Mississippi

Mississippi city faces tough road rebuilding after tornado

Published

2 years ago

April 14, 2023

Mississippi city faces tough road rebuilding after tornado

ROLLING FORK, Miss. (AP) — The scent of the Mississippi Delta’s soil took maintain of Charlie Weissinger’s psyche at an early age, and he has chased it ever since.

Weissinger, 37, works at a financial institution to help his farming habit in Rolling Fork, the place his household has grown cotton, corn, soybeans, rice or wheat since 1902.

“It’s one thing in regards to the way of life, of with the ability to watch one thing that you just’re in a position to create from begin to end,” he mentioned. ”It’s so unusual that you are able to do every part proper, after which Mom Nature can take it away. And so it’s a relentless battle of man’s will versus Mom Nature, of attempting to see how properly you are able to do within the face of adversity.”

Weissinger’s farm was principally spared when a lethal twister tore by Rolling Fork final month because it carved a path of destruction by elements of western and northern Mississippi. However many within the predominantly Black farming neighborhood weren’t as lucky.

The tornado killed 13 of Rolling Fork’s roughly 1,700 residents, destroyed about 300 properties and companies and laid waste to complete blocks, leaving many to wonder if their small-town bonds and shared heritage will likely be sufficient to persuade each other to remain and attempt to rebuild.

Rolling Fork has a proud historical past, claiming blues legend Muddy Waters as a local son and a job within the invention of the teddy bear, after President Theodore Roosevelt refused to shoot a restrained bear throughout a 1902 searching journey.

However the metropolis and surrounding Sharkey County are in one of many nation’s poorest areas and had been already dealing with robust financial challenges earlier than the March 24 twister lashed the neighborhood with 200 mph (320 kph) winds, closing down practically each native enterprise. Risky agricultural markets and an absence of jobs and new trade have saved Sharkey’s poverty charge at round 35%, practically double Mississippi’s roughly 19% charge and triple the nation’s practically 12% charge.

“We wish to hold our Blues heritage. We nonetheless wish to see some Rolling Fork when it’s rebuilt,” native Travis Gully mentioned as he walked down a hard-hit road close to the roughly 135-year-old Rolling Fork Methodist Church just a few days after the twister hit. “We’re the house of Muddy Waters. We’re the house of the teddy bear. We wish to see the bottle bushes in our yards to remind folks of our wealthy heritage.”

The destruction can appear unquantifiable to weary residents who’ve been working alongside a community of volunteers each day for the reason that twister to kind by mounds of rubble. Some properties had been lifted off the bottom by their foundations. A bear statue commemorating Roosevelt’s go to nonetheless stands within the coronary heart of downtown, however the tornado left its mark on tons of of constructions, together with faculties, clinics and the native hospital.

The neighborhood has pulled collectively, however the twister stacked longstanding challenges on prime of newer ones, similar to excessive inflation and rising rates of interest. In a rebuilt Rolling Fork, residents need extra jobs, higher infrastructure and a combating likelihood to maintain folks from fleeing.

“What within the hell are we going to do? That’s all I can assume,” Willard Miller, a 73-year-old lifelong resident, mentioned from his driveway as he seemed out on his mangled neighborhood. “There’s numerous younger folks, they ain’t coming again. They usually haven’t any cause to aside from that is their hometown and their mother and father are in all probability right here.”

Jerry Stevens owned the Cloverfield Laundromat in downtown Rolling Fork for 20 years. Its partitions had been blown away, however its 26 washers and dryers stay planted to the bottom. Even when he rebuilds, he isn’t positive if lots of his outdated clients will observe go well with.

“I’m scared numerous the constructing received’t come as a result of inflation is so excessive proper now,” Stevens mentioned. “Rates of interest on loans are actually excessive. I’m pondering after they get their insurance coverage checks, they might simply go some place else and purchase a home that’s already standing.”

Rolling Fork has been examined by the weather earlier than. The results of financial stagnation have been compounded by repeated bouts of heavy rainfall that flip tame backwaters into flooded terrain. In a moist season, water can overtop levees and spill onto fertile soil, swallowing no matter ill-fated crops lie beneath.

In 2019, the worst flooding within the space since 1973 drove some from their properties. However the metropolis now faces a rebuilding effort in contrast to any it has undertaken.

President Joe Biden, who toured the devastation, accredited a catastrophe declaration for the state, releasing up federal funds for short-term housing, dwelling repairs and loans to cowl uninsured property losses. However there’s concern about how the help will likely be spent.

“The residents have misplaced every part,” mentioned Calvin Stewart, a five-term alderman representing town’s first ward. “With all of the funds individuals are attempting to convey into town, I want to verify these funds get to essentially the most impacted of us.”

The inflow of federal funds comes with Mississippi embroiled in its largest-ever corruption case. A welfare scandal has uncovered how thousands and thousands of {dollars} meant for the state’s neediest folks had been as an alternative diverted to the wealthy and highly effective.

Amid a present of mistrust, communities which have sturdy social and civic establishments earlier than disasters strike do a greater job of allocating reduction funds and retaining residents, mentioned David Peters, a professor of rural sociology at Iowa State College.

