The Yazoo Herald

The annual Christmas lighting contest returns to Yazoo City with an extra surprise this year.
The Triangle Cultural Center will once again sponsor the residential Christmas lighting contest, adding a separate category this year for commercial buildings and windows.
“This season, the judges will be looking for classic and creative holiday decorations that invoke the spirit of the season as well as pride in your community,” said Cary Hill, director of the Triangle.
Any residence and business within the city limits are eligible. To enter a nomination, call the Triangle at 746-2273, give only the address and leave a call back number.
“Remember, you can nominate your neighbor's house without them knowing it,” Hill added.
Judging will be held on the night of Dec. 12. Winners will be notified the next day.

Pastor Linda Jackson (left) and Estella Ross are pictured with some of the awards and honors the Kaiser Singers have earned during the group’s celebrated gospel music career.By JAMIE PATTERSON
Managing Editor

When conversations steer toward the subject of gospel singing and raw talent, it doesn’t take long for the Kaiser Singers to be included in the discussion.
The Yazoo group has reached beyond the walls of rural churches to national recognition over the course of four decades. People from all walks of life know the Kaiser Singers.
“When we sing, we are singing for His blessing,” said Pastor Linda Jackson, group member.
Though they remain humble, the Kaiser Singers have reached out to both young and old with their spirited performances, heartfelt songs and dedication to the Lord. And as they continue to gain popularity nationally, they remember their beginnings inside their family homes.
“Growing up, we loved to get together, just to sing,” Jackson said. “It was in our blood.”
The Kaiser Singers were formed in 1968 by Mrs. Beatrice Kaiser and her daughters, Annie, Hattie and Estella.
Estella Ross said music was always found within their home. She and her siblings grew up alongside the sounds of gospel and music in general.
“My grandmother and mother sang, and we all just took it off from there,” Ross said.
The gift of music continued to pass on to other generations of the Kaiser family.
“We teach each generation to keep it going,” Jackson said. “We want to keep them singing.”
Even without music, the family sang a cappella, learning to make harmony with all their voices. Before long, their sound began to go beyond the walls of their family church, Stranger’s Home in Vaughan.
“Our grandpa and grandma, James Brown and Hattie D. Brown, really sang in our family church,” Ross said. “But our mom, Beatrice...she was the one who had the drive to take it beyond. She was determined to be the best singer she could be.”
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Chuck JordanBy JASON PATTERSON
Editor & Publisher

Former Greenville Mayor and retired banker Chuck Jordan died Tuesday at his home at age 66.
The Yazoo native stepped down as mayor of Greenville after just nine months in office after learning he had pancreatic cancer. He was elected mayor in a landslide victory after running a campaign based on unity and revitalizing the city.
Jordan developed a reputation for community service during his banking career in Greenville.
“His dedication to his community, to his church and to Mississippi leaves a great legacy and a positive impact on those who had the opportunity to know him,” said Gov. Phil Bryant.
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BrentBy JAMIE PATTERSON
Managing Editor

City officials placed a local nightclub on probation after learning the club hosted an event with high school students.
LaShonda Johnson, owner of Da Spot, appeared before the Board of Alderman this week and accepted the year-long probation without any dispute.
Alderman Aubry Brent Jr. asked Johnson to be present at the open board meeting to question her about a function that was recently held inside her nightclub.
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