Mississippi
A Father’s Day devoted to the Crown: David Blackledge’s enduring legacy of service – The Vicksburg Post
A Father’s Day devoted to the Crown: David Blackledge’s enduring legacy of service
Published 4:30 am Sunday, June 15, 2025
- Pictured from left to right are Jan Blackledge, Lindsey Blackledge, 2024 Miss Mississippi Becky Williams, David Blackledge, Laura Blackledge Kidder and Caroline Kidder (child).
While most dads are enjoying a day relaxing in their BarcaLounger or playing a round of golf at the club, David Blackledge has spent his Father’s Day volunteering.
For decades the timing of the Miss Mississippi Pageant has coincided with the day set aside to honor fathers and because David has been serving as the executive director of the Miss Mississippi Corporation for more than three decades, this meant Father’s Day was not about him, but about the contestants competing for the crown.
Those who know David agree that the little detail of Father’s Day has never deterred him from his deep commitment to the program.
“David is selfless, devoted, loves big and during the pageant everyone comes first,” Diane Huff said. Huff, along with her husband Andre, are in charge of lighting for the pageant.
“He works endlessly. He shares his holidays with pageant week,” she said. “Andre and I have been celebrating with him for 23 years. We love him, and he is family in all aspects. This organization is blessed to have him. We sure are.”
Allen Ditto, who serves as the technical director for the Miss Mississippi Competition and is the tour and production manager for Martina McBride, described David as a “good person.”
“I met David and his wonderful family in 1993, my first year working the Miss Mississippi pageant. You know how when you meet someone you just know that they are a good person. I felt that way in 1993 and I still feel that way 32 years later,” Ditto said. “David gives all of himself to the pageant, his family and most importantly to God. He is just one of the really good guys who I get the privilege to call a friend!”
Kandace Williams Peppers, now serving as the artistic director of the competition, said “David has been such an integral part of my Miss Mississippi journey. He was my business manager in 1992, and I was his first Miss Mississippi to work with in that capacity.
“I became very close with his family, and he helped make my year the best one possible,” Peppers continued. “And after we no longer served in those roles, we remained friends. Our families are still friends. And of all the things that I can say about David, the most prominent one is that he is always kind. And I think that’s one of the greatest attributes a person can have. A job like his requires the utmost patience and he shows that in amazing amounts.”
“Mr. David is such an incredible man and father,” 2024 Miss Mississippi Becky Williams said. “To have had the chance to work with him over the past year has been such a privilege. He is dedicated to his family, he is hard working, and he is an incredible role model for any and everyone.”
Pat Hopson recalled her relationship with David and how he has always been an integral part of the pageant when she and her husband the late Dr. Briggs Hopson Jr. were executive producer and CEO and chairman of the board, respectively, of the Miss Mississippi Pageant.
“David has been a good father and grandfather,” Hopson said. “And he was a special son to Doc. They both shared a love of the pageant,” Hopson said.
Jan Blackledge, David’s wife, echoed Hopson’s sentiments when it came to her husband’s relationship with “Doc.”
“David had an amazing mentor through Dr. Briggs Hopson and his wife, Pat,” she said. “David has carried on Dr. Hopson’s legacy and I hope that he would be proud of him, and I hope that Pat is. David truly learned from the best.”
Jan went on to say how David has always enjoyed his life volunteering with the pageant while also being an attentive father.
“David and I have been involved with the Miss Mississippi pageant for 43 years and most of those years the pageant fell on Father’s Day. So not only did he spend that day with his two beautiful girls, but also with 30 to 40 other beautiful young ladies.”
Thankfully, Jan said, her girls didn’t mind sharing their father with others since they enjoyed the pageant just as much as he did.
David and Jan’s youngest daughter, Lindsey, said her family’s involvement with the pageant has given her lots of fond memories.
“My whole life I have been involved with the Miss Mississippi Pageant,” she said. “I have so many memories from Miss Mississippi in Vicksburg to Miss America in Atlantic City. Everyone involved with the pageant is like family to us. It’s definitely something we look forward to every summer.
“The contestants are just like daughters to my dad, he loves them like his own,” she continued. “There have been years we have celebrated Father’s Day as well as his birthday with pageant, but he wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
Jan said David’s heart has always been big enough to love his daughters and the young ladies who compete for the crown.
“He has always treated each contestant just like a daughter,” Jan said. “He wants each girl to feel a part of our family and know how much he loves and cares about them. He has always had their best interests at heart and wants the best for their future. Helping with the pageant is a volunteer job that David loves,” Jan said.
About Terri Cowart Frazier
Terri Frazier was born in Cleveland. Shortly afterward, the family moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter at The Vicksburg Post and is the editor of the Vicksburg Living Magazine, which has been awarded First Place by the Mississippi Press Association. She has also been the recipient of a First Place award in the MPA’s Better Newspaper Contest’s editorial division for the “Best Feature Story.”
