May 25, 2008

Highs covered a fairly wide range as summer conditions started to stabilize. The range was 76 degrees to 92. Lows fluctuated as well, but were in the mid-60s most nights. Heavy rain was recorded one day and measured 0.63 inch.

The Mississippi River reversed a steady decline in stages and started a slow rise, but was not expected to reach flood stage (43 feet) again. The river started the week at 41.7 feet and ended the week at 42 The predicted stage for today was 42.2 feet.

Vicksburg National Military Park counts revealed admissions almost on par with 2006 but well below 2007.

The Rev. Patrick Farrell, pastor of St. Paul Catholic Church since 2003, has been elevated to the honorary designation of monsignor.

The Vicksburg High baseball Gators had to settle for the trophy of North State 4A Champions after losing two games for the overall state title.

Quietly, a new city court devoted to code enforcement is making a big difference in the appearance of homes and businesses. Mack Varner, judge of the court, said the point is to work as patiently as possible with property owners making upgrades required by law. Eligible people are also guided to low-interest loan programs.

Matt Farrell was named an assistant vice president at Trustmark bank.

St. Aloysius eighth-graders prepared for global finals in Destination Imagination competition after winning a state title in the event that focuses on teamwork and creativity.

Vicksburg High baseball coach Jamie Creel confirmed he will continue in his position next season, when the Gators will make another run at the school’s first-ever state baseball championship. Warren Central baseball coach Randy Broome will move to Vicksburg High as an assistant principal.

Vicksburg officials agreed to allow an elevated sign to be replaced at an Exxon station on Halls Ferry Road.

Sgt. Major James O. Bowman was identified as the keynote speaker for the city’s annual Memorial Day program coordinated by veterans’ groups and to be held at Vicksburg Auditorium.

Marshall Ezelle Sanders, a Vicksburg native who has practiced law here for 29 years, was named in a three-count federal indictment and accused of not filing federal tax returns since 1994. Sanders, 57, faces up to 15 years in prison, a $300,000 fine and back taxes and penalties on a reported $3.4 million in income.

A prime tract of land on U.S. 61 North will apparently be a used car lot. Old vehicles were being stockpiled there and state officials said a fence will be required if the project is termed a junkyard. No county zoning exists in the area.

To the relief of more than 300 employees and others who work in support jobs, such as providing raw materials, officials of International Paper’s mill at Redwood said a boiler will be repaired and operations will resume there in six months. A May 3 explosion at the plant killed one and injured 17.

Graduations were held for all public and private high schools during the week. Among those walking to the stage was Chelsea Page, a blind student who credited teachers, family and friends with helping her succeed.

Vicksburg Main Street officials announced a new cooperative alliance with the board of Riverfest.

Mayor Laurence Leyens said he will seek a third term.

Aquila Group will apparently pursue a deal to manage city-developed recreation facilities to be built on 50 acres of public land off Fisher Ferry Road.

Deaths during the week included John Green Jr., Mary Louise Klinger, Demetrius Darnell Ollie, James Wesley Cook Jr., Alice Nell Pettway, Lula Mae Morris Wardley, Myrtice Mae Anderson, Mary Mann Lee, Savannah Lee Banks, Gideon Washington Funches Sr., Maryetta Dennis Warnock, Elsie Benner Brown and Irma Howard Hintson.