Local Digest

By Staff
Public health forum to be held in Meridian
The Mississippi State Department of Health invites residents to take part in public forums addressing disparities in minority health care accessibility and delivery.
The Meridian forum will be held Tuesday, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the Mississippi Power Community Auditorium at 2401 11th St. The forum will address six areas minority health issues: infant morality, cancer screening and management, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and adult and child immunizations.
For information, call Toni Brooks at (601) 859-8020.
Newton schools schedule pageants
Newton County Elementary School and Newton County Junior High School will hold their annual "Beauty and Beau Pageants" March 31 at 6 p.m. at the East Central Community College auditorium. Contestants can be in kindergarten through eighth grade; applications must be received by Friday.
For more information, call Judy Leach 635-2718 or Pam Keith 635-2956.
Red Cross announces Help Save A Life'
The Key Chapter of the American Red Cross has announced its "Help Save A Life" summer campaign. Summer is approaching and many activities are being planned. The following courses are being offered to educate residents about water safety, CPR, first aid awareness and prevention.
Life guarding course Ages 17 and over, teaches the essential skills of first aid, CPR, how to perform water rescue, aquatic safety, etc. Dates of the classes are April 21-22, 27-29. For more information, call 485-5151.
Water Safety Instructor course Teaches pool safety and how to instruct different age groups in the skill of swimming. For more information, call Barbara Bishop at 484-8720.
CPR/First Aid Instructor class Teaches how to instruct the public in the art of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid. Dates of the classes are April 20-22. For more information, call 485-5151.
Basic CPR/First Aid course Teaches cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid for all age groups. The course is eight hours long and held twice a month. For more information, call 485-5151.
Newton County Relay for Life' set
This year the Newton County division of the American Cancer Society will host the annual "Relay for Life" on June 1 at East Central Community College in Decatur. There will be entertainment, food and games. The next team captains' meeting will be held April 10, at 5 p.m., at Newton Regional Hospital. For information, call Cassandra Holsen, Melissa McCumbs or Lisa Roebuck at 683-2031.
Homestead exemption deadline nears
The deadline to file for homestead exemption is March 30. The following criteria must be met to be eligible to receive homestead exemption tax benefits:
Be a legal resident of Mississippi;
Own and occupy the property as of Jan. 1, 2001;
Purchase Mississippi license plates for all vehicles owned; and
Comply with Mississippi income tax requirements.
To apply for homestead exemption visit the tax assessor's office at the Lauderdale County Courthouse. For information, call 482-9779.
NOTE: If no changes have been made, and you do not qualify for any additional exemptions, there is no need to reapply.
MLT Spring Variety Sale set
It's that time again! The Meridian Little Theatre Guild Spring Variety Sale will be April 20-21.
Now is the time to clean out your closets, garages and attics. Please bring your tax-deductible items to the Meridian Little Theatre, Highway 39 North, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Large donations can be picked up.
Items needed include clothes, shoes, jewelry, toys, linens, games, books, pictures, dishes, appliances, furniture and bric-a-brac.
For information, call Dorothy Torgerson at 482-0930 or Meridian Little Theatre office at 482-6371.