Next ship in LPD series christened
7/15/2006, 2:42 p.m. CT
The Associated Press
AVONDALE, La. (AP) — Under a light rain, the wife of a Marine Corps general smashed a champagne bottle into the hull of the future USS Green Bay, christening the 684-foot warship during ceremonies at a New Orleans-area shipyard on the Mississippi River.
"In honor of the great city of Green Bay and in the name of the United States of America, I christen the Green Bay," said Rose Mary Magnus, wife of Gen. Robert Magnus. "May God bless this ship and all who sail in here."
Magnus then whacked the center of the stern, taking two tries to break the bottle amid applause from a crowd of about 700 people at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems' Avondale yard.
Red, white and blue balloons drifted over the ship and the river. The U.S. Marine Corps band struck up a tune, but the sound system sputtered, leaving it largely inaudible.
"She will take 800 combat Marines in peace and war to the nation's bidding," said Gen. Magnus, the keynote speaker for the event, much of which took place in a heavy shower before the christening.
The new vessel is the fourth ship in the LPD series, designed to carry troops for rapid deployment, launch and recovery. It will be a major part of the U.S. amphibious fleet and carry 360 Navy sailors, along with up to 800 Marines.
The ship is expected to be commissioned in 2008. Currently, the Green Bay is more than 70 percent complete and stands between the USS New York, which is being built with World Trade Center steel in her bow, and the USS New Orleans.
Current plans call for nine ships in the LPD series, each of which costs an average of $1.3 billion.
A hush fell over the crowd as Gen. Magnus detailed the heroics of two Marines who died in battle — one from Louisiana and one from Wisconsin. Cpl. Richard P. Schoener, 22, of the Lake Charles, La., area, was killed in action in 2005 in Afghanistan. Sgt. Benjamin C. Edinger, 24, of Green Bay, died in Iraq in 2004. Both received Bronze Stars for valor posthumously.
Green Bay Mayor James Schmitt urged the vessel's future crew members to consider themselves citizens of his city and to visit when on leave.
"They may be thousands of miles away, but to us they are Green Bay citizens and to us they are extended family," Schmitt said.
Northrop Grumman Ship Systems head Philip Teel said the Green Bay has survived budget cuts — original plans called for 12 LPDs — and delays from Hurricane Katrina.
Teel said many of the yard's 5,000 shipbuilders "still live in trailers, someone else's home, or Camp Katrina," temporary living quarters for many of the employees.
A reproduction of the "G" logo on the helmets of the NFL's Green Bay Packers was placed on the hull for the ceremony. Five shipyard workers who stood for a salute from the crowd wore yellow hardhats with the logo.
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GCN UPDATE:
Latest from Gulfcoastnews.com 7/15/06
Several key milestones will occur next week regarding Biloxi's Katrina recovery...In the 10 months since Katrina made landfall on Aug. 29, Biloxi reports more than 122 permits for new homes have been issued. Biloxi lost nearly 6,000 structures, mostly homes, from Katrina. But that figure tells only a portion of the overall story of Biloxi’s recovery. Between Sept. 1, 2005 and June 30, 2006, the Community Development Dept. has issued nearly 12,000 construction and storm-related permits representing an estimated $475 million in construction...Gulfport delays adoption of tougher building codes for further study...Old Town Bay St. Louis is becoming a ghost town as redevelopment there is nearly at a standstill... The Mississippi Development Authority is asking for people to sign up for phase II of the Homeowner Grant program, which will include homeowners who suffered flooding even in the flood zones, but time is running out. The last day to apply for an appointment is July 21... FEMA reports that more than 101,900 people are housed in 37,745 FEMA-provided trailers...The Coast is on the cusp of recovery nearly 11 months after Hurricane Katrina. 7/15/06 10:51 AM
Latest from Gulfcoastnews.com 7/15/06
Several key milestones will occur next week regarding Biloxi's Katrina recovery...In the 10 months since Katrina made landfall on Aug. 29, Biloxi reports more than 122 permits for new homes have been issued. Biloxi lost nearly 6,000 structures, mostly homes, from Katrina. But that figure tells only a portion of the overall story of Biloxi’s recovery. Between Sept. 1, 2005 and June 30, 2006, the Community Development Dept. has issued nearly 12,000 construction and storm-related permits representing an estimated $475 million in construction...Gulfport delays adoption of tougher building codes for further study...Old Town Bay St. Louis is becoming a ghost town as redevelopment there is nearly at a standstill... The Mississippi Development Authority is asking for people to sign up for phase II of the Homeowner Grant program, which will include homeowners who suffered flooding even in the flood zones, but time is running out. The last day to apply for an appointment is July 21... FEMA reports that more than 101,900 people are housed in 37,745 FEMA-provided trailers...The Coast is on the cusp of recovery nearly 11 months after Hurricane Katrina. 7/15/06 10:51 AM
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Recovery at land's end
By AL JONES 7/15/06
sunherald.com
VENICE, La. - The 75-mile drive down Highway 23 from New Orleans tells a story of the devastation Hurricane Katrina left behind last August.
