VWSD settles on Kings Point Island land bid

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The matter concerning the 643.92 acres of 16th section land on Kings Point Island managed by the Vicksburg Warren School District has been settled.

During a special meeting held Thursday, Aug. 13, the VWSD Board of Trustees voted to award the bid to Ole River Wildlife, LLC. The new lessee has agreed to pay $35,010 annually for the five year term totaling $175,050. This agreement marks a significant step forward for the district.

The latest development comes after VWSD rejected a single bid on the Kings Point Island land during the Board of Trustees meeting held Thursday, July 23.

The single bid was submitted by the former lessee Raymond B. May at the rate of $10 per acre. Superintendent Toriano Holloway said he believed the land was worth more than the bidded price of $6,440 for the 643.92-acre tract of land. The Board voted to reject the bid because the total May bid was the amount he was paying in prior years to lease the land.

In June the Board of Trustees voted to reject the Warren County Board of Supervisor’s bid of $100,000. The Mississippi Secretary of State which oversees all Section 16 land raised questions regarding the county’s bid and the school board voted to not accept.

According to state statues, the superintendent was able to reach out to to help solicit bidders to increase the price following the rejected bid in July. The original land lessee, May, would have had the option to match bids.

Owner of Ole River Wildlife, LLC, is Howell R. Jones Jr. who submitted a competitive bid in June against the BOS’s bid of $100,000. In June, Jones submitted a bid of $6,450 which was only $10 above then lessee Raymond May.

In order to secure the contract with the Board of Trustees, Jones increased his offer by $28,560 annually.

The lease will be in effect from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2031.

A copy of the lease can be found below: