LUY-Development

Category: The Natchez Democrat

  • Natchez Community Mourns Loss of Michael Pennington After Saturday Night Crash

    Natchez Community Mourns Loss of Michael Pennington After Saturday Night Crash

    Friends, coworkers, and customers took to social media Sunday morning to share their grief after learning that Michael Pennington died in a car crash on Sargent S. Prentiss Drive late Saturday night.

    Pennington, 65, had been a familiar face in Natchez for years through his long-time work at both Walmart and Domino’s. According to posts from friends, he had just finished his shift and was on his way home when the wreck happened.

    Natchez Police Department Investigator Jerry Brown reported that Pennington was driving a sedan southbound near the Liberty Road bridge when a pickup truck struck his vehicle from behind. The truck was driven by Jonathan Cook, 37, of Natchez.

    The impact caused Pennington’s vehicle to overturn. He died at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash, Brown said.

    According to Brown, Cook refused DUI testing roadside. Officers transported him to Merit Health Natchez, where a blood sample was collected and sent to the Mississippi State Crime Lab for analysis.

    Cook was taken into custody on a charge of driving under the influence. Brown noted that additional charges may follow as the investigation continues.

    This story was originally reported by The Natchez Democrat. The original article can be found here.

     

  • 3 juveniles injured in Maryland Heights shooting

    NATCHEZ — Four juveniles were reportedly shot at, three of them injured, during a shooting Saturday night in the 300 block of Dumas Drive in the Maryland Heights subdivision.

    The extent of their injuries remains unknown at this time. No identities have been released.

    Natchez Police Department Commander Jerry Ford said the four juveniles, including two 15-year-olds and two 17-year-olds, were in a car going to meet a girl in the Maryland Heights subdivision around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday when someone allegedly pulled up to their vehicle and opened fire.

    The driver had been struck in the back and the two rear seat passengers were also hit, one in the knee and the other in the thigh, Ford said.

    The teens started to drive to Trinity Medical Center and on the way, three of the four juveniles were transported by ambulance to the hospital, after which one was airlifted and the other two taken by ambulance to other trauma centers.

    “This incident is still in the early stages of investigation,” Ford said, adding that no other witnesses to this incident have been found.

    Anyone with information should contact the Natchez Police Department at 601-445-5565 or Miss Lou Crime Stoppers at 888-442-5001 to remain anonymous.

    The post 3 juveniles injured in Maryland Heights shooting appeared first on Mississippi’s Best Community Newspaper.

    This article was written by The Natchez Democrat. To view the original article on the Natchez Democrat’s site, Click Here

  • Trace Town redevelopment announced, celebration set

    NATCHEZ — Tuesday’s groundbreaking at Trace Town is more than ushering in the construction of a Hobby Lobby in Natchez.

    It’s a celebration of the redevelopment of the shopping center that was once the heart of modern retail shopping in Natchez.

    The groundbreaking will launch Tracetown’s significant transformation, spearheaded by Jimmy R. Smith of Trace Town Redevelopment LLC and Natchez Hardware Center Inc., in collaboration with development partner Noon Real Estate, a shopping center development company based in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

    Smith said in a press release Friday morning that this project aims to revitalize the area and enhance the retail offerings in Natchez.

    The redevelopment project at Trace Town will involve demolishing all existing structures on the property, with the exception of the U.S. Postal Service office and McDonald’s.

    Chandler Russ, executive director of Natchez Inc., said other buildings on the property residents think of as part of Trace Town—Red Top Seafood, County Pie, Regions Bank, and the offices located near Red Top—are not part of the Trace Town property and will remain.

    New structures will be built to accommodate new tenants, resulting in 120,000 square feet of new retail space in Natchez.

    Smith said in his press release that initial discussions have led to a lease agreement with Hobby Lobby for 50,000 square feet of space. Construction is expected to commence in the fall of 2025, and the grand opening is scheduled for Spring 2026.

    The total investment for this redevelopment initiative is estimated to exceed $30 million and is projected to create 150 job opportunities. According to the press release, this redevelopment project is anticipated to be the largest retail endeavor in Natchez in recent years and will contribute to removing blight from the city’s landscape.

    “The journey toward revitalizing Trace Town began in 2023 when Natchez Hardware Center Inc. acquired the property from JW Properties of New Orleans, the previous long-term owners of the Shopping Center, which was originally developed in the 1960s. Extensive efforts have been made to address environmental concerns, such as asbestos and hazardous materials abatement, as well as the meticulous planning for the demolition of existing structures and the subsequent development of a new retail center, all while ensuring the smooth transition of existing tenants to new spaces.

