The Week in Vicksburg
Published 12:00 am Thursday, December 27, 2001
Week of December 17, 2001
Temperatures were cool with at least one night at 32 degrees. Days were clear with highs ranging to 79 degrees. Rainfall was reported on two days and amounted to 0.71 inch.
The Mississippi River was on a sharp rise and jumped from a reading of 28.0 feet on the Vicksburg gauge to 33.7 feet by week’s end. Forecasters said the rise should continue and the river should be at 36 feet today.
Members of First Baptist Church continued their presentation of God’s Christmas Gift for the second year, a large outdoor display with live actors and animals depicting the lift of Christ.
Chick and Peggy Warner returned an antique sled to their Glenwood Circle lawn once again in a Christmas holiday tradition that dates to the 1970s. Warner said the sled was used by his family in Connecticut in the early 20th century.
Security officers were reported guarding Juanita “Nita” Johnston as she recovers at ParkView Regional Medical Center. She was found with severe injuries near a mobile home on Hinds County land owned by a former employer, Warren County Judge Jerry Hosemann.
The Mississippi Legislative Black Caucus conducted a public forum in Vicksburg. Sen. Willie Simmons, D-Cleveland, said if Mississippi’s economy does not improve, the Legislature may have to raise taxes or cut programs.
Contractors working for the City of Vicksburg demolished five of 10 buildings approved for tearing down Nov. 26. The activity is part of Mayor Laurence Leyens’ drive to improve the appearance of the city.
Warren County supervisors announced plans to discuss how to redraw the voting district lines at its final December meeting. An advertisement from the board also said supervisors would receive additional public comment.
After coming up thousands short on its fund raising drive for 2002, the United Way of West Central Mississippi received a surprise in the form of an unexpected $40,000 from the Combined Federal Campaign. The board of directors added the dollars to the amounts member agencies will receive in 2002.
Otis Headley, the general manager of The Vicksburg Post for 25 years, announced he planned to retire with the end of 2001.
Magnolia Manor, an apartment building specializing in independent living for the elderly, celebrated its 20th anniversary. A group of five residents celebrated having lived there since it opened.
A special fund was set up at Trustmark National Bank to help the financial situation of Juanita “Nita” Johnston. Her family members said they don’t expect her to be released from the hospital any time soon.
Supervisors voted 3-2 to have a third public hearing on seven plans that have been offered on ways to redraw the county’s voting district lines. District 3 Supervisor Charles Selmon made the motion and got District 1 Supervisor David McDonald and District 2 Supervisor Michael Mayfield to vote for the 6 p.m. Jan. 7 hearing.
Vicksburg elected officials again talked about a sign ordinance they hope to adopt. Anne Daigle, community planner, said the ordinance will be ready whenever officials set a hearing date.
Mayor Laurence Leyens and the city’s two aldermen wrote to Warner Byrum, owner of Battlefield Inn, about what they termed negative aspects in an advertising campaign he’s running. The ads list problem areas and call on the community to act to increase tourism.
People from Mississippi River Trail met with local officials again proposing the old U.S. 80 Bridge be turned into part of a biking trail along the Mississippi River. Landy Teller, a local member, said the group wants to promote economic development.
The Vicksburg Civitan Club donated a flag to Blanche Milsaps to be flown on the Old U.S. 80 Bridge in honor of Peter Eargle. Eargle is a member of the Mississippi National Guard serving as part of the peacekeeping force in Bosnia and is the son of the late Bill Eargle, a long-time Civitan member.
The family of Juanita “Nita” Johnston said they fear the former court reporter for Warren County Judge Jerry Hosemann may not walk again. Johnston was found injured on land Hosemann owns in Hinds County and has been in intensive care at ParkView Regional Medical Center since Dec. 6.
Warren County Coroner John Thomason buried the remains of a man found Nov. 30 in brush near the old U.S. 80 Bridge over the Mississippi River. Although officials thought they had identified him, his name remains unknown, so dental and tissue samples were retained to aid identification.
Officials at the Warren County Vicksburg Public Library announced they have installed a computerized system so patrons with Internet access can determine what materials are available. The new system even allows library patrons to place a hold on material they want to check out.
Local deaths during the week were Andrew L. Washington, Robert Lee Brown, Louise Wooley, Blackman R. “B.R.” Harried, Lizzie Mitchell Edwards, Henry M. Jarmon, Iris Elizabeth Lloyd, Leonard Selmon, Magnolia Garner and Carrie Harris.