July 27, 2008

Almost a half-inch of rain was recorded one day, with that shower becoming the first official rainfall for Vicksburg in July. A normal July has more than 2.5 inches and so far this year the gauge has recorded 12 inches less than in a normal year.

Temperatures continued to be seasonal, meaning hot. A record was established one day with a 98-degree reading. Lows were in the 70s.

The Mississippi River, higher than normal all year, began the week at 36.8 feet on the Vicksburg gauge. It had fallen to 29.5 feet by week’s end with a forecast of 25.9 feet for today.

The arrival of pumps for a new Kroger fuel station was greeted enthusiastically because it signals the return of discount gasoline to the Vicksburg market. The station could open in October.

Sens. Roger Wicker and Thad Cochran, both Mississippi Republicans, wrote a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency seeking an explanation of the legality of the EPA’s pending veto of the proposed Yazoo Backwater pumping station at Steele Bayou. The senators want to know how the EPA believes it can cancel a project approved by Congress, which, the senators say, has more power than an executive agency.

St. James M.B. Church No. 1 held an old-fashioned outdoor baptism at its church on Adams Street.

A wreck on U.S. 61 North at Freeman Road was fatal to 25-year-old Anthony Paul Westcott of Rankin County.

Sightings of Louisiana black bear are reported on the increase in the Warren County area. Wildlife biologists estimate that 100 members of the species are now living in Mississippi.

The United Way of West Central Mississippi kicked off its Pacesetter Division drive. The overall campaign goal is more than $1.5 million.

Accountant Rusty Hawkins was among 22 Mississippians appointed by Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann to research the efficiency of state corporations with an eye toward making Mississippi’s laws more business-friendly.

Two markers placed on Sherman Avenue to commemorate events in the 1863 Civil War Siege of Vicksburg were moved inside the borders of the Vicksburg National Military Park. Most markers, monuments and memorials are inside the park, but others are located on city and county property.

Vicksburg officials completed their portion of processing applications from 12 homeowners seeking federal buyouts of their property due to repeated flooding. The total cost will be $400,000 once the process is completed.

Initial steps were taken by Vicksburg officials toward closing the rail crossings at Klein and Pearl streets to vehicular traffic.

Owners of the Southeast Supply Header natural gas pipeline gave $75,000 to Warren County in appreciation of efforts to speedily reopen LeTourneau Road after spring flooding. The site is a crucial link in construction of the pipeline.

Retired Vicksburg and Warren County law enforcement officer Walter Cole was found dead in his vehicle, not far from his residence. An examination later revealed Cole, 75, had been shot once in the head. Officers, who remembered their former assistant chief as a good guy, confirmed the case was a homicide and said robbery may have been the motive.

Yorozu Automotive, a supplier to the Nissan plant near Canton, announced a fourth of its workers – 36 people – would be laid off from their plant at Flowers due to decreasing orders.

Christi Bounds announced the closing of Twigs and the end of her successful career as owner of downtown gift shops. She’s moving to the Virgin Islands, she said, and may work in a gift shop, but doesn’t want to own another.

William David Henry of Vicksburg was named to the dean’s honor list at the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry.

Superintendent James Price said the Vicksburg Warren School District will be able to absorb $100,000 in revenue expected from the state for the last school year but not paid. The reason cited for the shortfall was lower sales tax collections statewide.

In addition to Walter Cole, deaths included Eugene Fuller Jr., Ruby Redditt, Alma Jones Evans, Rachel B. Bingham, Reginald George Harris and Shirley Mae Italiano.