    Smith said in the press release that Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson and Russ have been instrumental in supporting the project, offering assistance from the city and helping with crucial connections.

    The brownfield reclamation program facilitated by the city has been pivotal in the abatement and demolition processes.

    Smith expressed his gratitude to Gibson, Russ and JKS Engineering and Irish Consulting Services for their unwavering support and contributions to the project.

    According to the press release, excitement abounds within the community regarding this transformative endeavor with Gibson praising the vision and dedication of Smith and his development team for bringing about economic rejuvenation and job creation to the area.

    Russ commended the development team’s commitment to revitalizing Trace Town and bringing new opportunities to the community.

    Smith emphasized the strategic significance of the location of Trace Town Shopping Center for this development, citing the high volume of pass-through traffic in the area. With the expertise of Noon Real Estate, development partners known for their successful completion of similar projects, Smith envisions making Trace Town the destination for national retail in Natchez, he said in his press release.

    “Mayor Dan Gibson has been behind this project from the start and offered any help he could from the city. Chandler Russ is also behind this project and has been very helpful in helping get the right contacts. They have helped facilitate the brownfield reclamation program to help with the abatement and demolition process,” Smith said. He also thanked JKS Engineering and Irish Consulting Serves for working through the site planning and engineering process.

    “I believe this is the best location in Natchez for a development like this with the north-south and east-west traffic that passes through this area. It is basically the center of Natchez,” Smith said.

    “Words are inadequate to describe our excitement about this historic project. Thanks to the vision and commitment of Jimmy Smith and his development team, we are about to see a complete transformation of what has been a blighted property into a center of economic opportunity and jobs. The Natchez Renewal continues to move forward, and we are grateful,” Gibson said.

    “Jimmy Smith is a seasoned professional with an impressive track record. I’m delighted that he and his partners are moving forward with the revitalization of Trace Town. Like many long-time residents of Natchez, I have numerous cherished memories of the area. I am extremely grateful for this investment and dedication to our community. We are committed to supporting and assisting in any way possible and eagerly anticipate the project taking shape and thriving,” Russ said.

    The post Trace Town redevelopment announced, celebration set appeared first on Mississippi’s Best Community Newspaper.

    This article was written by The Natchez Democrat. To view the original article on the Natchez Democrat’s site, Click Here

  • Police investigating separate wrecks on Canal Street, Seargent Prentiss

     

    NATCHEZ — Separate vehicle wrecks happened almost simultaneously around the 5 p.m. rush hour Thursday.

    One of these was a two-vehicle accident that happened on Seargent Prentiss Drive near Relaz Inn and the other was a two-vehicle accident near the Corner Bar at Canal and State streets.

    Ambulances responded to both crashes and all four drivers went to the hospital. Injuries are unknown at this time. However, Natchez Police Chief Cal Green said none appeared to be serious or life-threatening.

    “All of them had complaints of pain,” she said, adding that none of the vehicles had any passengers.

    This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

     

    The post Police investigating separate wrecks on Canal Street, Seargent Prentiss appeared first on Mississippi’s Best Community Newspaper.

    This article was written by The Natchez Democrat. To view the original article on the Natchez Democrat’s site, Click Here

  • Lane closures expected on Louisiana HWY 565

     

    CONCORDIA PARISH, La.— Starting this week, Concordia Parish will experience lane closures in sections of Louisiana Highway 565, according to Louisiana Department of Transportation officials.

    The closures will start where the road intersects with Louisiana Highway 129 to the intersection of Louisiana Highway 15.

    These alternating lane closures will happen during the day beginning Friday, April 4, and ending approximately Sept. 30.  No night work is expected, according to LA DOTD.

    No detour will be needed as only lane closures will take place. LA DOTD reminds drivers to be careful driving through the construction area and to be on the lookout for work crews and equipment.

    For more information during the closure, visit www.dotd.la.gov or call the numbers (318) 412-3100 or (800) 256-1610.

    The post Lane closures expected on Louisiana HWY 565 appeared first on Mississippi’s Best Community Newspaper.

    This article was written by The Natchez Democrat. To view the original article on the Natchez Democrat’s site, Click Here

  • Merit Health on final push in Jars of Love annual peanut butter drive

    NATCHEZ — Merit Health Natchez, its staff and its partners are on the final push of its Jars of Love annual peanut butter drive.

    Jars of peanut butter can be accepted through Thursday.

