January 27, 2008

Highs most days during the week in Vicksburg were in the mid-40s with a high of 52 recorded one day. Lows varied more widely, ranging from 19 degrees to 41. Rain was recorded on four days during the period, but the total was less than 1 inch.

Levels of the Mississippi River varied daily during the week, including a swing of nearly 2 feet in one day, but there was little change for the week overall. The gauge at Vicksburg read 22.5 feet at the beginning of the week and 24.9 feet at week’s end. The forecast was for a reading of 22.9 feet today. Initial reports for the year showed slight declines in tax revenue from casino operations for December 2007.

State Rep. George Flaggs Jr. was assigned to chair the House Banking Committee and to serve on nine others. Freshman Rep. Alex Monsour, got no chairmanships, but was tapped for four key committee seats.

Bond will not be allowed for construction company owner Ronnie Lampkin, accused of violence against his estranged wife in October and then, while released, again in December. At a hearing, Lampkin testified that Polly Vinzant Lampkin had initiated the trouble.

Rick Gibson will be master of W.H. Stevens Lodge during 2008.

A June performance date in Vicksburg for legendary bluesman B.B. King was announced.

Vicksburg and the Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation identified 10 local structures on the “need-to-be-saved” list. Included were a railroad warehouse on Levee Street and the former Monte Carlo night club on Washington.

Most of the money needed to have toddler Izabella Embry undergo surgery to allow her to speak more clearly has been raised. Her mother, Mary Moll, has been performing manual labor and drew the attention of others who wanted to help.

Two fires destroyed homes, one at 909 Locust St. and the other at 10875 Oak Ridge Road.

U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate, a Reagan appointee and the only black federal trial judge in Mississippi, spoke at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast sponsored annually by the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Wingate said more black judges should be appointed to judgeships. Other King Day events included a community program at Vicksburg Auditorium and a downtown parade.

Junior Auxiliary leaders reported plans solidifying a one-week construction period for a playground designed by local children. The innovative area will be downtown near the Art Park and Riverfront Murals.

American Gaming Enterprises CEO Paul “Sonny” Marshall said his company has decided against participating as the casino developer in what would have been the Mississippi Bluffs development and was to include a hotel and golf course. Developer Paul Bunge of Colorado, who owned the 480 acres east and west of Warrenton Road, died in December and city officials said a Jackson law firm has charge of the estate.

A deal was signed for a private group, Aquila, to operate youth baseball and softball league play this year in cooperation with the Vicksburg Baseball Association and Culkin Athletic Association. The move is a major step in Vicksburg exiting management of Halls Ferry Park. Instead, Aquila will serve as the city’s contract operator.

Lucy Young of Warren Central High School and Alisa Harvey of South Park Elementary were honored as teachers of the year by the chamber of commerce.

Speaking in Vicksburg, Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant said Vicksburg is an ideal tourist destination and proof of why the state needs to place more emphasis on nurturing the tourism industry.

Icy roads contributed to morning wrecks Friday after freezing precipitation glazed bridges and overpasses. No injuries were reported.

Deaths during the week included George R. Harrison, Gertrude Jones Terrell, Millie Mildred Hall Strong, Eunice T. Gargaro, Frances Dillard Wright, Alta Mae Klaus, William Howard Lewis Sr. and Urbon Thomas Raines Jr.