Monday evening, Nov. 10, the Duck Hill Board of Alderman held their regularly scheduled monthly meeting which began promptly at 6 p.m. The meeting lasted approximately an hour and thirty minutes in duration, with roughly thirty minutes being spent in an executive session. The highlights of the meeting were the report from the town’s new Water and Sewer Operator John Pearson, an address made to the Board by local Business Owner Theressa Crocket, and information of note about the town’s annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting. The details on these matters are as follows.
Firstly, the Board was addressed by Water Operator John Pearson who gave a lengthy report regarding the city’s water and sewer systems since he took over. His first and most pressing concern was regarding the lack of maintenance log books. He explained that these log books would be necessary for audits in addition to being a regular reference for him. Operator Pearson went on to inform the Board of an ongoing maintenance job at the lagoon, explaining that both pumps had gone out of service. He stated that one pump has already been replaced and one pump is still in need of replacement. In addition to these issues, Operator Pearson updated the Board on the condition of the meters in town as well as the need for regular cleaning for the levee.
The next major issue of concern was regarding the service station on State Street which has been heavily discussed in previous condemnation talks. To address the Board on the topic, business owner Theressa Crockett spoke on behalf of her business, Boojee Yard-Sale and the building’s owner Danny Woods who was not in attendance.
“I have a concern on the building where we just started [a business] called Boujee Yard-Sale. It’s basically an outdoor yard-sale. From my understanding - I’m hearing this from the public - the reason that I’m here at the meeting tonight is to present what I’m trying to do with the building that I’m at,” Crockett Introduced the topic of conversation.
“From my understanding, I’ve been hearing that it’s been condemned - But we have invested a little money trying to get that building [fixed] up properly so that we can be safe. Danny and I are working together. We have had a lot of the work - some of the work done, but we’re still working - to get that looking better,” Crockett explained to the Board.
“We’re trying to bring some revenue to Duck Hill, trying to make the place look better,” she added.
Crockett went on to explain that there was much work still being done to the building to make it look more presentable as a storefront property. She also explained that she was only renting the outside awning portion of the building from the land owner and was not currently renting or actively using the inside portion of the building. Crockett stated that her purpose for coming before the Board was to request leniency on the building and request for it not to be condemned so that she could work with the owner of the building to build it up into a business. She explained that she not only intended to open a yard-sale there roughly four times a month but to also have a coffee bar and sitting area for those who came to shop.
Following Crockett’s address, there was a lengthy discussion primarily between Alderwoman Shernell Brown Everette and Board Attorney Adam Kirk regarding the stage of the condemnation process the Board is at on this particular building. Following significant discourse, Attorney Kirk offered advice on moving forward with the process. Attorney Kirk suggested holding a public hearing on the condition of the building, allowing for the owner to make his case against proceeding with the condemnation process. Ultimately, the Board decided to inform the property owner via official letter prior to holding a condemnation hearing on Dec. 8 starting at 5:30 p.m.
The final major topic of discussion was regarding the town’s annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting event. Alderwoman Shernell Brown Everett stated that the event organizers would be holding a meeting Thursday, November 13, 2025 at the Mississippi Communities United for Prosperity (MCUP) building in town at 6 p.m. She explained that the events are still in need of volunteers and sponsors who are willing to help out for the events. Alderwoman Brown Everett stated that there would be interest forms with information at City Hall available upon request. She added that the theme for the event will be Old Time Christmas and organizers are intending for both the Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting to take place Dec. 13. The Christmas Parade is scheduled for 12 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13 with the Tree Lighting following later that evening at 6 p.m. Alderwoman Brown Everett stated that organizers welcome volunteers who seek to help set up or be in the parade and are requesting assistance from the community to sponsor the Tree Lighting. She explained that MCUP would need assistance from the community to fund the tree lighting this year and welcomes donations of decorations, lights, and children’s gifts.
