LUY-Development

Category: Press Release

  • Natchez Songwriters Festival: Successful Weekend Sees 90+ Songwriters Perform Across Downtown Natchez

    Natchez Songwriters Festival: Successful Weekend Sees 90+ Songwriters Perform Across Downtown Natchez

    NATCHEZ, Miss. — The 2026 Natchez Songwriters Festival brought more than 90 songwriters and performers to Downtown Natchez this weekend. The festival spanned three days, wrapping up late Saturday night, and filled 12 venues across the historic Downtown with live music, celebrating over thirty local songwriters, and welcoming over 60 from out of town and out of state.

    In addition to performances throughout downtown businesses and venues, festival attendees enjoyed outdoor performances at the bluff bandstand and adjacent to the Natchez Visitor Center, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the weekend.

    The event attracted artists from five states, with solo, duo, and even full-band performances, featuring all original music.

    In addition to the performances, artists gathered for a number of after-hours “Pickin’ Parties”, promoting collaboration and networking.

    While the festival was clearly a hit with locals, it made quite an impression with visiting artists as well.

    “Every out of town artist we spoke to just loved Natchez, and the same for their family and friends. Natchez made a very positive impression on a lot of people this weekend” – said festival organizers

    Early impressions indicate strong attendance across the festival’s venues

    “We saw substantial turnout at pretty much all of the venues, including the bluff, and we’re just really grateful to these locations for helping make this possible, and to the community for embracing this celebration of songwriting”

  • The Countdown is On… United Airlines Coming July 1! – From the Mayor’s Desk

    The Countdown is On… United Airlines Coming July 1! – From the Mayor’s Desk

    The countdown is on, and it’s time to get excited! We are now just one month away from the historic launch of commercial jet service between Natchez and Houston – United Airlines lands its first jet at our airport on July 1. Unlike the commercial, small plane service Natchez enjoyed over 30 years ago, this service will feature a 50-seat jet – the first time jet service has ever been available in our area. This will connect Natchez daily to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, one of the largest international hubs in America, opening doors of opportunity for tourism, economic development, business recruitment, healthcare access, and regional growth.

     

    As we prepare to take flight, we want the public to be informed, engaged, and excited about what this means for our community. This is why I want to personally invite citizens, business leaders, tourism partners, elected officials, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders to take part in an informational meeting on Wednesday, June 3, at the Natchez Convention Center. The meeting will be held in the Louisiana Suites, 2nd floor, starting at 9:30 am, and all are welcome.

     

    At our meeting, we will hear updates and presentations from key airline executives and aviation leaders involved in bringing this historic service to Natchez. Attendees will receive information on the July 1 launch, flight schedules, ticketing details, economic impact, marketing efforts, and ways the community can help support the success of the new service. We will also discuss what this opportunity means for the future growth and competitiveness of Natchez and the surrounding region.

     

    July 1 will be a major milestone for Natchez. This is something we have been striving toward for several years, and it is quickly becoming reality. Working together, many have invested countless hours and resources to make this achievement possible – words are inadequate to express the gratitude we share for all who believed in our vision and helped move this forward. The city and county working together, along with the airport and countless community, state and corporate partners, have accomplished what was thought to be the impossible. As a result, July 1 will be a significant step forward, not just for our airport, but for the future of our entire region.

     

    Having United Airlines connecting Natchez to the rest of the world, via Houston, can be transformational, but only if we support it together. Successful air service depends on community involvement and regional support. If we use it, promote it, and rally behind it, this can become a long-term asset that benefits generations to come.

     

    Starting July 1, there will be many reasons to choose Natchez over any other airport. First, it is local – no commute is needed to cities several hours away. Also, it will feature “No Hassle Parking”, the ability to park just steps from the terminal and walk straight in and easily board a jet. Once in flight, passengers can enjoy “One Stop to Anywhere”, one quick connection making the entire world a lot closer to home. A brand new, state-of-the-art terminal is in the final stages

    of completion and will offer TSA-baggage handling onsite, making it even easier to connect to additional flights in Houston, avoiding long lines. With flights every day, getting where you want to go will become a whole lot easier!

