January 22, 2006.

High temperatures remained steady throughout the week in Vicksburg, ranging from the mid 50s to upper 60s. Overnight lows were quite varied, with mid 30s, mid 40s and mid 50s all recorded through the week. Just under 2 inches of rain was measured for the week.

The Mississippi River continued to rise, moving from 12.8 to 15.2 feet on the vicksburg gauge. Forecasters weren’t expecting much river movement over the weekend, however, and predicted a reading of 15.3 feet today.

Vicksburg officials are allowing natural gas customers more time to pay their bills, extending the maximum grace period for payment from seven to 15 days beyond the cut-off date. Water and gas representatives said the number of people requesting a rereading of their meter has increased after bills soared as temps dropped.

Nine business burglaries within three days could lead to an increased patrol presence along the Interstate 20 corridor between Indiana Avenue and Halls Ferry Road. Break-ins have been reported in shopping centers and strips along North Frontage and Halls Ferry roads and Indiana Avenue.

The body of Elizabeth Williams, 72, was discovered in her home at 1508 Greenhill Road following several unanswered telephone calls to her house. Sheriff Martin Pace confirmed that her death is being investigated as a homicide. Her 1997 Chevrolet Malibu was also missing from her home, but was later recovered outside a motel on U.S. 80.

Thieves made off with at least $30,000 in sporting goods after puncturing the roof of Sports Center Inc. on Pemberton Square Boulevard. Two holes were cut through the roof, and a hole had been drilled through a wall near the rear of the store.

Chief Judge Leslie D. King of the Mississippi Court of Appeals was the guest speaker for about 300 people at a breakfast marking the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In his speech, the judge focused on the progressive removal of legal barriers to black education.

Speaking at a later MLK Day celebration, Brig. Gen. Robert Crear challenged his audience of about 300 to carry forward the ability to draw strength from everyday acts of courage. Crear commands the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi Valley Division.

An autopsy performed at Mississippi Mortuary Services in Rankin County concluded that a blow to the head killed Elizabeth Williams, whose body was found by her niece and niece’s husband following unanswered phone calls. Williams’ sister, Katherine Poole, said she believes robbery was the motive.

A temporary contract with Compass Facility Management was approved by the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau board of directors at a special meeting. The plan is for Compass to, within 45 days, develop a management plan to propose to the board. The firm will also be allowed access to the VCVB records.

A sagging ceiling at the E-911 dispatch center gave way, exposing wires in the ceiling and allowing a slow drip of rainwater into the work area housed in the basement of the Warren County Courthouse. A new building is being sought by center director Geoffrey Greetham, not only because of the leaks but also because of aging equipment and software compatibility problems.

Speaking to members of the Lions Club, Mayor Laurence Leyens reminded citizens to do their part in keeping high gas rates in check. Thermostat management, conservation, insulation and storm windows may all help keep natural gas bills at a minimum, he said.

Andra Bonelli and Lynn Baker were chosen Outstanding School Educators of the Year at the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce annual meeting. Bonelli, a gifted-education teacher at Beechwood, garnered the award for elementary instruction, and Baker, a Spanish teacher and guidance counselor at Porters Chapel Academy, received the award for secondary instruction.

Local deaths during the week were Jennie A. Blake, Lilian M. Brock, William H. Bunch Jr., Ralph Joseph Anthony, Geneva McGowan, Henriene W. Hayes, John Earl &#8220Motor Mouth” Watt, Creasie Elizabeth Muirhead Williams, Freddie Lee Hall, Louis W. Lane, Lesta T. Lee Jr., Shirley Ann Curry, Willardean Weekley Harper, Alice Luckett, Mozelle Prewitt Rutherford, Hazel Williams Vaughn, Florence T. Dennis, John Andrew &#8220Jack” Helgason Jr., Barbara Gilmore Martin and William Grant Mullens.