LUY-Development

Category: Local News

  • Vidalia Man Arrested Following Burglary at Concordia Pawn Shop

    Vidalia Man Arrested Following Burglary at Concordia Pawn Shop

    A 19-year-old Vidalia man was arrested early Saturday morning following a burglary at Concordia Pawn Shop, according to the Vidalia Police Department.

    Police said officers were dispatched to the pawn shop at approximately 1:46 a.m. after receiving a report of a burglar inside the business while it was closed.

    While officers were responding to the scene, a citizen reported seeing a suspicious male walking near Carter and Azalea streets. Officers quickly located and detained Dakota Lee Page, 19, of Vidalia. Authorities said Page was shirtless and had visible injuries when he was taken into custody.

    Investigators processed the crime scene and reportedly discovered several items that directly linked Page to the burglary.

    “Our patrolman’s quick response allowed us to apprehend this suspect,” said Vidalia Police Chief Joey Merrill. “It is our department’s goal and my commitment to keep Vidalia as safe as possible. We will use every tool available to ensure our citizens and businesses are protected.”

    Page has been charged in connection with the burglary and may face additional charges as the investigation continues. His bond was set at $26,750.

    The incident comes almost exactly one year after Concordia Pawn Shop was burglarized by two suspects on June 19, 2025. Authorities said one of those suspects was positively identified as Shawnveon Holiday, who remains wanted on active warrants.

    Investigators are also seeking information on a second unidentified suspect involved in the 2025 burglary.

    Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Holiday or the identity of the second suspect is asked to contact Vidalia Police investigators at 318-336-5254.

    *Arrests and criminal charges are accusations. Individuals named in this article are presumed innocent under the law, and guilt must be proven in a court of law.*

  • From the Mayor’s Desk: The Mayor’s Book Club – A Legacy of Literacy

    From the Mayor’s Desk: The Mayor’s Book Club – A Legacy of Literacy

    As I approach what in July will be the beginning of my seventh year as your mayor, I have begun focusing on what I call “legacy projects”. The first of these is “The Mayor’s Book Club”, an initiative inspired by my own childhood experience when my mother enrolled me in a monthly book club, instilling in me an early desire to read.

     

    This program, the first mayor-led effort of its kind in Mississippi, is designed to increase literacy rates by sharing the joy of reading with our children. Now in its fourth month, our progress has been profound!

     

    In March when we launched with our national partner, Ferst Readers of Georgia, our goal was simple: get books into the hands of young children before they ever walk through the doors of a classroom. Today, I am excited to report that we have now exceeded our original expectations! More than 600 children in Natchez are now enrolled and receiving a free, age-appropriate book in the mail every single month.

     

    Think about that for a moment… More than 600 children are excitedly awaiting their free book, introducing them month by month to the joy of reading. More than 600 children are now building their own personal libraries. And most importantly, more than 600 children are receiving an opportunity that can shape the course of their lives long before formal education begins.

     

    We know the early years of a child’s life are critical. Research shows that nearly 90 percent of brain development occurs before age six. By age two, a child’s brain is processing information at nearly the same speed as an adult’s. By age three, a child’s brain is even more active. When children enter school already familiar with books and reading, they begin with confidence and a greater chance for success.

     

    That is why this program matters.

     

    When we started the Mayor’s Book Club in March, our first-year goal was to serve 500 children from age zero to the time they turn age five. Thanks to the support of parents, grandparents, childcare providers, educators, and community partners, we have now surpassed 600 children and continue to grow. Every month, hundreds of books are now arriving in mailboxes across Natchez, creating excitement for children and encouraging families to spend time reading together.

     

    But our work is far from finished.

     

    While enrollment is completely free for families, the continued success and growth of the program depends upon community support. If you have ever wondered how you can make a lasting difference in the life of a child, this is one of the most meaningful ways to do so. Every contribution helps place books into the hands of young readers, strengthening the future of our community.

     

    Think about the proven benefits. A child who can read is more likely to perform well in school. A child who can read is more likely to pursue higher goals. A child who can read is less likely to get in trouble. Simply put, a child who can read is more likely to succeed.

     

    Today, I ask for your support of our Mayor’s Book Club. Together, we can ensure that every child in Natchez has the opportunity to grow, learn, and succeed. After all, today’s young readers will become tomorrow’s great leaders. Because Natchez Deserves More.

     

    For more information about the Mayor’s Book Club and Ferst Readers, please visit ferstreaders.org. To make a tax-deductible donation supporting children in Natchez, please visit https://bit.ly/4qUvib5. Contributions may also be mailed to: Ferst Readers Natchez, P.O. Box 1327, Madison, GA 30650.

  • Natchez Early College Students Win National Beta Championship in Nashville

    Natchez Early College Students Win National Beta Championship in Nashville

    Natchez-Adams County School District is celebrating after students from the Natchez Early College at Co-Lin National Beta Club captured first place in Large Group Performance at the National Beta Convention in Nashville, Tennessee.

    Competing against some of the nation’s most talented students, the group earned a National Championship through a performance that showcased their talent, hard work, teamwork, and Bulldog pride.

    School district officials praised the students for representing Natchez and Mississippi on the national stage while demonstrating the values of leadership, academic excellence, and service promoted by the National Beta Club.

    The championship-winning team includes:

    • Kahari McNeal
    • Travon Mayberry
    • Kaydyn Willis
    • Taniya Chatman
    • Morgan Moore
    • Taraji Richardson
    • Jonnae Ivory
    • Khloe Mims
    • Dior Haywood
    • Layla Lucas
    • Alaya Mize
    • Kinsley Gaines
    • Kenya Smith

    The National Beta Convention brings together top-performing students from across the country to compete in academic, leadership, and talent-based events.

    Congratulations to these wonderful students, and Go Bulldogs!

  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi to Celebrate Grand Opening of Natchez-Adams County Extension Unit

    Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi (BGCCM) will celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of its new Natchez-Adams County Extension Unit on Wednesday, June 24, at noon.

    The new facility, located at 101 Cottage Home Drive, officially began serving local youth earlier this month and is already providing programs designed to help young people learn, grow, and succeed.

    Community leaders, elected officials, supporters, families, and residents are invited to attend the ceremony, which will feature remarks from BGCCM leadership, community partners, local officials, and supporters. A ceremonial ribbon cutting and facility tours will follow.

    The Natchez-Adams County Extension Unit offers programs focused on academic success, character and leadership development, healthy lifestyles, workforce readiness, STEM education, and more.

    “This expansion represents our continued commitment to ensuring that every young person has access to quality programs, caring mentors, and opportunities that help them reach their full potential,” said Naomi Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi. “We are excited to partner with the Natchez community and look forward to creating lasting impact for generations to come.”

    The new club is part of BGCCM’s mission to inspire and enable young people, especially those who need support most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.

    Community members interested in learning more about the club, volunteer opportunities, or partnership opportunities are encouraged to attend the event.

    For 90 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Mississippi has provided safe places, caring mentors, and life-enhancing programs for youth across multiple communities.

    For more information, contact the BGCCM Corporate Office at 601-969-7088.

  • Adams County board allocates funds state neglected for Youth Court

    NATCHEZ, Miss. –  County supervisors have agreed to divert funds to the Adams County Youth Court in place of state money the Mississippi Legislature failed to authorize be spent even though appropriated.

    Meeting Monday with the Adams County Board of Supervisors, Judge Walt Brown said state lawmakers didn’t extend a law set to expire July 1 that lets Mississippi Youth Courts expend about $2.5 million that was actually allocated.

    While Gov. Tate Reeves has been asked to call a special legislative session to rectify this failure, it’s uncertain if he’ll do so, Brown said.

    At the judge’s request, the county board agreed to transfer about $10,000 from the Adams County Youth Detention Center to pay court personnel.  

    Mississippi’s youth courts handle child abuse and neglect cases as well as juveniles charged with crimes. In the final days of the state Legislature’s annual session that ended in April, lawmakers killed a youth court reform bill that had passed the Senate and House. Brown noted the comprehensive bill to “totally revamp youth courts” also contained authorization to spend funds approved in a separate appropriation. 

     
    Various laws are set to repeal July 1 as a result of the reform bill’s death, which could create problems for youth court operations, according to reporting by Mississippi Today.

  • Sandbag Locations Open for Natchez-Adams County Residents Ahead of Potential Severe Weather

    With the potential for flash flooding and severe weather expected late Wednesday night into Thursday, Adams County has announced several self-service sandbag locations for residents seeking to protect their homes and property.

    For Adams County residents, self-filling sandbag stations have been established at:

    • Foster Mound Volunteer Fire Department
      • 228 Foster Mound Road
    • Adams County Road Department Maintenance Barn
      • 35 Majorca Road

    Officials said sandbags will be provided at both county locations, but residents must bring their own shovels to fill the bags themselves.

    City of Natchez residents can obtain sandbags through the Natchez City Public Works Department, located at 233 1/2 Devereaux Drive. Residents should enter via Old Washington Road.

    Sandbags will be available at the city location today and Thursday only from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. Residents must bring their own shovel and check in at the office to request bags before filling them.

    Emergency management officials said they will continue monitoring weather conditions and provide updates as necessary.

    Residents are encouraged to remain weather-aware, monitor forecasts, and take necessary precautions as severe weather approaches the area.

