Local Digest

By Staff
Volunteers needed for State Games
State Games of Mississippi is looking for volunteers to help at the 2001 Games, scheduled for June 15-17 and June 21-24 in Meridian. For volunteer applications and schedules, call State Games of Mississippi at (800) 482-0205 or e-mail stgamiss@aol.com.
Public invited to upcoming events
The public is invited to these upcoming events:
Mississippi Minority Caucus n May 8-10 at Holiday Inn Express and Union Station. For information, call Jimmie Smith at 482-9746.
Redistricting hearings A public hearing on the state's congressional redistricting efforts is scheduled for May 19, at 5 p.m., at Meridian Community College.
The Annual Motorcycle "Run for the Wall" May 21 passing through Meridian in route to Washington, D.C., for a Memorial Day celebration. For information, call Don Stringer at (601) 957-9900 or (601) 824-9356.
Memorial Day Memorial Day Services will be held May 28 at 10 a.m. at the Lauderdale County Courthouse in downtown Meridian.
May is Older Americans Month
The Lauderdale County Council on Aging will celebrating Older Americans Month with various activities:
Wednesday Seniors Walk-A-Thon at Bonita Lakes Mall, sign-in time is 7:45 a.m.
Wednesday Pingpong Tournament, Senior Citizens Center, 2 p.m.
Friday Games Day, Senior Citizens Center, 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
May 15 Bowling Tournament, Dixie Bowl Lanes, reservations appreciated, 1 p.m.
May 16, Pool Tournament, Senior Citizens Center, 2 p.m.
May 18, Cake Walk, Senior Citizens Center, 2 p.m.
For information, call 485-1812. The Center is located at 3300 32nd Ave. in Meridian.
Student artwork on display
Three area schools are showcasing students' artwork during the month of May at Bonita Lakes Mall. Participating schools include Kemper County High School, Newton High School and Crestwood Elementary in Meridian. Crestwood Elementary's art will be on display through May 11; Kemper County High will display May 7-15; and Newton High will showcase May 15-18.
Saddle Club to meet Thursday
The Bonita Lakes Saddle Club will meet Thursday at the Lauderdale County Agri-Center. A gift of equestrian equipment will be presented. A meal will be provided beginning at 6 p.m.; the meeting will be at 7 p.m. To make reservations, call Jennifer Seals at 482-1005 or 482-5781.
Juvenile Center hosting yard sale
Employees of Lauderdale County Juvenile Center will hold a yard sale in the parking lot Friday, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and on May 12, beginning at 7 a.m. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. The center is located on the 20th Street Extension across from East Mississippi State Hospital.
Letter carriers sponsor food drive
The National Association of Letter Carriers, in conjunction with the U.S. Postal Service and the United Way of Lauderdale County, will collect non-perishable food items on Saturday for distribution to the Wesley House, Salvation Army and the South Harbor Homeless Shelter. Please place a food donation by your mailbox on Saturday. Your letter carrier will pick it up and deliver it to the food bank.
Bonita Lakes Mall hosts look-alike contest
Organizers at Bonita Lakes Mall and WOKK Radio are looking for look-alike mothers and daughters. Registration is currently under way for the third annual Mother-Daughter Look Alike Contest, scheduled for Saturday at Bonita Lakes Mall. Pre-registration is required and early registration is advised. There is no fee to enter. For information, call The Radio People at 693-2661.
Golf tournament to benefit Boys and Girls Ranch
An one-day benefit golf tournament sponsored by the Newton County Sheriff's Department will be held Saturday at Beaver Creek Golf Club. The tournament will get under way at 9 a.m. The two-person select has a 30-team limit, with golfers playing 18 holes. The entry fee is $70 per team, which includes a barbecue lunch.
All proceeds benefit the Mississippi Sheriff's Boys and Girls Ranch. For information, call Johnny Upton at 683-6560 or Mark Killens at 683-6940.
Trail ride to benefit Humane Society
The Second Annual Tom Stephenson Memorial Trail Ride, sponsored by the Bonita Lakes Saddle Club, is set for Saturday. Registration is from 8 a.m.-9 a.m. at the boat landing. The ride will begin at 9:30 a.m. Lunch is from noon-1 p.m. and is included in the $15 per person donation for the event. Children 12 and under pay $5. Proceeds will benefit the Lauderdale County Humane Society.
For information, call Linda Barham at 681-8295 or Tom Butler at 485-7100.
USM alumni sets local meeting
The East Central chapter of University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association and Eagle Club will meet May 14, at 6:30 p.m., at Northwood Country Club in Meridian. Guest speakers will be President Horace Fleming and head football coach Jeff Bower. The cost of the meal is $20. For ticket information, call Millard Quigley 693-7280 or Dick Simmons at 681-9706.
Arthritis Action Day May 17
Arthritis Action Day will be held May 17, from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., at Frank Cochran Center in Highland Park. Speakers will present information on "Reducing your Risk for Osteoarthritis" and "Prevention and Control of Osteoporosis." Bone density screenings and arthritis risk assessments will be offered. For information, call the Arthritis Foundation at (800) 844-8400.
Relay for Life softball tournament
The Newton County Relay for Life Men's Softball Tournament will be held May 19 at Decatur Youth Ballfield. There will be a $250 (non-refundable) entrance fee for each team, and prizes will awarded. The entry deadline is May 11. For information, call Gayle Duett or Lisa Stephens at 635-2321.
Hickory Day scheduled June 9
Hickory Day will be held June 9 in Hickory's downtown park. Events include shopping booths, antique cars, entertainment, games and a children's corner. For information, call 646-9496 or 646-2211. The event is sponsored by the Greater Hickory Chamber of Commerce.