    “We are so close to our goal of 2,000 jars. This community is awesome. We just need 300 to 400 more jars,” said Kay Ketchings, director of marketing and facility compliance officer at Merit Health Natchez.

    Jars of peanut butter donations can be dropped off at any of the following locations:

    –Merit Health Natchez

    –Merit Health Natchez Outpatient Therapy Services, first floor of The Doctors’ Pavilion

    –Natchez Chamber of Commerce

    For more information, please contact Kay Ketchings at Merit Health Natchez, 601-443-2534.

    The post Merit Health on final push in Jars of Love annual peanut butter drive appeared first on Mississippi’s Best Community Newspaper.

    This article was written by The Natchez Democrat. To view the original article on the Natchez Democrat’s site, Click Here

  • Beware of trending sextortion scam online targeting juveniles, sheriff’s office says

    VIDALIA, La. — The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office issued an urgent warning today about a disturbing trend targeting juvenile males online.

    Reports have been received of adult individuals, often located overseas, creating fake online profiles and posing as young females. These individuals are engaging in conversations with juvenile males, building trust, and then coercing them into sending inappropriate pictures.

    Once the images are obtained, money is demanded from the victims and their families with threats to distribute the explicit photos across the internet and social media if these demands are not met.

    “Please be vigilant and talk to your children about online safety,” CPSO states.

    Emphasize the following:
    • Never share personal information or photos with strangers online.
    • Be cautious of friend requests from people they don’t know in real life.
    • Understand that people online may not be who they say they are.
    • If someone online asks for inappropriate pictures or makes them feel uncomfortable, they should immediately stop communication and tell a trusted adult.
    • Never give in to demands for money or other favors from someone threatening to share private information.

    “If your child has been a victim of this type of online exploitation, please do not hesitate to contact the Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office immediately. We are here to help and take these matters very seriously,” CPSO states.
    “Let’s work together to protect our children from these predatory online behaviors. Please share this post to help raise awareness within our community.”

    For more online safety resources, visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s NetSmartz program here.

    The post Beware of trending sextortion scam online targeting juveniles, sheriff’s office says appeared first on Mississippi’s Best Community Newspaper.

    This article was written by The Natchez Democrat. To view the original article on the Natchez Democrat’s site, Click Here

  • Eola developer would like to contact person whose vehicle was hit by falling stucco

     

    NATCHEZ—Hayes Dent, the developer working to renovate and open a new hotel at the now-closed Eola site, would like to contact the person whose vehicle was hit by falling stucco from the building on Friday afternoon.

    Natchez photographer Ben Hillyer happened to be near the Eola Hotel on Friday when a slab of stucco fell from the building onto a car parked below. Hillyer said he could not tell if the parked car was damaged.

    Nonetheless, Dent would like to apologize to the person, find out if the car suffered damage and perhaps pay for a detail service, he said.

    In mid-April 2024, Dent and the building’s owners were forced to remove slabs of stucco that were at risk of falling from the building.

    “The building is an older building. That’s why we are going to be using historic tax credits for part of the financing of the project,” Dent said. “We are doing the best we can to keep up the building given the circumstances of trying to redevelop the hotel. We have a local contractor who is called every time there is a problem. We also have a roof situation we are trying to get pinned down now. All of this is going on prior to the start of any kind of construction.”

    Dent said the work to develop a new hotel at the Eola is very much ongoing.

    “We are so deep now into the pre-development phase, our hope is in the coming weeks we are able to announce a franchise,” he said. “We also hope to be able to tease folks with what it is going to look like. All of that work is done. An incredible amount of work has been done. I joke about knowing what the matchbooks will look like and what the sleeves the keys will go into will look like. We have that. It’s done. We are excited to show the public that.”

    Dent said the estimated cost of the project remains at $30 million.

    “We don’t have every single rung of the capital ladder complete. The problem with a project like this is it is not a conventional finance structure. On a conventional project, you go to the bank and tell them you want to spend $10 on a hotel, and they tell you they’ll loan you $6, and you need to come up with the other $4.

    “That’s not how this project will work. We will use historic tax credits and conventional tax credits and a host of other tourism incentives. That part of the project remains where it was last fall. We hope by the middle of April or so we can let people know what that means,” he said. “We have been very transparent about this project and will continue to be.”

    Anyone with information about the person whose vehicle got hit by the stucco can email that to office@hayesdent.com.

    The post Eola developer would like to contact person whose vehicle was hit by falling stucco appeared first on Mississippi’s Best Community Newspaper.

