, Pearl Street, Franklin Street, Canal Street, High Street and Under-the-Hill, including local restaurants, boutiques, galleries, antique stores and specialty shops.

For more information about the Downtown Natchez Alliance and the Christmas in July event, visit natchezdna.org.

NATCHEZ, Miss. — Natchez High School graduate Jayda Myles received the 2026 Hugh Green Scholarship, a $1,000 award presented by the Hugh Green Scholarship Foundation during a ceremony Thursday, July 2.

“I’m so thankful for this opportunity,” said Myles. “I am very thrilled and honored to have this scholarship.”

Jayda is the daughter of Galaundra Myles. She plans to attend Alcorn State University this fall and major in agriculture.

A standout athlete, Jayda was recognized for her achievements in softball. Although she also played basketball during high school, she said softball was her primary sport.

Throughout her athletic career, she earned numerous championship rings and medals.

The scholarship is named for Hugh Green, a former NFL standout and College Football Hall of Famer. He is a native of Natchez and 1976 graduate of North Natchez High School.

The foundation has been actively presenting the scholarship each year for more than 30 years, according to Eva Dunkley, who chairs the foundation committee.

She said it all originated as a vision of her late husband, George Dunkley III, who followed Green’s football career “from the beginning to the end.”

“After Hugh was drafted to the Miami Dolphins, my husband had Miami Dolphin Day, which was the day we had the parade to honor Hugh,” Eva said. “After Hugh finished pro ball, my husband decided he would like to have a Hugh Green Day. Thirty years later, it’s still going. We’re just so proud of what Hugh has done for the community. As long as we have a dollar in this fund, we will be giving a scholarship.”

Eva said it’s important to keep the scholarship going to help the children of the community.

The previous recipient of the award was Markeith Thompson, who attends the University of Southern Mississippi.

Green was on hand for the recent scholarship presentation.

“Congratulations to you,” he said to Jayda. “I hope this helps you somewhere down the road.”

Green said his goal has always been to strengthen the scholarship program. He added that its continued success has been possible because of the support of people in Natchez and across Mississippi.

Eva also presented certificates of recognition from U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson to both Jayda and Green. The certificates read, “We are celebrating you because you did more and did it better and always exceed our expectations. Your hard work, dedication, and achievement will be cherished.”

The scholarship is awarded each year to students “who really need and deserve it,” Eva said. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, pastor, or coach, and write an essay explaining what the scholarship would mean to them. Applicants also must be active in high school athletics, she said.

In addition to Eva, the foundation’s committee members include Secretary Wilbur Johnson and Treasurer Laura Jackson, both of whom attended the scholarship presentation. Other attendees included Jayda’s uncle, David Myles, Phillip West, and Eva’s classmate, Josie Gilchrist.