The first town, Belle Chasse, fared well.
After that, it's a different story.
From Port Sulphur to Venice, the effects will be felt for many years.
In terms of fishing, things are getting better, but recovery is slow.
The small town of Venice, located at the end of the road, once was considered by many the sportfishing capital of the world. In a matter of minutes, anglers could go from catching bass and trout to battling a blue marlin or bone- crushing tuna. Then, when the day was done, they'd return to port and enjoy some excellent dining in either Cypress Cove Marina or Venice Marina.
Katrina changed much, but the fishing is intact and the small village is using that as its means to recover.
Some of the locals say the area received between 18 and 22 feet of water.
By AL JONES 7/15/06
sunherald.com
VENICE, La. - The 75-mile drive down Highway 23 from New Orleans tells a story of the devastation Hurricane Katrina left behind last August.
The first town, Belle Chasse, fared well.
After that, it's a different story.
From Port Sulphur to Venice, the effects will be felt for many years.
In terms of fishing, things are getting better, but recovery is slow.
The small town of Venice, located at the end of the road, once was considered by many the sportfishing capital of the world. In a matter of minutes, anglers could go from catching bass and trout to battling a blue marlin or bone- crushing tuna. Then, when the day was done, they'd return to port and enjoy some excellent dining in either Cypress Cove Marina or Venice Marina.
Katrina changed much, but the fishing is intact and the small village is using that as its means to recover.
Some of the locals say the area received between 18 and 22 feet of water.
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Officials will think about new zone
Some want city ready for gaming
By MELISSA SCALLAN and JOSHUA NORMAN
SUN HERALD - 7/15/06
LONG BEACH - The Board of Aldermen on Tuesday will consider creating an entertainment district allowing casinos, hotels and restaurants along a stretch of U.S. 90.
Alderman-at-large Allen Holder wants the Planning Commission to create such a district so it would be in place if and when developers of those types of projects want to build them in the city.
"We're going to have to have an area to be zoned for gaming, and I want the Planning Commission to start working on it," Holder said.
Holder's proposal calls for a gaming/resort/entertainment district to run from Mason Avenue, just west of Jeff Davis, to Douglas Avenue, east of Cleveland Avenue.
Late last month 55 percent (2,179) of 3,980 voters said they would be in favor of gaming across from the harbor, and Holder said the city needs to have the zone in place. Mayor Billy Skellie has said repeatedly he will veto any casino project, but said last week he doesn't object to the creation of an entertainment district.
"I'm not against them seeing what they need to do as far as zoning, but I'm against any casino project," Skellie said.
But Ward 3 Alderman Richard Burton is calling Holder's proposal a "sell-out."
"The people of this city voted narrowly to approve gaming in one area across from the harbor," Burton said. "At the earliest opportunity, Allen Holder is proposing a gaming zone, which will cover our entire commercial downtown area. This is not what the people voted for."
Burton believes if the aldermen approve such a zone, it would nullify the city's current master plan.
