By Staff
Jan. 23, 2001
SBA to close Meridian disaster office
The Small Business Administration loan assistance office at the Lauderdale Emergency Management Agency, 1319 23rd Ave., will will close its doors Thursday, Jan. 25.
The Meridian office has been open since Dec. 28. Loan applications and program information will remain available by calling the SBA help line at (800) 359-2227. The phone line is open from 6 a.m.-4 p.m. (Central time). The deadline for SBA assistance for physical damage is Feb. 23.
Tom Milhorn to sign books
Lifetime Quest at Meridian Community College will feature Dr. Tom Milhorn in a special program Wednesday at 2 p.m. He will give a speech, read from his novel "Caduceus Awry," answer questions and sign books. Milhorn is a native of Kingsport, Tenn. and a resident of Meridian.
The event will take place in the Meridian Room, on campus. Lifetime Quest will have books for sale and the public is invited. 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:
Saturday, Jan. 27 Boy Scout Merit Badge University from 8 a.m.-noon. Boy Scouts will work on earning badges, from archery to woodworking, with MCC faculty and staff members serving as instructors. Classes will be held at different sites on the MCC campus. For more information, call Shirley Nell Goodman at 484-8781.
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. 31 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 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.
Free tax service for seniors
Starting the first Tuesday in February, senior citizens will have access to free tax service. 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.
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.
Timber tax fundamentals class
The Mississippi State University Extension Service will host a course on "Timber Tax Fundamentals." The course will be taught on interactive video at Neshoba Central High School. The course will be held on Jan. 22, Jan. 29 and Feb. 5 from 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
For more information, call 656-4602.
Girl Scouts taking cookie orders
It's that time of year again. Be on the lookout for your favorite Girl Scout cookies or try the new flavor, the Aloha Chip. Girl Scouts will be taking orders through today; cookies will be delivered Feb. 17-March 4.
Girl Scout cookies can be purchased through your local Girl Scout troop, or by calling the Meridian Girl Scout office at 693-2903.
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.
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.