Week in Vicksburg

Published 12:00 am Sunday, October 18, 2009

A mixed bag of temperatures was on tap for the week and included daytime highs ranging from the 80s and mid 60s early in the week to an even 70 degrees by week’s end. Overnight lows varied as well, ranging from around 60 to the mid- 70s throughout the week. Rain fell every day; the week’s total was just over 4 inches.

The Mississippi River dropped from 22.8 to 21.3 feet, where it remained for two days before climbing quickly up to 30.8 feet. Its rise was expected to continue, as forecasters predicted a reading of 34.2 feet for today.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen discussed repealing an ordinance passed last year that restricted alcohol sales at grocery and convenience stores during what was supposed to have been a hearing concerning a proposed downtown nightclub. Concern has grown over residents driving across the bridge into Louisiana because of the lack of alcohol sales 24 hours per day. Vicksburg Police Chief Walter Armstrong said he would not expect an increase in crime if restrictions on alcohol sales were lifted.

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Rachel Thomas was crowned the 2009 St. Aloysius homecoming queen. St. Al won the homecoming football game vs. Salem, 34-0.

Following the death of developer James Hamilton, who had agreed to maintain the Tate Family Cemetery, responsibility for the old graveyard’s care has been thrown into limbo. The cemetery, dating back to the early 1900s, is off South Frontage Road near El Sombrero restaurant and Wingate by Wyndham hotel.

The terminal at the Vicksburg Municipal Airport remains in a gutted state following a renovation approved last year by then-mayor Laurence Leyens. The work is being done “inhouse” with a building maintenance crew from the city, and current mayor Paul Winfield said getting a crew there on a consistent basis has been a struggle.

Warren County received only $328.80 more during the fiscal year just ended than it did during the previous year from casinos despite a fifth facility opening in Vicksburg. Figures released by County Administrator John Smith indicate government borrowing may be necessary to pave roads, pay employee health benefits and pay down debts.

The colorful North Washington home of the Rev. H.D. and Margaret Dennis, once Margaret’s Grocery, will be taken over by Cool Springs M.B. Church following the death of Mrs. Dennis on Oct. 5. The church hopes to preserve the “Bible castle,” a red, pink and yellow facility decorated with Bible verses, sculptures and scrap iron.

Mayor Paul Winfield threw his support behind a proposed lounge above longtime downtown eatery Burger Village. The proposal had initially identified the business as a bar or nightclub but, because a new application lists the place as a lounge and grill, it can be allowed downtown if 60 percent of revenue is generated through food sales.

Two of three candidates for justice court in the county’s southern district say they will draw on their respective law enforcement and legal experience to handle cases of domestic violence, the topic of a forum organized by the Episcopal Church Women of The Church the Holy Trinity, Episcopal. Incumbent Jeff Crevitt and attorney Lisa Anglin Counts reiterated years of working with such cases, as they answered questions on the system’s handling of the issue. Candidate Sally Sheffield McDaniel was unable to attend the forum due to illness.

Local deaths during the week were Stuart Donovan Proctor, Alva Cook, Danuills Jermale Qualls, Martha Valentine Wesley and Elizabeth C. Allen.