Flaggs to recommend allowing the bar at LD’s Kitchen to reopen

On Tuesday morning, Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs Jr. plans to recommend to the city’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen that the bar and lounge of LD’s Kitchen be allowed to reopen under new management, enhanced security features and capacity restrictions, effective Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 6 p.m.

The bar and lounge portion of LD’s Kitchen, located at 1111 Mulberry St., was ordered closed by the Board of Mayor and Aldermen earlier this month following a late-night shooting Oct. 6 that left three people injured. Wade Carter, 31, subsequently died of his injuries Oct. 9.

The suspected shooter, James Earl Winters, 29, remains at large.

On Oct. 8, Flaggs announced he would seek to have the bar declared a public nuisance.

“He wanted another opportunity to keep his legacy, his business open,” Flaggs said about owner L.D. Prentiss when asked what changed his mind.

The mayor indicated that he has been in discussions with Prentiss’ attorney Marshall Sanders to come to a resolution. The agreement will avoid court and litigation costs for the city.

Prentiss, who waived the right to a hearing before the board, agreed to have someone else manage the bar portion of the business, to new hours (opening at 6 p.m.) and additional security measures. The resolution will likely be released to the public Tuesday afternoon.

In a conversation about the resolution, the mayor said South Ward Alderman Alex Monsour will probably not agree to the resolution; however, the mayor expects North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield to sign off, giving Flaggs the majority needed.

Before the bar opens again, Police Chief Milton Moore will do a walk through to ensure the agreement is being adhered to, Flaggs said.

“I’m willing to give him another shot at this,” he said.