Terri graduated from Warren Central High School and Mississippi State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations.
Prior to coming to work at The Post a little more than 10 years ago, she did some freelancing at the Jackson Free Press. But for most of her life, she enjoyed being a full-time stay at home mom.
Terri is a member of the Crawford Street United Methodist Church. She is a lifetime member of the Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary and is a past member of the Sampler Antique Club and Town and Country Garden Club. She is married to Dr. Walter Frazier.
“From staying informed with local governmental issues to hearing the stories of its people, a hometown newspaper is vital to a community. I have felt privileged to be part of a dedicated team at The Post throughout my tenure and hope that with theirs and with local support, I will be able to continue to grow and hone in on my skills as I help share the stories in Vicksburg. When asked what I like most about my job, my answer is always ‘the people.’
More by Terri Cowart
Private high schools in Mississippi are receiving an enrollment multiplier for their respective sports teams.
The MHSAA announced on June 2 that it will apply a 1.5 multiplier to private schools enrollment for grades 9-11. The multiplier will go into effect during the 2027-28 sports season, when the MHSAA implements its new reclassification.
The MHSAA board voted on the motion, which passed.
“There’s always been a question of why our state does not have a multiplier from private schools that are in our association,” MHSAA Executive Director Rickey Neaves said in a statement. “So beginning with the next reclassification year, there will be a 1.5 multiplier added to all private schools that are currently in our organization. And to any of those that may be wanting to join our association.”
The change will affect private schools in all classes and will not affect schools for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Private schools around the state currently fluctuate through classes 1A-3A.
“We’re the only state in our section that does not have a multiplier of some kind,” Neaves said. “This was done because private schools, it is perceived, can control what classification they’re in by limiting the number of people that attend there. Also for the competitive and fair play advantage.”
Presbyterian Christian is the most recent private school to switch from MAIS to MHSAA, after making its MHSAA debut in 2025. The Bobcats recently won the MHSAA Class 3A baseball title.
In other sports during the 2025-26 year, Our Lady Academy won a Class 3A volleyball title and has the most MHSAA volleyball championships with 18. St. Stanislaus claimed a 3A boys basketball championship and St. Patrick won the Class I boys and girls soccer titles. Presbyterian Christian also won the 3A boys and girls tennis titles, while Sacred Heart won in Class I.
There are currently 10 private schools in the association.
Michael Chavez covers high school sports, among others, for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at mchavez@gannett.com or reach out to him on X @MikeSChavez or Facebook at Michael Chavez.
Odds of winning the Powerball and Mega Millions are NOT in your favor
Odds of hitting the jackpot in Mega Millions or Powerball are around 1-in-292 million. Here are things that you’re more likely to land than big bucks.
The Mississippi Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 2, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Mississippi Match 5 numbers from June 2 drawing
05-14-16-33-35
Check Mississippi Match 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 3 numbers from June 2 drawing
Midday: 3-3-8, FB: 5
Evening: 6-9-5, FB: 7
Check Cash 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 4 numbers from June 2 drawing
Midday: 6-0-4-9, FB: 5
Evening: 2-8-1-0, FB: 7
Check Cash 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from June 2 drawing
Midday: 08
Evening: 03
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Story continues below gallery.
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
Winnings of $599 or less can be claimed at any authorized Mississippi Lottery retailer.
Prizes between $600 and $99,999, may be claimed at the Mississippi Lottery Headquarters or by mail. Mississippi Lottery Winner Claim form, proper identification (ID) and the original ticket must be provided for all claims of $600 or more. If mailing, send required documentation to:
Mississippi Lottery Corporation
P.O. Box 321462
Flowood, MS
39232
If your prize is $100,000 or more, the claim must be made in person at the Mississippi Lottery headquarters. Please bring identification, such as a government-issued photo ID and a Social Security card to verify your identity. Winners of large prizes may also have the option of setting up electronic funds transfer (EFT) for direct deposits into a bank account.
Mississippi Lottery Headquarters
1080 River Oaks Drive, Bldg. B-100
Flowood, MS
39232
Mississippi Lottery prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the drawing date. For detailed instructions and necessary forms, please visit the Mississippi Lottery claim page.
When are the Mississippi Lottery drawings held?
- Cash 3: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash 4: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
- Match 5: Daily at 9:30 p.m. CT.
- Cash Pop: Daily at 2:30 p.m. (Midday) and 9:30 p.m. (Evening).
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Mississippi editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Mississippi governor signs Jackson MS water authority bill into law
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves signed the bill into law on April 8, 2026.