"We have a master plan that the governor's commission and the Mississippi Development Authority spent over a half-million dollars on," he said. "If this (gaming zone) is approved, it's dead, our master plan is dead. We will have no walkable downtown, no pedestrian-friendly streets. We will have no family-oriented neighborhoods. It'll be nothing more than a gambling town."
But Holder said he would be in favor of casinos across the highway from the harbor, and the rest of the area could be used for such businesses as hotels and restaurants.
"I don't want to see casinos from Mason to Douglas," he said. "I just think the first step is to get the zoning done before anybody can give us a proposal."
The Board meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Long Beach School District office on Commission Road.
Some want city ready for gaming
By MELISSA SCALLAN and JOSHUA NORMAN
SUN HERALD - 7/15/06
LONG BEACH - The Board of Aldermen on Tuesday will consider creating an entertainment district allowing casinos, hotels and restaurants along a stretch of U.S. 90.
Alderman-at-large Allen Holder wants the Planning Commission to create such a district so it would be in place if and when developers of those types of projects want to build them in the city.
"We're going to have to have an area to be zoned for gaming, and I want the Planning Commission to start working on it," Holder said.
Holder's proposal calls for a gaming/resort/entertainment district to run from Mason Avenue, just west of Jeff Davis, to Douglas Avenue, east of Cleveland Avenue.
Late last month 55 percent (2,179) of 3,980 voters said they would be in favor of gaming across from the harbor, and Holder said the city needs to have the zone in place. Mayor Billy Skellie has said repeatedly he will veto any casino project, but said last week he doesn't object to the creation of an entertainment district.
"I'm not against them seeing what they need to do as far as zoning, but I'm against any casino project," Skellie said.
But Ward 3 Alderman Richard Burton is calling Holder's proposal a "sell-out."
"The people of this city voted narrowly to approve gaming in one area across from the harbor," Burton said. "At the earliest opportunity, Allen Holder is proposing a gaming zone, which will cover our entire commercial downtown area. This is not what the people voted for."
Burton believes if the aldermen approve such a zone, it would nullify the city's current master plan.
"We have a master plan that the governor's commission and the Mississippi Development Authority spent over a half-million dollars on," he said. "If this (gaming zone) is approved, it's dead, our master plan is dead. We will have no walkable downtown, no pedestrian-friendly streets. We will have no family-oriented neighborhoods. It'll be nothing more than a gambling town."
But Holder said he would be in favor of casinos across the highway from the harbor, and the rest of the area could be used for such businesses as hotels and restaurants.
"I don't want to see casinos from Mason to Douglas," he said. "I just think the first step is to get the zoning done before anybody can give us a proposal."
The Board meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Long Beach School District office on Commission Road.
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WHAT'S HAPPENING IN SOUTH MISSISSIPPI
events of community interest from sunherald.com
7/15/06
TODAY
Joppa Shrine Center ceremonial for members , 8 a.m. breakfast; noon picnic lunch with Shriner ladies, 13280 Mississippi 67, Biloxi. Shrine members only. Picnic in honor of 28th birthday of center. Unit rooms tours in afternoon, followed by birthday cake. Details: 392-9345.
Arts and Intercultural Workshop, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Biloxi Saenger Theatre. Each master class is 1.5 hours. Classes include acting, voice, auditions, makeup, character development, belly dance and more. Fundraiser for Gathering Grove. Details: 831-1003 or http://www.GatheringGrove.com.
4 Part Angel autograph signing, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. July 15, Wal-Mart, Pass Road, Biloxi; 2-4 p.m. July 16, Wal-Mart, Waveland.
"Glass Menagerie" auditions, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. July 15, 2-4 p.m. July 16, Ocean Springs Library on Dewey Avenue. The Walter Anderson Players Community Theatre has roles for two women, one about 60 and one late 20s, and two men in late 20s. Production set for Sept. 22-24. Details: Sandra Camphor, 806-2373.
Region 13 Commission for Mental Health-Mental Retardation, 11:30 a.m., Gulf Coast Mental Health Center, 1600 Broad Ave., Gulfport. Monthly board meeting. Details: Jeff Bennett, 863-1132 or jbennett@gcmhc.com.