     

    So get ready Natchez! In one month, history will take flight – and the sky is the limit! I hope you will join us on June 3 at the Natchez Convention Center as we prepare for this exciting new chapter together. Because Natchez Deserves More.

     

    To book your flight from Natchez to anywhere in the world, and to read more about this historic new jet service, click here: www.flynatchez.com.

  • From the Mayor’s Desk Tennis and Pickleball – Public Input Matters

    From the Mayor’s Desk Tennis and Pickleball – Public Input Matters

    Over the past several weeks, there has been a great deal of discussion about tennis, pickleball, and the future of our recreational facilities, both at Duncan Park and North Natchez Park. As with many issues involving community priorities, there are strong opinions on all sides. This is understandable, and I believe it to be a positive thing. Clearly, our citizens care deeply about our city in addition to the activities they love, the facilities they use, and the future of recreation in general.

     

    With so much discussion, I believe it is important that everyone has an opportunity to be heard before any decisions are made. As a result, I have decided, as Mayor, to call a special meeting of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen to be held on Tuesday, May 19, at 5:30 p.m. specifically to allow for public input regarding decisions that are pending regarding tennis and pickleball. The meeting will be held at the Natchez City Council Chamber Building, located at 115 S. Pearl Street, Natchez.

     

    No vote will be taken at this meeting. If city officials wish to take action on this topic at a later date, they can certainly do so after hearing from the public and listening to their input. This meeting will be informational only and designed to give citizens an open forum to speak directly to city leaders.

     

    Recently, Ward Four Alderwoman Felicia Irving stated during a board meeting that we need more public input before moving forward. I appreciate her comments, and I believe she is absolutely right. Decisions involving public recreation facilities should involve the public in a meaningful way and at a time convenient for them to attend.

     

    We extend an invitation to all who would like to take part in this discussion: our tennis coaches, tennis and pickleball players, youth and their parents, and anyone else who may have an interest in this topic. Each speaker will be given up to five minutes to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Whether someone supports expanded pickleball opportunities, improvements for tennis, or a balanced approach that accommodates both sports, every viewpoint deserves respect and consideration.

     

    One thing I hope we can all agree on is that recreation matters. Healthy activities for our children and families, our active adults, seniors, and even visitors make Natchez a better place to live and enhance our overall quality of life. Sports such as tennis and pickleball bring people together, encourage exercise, and create opportunities for fellowship and competition.

     

    Not every conversation has to become a conflict. Sometimes the best path forward begins simply by listening to one another.

     

    I encourage anyone interested in this topic to attend the meeting, participate respectfully, and help us continue building a community where everyone feels heard. Natchez has always been at our best when we work together, and I believe this conversation can be another example of that community spirit that makes our city so special. Indeed, community discussion on the future of recreational programs is a good thing. Because Natchez Deserves More.

  • From the Mayor’s Desk: Violent Crime Reform – A Must for Mississippi

    From the Mayor’s Desk: Violent Crime Reform – A Must for Mississippi

    Tough on Crime. This has been a caption we have heard in almost every Mississippi election for decades. Every politician has made the promise. For years we have “talked the talk”. But have we “walked the walk?” There is a saying I think applies here: Your actions are speaking so loudly I can’t hear a word you’re saying.

    Let’s consider a few facts: In Mississippi a person can attempt to commit murder and fail. Let’s say the person shoots someone but his targeted victim lives. Sounds like a serious crime? Apparently not in Mississippi. Bail and bonding guidelines in the Mississippi code allow a judge to set the accused shooter free on bail for as little as $20,000. But wait – the suspect doesn’t have $20K handy? That’s ok. He only has to post ten percent, which in this case is $2,000. But wait again – still doesn’t have the cash? Again, that’s ok. He can finance it with a bail bondsman for as little as $100 down and $100 a month, plus some fees and interest. That gives him possibly a year or more to walk around free waiting on his trial date – plenty of time to hurt someone else. Shocking isn’t it? But it is happening in Mississippi.

    Let’s consider another scenario. Let’s say that person while out on bond for attempted murder decides to get into a fight with a police officer or sheriff deputy, assaulting them with malice and intent to kill. Gets arrested again, remember – while on bond for attempted murder. Again, in Mississippi that’s ok. Within a few months he can be tried, found guilty and released for time served. Here’s your get out of jail free card. Oh – the charge for attempted murder? That’s ok too. Just come back when your trial date rolls around, if it rolls around. Your bond for the attempted murder charge is still in force. But this brings up another scenario.

    In Mississippi, the State Crime Labs, due to lack of funding and staffing, are seriously backed up. Evidence by forensic scientists may not be returned to a municipality or sheriff’s office for a year or more. And in Mississippi, jurisdictions only have 270 days to indict a case or the accused felon walks free. In many cases the suspect in a violent crime walks free to commit other crimes with no concern that the State of Mississippi will do anything about it.

    Are you angry yet? You should be. I can tell you as a mayor in rural Mississippi trying to create a safe environment for our citizens and law enforcement officers alike it makes me angry. Something has to change. Each of the illustrations I have just described has happened recently in a place near you – possibly even right here in Natchez. Our citizens deserve better.

    This past week at the annual meeting of the Mississippi Municipal League, I presented the case for Violent Crime Reform to mayors, aldermen, police chiefs, prosecutors, and other officials from all over the state. The resounding response was the same: IT’S TIME FOR A CHANGE.

    In the coming weeks we will be working with leaders across our state to formulate a Violent Crime Reform Bill for passage in the 2026 MS Legislative Session. It will include a demand for full funding and staffing at Mississippi’s State Crime Labs. It will include increases in the bonding guidelines for Mississippi judges to follow on violent crime, including limits on their ability to release dangerous persons back onto the street for ridiculously low bond amounts. It will also include mandatory sentencing in certain cases such as assault on law enforcement officers. And financing of bail on violent crimes will be made illegal.

    If we truly are to be a state that is tough on crime, we must walk the walk and our actions must match our words. Situations like the ones I have described in this message must stop. Violent Crime Reform is a must for Mississippi. Because Mississippi Deserves More.

  • From the Mayor’s Desk Natchez is Booming – Tourism!

    From the Mayor’s Desk Natchez is Booming – Tourism!

    As the final of five articles about the economic growth taking place in Natchez, I am finally writing about our city’s number one industry, Tourism. For many years, millions of people have flocked to Natchez from all over the world to tour our beautiful mansions, bask in our amazing sunsets, eat in our exceptional restaurants, shop at our numerous specialty stores and antique shops, become immersed in our history, tours, and museums… well, I think you get the picture. And the news for Natchez Tourism is fantastic.

    A study released last October by Visit Mississippi showed record tourism numbers for Natchez with hundreds of thousands visiting each year, spending over $125 million and representing an overall economic impact of over $187 million and over 1300 jobs. Visit Natchez has “elevated tourism” (their new brand) to a whole new level. From our annual 40-year-running Balloon Festival to our historic Spring and Fall Pilgrimages, Angels on the Bluff Cemetery tours, Natchez Food & Wine Festival, daily carriage tours and open-air tours, and countless events happening almost every weekend, people flock to Natchez. The smallest city in the world to have a Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus franchise, we are hosting more events than ever before. A $3 million renovation of our Natchez Convention Center now has us breaking records in hosting conferences from all over our region, and we have enjoyed major concerts on our Bluff, from Hank Williams, Jr. to Patti Labelle. To meet the increased demand, a team is working to bring back the historic Eola Hotel downtown, and renovations of many other area hotels such as The Hampton Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Natchez Grand Hotel are now almost complete. A new luxury boutique hotel, The Bridges has recently opened, and its sister property, The Vue Hotel, is in the final stages of a multi-million renovation. In addition, we are making great strides to restore commercial air service to our airport for the first time in over 30 years.

    In June, WIONEWS.Com rated Natchez as # 2 on their list of “Best Southern Cities to Visit in America”, second only to Charleston. Our ratings dominate many major publications: “10 Best Historic Small Towns”, USA Today; “The 15 Best Small Towns to Visit”, Smithsonian Magazine; “The South’s Best Small Towns”, Southern Living; “10 Best Christmas Towns in America”, Fox News; and “25 Best Weekend Getaways in the South”, Travel-Leisure.

    As a southern city with a complicated past, Natchez is also telling “our whole story”. We are now on the US Civil Rights Trail and Mississippi’s Freedom Trail, with the inclusion of the Dr. John Banks House, home to Mississippi’s first black physician. We have also recently erected 30 Historic Markers for our new, self-guided African American History Tour. We continue to work with the Natchez National Historic Park on plans for the development of the Forks of the Road Historic Site, once the second largest slave market in the deep south, now gifted by the city to the National Parks Service.

    We recently renovated our Historic Bluff Depot as a Downtown Visitors Center. The National Parks Service is currently spending millions on the renovation of its large facility comprising the Mississippi Welcome Center and Visitors Center at the majestic Mississippi River Bridges. And we have recently purchased lights to illuminate the bridges.

    Natchez is also a port of call to two of the world’s largest cruise providers, American Cruise Lines and Viking. ACL, the largest country’s largest cruise company, brings over 30,000 visitors to Natchez each year aboard its numerous river vessels. They have recently christened two new ships here with plans to make Natchez a port of embarkation for cruises to New Orleans and Memphis, and ACL will soon construct a $4 million docking facility on our historic Silver Street waterfront. In addition, Viking Mississippi brings another 15,000 visitors each year on its voyages to Natchez. As the number one city for both cruise lines, we anticipate even more cruises in the year to come.

    Natchez also offers great Outdoor Recreation opportunities. Called a “Sportsman’s Paradise”, the Natchez area is famous for his lush forests, lakes, streams and hiking trails. A number of family-friendly adventure experiences are to be found by a simple search online, from kayaking, guided outdoor tours to horse and atv riding, and even axe throwing! And because of our natural beauty, Magnolia Trace RV Resort, a luxury $30 million recreational development, has recently broken ground on high-end RV lots, a clubhouse, cabins, a lazy river, lake, and other amenities on 275 beautiful acres one mile from our city limits.

    In addition, the city has recently completed a multi-million renovation of all Natchez parks. We have added new playgrounds and facilities for tennis, pickleball, and disc golf. Our ballfields have been restored, park bathrooms have been renovated, new lighting has been added, and we have brought new life to the Natchez Youth Center at North Natchez Park. Soon, we will cut the ribbon on our newly renovated historic golf clubhouse at the city’s 18-hole Duncan Park Golf Course.

    I hope this series of articles, “Natchez is Booming”, helps to underscore the great things happening in our community. The Natchez Renewal Is Real. With historic growth taking place in our historic corner of America, we have been dubbed “the fastest growing city in Southwest Mississippi” – and the facts prove this to be the case. We look forward to many more great things to come. Come make history with us. The welcome mat is out and waiting! Because Natchez Deserves More.

    For More Information on Opportunities in Natchez, visit our city’s website, https://www.natchez.ms.us/. For Tourism in Natchez, visit https://visitnatchez.org/. To download a Natchez Travel Guide, visit https://www.htmags.com/natchez-guide-2025.html.

  • Phibro rCB and Natchez Railway Complete Rail Upgrade to Support Tire Recycling Facility

    Phibro rCB and Natchez Railway Complete Rail Upgrade to Support Tire Recycling Facility

    Natchez, MS — April 16, 2025
    Phibro rCB and Natchez Railway have completed upgrades to the rail line serving Phibro’s end-of-life tire processing facility in Natchez. The project will allow for more efficient transportation of the facility’s main products: carbon black and tire pyrolysis oil.

    Phibro rCB acquired the facility in early 2024 and currently employs over 50 people, with plans for growth. The company uses proprietary technology to recycle used tires into raw materials that can be reused in tire manufacturing and other applications.

    “This new rail access helps us scale production and reduce our carbon footprint,” said Fabrizio Zichichi, Managing Partner at Phibro rCB.