     

  • Tropical Storm Arthur Forms Near Texas Coast; Flooding Threat Extends Across Gulf States

    Tropical Storm Arthur Forms Near Texas Coast; Flooding Threat Extends Across Gulf States

    The National Hurricane Center has upgraded a tropical disturbance in the Gulf of America to Tropical Storm Arthur, with the system making its way northeastward along the Texas coastline and expected to move inland over southwestern Louisiana later today.

    As of the National Hurricane Center’s 10 a.m. CDT advisory Wednesday, Arthur was located about 40 miles northeast of Port O’Connor, Texas, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph and moving northeast at 9 mph.

    While Arthur is not expected to become a strong tropical storm, forecasters are warning that the system’s greatest threat will be widespread heavy rainfall and potentially life-threatening flooding across portions of the Gulf Coast and Deep South.

    Forecasters say Tropical Storm Arthur could bring 5 to 10 inches of rainfall, with isolated amounts approaching 20 inches, through early Friday.

    Areas expected to receive the heaviest rainfall include:

    • Coastal and inland portions of Texas
    • Louisiana
    • Mississippi
    • Alabama
    • Western Georgia
    • The Florida Panhandle

    The National Hurricane Center warns that the excessive rainfall could trigger dangerous flash flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas.

    For Mississippi residents, Arthur’s forecast track places much of the state within the region expected to receive significant rainfall over the next several days.

    Tropical Storm Warnings in Effect

    A Tropical Storm Warning is currently in effect from High Island, Texas, to Morgan City, Louisiana, meaning tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 12 hours.

    A Tropical Storm Watch remains in effect from Sargent, Texas, to High Island, Texas, where tropical storm conditions remain possible.

    Beyond heavy rain, Arthur is expected to bring several other weather threats:

    Tropical storm-force winds extend up to 175 miles from the center of the storm. Gusty winds could cause downed tree limbs and isolated power outages, particularly near the Gulf Coast.

    Coastal areas from Port Bolivar, Texas, to Morgan City, Louisiana, could experience storm surge flooding of 2 to 4 feet above ground level, especially near and east of where the center moves ashore.

    The National Hurricane Center says a few tornadoes may develop through Thursday across portions of:

    • Upper Texas
    • Southern Louisiana
    • Mississippi
    • Alabama
    • Western Florida Panhandle

    Beachgoers along the northwestern Gulf Coast are being urged to stay alert for hazardous surf conditions and life-threatening rip currents generated by Arthur.

    Looking Ahead

    Forecasters expect Arthur to continue moving northeast and eventually weaken after moving inland. The system could dissipate by late tonight or early Thursday, but its impacts are expected to continue well after the center weakens due to the widespread heavy rainfall.

    Residents across the Gulf Coast and southeastern United States are encouraged to monitor updates from the National Hurricane Center and local National Weather Service offices, and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions over the next several days.

  • Supervisors Split on Extending Search for New Adams County Administrator

    NATCHEZ, Miss. – The Adams County Board of Supervisors disagreed Monday on whether to extend the search for a new county administrator.

    Supervisor Wes Middleton wants to give potential prospects another two weeks to apply, but his motion for this got stymied by a 2-2 tie vote.

    Board President Angela Hutchins said supervisors shouldn’t stall the search for someone to replace Mitzi Conn, whose resignation takes effect July 8. “We’re not going to prolong this,” she said. 

    With the application process now closed, eight people are bidding to be Adams County’s chief operating officer – a position with a posted salary of $100,000 a year.

    Hutchins said candidates will be interviewed June 23 as supervisors plan to decide who to appoint before Conn leaves a position she’s held for just a year. She’s the sixth person since 2020 appointed by supervisors on a permanent or interim basis.

    Middleton said insufficient public notification was given to people who might be interested in applying for the job. He noted that an initial job posting incorrectly contained an expired deadline date to apply.

    Supervisors aren’t publicly divulging names of applicants, but Hutchins said there’s a pool of well-qualified people. However, Middleton said more candidates are needed to help ensure supervisors have a competent person to fill “the most important position in the county.”

    Siding with Middleton is Supervisor Kevin Wilson, who said the next county administrator must have ample financial experience in managing public funds.

    Siding with Hutchins is Supervisor Ricky Gray, who voted against Middleton’s motion to extend the search timetable.

    Supervisor Warren Gaines abstained from Monday’s vote, but he acknowledged a new county administrator needs to be in place soon to prepare the annual budget supervisors must adopt in September. Gaines expressed hope Conn will assist the new county administrator prepare the budget after she officially resigns.

    Conn is resigning after 15 months on the job. She was hired in April 2025 to replace Stephanie Washington, who resigned after just 14 months.

