A week that started off fair and fine ended cold and wet as winter declined to relinquish its hold. Highs earlier in the period were in the upper 70s or lower 80s before  a rainy cold front moved in. Lows ranged from 64 degrees down to 41. More than one-third inch of rain fell as the transition started.

The Mississippi River had a steady week on the Vicksburg gauge, starting at 25.7 feet and ending at 24.1 feet. The forecast was for a reading of 23.2 feet.

The qualifying period ended with South Ward Alderman Sid Beauman and North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield assured of third and second terms, respectively. While they attracted no opponents, Mayor Laurence Leyens will have rivals and face one of four people seeking the Democratic nomination.

D.C. Parker, a longtime local jeweler who was well-liked and respected, died suddenly. He was 59.

Commissioners of the Vicksburg Housing Authority, four of whom were appointed just weeks ago, ruled that Jim Stirgus Sr., executive director, was within his power, to fire nine-year manager Rita Cutley. She pledged a wrongful discharge suit against the VHA, the City of Vicksburg and Stirgus. Interim Chairman Jay Kilroy said existing personnel policies were followed, but will be reviewed.

Jeff Kent of Cleveland, a running coach at Delta State University, won the men’s division of the 30th edition of the Run Thru History. Winner of the women’s division in the main event, a 10-kilometer run, was Keri Frazier of Vicksburg.

Vicksburg and Warren County officials were told they were in line for four infrastructure projects, immediately, with money from a $787 billion federal economic stimulus bill. Officials remain hopeful for other money, including $25 million for a new county jail.

At a public hearing, an official of North Carolina-based Landmark Development Group said tax credits will be essential to whether the group exercises its options to buy the former Carr Central High School for conversion to 54 rent-assisted apartments. The building, empty since 1979, is now owned by Vicksburg developer Webber Brewer.

A man with a gun robbed a clerk at the Payless Shoe Source on Clay Street.

City permits were issued to tear down the former Speed Street School. The structure is the last 19th century school building in Vicksburg and has not been used for students since 1940.

Organizers said the farmers’ market initiated last spring and summer was so successful it will be back. Opening day is June 6.

The third of four planned Blues Trail historic markers in the city was unveiled. At the foot of Jackson Street hill on Washington, the marker explains the North-South corridor was formerly part of U.S. 61, the most famous “music highway” in the world.

Attorney Marshall Sanders was sentenced to a total of 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to two misdemeanors related to his failure to file income tax returns. Sanders, 57, was also ordered to pay more than $1 million in restitution.

In a major compromise, about 50 homeowners flooded out in 2008 will be allowed to move back into their homes eventually so long as they pledge never again to seek flood relief payments. Normally, structures covered by the National Flood Insurance Plan damaged at more than half their value, may not be repaired or rebuilt unless raised above known flood levels.

The first career home run for St. Aloysius player Pierson Waring was memorable. It was a grand slam.

Clarence Carter was announced as the Friday night headliner for Riverfest. Saturday night’s event will close with Aaron Tippin.

In addition to D.C. Parker, deaths during the week included William M. Landes Sr., James Edward Goldsmith, Samuel A. Norris and Lawrence Morson Jr.