By John Howell Sr.
Angel Taxi Service will begin service in Panola County in late September, a spokesman for owner Sue LaCrosse said Friday after Batesville aldermen approved an ordinance regulating taxi service in Batesville. Aldermen unanimously approved the ordinance at their August 20 meeting.

Angel Taxi owner Sue La Crosse has operated the service in Oxford and Lafayette County since 2004 and seeks to expand into Panola County.

La Crosse has appeared at meetings of Batesville’s mayor and aldermen in July and August, seeking passage of the ordinance that will allow her to begin the service.

Angel Taxi Service presently operates 10 taxis employing 12 drivers, according to a news release. La Crosse said that the Panola County operation will be a separate service using local drivers.
“I’ve had two or three older ladies excited about being able to call and get a taxi, being able to shop and call the taxi back up and then go home,” Mayor Jerry Autrey said.

Aldermen acted on La Crosse’s request late during Tuesday’s meeting, using the draft of an ordinance from Oxford as model. Discussion included insurance and bonding requirements.