    The county administrator coordinates and directs county government’s day-to-day operations and manages the budget under the governance of the five-member Board of Supervisors. Conn’s decision to resign was disclosed in May after she and the board met in a session closed to the public.

    The Board of Supervisors last year selected Conn from a pool of about 20 applicants – a contrast to the eight now vying to replace her.

    Referring to a “negative” environment surrounding the Board of Supervisors in recent months as they quarrel and take public criticism, Gray wondered why anyone wants to be Adams County’s chief administrator. “I wouldn’t leave my job to come here into this,” he said.

    Prior to Conn’s hiring, board attorney Scott Slover was appointed briefly as administrator when Washington resigned March 2025. She had occupied the position held on an interim basis for a year by Adams County Chancery Clerk Brandi Lewis while supervisors stalled in finding an administrator. This came after the board ousted Angie King in January 2022. King was appointed in 2020, when Joe Murray retired after 10 years as county administrator.

  • From the Mayor’s Desk: Natchez Day of Unity Happening Monday!

    From the Mayor’s Desk: Natchez Day of Unity Happening Monday!

    This Monday, June 15, at 5:30 p.m., we will be celebrating something truly special – our Sixth Annual Natchez Day of Unity. Begun in 2020, this event has become one of my favorites of the year. And this year we are taking it to the next level – a free Ice Cream Social at the Natchez Civic Center featuring live music by the Big Muddy Inn’s Amy Allen and the sounds of artists ranging from Marvin Gaye to Jimmy Buffet orchestrated by WTYJ’s one and only DJ Buz! Hosted by our First Lady, Marla Gibson, this will truly be a great time – fun for our children and a time for friends and family to simply enjoy being together.

     

    Since the beginning of our administration, the promotion of unity has been our top priority, and with it two other key words, community and opportunity. Being a city of love is more than a noble ideal – it is obedience to the great commandment “to love one another”. And one of the things I love most about Natchez is that we are a community that knows how to come together. Through good times and challenging times alike, our strength has always been found in our people. We may come from different backgrounds, neighborhoods, churches, and walks of life, but at the end of the day, we are all part of the same city: One Natchez.

     

    Monday is going to be a special day, but truly, every day should be a day of unity. In today’s world, it can be easy to focus on the things that divide us. Social media, politics, and daily headlines often emphasize our differences. But events like this remind us that there is far more that unites us than separates us. And in Natchez we have the opportunity to be something truly special – a city that models love and the art of getting along.

     

    As with every celebration of unity, there is no agenda for Monday’s event other than coming together. Sometimes the most important conversations don’t happen in meeting rooms or government buildings. They happen when neighbors gather, when families spend time together, and when children laugh and play. Friendships can be formed and strengthened over something as simple as a scoop of ice cream.

     

    As your mayor, I believe our future depends not only on the things we build or the investments we attract, but also on the relationships we strengthen. A strong community is built when neighbors know one another, respect one another, and work together toward common goals.

     

    Nothing is required for Monday but to show up and share in the spirit of love that makes Natchez special. And enjoying refreshments together, along with music and fun, is bound to create an opportunity for residents of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy an evening of fellowship.

     

    I want to thank our First Lady and all those who have worked to organize this special event. I encourage every family in Natchez and Adams County to come out, enjoy the music, share some ice cream, and celebrate all that we, together, can accomplish as we move our city forward.

    Because Natchez Deserves More.

  • Hyde-Smith Bill to Boost Natchez Historic Sites Clears Senate Committee

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bill sponsored by U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) that would designate the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and Historic Jefferson College as affiliated areas of the National Park Service has cleared a key Senate committee hurdle.

    The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee approved Hyde-Smith’s Grand Village of the Natchez Indians and Jefferson College Affiliated Areas Establishment Act (S. 3878) on a voice vote on Wednesday, advancing the legislation to the full Senate for consideration.

    Hyde-Smith said the measure would help preserve two of Mississippi’s most significant historic landmarks while increasing their visibility through a connection with the National Park Service.

    If approved, the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians would become an affiliated area of Natchez National Historical Park, making it eligible for preservation and interpretation resources. The legislation would also direct the Secretary of the Interior to establish Historic Jefferson College as an affiliated area once it meets federal requirements.

    The bill, co-sponsored by Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), would require the National Park Service to establish boundaries and management plans for both sites within three years. The Mississippi Department of Archives and History would continue overseeing the sites in partnership with the National Park Service.

    The proposal does not authorize the federal government to acquire property within the affiliated areas or assume responsibility for their daily operations and maintenance.

    Hyde-Smith first introduced the legislation in 2023. Although it previously gained committee approval, it did not receive final congressional approval before the end of the 118th Congress. The senator reintroduced the measure at the beginning of the current Congress and is now seeking passage by the full Senate.