Harrison County Federation of Democratic Women, 11:30 a.m. lunch, noon meeting, McAlister's, 2422 Pass Road, Biloxi. Speaker: Harry Ferguson, chairman of the Harrison County Democratic Executive Committee. Topics include organization of the national Democrats, precinct captains, and the efforts for candidates.
Beachcombers Red Hats luncheon, 11:45 a.m., McElroy's, Ocean Springs. Details: 374-1944.
Youth fingerprinting, noon-4 p.m., Movie Gallery, 1989 Pass Road, Biloxi. Children must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Cost: $1, includes one free children's rental.
Book signing, 2-4 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Laura Hildick Burge will sign her book, "Singing River Story." Details: 832-8906.
Nathan Woodward in Concert, 7 p.m., Church on the Rock, Pascagoula. Details: 762-3221 or cotrpas@bellsouth.net.
"CATS," 8 p.m. July 15-16 and 20-23, Gulfport Little Theatre, 2600 13th Ave. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 seniors and military. Details: 617-1991 or 313-1997.
"Up the Down Staircase," 8 p.m. July 15 and July 20-22; 2 p.m. July 16; Biloxi Little Theatre, 220 Lee St. Tickets: $10. Reservations: 432-8543 or 238-0831.
SUNDAY
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church blood drive, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Monica Hall, Pass Road and Jim Money Road, Biloxi. Details: 239-0700.
Sugar Mill Trio ballroom dancing classes, 2-5 p.m., Gulfport Elks Lodge, 12010 Klein Road, Orange Grove. $6 admission fee. 1:30 p.m. free dance. Details: 897-2330.
"Steel Magnolias" auditions, 7 p.m. July 16-17, Gulfport Little Theater, 2600 13th Ave. Casting calls will be for six women, ages 20 to 50 and above. Auditioners will be asked to read from the script and have a short interview. Production dates are Sept. 8-10 and 15-17. Details: 863-3571.
MONDAY
Clear-It-Out book sale, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. July 17-19, under the front canopy at the Pascagoula Library, 3214 Pascagoula St. Hosted by the Friends of the Pascagoula Public Library. Fill a bag for $1. No water-damaged books will be sold. Details: 769-3225.
Ocean Springs Schools new student registration, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., July 17-Aug. 4, each school site. Check at school for the necessary forms. Details: 875-7721.
AARP Driver Safety Program, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. July 17-18, First Baptist Church, 1560 Popp's Ferry Road, Biloxi. Eight hour course divided into two four hour sessions. ring driver's license. Cost: $10. Registration: Ed Beeson, 392-6326.
Look Good Feel Better program for cancer patients, 9 a.m., Memorial Hospital, Gulfport. Goodie bags with make-up and other cosmetics. Program is free, but participants should register. Details: American Cancer Society, (800) ACS-2345.
Kamp Kiwanis, check in noon July 17, activities daily July 18-19, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Perkinston campus. A camp for children with arthritis and their families. Zoo visit in Hattiesburg and other field trips. Details: Dennis Oliver, 832-6786 or Peggy Bass, 669-2092.
Therma-Save house tour, noon, 609 Tennessee St., Gulfport. Homes have a R value of 50 and a 200 mile per hour sustained wind load rating. Details: http://www.thermasave.us.
Pascagoula High School freshman 2007 registration and orientation, 1-5:45 p.m. register and schedule pick-up in mall area; 6 p.m. "Focus on Freshman" in the gym, PHS. School officials will address parents and students, and members of faculty introduced. Tours of campus. Details: 938-6455.
Concerned citizens meeting, 6 p.m., Ocean Springs Municipal Library, small meeting room. Concerned Citizens of Ocean Springs United for a Green and Wise Recovery, Rebuilding, and Development after Hurricane Katrina. Details: joycemshaw@yahoo.com.
The Saucier Improvement Association town meeting, 6 p.m., Saucier Community Center. Progress of Mississippi 601 and architect plans for the town center will be discussed. Details: Wayne Jones, 832-1199.
The Gulf Coast Pond Society, 6 p.m., Linda Junkin, 8303 Shady Rest Road, Vancleave. A picnic and plant swap. Bring a side dish or dessert. Hamburgers, buns, drinks provided. Details: 826-1754.
Joppa Shrine meeting and pot-luck, 6:30 p.m., Joppa Shrine Center, 13280 Mississippi 67, Biloxi. Women will meet at the same time. Details: (601) 928-9200.
Bonsai presentation and meeting, 6:30 p.m., Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Aquaculture building, Espy and B Streets, Long Beach. "Outdoor Bonsai Display Stands" Details: Patrick LaNasa, 255-8735.
Long Beach Historical Society, 7 p.m., Christian Life Center of the First United Methodist Church, 208 Pine St., Long Beach. Moved from meeting scheduled for July 10. Details: 863-5332.
TUESDAY
Veterans Administration Hospital blood drive, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Recreation Hall, Veterans Avenue, Biloxi. Hours subject to change. Details: 239-0700.
Commission on Marine Resources, 9 a.m., Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center, 1815 Popp's Ferry Road, Biloxi.
Free Disaster Response Database training seminars, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. July 18, R-125, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jefferson Davis campus, Switzer Road, Gulfport; and July 20, Diamondhead Baptist Church. Joan Buchhop, who developed the software, teaches the seminars. Walk-ins welcome. Details: Monda Jewess, 868-0961 or monda@msidtf.org.
Medicare Part D session, 10 a.m.-noon, West Harrison Civic Center, Espy Avenue, Long Beach. Memorial Senior Services question-and-answer session about Medicare. Details: 865-3603.
Senior Fun day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Woolmarket Community Center, 16320 Old Woolmarket Road. Senior can enjoy lunch, bingo, door prizes and live entertainment. Details: 864-6274.
Orange Grove Community blood drive, 2-7 p.m., St. Joseph's Catholic Church, DePew Road, Orange Grove. Details: 239-0700.
Saucier Merchants' Association, 6 p.m., Saucier Community Center. Speaker: Cindy Simmons, Harrison County beautification director.
Medicare Part D session, 6-7 p.m., Memorial Hospital, private dining room, Gulfport. Memorial Senior Services question-and-answer session about Medicare. Details: 865-3603.
Free Enhancing the Image in Your Mirror seminar, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Wingate Inn, 3641 Sangani Blvd., D'Iberville. Given by Dr. E. Gaylon McCollough, a cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon. Details: Lisa Crouse, 396-1200.
Meeting with Gulfport mayor, 6:30 p.m., Isaiah Fredricks Community Center 3312 Martin Luther King Blvd., Gulfport. Details: 864-5209.
WEDNESDAY
Story of captive dolphins, 10:30 a.m., Bay St. Louis-Hancock County Library, McKenna Andrews, author of the book, "Riding the Storm Out", tells story of dolphins. Details: 467-5282.
American Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., fellowship hall, First United Methodist Church of Gulfport. 2301 15th St. Details: 239-0700; Hancock County Community Blood Drive, 1-6 p.m., Diamondhead Community Center, 7600 Diamondhead Circle. Appointments to donate. Details: Trinity Cuevas or Alexis Roberts, 255-0792 or Katrina, 671-9674.
The Harrison County Republican Club luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Gulfport room, Holiday Inn Airport, Gulfport. Speaker: Nathan Wells, political director Mississippi Republican Party. Membership drive. Details: 374-2354, 832-8250.
Golden Agers Senior Luncheon, noon, Orange Grove/Lyman Community Center, U.S. 49 North. Program on housing needs for disabled seniors with protection for disabilities. Door prizes.
THURSDAY
Pascagoula High School 10th, 11th, and 12th grades registration, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. July 20; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. July 21. Must be registered by parent or legal guardian. Check with school for required paperwork. Details: 938-6455.
Harrison Central High School Class Of 1986 Katrina Volunteer Day, 9 a.m., Wal-Mart parking lot, U.S. 49, Gulfport. Details: Melissa Panger (202) 285-9098 or harrisoncentral1986@yahoo.com.
American Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Red Cross bloodmobile, Cellular South, Sangani Blvd., D'Iberville. Donors will also receive a goody bag. Details: 239-0700.
