Local Digest

By Staff
Dec. 23, 2000
Red Cross opens centers for tornado victims
The American Red Cross in Meridian has two service centers to help victims of the tornado that struck Lauderdale County Dec. 16. All residents who were affected are urged to come come by and apply for disaster assistance. Please bring identification and proof of residence.
The two centers are located at Russell Baptist Church at 1844 Highway 11/80, and Dalewood Community Center at 8905 Launch Drive.
Both will be open until 6 p.m. today. They will be closed Sunday and Monday, but victims can call the hotline at 482-1827. The centers will re-open Tuesday at 8 a.m.
Porterville issues boil water' alert
A "boil water" alert has been issued for customers who get their drinking water from the Porterville Water Association in Kemper County. The alert affects customers who live south of the Porterville community.
The system lost pressure due to inadequate storage. Health officials recommend that customers vigorously boil their water for one minute before it is consumed. For information, call Mississippi State Department of Health at (601) 576-7518.
Fund established for Katrina Hodges
A fund has been established at BankPlus for Katrina Hodges who was seriously injured Dec. 16 when her home on Willow Lake Road was struck by a tornado.
Hodges is receiving treatment at the University Medical Center in Jackson and her injuries will require a number of surgeries. Co-workers at New South Ford have established the fund to help pay her medical expenses.
Learn to play bridge
The Mississippi Bridge Association and American Contract Bridge League will host duplicate bridge lessons after the Christmas holidays. Dr. Habib Bazyari will be the instructor. The classes will be held Thursdays from Jan. 11-Feb. 22, from 6-8 p.m., in the Meridian Room at Meridian Community College. To register, call 482-7445 by Jan. 10.
Michael's River Walk Garden open to public
Stroll through swaying Spanish moss along the Chickasawhay River, view a depiction of the Christ child, angels, butterflies, shamu, deer and hundreds of lights in Michael's River Walk Garden.
The Garden is open Dec. 15-24 (closed Dec. 22), from 5-9 p.m. Drive or walk through. It is located on the Enterprise and Stonewall-Clarke County River Road 320. For information, call 659-4486.
Boat ramp passes on sale now
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Year 2001 Annual Day Use Passes for boat ramps and beaches are on sale at Okatibbee Lake in Collinsville.
The passes are $25 and a duplicate pass may be purchased for $5 extra at the time of the original purchase. A vehicle license plate number is required for each pass purchased. Annual passes are not transferable.
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information, call 626-8431.
Annual passes are also available daily at Twiltley Branch Campground from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. For information, call 626-8068.