“When pure disasters like tornadoes or floods hit, communities take two completely different trajectories,” Peters mentioned. “Communities the place there’s sturdy social capital are pretty resilient. The issue is, these rural communities are pretty uncommon. In communities which have an absence of social capital, federal monies are mismanaged. And most frequently, folks depart.”

Tasmin Bee, a instructor, is amongst those that plan to remain, regardless that the storm blew the roof off the house she purchased in August. With Rolling Fork’s faculties closed, she mentioned she has to take her 5 kids out of city to maintain them busy.

“There may be nothing right here for youths. You don’t also have a YMCA,” Bee mentioned. They bought a metropolis pool, however it’s small. They’d a baseball park. If you wish to take the children to the arcade or one thing wish to have time, you’ve bought to journey.”

When Charlie Weissinger, the banker-farmer, wants a spot to take his two sons, he brings them to the patch of farmland that has had its hooks in him for so long as he can keep in mind.

“My boys can resolve to go wherever on the planet they wish to,” Weissinger mentioned. “However I get them down right here, and so they get a scent of the grime. It is going to observe them for the remainder of their lives.”

___

Michael Goldberg is a corps member for the Related Press/Report for America Statehouse Information Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit nationwide service program that locations journalists in native newsrooms to report on undercovered points. Observe him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mikergoldberg.

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Mississippi

MDOC searches for escaped prisoner from South Mississippi Correctional Institution

Published

5 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Press Room

MDOC searches for escaped prisoner from South Mississippi Correctional Institution

The Mississippi Department of Corrections, with the help of other authorities, is searching for a prisoner who escaped Tuesday afternoon from the South Mississippi Correctional Institution in Leakesville.

Drew Johnson, 33, has blond hair and blue eyes. He weighs 200 pounds and is 6 feet tall.

Johnson was sentenced in 2022 to life in prison for a homicide/murder in Rankin County.

Anyone who believes they may have seen Johnson should contact the nearest law enforcement agency.

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Mississippi

MDOC searching for escaped inmate out of South Mississippi Correctional Institution in Leakesville

Published

12 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Press Room

MDOC searching for escaped inmate out of South Mississippi Correctional Institution in Leakesville

LEAKESVILLE, Miss. (WLOX) – The Mississippi Department of Corrections, with the help of other authorities, is searching for an inmate who escaped the South Mississippi Correctional Institution in Leakesville Tuesday afternoon.

According to an alert sent out by the Greene County Emergency Management office, 33-year-old Drew Johnson escaped from the facility around 3:30 p.m. He’s currently serving a life sentence for murder.

He was sentenced on February 14, 2022.

Drew Johnson is described as a 6′0″ male with blue eyes, blonde hair, and 200 pounds.(Mississippi Department of Corrections)

Johnson is described as a 6′0″ male with blue eyes, blond hair, and 200 pounds. He was last seen near Old Highway 24 in Leakesville.

Crews are still out searching for him as of 8:03 p.m. If you have any details regarding the incident or see Johnson, officials say to call 911.

We will update this story as new details become available.

See a spelling or grammar error in this story? Report it to our team HERE.

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Mississippi

What MS Coast casino restaurants are open Christmas Day? Here’s our list

Published

23 hours ago

December 24, 2024

Press Room

What MS Coast casino restaurants are open Christmas Day? Here’s our list

Christmas on the Coast is a tradition for many families throughout the Southeast. Mississippi Coast casinos are ready to welcome them with open arms and open restaurants.

Below are the casinos open for dining on Christmas Day, some with limited holiday fare. Reservations may be required for some restaurants.

875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-386-7111.

BR Prime

Reservations required.

Holiday Bouillabaisse, Icy Blue Mussels, Little Neck Clams, Gulf Shrimp, Seabass $15
Prime Rib with Demi Glace, Thyme Horseradish Cream, Hasselback Potatoes, Heirloom Carrots, Roasted Brussels Sprouts $72
Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake $15

Salt and Ivy

Reservations encouraged.

Christmas Feature $38: Crab, Shrimp and Spinach-stuffed Flounder with Dill Bearnaise, Wild Mushroom Farro and White Wine-Garlic Broccolini

The Buffet

Holiday Brunch: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Adults, $32.99; Children, $19.99; Under 4, free.

Holiday Lunch/Dinner: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Adults, $49.99; Children $25.99; Under 4, free.Free Under 4

Features include herb-crusted prime rib, spicy shrimp boil, NOLA BBQ shrimp and grilled sirloin

151 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-435-5400.

Morton’s The Steakhouse

Reservations recommended. Restaurant hours: noon to 9 p.m.

The Chateaubriand three-course menu for two includes Chateaubriand with Roasted Shallots, Red Wine Demi Reduction, Sauce Bearnaise and Au Jus; Winter Salad to share; choice of two sides; and choice of desserts for $179. Lobster tails or mini crab cakes are available at an extra cost.

Lillie’s Asian Cuisine

Restaurant hours: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Saltgrass Steak House

Restaurant hours: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Restaurant hours: noon to 8 p.m.

Michael Patrick’s

Restaurant hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-374-7625.

Christmas Day Buffet, $39.99 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Menu includes starters, a carving station, Satisfaction favorites such as Southern Fried Chicken and Stuffed Crabs, Asian Cuisine, sides and desserts.

711 Hollywood Blvd., Bay St. Louis, 228-469-2100.

Epic Buffet

Restaurant hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Epic Buffet features more than 80 dishes including Crab Legs, Peel and Eat Shrimp, Southern barbecue, Asian cuisine, Creole, Italian and fresh seafood.

3300 West Beach Blvd., Gulfport, 228-314-2100.

The Buffet

Christmas Day hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Low Country Crawfish Bisque; Creole Seafood Gumbo; Carrot Soufflé Casserole; Praline-Crusted Sweet Potatoes; Orange Chicken with Vegetables; Crispy Fried Shrimp; Carved Roast Turkey; Carved Strip Loin of Beef; Cornbread Dressing; Sliced Roast Turkey in Giblet Gravy; Carved Round of Beef, Smoked Ham and Cajun Fried Turkey; Cranberry Compote; Roasted Salmon Loin; Boiled Gulf Shrimp with Remoulade Sauce; Happy Family Shrimp and Vegetables; Smoked Pork with all the Trimmings; and more, $29.99.

C and G Grille

Christmas Day hours: 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., $26.

Choice of Starter: Seafood Gumbo or House Salad
Choice of Entrée: Roast Turkey and Dressing or Glazed Bone-In Ham Steak. Each served with Green Bean Casserole, Candied Sweet Potatoes and Cranberry Compote
Dessert: Cookie Butter Banana Pie

The Diner

Christmas Day hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., $20.

Choice of Starter: House Salad or Seafood Gumbo
Entrée: Roast Turkey with Dressing, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce and Green Beans
Dessert: Sweet Potato Pie with Whipped Cream

Dockside Deli

Christmas Day hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., $21.

Starter: Crab and Corn Bisque or Seafood Gumbo
Choice of Entrée: Debris-Style Turkey Dressing, Green Beans, Cranberry Compote and Carrot Soufflé Casserole or Sausage Sampler with pineapple jalapeno, knockwurst and green onion sausages. Served with red kraut and warm potato salad.
Dessert: Spiced Applesauce Cake

Prime Cut Restaurant

Christmas Day hours: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., $45.

Starter: Crab and Artichoke-Stuffed Mushrooms Drizzled with Hollandaise
Choice of Entrée: Beef Tenderloin au Poivre or Pan-Seared Sea Bass with lemon beurre blanc. Each served with a side of choice
Dessert: Pumpkin Swiss Cake Roll

158 Howard Ave., Biloxi, 228-432-8888

Restaurant hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., $40.

Traditional Christmas menu plus Prime Rib, Smoked Baked Ham, Sliced Turkey Breast, Boiled Shrimp and dishes from the Grill, Comfort, Wok and Coastal stations.

9380 Central Ave., D’Iberville, 888-752-9772.

Under the Oak Cafe

Christmas Day hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Herb Dijon Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes Puree, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Cranberries and an Herb Dijon Reduction, $25.
Creamy Eggnog Bread Pudding, $14.

Scarlet’s Steaks and Seafood

Reservations recommended. Christmas Day hours: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Lobster Thermidor, Broiled Coldwater Stuffed Lobster topped with Mushroom Cognac Cream Sauce, Parmigiana Reggiano, Garlic Butter Breadcrumbs and Wilted Arugula Salad, $80.
Beef Wellington, 8-ounce filet mignon, with Mushroom Duxelles, Prosciutto and baked in Puff Pastry, served with Bordelaise Sauce, $78.
Creme de Mint Cheesecake, $13

5000 South Beach Blvd., Bay St. Louis, 228-469-2777.

Jubilee Buffet

Christmas Day hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Traditional holiday menu plus, all-you-can-eat Dungeness Crab and Jumbo Shrimp, $49.95.

Blue Bayou Bar and Grill

$58 per person.

Salad: Baby Spinach with Candied Pecans, Dried Cranberries, Mandarin Orange, Goat Cheese, Roasted Cacao Nibs and a Citrus Vinaigrette.
Entrée: Choice of Crispy Roasted Half Duck, Braised Red Cabbage, Port Wine Demi Glaze and Whipped Roasted Garlic Mash or Blackened Pork Loin, Pomegranate Glaze, Bacon Braised Crispy Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potato Gratin

1980 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-385-6000.

Infinity Buffet

Christmas Day hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Carved ham, roasted turkey, roast brisket and more, $47.99 with crab, $25.49 without crab.

The Den

Christmas Day hours: 11 a.m. to midnight.

Bacon-wrapped stuffed pork loin, $38; or prime rib, $45.

The following casinos will be open Christmas Day but restaurant options were not available:

280 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-436-2946.

850 Bayview Ave, Biloxi, 228-436-3000.

Lici Beveridge is a reporter for the Hattiesburg American and Clarion Ledger. Contact her at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on X  @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge.

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