Warm temperatures and clear skies dominated the weather over the week, with temperatures staying in the low to mid-80s, rising into the low 90s by the end of the week.
The Mississippi River was at 31.98 feet May 17. It was down to 31.03 feet Friday. Flood stage is 43 feet.
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The Warren County Board of Supervisors removed Circuit Clerk Shelly Ashley-Palmertree from office and named an interim clerk after investigators from the State Auditor’s Office revealed she had been living in Madison County since July 2013. Investigators produced five documents subpoenaed by the auditor’s office in its investigation into Palmertree’s residency. One was an affidavit of residence for the Madison County School District signed by the clerk that gave a Canton address. Another was a lease purchase agreement for a house in Canton and two utility bills.
The board voted 4-1 to name retired retail manager Greg Peltz, 66, as interim clerk. Pelz, who was sworn in Wednesday, will serve until a clerk is chosen in a special election, which is expected to be set for Nov. 3.
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The Board of Mayor and Aldermen named 11 city residents to an ad hoc committee to review the city’s recreation program and prepare recommendations for a five-year recreation plan. The group is expected to give its report by Dec. 31.
• In another city matter, city officials and officials with the Vicksburg Housing Authority are working to recover $90,000 in past due sewer and garbage fees owed by a majority of the residents living at VHA’s Cedars Estates development and develop a billing system that will allow VHA to pay the fees and be reimbursed by the residents.
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Circuit Judge Isadore Patrick set December trial dates in Warren County Circuit Court for two murder cases involving three people. Patrick set a Dec. 8 trial for Morris Davis, 36, and Anthony Reed, 44, who are charged with murder the Dec. 7 shooting death of Michael Robinson and aggravated assault for wounding Charles Brooks and Wade Carter Jr. during a fight at the American Legion Post 3 hall. Patrick set a Dec. 1 trial for Melvin Hare, who is charged with depraved heart murder in the stabbing death of Roy Clark.
• In another court matter, Patrick set an Aug. 25 trial for Rodriquez Lenez Lyons, 20, Tierre Jante Hill, 23, and Deante Thomas, 17, who are charged with two counts each of attempted murder, two counts of armed robbery and one count of burglary of a dwelling in a home invasion attack in which they shot an elderly man and his wife in the head with a rifle. The couple survived.
Patrick denied bail for three men accused of attempted murder for shooting an elderly couple during a home invasion. He said he would consider another bond hearing if the trial is not held on Aug. 25.
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Bowmar and Bovina Elementary schools were recognized by the Franklin Covey Organization, a Utah-based global consulting firm specializing in leadership training, as “Lighthouse Schools” for their efforts in implementing schoolwide behavioral programs.
• In other school news, the Vicksburg Warren School District received a four-year, federal reimbursement grant under the Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 to essentially provide two free meals a day for students in elementary and junior high students. The grant amount is based on enrollment.
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Local deaths included Irma Welch Chappell, Tommie Grace Fields, James Denver Ainsworth Sr., Tamara Annette Washington, Larry Paul Montgomery, R.D. Savannah, Bobbie Lee Sanders, Martha Sue Warren, Gail Marie Smith.