NARFE Chapter 209 meeting, 11 a.m., Parish Hall, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Pass Road, Biloxi. Judy Sthexnayder and Dan Miller of the Harrison County Sheriff's Department will present a program to alert seniors about fraud. Details: Marie Pope, 388-3627.
Beau Rivage Job Fair, 2-7 p.m., Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, West Harrison County Center, 21500 B St., Long Beach. Beau Rivage is recruiting culinary arts and other job positions.
Outdoor after hours, 5-7 p.m., The Bow Shop, 14507 Dedeaux Road, Gulfport. Cost: $5 members, $10 nonmembers. Details: 328-0503.
Free legal aid for Hurricane Katrina survivors, 5-7 p.m., Our Mother of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church, 803 Division St., Biloxi. Legal aid for issues concerning hurricane. Bring all related documentation. Details: (601) 352-2269.
Writing a Winning Business Plan workshop, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m., Gulf Coast Business Technology Center, 1636 Popp's Ferry Road, Biloxi. Cost: $25 if paid by July 13 or $30 after. Details: 392-9741 or btcbridgette@cableone.net.
Ocean Springs High School Class of 1976 reunion meeting, 7 p.m., home of Laura Pitalo Parker, 379 Nelson Road, Biloxi. The reunion is set for Sept. 16. To volunteer or join a committee, visit http://www.oshs76.com or call Parker at 697-1526.
Book club meeting, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Meets first and third Thursday of each month. Details: 832-8906.
Jacob Blue concert, 7:30 p.m., God's Katrina Kitchen, Pass Christian. Details: http://www.jacobblue.net.
FRIDAY
Father Michael Tracey book signing, 5-7 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Tracey, a priest at Our Lady of the Gulf, Bay St. Louis, will be signing Hurricane Katrina book, "She Was No Lady."
Harrison Central High School Class of 1986 reunion, 6 p.m. social July 21, Lookout 49 Restaurant, U.S. 49, Gulfport.
Main Street drive-in movie, 6:30 p.m., Town Green, Biloxi. "Herbie, Fully Loaded." Contests and food. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Cost: one can of food for Salvation Army. Details: 435-6339.
Pass Christian Mayor Election Candidates Forum, 7 p.m., West Harrison County Civic Center, Espy Avenue. Drop questions in candidate forum boxes by July 18 at the Library, Hancock Bank, Peoples Bank and Kafe Katrina, election@gazebogazette.com or in writing before 6:45 p.m. on meeting night. Details: 324-8275.
Eyefellgloffen Hootenannie Merryberry Crunch, 8 p.m. July 21-22, 2 p.m., July 23, Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center, 1600 Government St., Ocean Springs. Children's production presented by The Walter Anderson Players.
JULY 22
Woolmarket Consolidation School reunion 1912-1957, 10 a.m. social, noon lunch, Woolmarket Community Center, Old Woolmarket Road and Mississippi 67. Potluck dinner. Honoree class of 1956. Do not have to be a graduate to attend. Details Bobby Robbins (601) 798-3412, Whitney Taylor, 392-5064, or Mack Husley, 392-5991.
Harrison Central High School Class of 1986 reunion, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. family picnic July 22, HCHS campus, Gulfport; 7 p.m.-midnight '80s Party, 8 p.m. class photo July 22, Orange Grove Community Center, U.S. 49, Gulfport. Cost: Party, $30 each or $50 couple. Details: 324-9374 or harrisoncentral1986@yahoo.com.
The Tullibee Base of USSVI and the Subvettes of Tullibee Base, 11 a.m., Pascagoula VFW Post 3373, 2724 Vega St. All submarine veterans and their spouses can attend. Details: http://www.datasync.com/~edabear/Welcome.html.
Poker book signing, 2-4 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Ken Warren of Ocean Springs will sign his four poker books.
4 Part Angel concert, 4 p.m., D'Iberville Wal-Mart. "Be An Angel Tour" for hurricane relief.
4 Part Angel has now performed for thousands on their "Be An Angel Tour."
St. Martin High High School 1956 reunion, 7 p.m., Chinese Express, Ocean Springs. Details: 392-5227.
