Greetings Indianola,
It saddens me to report that we had another fatal shooting in the year 2025. Our hearts go out to the grieving families that will have to suffer another senseless murder of a loved one. This part of being a mayor is the hardest for me because, in large part, the victims look just like me and more than likely died at the hands of a shooter who also looks just like me. Years ago during a “Stop The Violence” rally, I made the statement, “In years past, enemies of our community wore hoods. Today, the enemies of our community live in our hood.” We have a heritage of generations of oppression and now we have to suffer at the hands of our own people? When will we learn to love each other and ALL mankind?
Each December, the Indianola Police Chief and I hold our collective breathe because we know how deadly this month can be. It is extremely frustrating and heartbreaking consoling grieving mothers and family members. As a mayor and a former law enforcement officer, I take it hard. We have to find a way to resolve our differences other than with guns. We have to value life and that starts in the home. Parents and adults, we have to do better. We have to engage our youth and make them see themselves as God sees them. God sees them as precious in His sight. So, how dare we take the life a someone that God loves.
On New Year’s Eve, everyone should be in prayer. Let us unite in corporate prayer for our youth and for our city. Let’s petition the throne of God for peace and goodwill toward men.
“Let’s go higher Indianola.”
Mayor Ken Featherstone