    The Natchez Railway, a short line connecting Natchez to Brookhaven and the national rail network, upgraded the lead track in partnership with local and state agencies.

    “We’re proud to help connect Phibro rCB to the national rail system,” said Kellen Desmond, President of Natchez Railway.

    Chandler Russ, Executive Director of Natchez Inc., called the upgrade a major step forward for local industrial development.

  • A Record-Breaking Year: Miss-Lou Helps 95 Country Raise $56,237 for St. Jude

    A Record-Breaking Year: Miss-Lou Helps 95 Country Raise $56,237 for St. Jude

    Natchez, MS – The Miss-Lou community has once again shown its incredible generosity, helping 95 Country (WQNZ Natchez, MS) set a new record during its annual 95 Country Cares for St. Jude Kids Radiothon on March 13-14, 2025. This year’s radiothon raised an outstanding $56,237, surpassing last year’s record of $51,915—the most ever raised in a single year by the station.

    Over the past decade, 95 Country and its loyal listeners have contributed a remarkable $410,635 to support the lifesaving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Every dollar raised helps ensure that families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food—allowing them to focus entirely on their child’s health.

    “Year after year, our listeners and community partners prove just how much they care about St. Jude and its mission,” said Margaret Perkins, President/CEO of Listen Up Y’all Media. “Breaking our own record is an incredible achievement, and it’s all thanks to the giving and compassionate people of the Miss-Lou”

    95 Country and Listen Up Y’all Media extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who donated and helped spread the word. This record-breaking radiothon is a testament to the power of local radio and the community’s commitment to helping children in need.

    For more information or to contribute to St. Jude’s mission, visit /st-jude.

  • ‘Making Spirits Bright’ Event to Raise Funds for Local Animal Rescues This Holiday Season

    This holiday season, Anne McDaniel Photography is spreading joy and giving back to the community with a special event aimed at celebrating families and supporting local animal welfare organizations. The ‘Making Spirits Bright’ event, hosted by Anne McDaniel, will be held on October 26-27, 2024, with proceeds benefiting HoofBeats and PawPrints Rescue, two non-profit organizations dedicated to rescuing and caring for animals in the Miss-Lou area.

    Anne McDaniel, a local photographer and owner of Anne McDaniel Photography, will offer holiday photo sessions for families during the two-day event. The $99 session creation fee will be donated directly to HoofBeats and PawPrints Rescue (HPR). HPR is an independent, not-for-profit organization known for its dedication to rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding forever homes for animals in need.

    Each participating family will receive a complimentary Christmas metal ornament featuring a photograph on both sides, a perfect keepsake to commemorate the season. In addition to family portraits, the Anne McDaniel Photography team will work closely with each child in the family to create an artistic individual portrait, capturing cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

    And, of course, no family portrait would be complete without the family pet! Families are encouraged to bring their beloved furry friends to be part of the session, ensuring all family members are included in the holiday festivities.

    With the holiday season fast approaching, the ‘Making Spirits Bright’ event offers a wonderful opportunity for families to create lasting memories while making a positive impact on the lives of local animals in need.

    For more information or to book your holiday session, visit www.AnneMcDanielPhotography.com, or contact Anne McDaniel directly at Anne@AnneMcDanielPhotography.com or by phone at 601-442-1269.

  • Merit Health Natchez & Listen Up Y’all Media Launches ‘Paint Natchez Pink’ Campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

    Merit Health Natchez & Listen Up Y’all Media Launches ‘Paint Natchez Pink’ Campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

    In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Merit Health Natchez & Listen Up Y’all Media are leading a community-wide initiative to “Paint Natchez Pink” throughout the month of October. The campaign aims to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote education on prevention and early detection.

    The event kicks off on Thursday, October 17, with Mayor Dan Gibson reading a proclamation declaring the day as Paint Natchez Pink Day. The proclamation will take place on the bluff before the start of Live at Five, with the event beginning at 4:30 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to stay and enjoy the music after the proclamation.