D'Iberville High School's Class of 1996 reunion, 8 p.m.-midnight, Sunkist Country Club. Details: Christy (Collins) LeBatard, 326-3166 or diberville1996@yahoo.com.
JULY 24
American Association of University Women, 5 p.m., O'Neal's Restaurant, 2330 E. Pass Road, Gulfport, to plan events for the Gulf Coast branch for the coming year. New members are invited. Details: R. Elaine Schmidtling, 669-5475, turpie55@aol.com.
Hancock County public services meeting, 5:30 p.m., Kiln Public Library. Discuss the status of Hancock County water, wastewater and stormwater systems in Hancock county. Details: Kay Gough, 216-9047, governorscomission@hancockchamber.org.
JULY 25
Reception for Sarah Maghan, 5-7 p.m., Pascagoula High School media center. Maghan, former assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction at Pascagoula School District, retired after 40 years. Details: 938-6491.
JULY 26
Six Sigma course, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., July 25-26, John C. Stennis Space Center, Bay St. Louis. Methodology for eliminating defects in processes from manufacturing to transactional and from product to service. Cost: $399 per person. Details: Pearl River Community College, (601) 544-4646 or esalsobrooks@prcc.edu.
Mary C. O'Keefe Youth Symphony Summer Session concert, 7 p.m., Performing Arts Theater, Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center, Ocean Springs. Details: 818-2878.
American Red Cross blood drive, noon-4 p.m., American Red Cross Southeast Mississippi Chapter Office on Jackson Ave. in Pascagoula. Prizes and food coupons. Details: 239-0700.
JULY 27
"Fiddler on the Roof," 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. July 27-28, 7 p.m. July 29, 2 p.m. July 30, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jefferson Davis campus, Switzer Road, Gulfport. Performance by WINGS. Chaperones of daycare camps free. Cost: $6 adults, $4 for students. Free to Katrina recovery volunteers. Details: 897-6039 ext. 303, macaldwell@lmdc.org or http://www.lmdc.org.
JULY 29
Flower bookmark activity, 10-11 a.m., Crosby Arboretum, 370 Ridge Road, Picayune. Children can create bookmarks using pressed and dried flowers. Register by July 22. Details: (601) 799-2311.
Children's Health Fair, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Edgewater Mall, U.S. 90, Biloxi. Details: Tammy Howell, 282-3773.
Long Beach High School Class of 1996 reunion, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. family barbecue, War Memorial Park, Pass Christian; 7-10 p.m. social and cocktail party (casual wear), Bayou Bluff Tennis Club. Details: Vicki Slade Pace at vickisladepace@hotmail.com or Kim Johnson Ritter at kimberliejohnson@bellsouth.net.
American Red Cross blood drive, noon-4:30 p.m., Red Cross bloodmobile, Gulf Coast Veterinary Hospital. Iberville Drive, Biloxi. Prizes and food coupons. Details: 239-0700.
"Say Aloha to Summer" event, 2 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Hawaiian luau, dancers, story and activities. Winner of writing contest announced. Details: 832-8906.
Moss Point High School Class of 1953 Reunion, 6:30 p.m.-until, Georgia Mansfield, 2019 Margie Moore Ave., Pascagoula. Members of other MPHS classes to 1966 can attend. Food and setups furnished. Can bring own beverage. RSVP. Details: 475-5778.
JULY 31
American Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., Red Cross bloodmobile, Walgreen's, corner of Pass and Popp's Ferry roads, Biloxi. Prizes and food coupons. Details: 239-0700.
AUG. 4
Exotic vegetables seminar, 10 a.m., Crosby Arboretum, 370 Ridge Road, Picayune. Vegetable horticulturist Christine Coker will talk about strange and unique vegetables for Southern gardens. Register by July 28. Details: (601) 799-2311.
Fish fry, 5-8 p.m., American Legion Hall Post 139, Green Meadows Road, Bay St. Louis. For Pearl River Community College's Hancock County Alumni Chapter scholarships. Cost. $6 , takeouts available. Details: Frank Ladner, 467-7130, Kevin Ladner, 255-0992, Jimmy Ladner, 467-4425.
