Local Digest

By Staff
Sept. 4, 2001
Public invited to Jimmie Rodgers birthday celebration
The public is invited to a birthday celebration today for music legend Jimmie Rodgers. The event will be from 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on the second floor of Union Station.
At the party, there be will be a brief proclamation ceremony and refreshments. Britt Gully will perform Jimmie Rodgers' music.
Rodgers was born in Meridian on Sept. 8, 1897; he is a member of the Country Blues, Rock 'n' Roll and Songwriter halls of fame.
For information, call the Lauderdale County Tourism office at 482-8001, or toll-free at 1-888-868-7720.
Neshoba Cattlemen's Association to meet
The Neshoba County Cattlemen's Association will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Neshoba County Coliseum. Dinner will be served.
Register by noon Thursday by calling the Neshoba County Co-Op at 656-3501 or the Neshoba County Extension Office at 656-4602.
Stonewall's Fall Festival Saturday
Stonewall's 10th annual Fall Festival will be from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at the Stonewall Ballfield on Highway 513. A special tribute to all veterans will take place at 1 p.m.
The festival will feature arts and crafts booths, entertainment, games and food. All proceeds go to the Stonewall Volunteer Fire Department.
For information, on booth space contact Regina Carpenter at 659-7505 or 727-4561.
Philadelphia to host Autumnfest
Autumnfest is set for Saturday at the courthouse in downtown Philadelphia. The event, sponsored by the Philadelphia-Neshoba County Arts Council, will begin at 9 a.m. with entertainment throughout the day. Autumnfest is an open-air festival that features events for children and adults; it showcases regional performing and visual arts talent.
For information, call 656-9838.
Registration open for LAWS classes
The Lauderdale Association of Women Shooters will sponsor classes in gun operation and safety from 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. on Sept. 11, 13 and 18. A morning class is scheduled Sept. 15.
Instructors certified by the National Rifle Association will teach the classroom and range sessions. The class is limited to 20 students and there is a $40 fee.
For information, call Betty Lacy at 681-8575 or Mildred Thompson at 485-5725.
Make-A-Wish Foundation to meet in Meridian
The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Mississippi has set its monthly Meridian volunteer luncheon from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sept. 13 in the sixth-floor board room of Rush Medical Group.
Lynn Conerly, volunteer coordinator, must receive reservations for the luncheon by Sept .12. She can be reached at 800-819-4072.
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Mississippi is a nonprofit organization that grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses.
Benefit singing for Richard Whitehead
A benefit gospel singing, featuring the "4 Praise Quartet" from Ethel, is set for Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. at Smith Chapel Church of God of Prophecy.
The event is a fund-raiser for Richard L. Whitehead, who has had both of his kidneys removed. Whitehead has been out of work for six months and is currently waiting for a kidney transplant.
The church is on Highway 491, north of Collinsville. To donate to his medical expense fund, call Hazel Purvis at (601) 986-8501.
Central UMC holds recovery workshop
Central United Methodist Church will host a divorce recovery workshop Tuesday nights from 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. on Sept. 11-Oct. 30. A $30 fee includes a study book and resources.
For information, call the church at 693-1521.
Pecan Festival set for September
The Mississippi Pecan Festival is taking applications for arts and crafts booths at this year's festival. The 15th annual Festival will be Sept. 29-30 in Richton.
To reserve booth space, call (601) 525-3792 or (601) 964-8201.
Okatibbee Lake beaches close for winter
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Okatibbee Lake in Collinsville will close all beaches today for the fall and winter season. The areas will open again next spring. For information, call 626-8431.