Adams County supervisors told a crowded room of residents that they intend to cut property taxes next year, but urged taxpayers to immediately challenge this year’s bills if they believe their properties were overvalued. Supervisors said they did not anticipate the full impact of the budget they approved in September for the fiscal year that began in October. They said miscommunications with Tax Assessor Larry Hughes regarding increased property values contributed to the higher tax burden now facing residents.
Entergy reports continued progress restoring power in northeast Louisiana following recent severe weather. According to the company, more than 118,000 customers have had service restored, representing over 90 percent of those affected. Crews are contending with extensive damage to the electrical grid, including nearly 1,000 broken utility poles. Vegetation issues are causing additional setbacks, with branches repeatedly falling and disrupting repaired lines. Entergy expects full restoration by February 4.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves announced that five additional deaths have been attributed to the state’s severe winter weather, bringing the total to 21. The newly reported deaths occurred in Yazoo, Lafayette, Benton, and Panola counties. Utility crews continue working to restore power, and 41 counties have submitted 571 requests for assistance. The state is deploying personnel and resources to affected areas.
Five people have been arrested following a joint child exploitation investigation conducted by Louisiana State Police, the Covington Police Department, and the FBI. State police arrested two men, identified as 26-year-old Kevin Pierre Folsom and 44-year-old Mayfield Lee of Metairie, who allegedly traveled to St. Tammany Parish to meet a juvenile. Covington Police arrested three additional individuals.
The Mississippi River at Natchez-Vidalia is at 15.41 feet and rising.