    How Businesses and the Community Can Get Involved:

    Merit Health Natchez is inviting local businesses and organizations to participate by wearing pink, decorating their spaces, and joining the effort to promote breast cancer awareness. Here are some ways to engage in the campaign:

    • Wear Pink: Businesses can request up to eight free “Paint Natchez Pink” t-shirts for their employees. These can be worn on Paint Natchez Pink Day or throughout the month of October.
    • Decorate Your Space: Businesses are encouraged to decorate their storefronts with pink displays and use the official Paint Natchez Pink poster. Community members can also get creative with pink-themed decorations, lights, and signage at home or work.

    Paint Natchez Pink Ideas:

    The following are suggestions for businesses and individuals to participate in the campaign:

    • Decorate windows with pink displays.
    • Encourage breast cancer survivors and their families to attend the event.
    • Hold a “street” contest for the best pink window display.
    • Use pink light bulbs or ribbons in porch lights and around trees.
    • Host pink pumpkin decorating contests.
    • Offer pink-colored products or specials in salons and restaurants.
    • Tie pink ribbons around neighborhood trees to honor those affected by breast cancer.

    Merit Health Natchez hopes that these efforts will unite the community in spreading awareness, supporting breast cancer survivors, and encouraging individuals to get regular mammograms. For further details on how to get involved and to enroll in the campaign, participating businesses can refer to the provided enrollment forms and guidelines.

    Join the effort to Paint Natchez Pink and help promote breast cancer awareness in your community!

     

  • Natchez National Historical Park: Commemorating Freedom Summer

    Natchez National Historical Park: Commemorating Freedom Summer

    Freedom Summer 1964 Cold Case Files

    As part of commemorative activities around the 60th anniversary of the passage of the Civil Rights Act in 1964, Natchez National Historical Park and the Historic Natchez Foundation have partnered to offer a special talk about an unsolved local Civil Rights murder. The lecture by former Concordia Sentinel editor Stanley Nelson on Thursday, August 29th, will be held at the Historic Natchez Foundation, 108 South Commerce Street, Natchez, at 6:00 pm.

    In July of 1964, 24-year-old Joseph “Joe-Ed” Edwards disappeared, his car found abandoned along a Concordia Parish highway. For the last 60 years, details have emerged indicating that Edwards was targeted and abducted by Ku Klux Klansmen and their police allies, including deputies and a police chief.

    Edwards spent the final weeks of his life as an employee at the Shamrock Motel in Vidalia, Louisiana, just across the Mississippi River from Natchez. There, during late spring, a secret Klan cell known as the Silver Dollar Group was founded by coffee-drinking Klansmen in the café. Although Edwards was not an activist, he told friends and relatives around the time of the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that he believed the world was changing and he planned to live his life his own way.

    Allegations surrounding the drowning of a white child and a white woman’s claim that Edwards kissed her against her will at the motel placed him in the crosshairs of the Klan and police. During the middle of the night in July 1964, a witness saw a Buick, which was later identified as Edwards’, being pursued and stopped by what appeared to be an unmarked white police car with a flashing light on the dash. Edwards hasn’t been seen since. His body is believed to have been discarded somewhere in Concordia Parish.

    More than 100-plus unsolved Civil Rights-era murders were reinvestigated by the FBI and Justice Department beginning in 2007, including the disappearance of Edwards and the murders of Black men from Concordia Parish, LA, and Adams, Franklin and Wilkinson counties in Mississippi. Edwards’ case is the only one in which the body has never been found.

    Nelson spent years before he retired in 2021 as editor of the Concordia Sentinel searching for details on the disappearance and the location of Edwards’ body. In recent years, student reporters with the LSU Cold Case Project have worked with him on the case. During his talk, Nelson will provide new details on the final weeks of Edwards’ life. He’ll also share the stories of the people he tracked down who were directly or indirectly impacted by the events at the Shamrock leading up to the abduction and murder of Edwards. 

    The National Park Service is also currently displaying a special exhibit about 1964 Civil Rights activities in the center room of the Melrose South Slave Cabin. It will remain on view through September 2024. The Melrose grounds and outbuildings are open free of charge from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. For more information about park sites and activities, visit www.nps.gov/natc or call 601-446-5790.