June 1, 2008

Though most high temperatures throughout the week measured in the upper 80s, the city did see a high of 91 degrees one day. Overnight lows remained steady in the lower 70s.

Despite more than 2 inches of rain falling in the area, the Mississippi River continued to drop ever-so-slightly at the Vicksburg gauge. It was expected to continue in the same pattern, receding just a few inches daily. Forecasters predicted a reading of 40.9 by today.

City of Vicksburg customers are preparing to see a fourth increase in natural gas rates this year.

Foam Packaging backed out of its half of a deal to purchase sections of a 4.25-mile stretch of rail line from Kansas City Southern. Foam packaging officials said a five-year transition period to have rail lines put in the company’s name made the planned purchase an “impractical decision.”

The initial phase of a $100 million expansion at Ameristar Casino was being completed by workers in time for a grand opening. The project, one of the largest and most expensive construction endeavors in Vicksburg’s history, includes an eight-story parking garage, live poker room and expanded gaming floor.

The number of people using public transportation in Vicksburg is on the rise. NRoute director Evelyn Bumpers said the minibus service is expanding and no budget alterations have been made due to gas prices or cost increases.

About 10 Purple Heart veterans from the Vicksburg area were expected to gather at the Battlefield Inn for a convention consisting of Mississippi’s members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. David Allen Pugh, a 25-year-old sergeant and squad leader from Vicksburg and stationed in Iraq, was awaiting confirmation of final approval to receive the medal after suffering injuries to his neck and back from shrapnel during a March attack.

Pemberton’s Headquarters opened to the public for the first time as a permanent asset of the National Park Service.

Amy Lynn and Jessica Leanne Goodson, 19-year-old twin daughters of Ricky and Elaine Goodson, graduated high school under the direction of their parents. They completed their last five years of education as homeschooled students.

A Central Mississippi Medical Center official announced that Dr. Paul “Bill” Pierce III will leave his post as an internist at Vicksburg Clinic and open a new clinic here in the former Sack & Save on South Frontage Road. The new clinic, expected to open in mid-July, will offer mainly primary-care services initially.

The body of 15-year-old Sharonda L. “Na-Na” Brown was found on a Yazoo County roadside after being reported missing by her family several days earlier. Though authorities would not confirm a suspect, the teen’s family said James L. Lumpkin, 46, was in custody.

Heavy rains caused areas of the county to experience flash flooding, though no long-term effects were expected. An isolated storm dumped about 2 inches of rain within a couple of hours in most areas.

Though more Vicksburg funds were expected to be donated to this year’s Miss Mississippi Pageant, city officials urged the public to view the money as an investment.

Area law enforcement officers gathered to search a 20-mile radius around Yazoo County for evidence in the disappearance and homicide of Sharonda L. Brown, but found nothing.

The city’s newest floodwall mural was unveiled in honor of the beautification efforts of Vicksburg garden club members through the years. Planters Hall, the building at 822 Main St. that signified the efforts of garden club members, was also recognized on the mural.

Local deaths during the week were Henry Lee Bell, Frank Mozingo, Brenda Kay Bailey, Lee Spears Kearns, Amos Johnson, Evron B. Burton, Barbara Anne Reagan, Molly Mae Haynes Brown, Sharonda LeShay Brown, Jean Van Slyke, Bertha Mae Holland and Billy Ray Hackler.