A marker honoring the life of George Metcalfe was unveiled yesterday in Natchez at the spot where he survived a car bombing carried out by Klansmen 61 years ago. Authorities said no one has ever been charged in connection with the bombing. Metcalfe is credited with helping reactivate the Natchez branch of the NAACP and adding about 8,000 Black voters to the rolls. Metcalfe survived another 24 years after the bombing and died in 1989.
In Vermilion Parish, authorities say the reward for information leading to a conviction in the killing of a bald eagle last December has increased. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Corporal Stuart Guillory said the reward is now up to $20,000, including $13,000 provided by the Center of Biological Diversity, along with $3,500 from the Center of Biological Diversity, $2,500 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and $1,000 from Louisiana Operation Game Thief. Guillory said the killing is an intentional act and that killing a bald eagle is a federal crime.
Authorities also report that a man accused of threatening to blow up the Holly Springs utility department has been charged. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Office said William Robert Pruitt allegedly called the utility company Sunday about the restoration of his power and threatened to blow up the utility during that call. He was charged Monday with false reporting of a bomb and arrested the next day. Authorities said Pruitt was granted $2,500 bond this week and is currently out on bond awaiting court proceedings.
In New Orleans, the crew of Dolly announced plans for a celebration of life second line honoring Dolly Parton. According to Sarah Post with the crew of Dolly, the organization was founded in 2020 by a group of women who dressed up like Parton for parades during Carnival season, with membership opening up two years later. Post said membership reached 178 in its first year and now exceeds 700. She said the organization will continue to work with Dolly’s Imagination Library to provide books to children in New Orleans. The celebration is scheduled for September 5 at 9-5.
The Mississippi River at Natchez-Vidalia was reported at 30.14 feet and rising.
