A crest forecast at flood stage was predicted for Vicksburg on Feb. 9 as the Mississippi started a sharp rise. The week began with a reading of 21.8 feet and had surged to 33 feet by week’s end. The forecast was for a reading of 35.8 feet today.

Otherwise, the weather was temperate, even spring-like leading into the weekend. Highs approached 70 degrees, hitting that mark one day. No lows below 41 were recorded until rain and cold air moved in at week’s end.

Police Chief Walter Armstrong believes a ring of out-of-town thieves is responsible for a series of 40 recent auto burglaries, with the culprits taking advantage of those who leave their vehicles unlocked.

The idea of building a metal warehouse to store 940 barricades purchased with grant money gave way to buying two trailers for that purpose. The city projects the expense will be about $10,000.

A year after a financial implosion and state takeover, operations at Green Acres Memorial Park were running smoothly with Vicksburg businessman Harry Sharp as the appointed manager. The legal steps were undertaken after the state discovered required reserve accounts for the private cemetery had nearly been emptied.

A resident of Starlight Drive posted a notice, expressing concern about drug activity in the Enchanted Hills residential area and calling on neighbors to rally against traffickers.

Although one stage will be used, the musical lineup for Riverfest 2010 will be more varied than ever, organizers said. This year’s event will be April 16-17.

Acting without Mayor Paul Winfield present, Vicksburg’s aldermen approved demolition of 40 dilapidated and abandoned structures. Winfield, who had backed a moratorium on demolitions, said he would have supported one demolition order, but did not know about the rest.

Deborah Ederington of Sherman Avenue Elementary and Dani Kay Thomas of Vicksburg Catholic School were tapped as educators of the year by the Chamber of Commerce and received checks for $1,000. Honorees are nominated by their fellow teachers and interviewed by a panel of retired teachers.

John Wayne Jabour, owner of The Hub men’s store and a leader in many community and civic endeavors, died. He was 67.

A 17-member audit team found the Vicksburg Warren School District is meeting the needs of special education students.

Joseph Michael Battalio has been inducted into the Scholars in the Arts and Sciences group at Mississippi State University.

The first quarter of the fiscal year was a tough one for the Vicksburg Convention Center, the contract manager said. Bookings did increase for Vicksburg Auditorium, also managed by VenuWorks.

NRoute director Eveyln Bumpers said benches at bus stops are beginning to pay dividends, netting the contract minimum of $200 per month for the heavily subsidized transit system.

Arson was suspected in a fire that damaged or destroyed six structures near 1007 Second North Street.

Grand jurors declined to indict Tyler Smith, 51, who had faced a capital murder charge in the shooting death of former Assistant Police Chief Walter Cole. Authorities said witnesses had changed their stories.

District Attorney Ricky Smith said immunity had been granted to former high school basketball star Sha’Kayla Caples in exchange for her testimony against others charged with her in a series of armed robberies and, separately, in a homicide case.

School trustees said work will begin immediately on an addition at Vicksburg Junior High and in the summer on an addition at Warrenton.

In addition to John Wayne Jabour, deaths during the week included David. C. Bosarge, Gladys Marie Garner Barnette, Patsy R. Russell, Katie M. Osborne, Jane Noble Brown, Ruth Gaunt Henry, Catherine Adams and Mamie Booth Redd.