    This article was written by The Natchez Democrat. To view the original article on the Natchez Democrat’s site, Click Here

  • Miss-Lou braces for storms on Saturday

    NATCHEZ — The National Weather Service office in Jackson is warning residents here of an enhanced risk of severe weather on Saturday.

    Meteorologists say an enhanced risk means tornadoes are likely. Expect damaging winds between 60 and 70 miles per hour and large hail up to golf ball size.

    “There is a moderate risk for severe storms likely Saturday, mainly in the afternoon into the evening hours,” the National Weather Service said in a statement issued Thursday afternoon.

    “The main hazards are tornadoes, some possibly strong, damaging winds 60-70 mph, and large hail to golf ball size. Significant severe storms are possible during this timeframe. The greater confidence for severe weather exists mainly along and east of the Mississippi River to Natchez Trace corridors, but threat levels may increase and expand, with more specific timing as we get closer,” the NWS Jackson office said in a statement.

    The National Weather Service forecast for the Miss-Lou for Friday is mostly cloudy skies with a high near 81. Winds are expected to be from the south, 10 to 20 miles per hour with gusts as high as 30 miles per hour.

    Friday night’s forecast calls for a 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. The sky will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. The south wind will be 10 to 20 miles per hour, with gusts to 30 miles per hour.

    On Saturday, the forecast calls for showers and thunderstorms mainly before 5 p.m. Some storms could be severe. High near 76. The chance of precipitation is 90 percent. New rainfall amounts should be between three-quarters and one inch.

    Saturday night, a 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 7 p.m. Some of the storms could be severe. Partly cloudy with a low around 50.

    On Sunday, skies should be sunny with a high near 66.

    The post Miss-Lou braces for storms on Saturday appeared first on Mississippi’s Best Community Newspaper.

    This article was written by The Natchez Democrat. To view the original article on the Natchez Democrat’s site, Click Here

  • Judge denies city’s request for stay of Truth Lounge decision; owners issued business license

     

    NATCHEZ—Sixth District Circuit Court Judge Carmen Drake late Tuesday afternoon denied a motion filed on behalf of the City of Natchez to stay—or put a temporary hold on—her decision involving the Truth Lounge, freeing any barrier to the nightclub’s being granted a privilege license to operate.

    An attorney for the City of Natchez filed a motion Monday afternoon seeking an automatic stay on Drake’s Friday ruling in favor of the Truth Lounge owners and requesting an emergency hearing.

    L. Clark Hicks of Hicks Law Firm in Hattiesburg is representing the city on the matter.

    On Friday, Drake ruled in favor of Truth Lounge owners Rickey Banks and David Haywood in their appeal of a June decision by the Natchez Board of Aldermen that effectively closed their nightclub, Truth Lounge, located at 719-½ Franklin St.

    The Truth Lounge was forced to close in June 2024 after the Natchez Planning Commission voted 4 to 3 to revoke the special exception to operate it granted the nightclub on March 16, 2023.

    After opening in 2023, neighbors of Truth Lounge routinely complained of loud noise and unruly crowds gathering outside the club, partying and littering nearby parking lots.

    On April 25, 2024, the planning commission, in a 4 to 3 vote, moved to revoke the special exception granted to the Truth Lounge.

    Banks and Haywood appealed that decision to the Board of Aldermen, who voted 3 to 2 on June 18, 2024, to leave the planning commission’s decision in place.

    On June 28, 2024, Banks and Haywood appealed the Board of Aldermen’s decision to the Sixth District Circuit Court.

    Also, Monday, Terris C. Harris of The Cochran Firm in Jackson filed a motion opposing the city’s request for a stay with the court and sought clarification on Drake’s decision.

    That clarification was sought because Banks and Haywood said they were twice denied a license to operate their business, once on Friday and again on Monday morning.

    Drake issued an amended decision on Monday afternoon: “The decision of the Board of Aldermen to ratify the Planning Commission’s revocation of the Truth Lounge special

    exception is hereby reversed and rendered. Further, the decision of the Planning Commission to revoke the Plaintiffs’ special exception was issued without legal authority and is therefore void

    and has no legal effect.”

    Drake said the argument city attorneys used did not apply to her decision as an appeals judge in the case.

    Rickey Banks said he was issued the new business privilege license just before 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

    The post Judge denies city’s request for stay of Truth Lounge decision; owners issued business license appeared first on Mississippi’s Best Community Newspaper.

    This article was written by The Natchez Democrat. To view the original article on the Natchez Democrat’s site, Click Here