A warming trend led to better weather each day of the week, right up until another cold front blasted in. Highs ranged from 50 degrees early in the period and topped out at 77 degrees. Lows ranged from 25 degrees to 60. Rain was recorded one day, but was barely measurable.

The Mississippi River rose on the Vicksburg gauge early in the week before beginning to fall. The week began at 28.3 feet and ended at 29.4 feet. The forecast for today was 28.2 feet.

A fire in an apartment at The Vicksburg sent two people to the hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation.

Vicksburg High’s basketball Gators came back from a 14-point deficit to defeat Callaway and earn a berth in the state championships.

Thousands of people decked Washington Street for a Mardi Gras parade, one of Vicksburg’s newest traditions that is fast becoming one of the most popular.

George Washington’s birthday was marked with a feature article by Gordon Cotton outlining the first president’s ties to Vicksburg.

Firefighters were summoned to the International Paper Company mill at Redwood where a small fire there was contained in a support building.

Vicksburg officials appointed four new members to the Vicksburg Housing Authority board. The changes came on the heels of a VHA meeting at which Police Chief Tommy Moffett told the former members they should monitor VHA business more closely, not relying completely on James Stirgus Sr., 22-year executive director, completely. Moffett and Stirgus have clashed openly since the December arrest of a VHA manager on drug-trafficking charges.

A spokesman for Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said an information session for clients of Green Acres Memorial Park is still forthcoming, although a date could not yet be set. The cemetery is under court jurisdiction due to funds missing from a trust account.

Jimmie and Angela Williams opened a new store that will offer men’s and women’s clothing, accessories and scented oils.

Aaron Tippin, who has five gold and one platinum recording, signed on as one of two headliners for Riverfest 2009. The country music artist will perform on the second night, April 18.

Dr. John Ellis Price, a native of Vicksburg, was tapped to become the first president of the newly created University of North Texas at Dallas.

Matthew Nash became the third sibling convicted in the June 2007 slaying of Justin Maurice Harris. The murder sentence carries a sentence of life without parole. Earlier, a half-brother and a step-brother were convicted in the revenge slaying. Trials for another brother and a cousin are pending. Defense Attorney Eugene Perrier said the verdict will be appealed.

The price of natural gas will go back near 2007 levels for City of Vicksburg customers. The rate had surged from $1.76 to $8.26 per 1,000 cubic feet. The new rate will be $1.89.

St. Stanislaus shooters were more accurate than Vicksburg High’s as the Gators were eliminated in the first round of state basketball championship play. The final score was 45-32.

Wallace Goza, who lives on U.S. 80, reported spotting purple martins near his home. The birds migrate from South America to nest here and so are harbingers of spring.

Rex TV and Appliances manager said the store will close soon and reopen under new ownership. Appliances will still be offered at the Iowa Avenue location, but it wasn’t known whether televisions would be stocked.

The Miss Mississippi Pageant will get a $15,000 boost to support its telecast through the purchase of ads by the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau. Executive Director Bill Seratt said the July pageant provides a great audience to promote tourism.

Vicksburg native and acclaimed painter Andrew Bucci remained shy about the recognition, but accepted a Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts.

Warren County supervisors were told a committee to help guide the U.S. Census effort locally in 2010 will soon be formed.

Deaths during the week included Essie Mae Newsome, Lawrence Ernest Krueger, Bea Edwards, James A. Keen, Rosetta Casey, Ernest Leon Jordan, Zella R. Alexander, Bettye Jean Bailey, Laura Sims Allen, Paul Ezell, John Willie Jones Sr., Jewell Bell Rook, James H. Williams and Dalastine R. Wright.