Local Digest

By Staff
Local author to read from new thriller
Lifetime Quest will feature Dr. Tom Milhorn in a special program Wednesday, Jan. 31, at 2 p.m. in the Meridian Room on the campus of Meridian Community College.
Milhorn will read from "Caduceus Awry," answer questions and sign books. Lifetime Quest will have books for sale. For more information, call Michele Thames at 484-8696.
MCC announces upcoming events
Look for these events, sponsored by Meridian Community College, in the coming weeks:
Monday, Jan. 29 A class called "How to Manage a Business and Increase Profit," about marketing for a small business, will be held from 6-9 p.m. For more information, call Milford Smith at 482-7445.
Wednesday, Jan. 31  Law enforcement graduation at the Ivy Hall Theater at 7 p.m. For more information, call Janet Heggie at 482-8696.
Thursday, Feb. 1 Production of "Gentleman from Mississippi," two shows, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Ivy Hall Theater. A one-man play that showcases the life of the late U.S. Sen. John Stennis. For more information, call Michele Thames at 484-8696.
Saturday, Feb. 3 MCC Homecoming. The crowning of the homecoming queen will take place at the Ivy Gym. For more information, call Hilary Allen at 484-8699.
Saturday, Feb. 3 ACT Workshop from 8:30 a.m.-noon at the WEBB Center. For more information, call Susan Duke at 484-8839.
Saturday, Feb. 3 MCC Baseball Eaglefest begins at 7 p.m. at the MSU-Meridian Multi-purpose Room with Coach Pat McMahon as the guest speaker. Banquet tickets are $50. For more information, call MCC coach Russ McNickle at 484-8680.
Wesley UMC to host chili cook-off
The 16th Annual Chili Cook-Off will be held Saturday, Feb. 3, at Wesley United Methodist Church from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Chili, desserts and tea will served for $5 a person. Tickets are available at the door and carry-outs are available. The church is located at 1500 Eighth Ave. For more information, call 483-2920.
Elvis impersonator to appear in concert
Elvis impersonator, Billy Myers &Band, will appear in concert at West Lauderdale Elementary School on Saturday, Feb. 3. Show-time is 7 p.m. Tickets are $7, and children under 10 will be admitted free. Tickets can be purchased at Garrett's Sporting Goods on Eighth Street or by calling Mrs. Hurtt at 737-5457, Mrs. Savell at 737-2807 or the band hall at 737-2277.
AARP offers free tax advice for seniors
Beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 6, senior citizens will have access to free tax advice. AARP volunteers will be available every Tuesday, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. Volunteers will also be available every Friday, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Highway 19 North Trustmark National Bank. This service will be available until April 15.
Quitman to host health fair
A health fair will be held Friday, Feb. 9, at the Multi-Purpose Building in Quitman. The fair gets under way at 8:30 a.m. and continues until 1:30 p.m. Registered nurses have volunteered to check blood pressure and glucose tolerance. Various agencies will also have displays offering educational information. For more information, or to volunteer to help, call the Clarke County Extension Service at 776-3951.
Red Cross needs blood donors
The Red Cross is asking people to donate blood at the United Blood Services at 1115 25th Ave. Because of the increased usage of blood by the hospitals and the decrease in donations, there is a critical need for blood. All types are needed, especially O positive and O negative.
For more information, call 482-2482.
Disaster center announces new location
Two centers opened by the American Red Cross have been consolidated and relocated to the American Red Cross Key Chapter Office, 1711 24th Ave. in Meridian. The center will be open from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money. Anyone whose property was damaged during the Dec. 16 tornado should contact the service center as soon as possible at 482-1827.
Meridian Youth Soccer holding registration
The Meridian Youth Soccer Organization is holding registration for its spring season, open to all children who were at least 4 years old on July 1, 2000. Registration continues until Jan. 31. Applications may be picked up at Mr. Rodgers Donuts or Judge Little Sporting Goods. For more information, call Sonja Rowell at 737-8068.
County offers help with limb removal
Residents who need help removing limbs and other debris caused by a Dec. 16 tornado can ask for clean-up help from county workers. The help is made possible because a state of emergency was declared in Lauderdale County, and includes areas not in the county right-of-way.
For information, call the Lauderdale County Central Garage, 482-9797.
Junior Auxiliary sets date for charity ball
The Meridian Junior Auxiliary's annual charity ball will be held Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Frank Cochran Center. Tickets may be purchased from any Junior Auxiliary member. For more information, call 485-5170.
Jimmie Rodgers Museum temporarily closed
The Jimmie Rodgers Museum at Highland Park will be closed to visitors until March 15. However, group tours may be arranged by calling the Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau at 482-8001 or (888) 868-7720.
MSO to present third concert
The Meridian Symphony Orchestra will present the third concert of the 40th anniversary season on Saturday, Feb. 17, at Meridian Community College's Ivy Hall Theatre. Curtain time is 8 p.m.
The concert, "American Influences," will feature guest artist Christopher Rex. A preconcert lecture led by Maestro Claire Fox Hillard begins at 7 p.m. in the Casteel Gallery in the MCC library.
Tickets may be purchased at the door for $15, $12 for seniors/military and $8 for students. Children under 12 will be admitted free.
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.
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.-10 p.m. For information, call 626-8068.