West Point sees return of old traditions, new economic boost

New mayor says only way for city to be successful is if everyone works together

Clay County and the city of West Point have taken large strides to improve economically and socially.

West Point’s first Black mayor

The city of West Point elected its first Black mayor, Rod Bobo. This historical moment proved to be a win for the small Mississippi city. Bobo is a West Point native, living here his entire life except for his college years at Jackson State University and Mississippi State University. Bobo ran a campaign that focused heavily on economic development, as he previously had a career in sales. He worked as a State Farm insurance agent before being elected. He said that although West Point has much work to do to progress as a city, he said his election is a great stride as it relates to race relations. While Bobo is the city’s first Black mayor, he said he strives to be a mayor for all residents of West Point, not just the Black community. He said he believes the only way for West Point to be successful is if the entire city works together.

Return of Prairie Arts Festival

As COVID-19 cancelled many events over the last year, one that returned in 2021 was West Point’s Prairie Arts festival after a year off. Several hundred people visited the 250-vendor event, bringing a bit of normalcy back to the city. The festival still had COVID-19 precautions, such as limited hours and placing several hand sanitizing and hand-washing stations throughout the festival site. Main Street and Tourism for West Point Director Lisa Kluttz said holding the event this year was an act of continuing tradition. Organizers will begin planning for the 2022 festival in April.

Solar farm coming in 2023

The Golden Triangle Development LINK approved a deal with Origis Energy in April to build a solar farm in Clay County. Built on agricultural land to the east and south of the Yokohama tire plant, the solar farm will include 200 megawatts of battery storage. The facility is expected to be complete in 2023. It will be used as part of Tennessee Valley Authority’s Green Invest program, where utilities in the TVA coverage area, including parts of northern Mississippi, can contract with the power provider to bring solar energy into their grids. Origis will invest between $200 million and $300 million for the Clay County project, LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins told The Dispatch.

STORY BY TYLER B. JONES

MAIN PHOTO BY RORY DOYLE

RACE PHOTO BY NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON