Mayor and Aldermen talk Miss Mississippi and gun violence, honor Dr. Hopson

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Last week, the city of Vicksburg was supposed to be the host of the 63rd Miss Mississippi pageant. The cancellation this year has caused the city to lose important sales revenue from retail stores, restaurants and hotels.

Overall, the pageant’s economic impact on the city in years past has amounted to more than $2 million annually. This year, the city’s hotels have reported 37% fewer occupants this year compared to last.

“We miss it because we can look downtown, and we don’t see the beautiful young ladies in the parade nor we have their parents shopping in Vicksburg,” said Mayor George Flaggs Jr. at Thursday’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting. “We can make that up by shopping ourselves and by all means, go to restaurants.”

Later in meeting, North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield had some passionate words for Vicksburg regarding the unfortunate shooting that happened early this morning.

“We ask you to stop and think about the consequences of what happens when you shoot at somebody,” Mayfield said. “Think about what that does to their family and to the community. We ask you to please put down your guns.”

The board honored Mayfield Thursday for his 15 years of service to the city as alderman.

Flaggs also presented a certificate of proclamation in honor of Dr. William Briggs Hopson, Jr. Hopson served Vicksburg since 1967 and made Merit Health River Region hospital what it is today.

Hopson’s family invites the public to the Vicksburg Convention Center for a drive-by visitation Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The next Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting will be July 6.