Jackson Mayor John Horhn claimed victory in the city’s legal fight against Mississippi’s new Metro Jackson Water Authority, arguing a federal judge’s latest ruling validates Jackson’s concerns about state lawmakers trying to influence the future of the city’s water system.
During a press conference at City Hall Tuesday, June 2, Horhn pointed to U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate’s decision to block the authority from naming a president, entering lease agreements or taking other substantive actions while Jackson’s water and sewer systems remain under federal oversight.
“What we’re thankful of is that the judge seems to agree with us,” Horhn said. “House Bill 1677 appeared to try to subvert the authority of the federal court.”
The comments come one day after Wingate issued a split ruling on the controversial law. While the judge declined to block House Bill 1677 outright, he also barred the Metro Jackson Water Authority from taking operational action beyond seating board members while the federal court continues overseeing Jackson’s water and sewer systems.
But Wingate’s ruling did not strike down House Bill 1677. It was more of a split ruling.
The judge agreed with arguments made by the state, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and JXN Water that the law itself does not automatically transfer control of Jackson’s water and sewer systems because any future takeover remains subject to federal court approval.
That leaves open a question: If the law remains on the books, could the Metro Jackson Water Authority simply remain in place until federal oversight ends and then assume control of the systems?
Horhn was asked that question directly Tuesday.
In response, Horhn focused on portions of the ruling that prevent the authority from naming a president who would serve as a deputy to JXN Water leader and Interim Third-Party Manager Ted Henifin. Horhn also pointed to Wingate blocking movement on any lease agreements until the court decides how the eventual transition away from federal oversight should occur.
“Two major points of the judge’s ruling are that he enjoined the state and the authority if it does start taking action from being able to name a president who would become the second in command of JXN Water,” Horhn said. “The other thing is that he enjoined any action on a lease being entered into until such time as he has had a chance to deliberate and decide what the future path ought to be.”
Horhn’s answer suggested he believes the ruling leaves room for other options besides simply allowing House Bill 1677 to take effect once federal oversight ends.
“What the judge has said to us for a number of months is that he wants to see a transition plan,” Horhn said.
The mayor said city officials have already begun discussions with JXN Water about what that transition plan could look like.
“We have begun discussions with JXN Water to have meaningful conversations with them about putting such a transition plan forward,” Horhn said. “At this point, the actions of the city are focused on working with Jackson Water to try to come up with a transition plan that might be approved by the judge.”
Under existing court orders, JXN Water is expected to develop a formal transition plan that must ultimately be approved by Wingate.
When asked whether the city could pursue its own water authority rather than the state-created Metro Jackson Water Authority, Horhn pointed to existing Mississippi law allowing municipalities to create utility districts.
“For a number of years, there has been state statutory authority for municipalities to establish municipal utility districts,” Horhn said. “We have made that presentation before the judge, and as I understand it, he’s taking it under advisory.”
Horhn did not elaborate on whether the city is actively pursuing that option, but the comments suggest Jackson may continue advocating for alternatives to House Bill 1677 as discussions about a post-receivership transition continue.
Additionally, Horhn reiterated his long-standing position that Jackson should maintain majority control over any future governing body overseeing the city’s water and wastewater systems.
“We don’t mind participation and involvement by the state of Mississippi,” Horhn said. “But any future governance of the City of Jackson’s water and wastewater system must have the City of Jackson having the majority of control.”
Horhn said Jackson’s position has never been that the state should be excluded entirely.
“What I have said is that we don’t mind participation and involvement by the state of Mississippi,” Horhn said. “But any future governance of the City of Jackson’s water and wastewater system must have the City of Jackson having the majority of control on any future boards or authorities that would be created.”
Horhn said Jackson opposed House Bill 1677 because it would have allowed state and suburban appointees to outnumber city representatives on the authority’s governing board.
“We don’t mind if you want to have some involvement, but not control,” Horhn said.
The mayor also argued the legislation ignored concerns repeatedly raised by Jackson officials during the legislative process.
“House Bill 1677 was a classic example of the state not listening to the local interests of the City of Jackson,” Horhn said.
Overall, Wingate’s 22-page order on Monday, June 1, was something of a split decision. Jackson persuaded Wingate to freeze many of the authority’s powers, but the state successfully defended the law itself from being blocked outright. The larger question of who will ultimately control Jackson’s water system remains unresolved. For now, Wingate remains in the driver’s seat.
“The parties should all accept that this state statute cannot force this court’s hand, nor dictate the calendar of this litigation,” Wingate wrote.
Charlie Drape, the Jackson beat reporter, has covered the Jackson water crisis from its collapse in 2022 through the system’s ongoing recovery, including independent testing and other accountability reporting. You can contact him at cdrape@gannett.com.
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