The Adams County Board of Supervisors split Monday on whether to extend the application period for the county administrator position. Supervisor Wes Middleton proposed giving applicants an additional two weeks, but the motion failed on a 2-2 vote. Board President Angela Hutchin said the board should move forward with selecting a replacement for current county administrator Mitzi Kahn, whose resignation becomes effective July 8. With the application window now closed, eight candidates have applied for the position, which carries a listed salary of $100,000 per year.
Forecasters warn that heavy rainfall throughout the week could lead to flash flooding across the region. LSU Health climatologist Barry Keim said a stalled cold front interacting with a Gulf disturbance is expected to produce daily rainfall, mainly between noon and early evening. Some areas could receive between 5 and 10 inches of rain, with Tuesday and Wednesday anticipated to be the period of greatest concern. Keim noted the rainfall could help end drought conditions in Louisiana.
Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced the completion of Operation Liberty Strike, a four-day initiative led by the state’s fentanyl strike force. The operation resulted in 28 felony arrests, 12 misdemeanor arrests, six executed search warrants, and the seizure of a half-pound of fentanyl, one and a half pounds of marijuana, 12 ounces of methamphetamine, and eight firearms. The enforcement effort took place June 3–4 and June 10–11 in Harrison County, Biloxi, Picayune, and Lamar County.
Researchers at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical reported that severely obese individuals are receiving fewer surgeries despite rising obesity rates. Study authors said obesity typically increases the need for surgical procedures due to related health conditions. They also noted that many patients are not receiving appropriate treatment because of limited access to tools needed for obesity care. Many insurance plans do not cover bariatric surgery or GLP-1 medications, and legislation intended to expand coverage in Louisiana has not yet shown significant results. Researchers emphasized the need for improved access to treatment.
The Mississippi River at Natchez was recorded at 31.89 feet and falling.
