Local Digest

By Staff
Twelve Angry Men' auditions open at MLT
Jimmy Pigford, artistic director of the Meridian Little Theatre, has announced that auditions for "Twelve Angry Men" will be held Monday, Jan. 8, and Tuesday, Jan. 9. Auditions begin at 7 p.m. both nights at the MLT playhouse on Highway 39 North. The play has roles for 12 adult men.
For information, call 482-6371.
Fibromyalgia support group to meet
A local fibromyalgia support group will host a presentation Monday, Jan. 8, by health trained Philip Quigley called "Stretch for Better Living."
The session will be held at 7 p.m. at Rush Senior Health Center. Quigley has bachelor's degree in exercise physiology. He will explain the advantages of a modified exercise program for patients with chronic pain, as will do a hands-on demonstration.
An informal social time will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Friends and family of those involved with fibromyalgia are encouraged to attend. Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread musculo-skeletal pain and tender joints.
For more information, 483-3532 or 679-7828.
Boil water' alert lifted
State and local officials have lifted a precautionary "boil water" alert for customers who get their drinking water from the Porterville Water Association in Kemper County.
Customers were first advised to boil their water Dec. 12. Tests performed by the Mississippi State Department of Health Laboratory indicate the water now meets the standards of the State Drinking Water Law.
United Blood Service open today
Because of the continued shortage of blood, United Blood Services will be open today from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. to make it more convenient for donors who can't donate during the work week.
United Blood Services needs about 75 units of blood daily including weekends in order to assure there will be blood for cancer and heart patients, surgery patients, burn and accident victims, premature babies and other patients. All donors receive blood coverage for themselves, their spouse and dependent children for six months.
United Blood Services is located at 1115 25th Ave. For more information, call 482-2482.
Transplant support group to meet
If you have had an organ transplant, if you or a family member is in need of an organ transplant, or if you want to learn more about organ transplantation and donation, the Meridian Transplant/Donor Support Group will meet Saturday, Jan. 13, in the Jeff Anderson Regional Medical Center auditorium.
The meeting will begin at 3 p.m.
For more information, call James Laird, volunteer coordinator for the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency at (800) 690-8878 or Robert Everette at 483-3800.
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 can be picked up at Mr. Rodgers Donuts or Judge Little Sporting Goods.
For more information, call Sonja Rowell at 737-8068.
Bonita Lakes Saddle Club to meet
The Bonita Lakes Saddle Club will meet Thursday, Jan. 11, at Ole Farm Beef House (2115 Hwy 39 North). The group plans to eat at 6 p.m. with a meeting to begin at 7 p.m. All members and prospective new members are invited to attend.
For more information, call 485-3079.
MHS Class of '86 plans reunion
The Meridian High School Class of 1986 is preparing for its 15th reunion. A meeting will be held on Jan. 13 at D.T. Grinders, 1600 24th Ave. The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m.
It is important that all committee members attend this meeting. For more information, call Wanda Hudson Bouldin at 482-3344 or Kenneth Rue at 693-2354.
County offers help with limb removal
Residents who need help removing limbs and other debris caused by a Dec. 16 tornado can ask for help from county workers. This includes areas not in the county right-of-way.
The help is made possible because the Board of Supervisors and Gov. Ronnie Musgrove have declared Lauderdale County to be in a state of emergency.
For information, call the Lauderdale County Central Garage at 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. Reservation Day will be Friday, Jan. 19, from 9-11 a.m. in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church.
Tickets can 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 temporarily 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.
Red Cross mans 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 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. For more information, call the Red Cross hotline at 482-1827.
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.
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.