"Katrina" Caruso Dance Ensemble performance, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 4-5, Saenger Theatre for the Performing Arts, 170 Reynoir St., Biloxi. Tickets are $12, $8 for students, children and senior citizens. Details: (601) 749-0266.
AUG. 5
Low-vision support group, 9:30 a.m., Ocean Springs Hospital library. Legally blind individuals and their families meet the first Saturday of each month to discuss concerns and support. Details: 875-5090 or 218-1549.
Christmas in August arts and crafts show, The Joppa Shrine Center, 13280 Mississippi 67, Biloxi. Details: 697-9960 or 539-7042.
Picayune First Saturday, 5-8 p.m., downtown. Shopping dining and live entertainment. Details: (601) 799-3929, (601) 749-0756 or (800) 256-3258.
Gulfport High School Class of 1981 reunion, 7-9 p.m., Bayou Bluff Tennis Club, Gulfport. Details: Jennifer Robb Herbert, 324-1863; Joyce Blackledge Struss, 865-0479.
AUG. 6
Pass Christian community bloodstock drive, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Holy Family Parish in the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall, 22342 Evangeline Road off Menge Ave. Donors receive T-shirt and can enter a drawing for August to win a $1000 American Express gift card. Appointments scheduled. Details: Leah, 452-3948.
AUG. 8
New Mystery book club, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. True crime stories to lighter mysteries will be moderated by John Washburn. Details: 832-8906.
AUG. 15
Region 13 Commission for Mental Health-Mental Retardation, 11:30 a.m., Gulf Coast Mental Health Center, 1600 Broad Ave., Gulfport. Monthly board meeting. Details: Jeff Bennett, 863-1132 or jbennett@gcmhc.com.
AUG. 18
Bugfest 2006, 4-8 p.m., Crosby Arboretum, 370 Ridge Road, Picayune. Dr. Bug is back and needs help locating insects at the Arboretum. Register by Aug. 11. Details: (601) 799-2311.
AUG. 19
Booksigning, 2-4 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Vickie Noilet will sign her book, "Parting Shots of Old Town Bay St. Louis." Details: 832-8906.
AUG. 22
NALS Legal Training Course (basic), begins Aug. 22, through November; Franke and Salloum, PLLC, 2605 14th St., Gulfport. A 12-week course for those with less than three year's law office experience or limited to socialized area of law or for students preparing for Accredited Legal Secretary or Professional Legal Secretary certification examination. Registration fee includes all materials. RSVP by July 1. Details: Jeannie M. Shaw, 831-8709 or 868-7070 or jmshaw@cableone.net.
AUG. 23
SD-VOSB & VOSB Outreach Event, August 23-24, 2006, IP, 850 Bayview Ave. Biloxi. Provides insight on networking and procurement opportunities within Northrop Grumman. Limited space. RSVP. Details: Mijisha Gray, sebp ss@ngc.com or fax, 933-7525.
AUG. 25
George Ohr Rising opening reception, 6-8 p.m., Fine Arts building, Jefferson Davis campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Details: 374-5547.
AUG. 26
St. Martin High School Class of 1981, 7 p.m., Sunkist Country Club, Biloxi. Twenty-fifth class reunion. Details: Angela Alley, 392-3925 or aalley9744@cableone.net.
SEPT. 1
Gulfport students of the 1950s combined reunion party, 8 p.m., Orange Grove Community Center.
SEPT. 2
Low-vision support group, 9:30 a.m., Ocean Springs Hospital library. Legally blind individuals and their families meet the first Saturday of each month to discuss concerns and support. Details: 875-5090 or 218-1549.
Gulfport High School Class of 1954 luncheon reunion, 11 a.m., Sept. 2, Blow Fly Inn, U.S. 49. Details: 697-8989.
SEPT. 8
Gulfport High School Class of 1995 Reunion, 6:30 p.m. GHS football game Sept. 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. family picnic, Sept. 9, James Hill Park, 6 p.m. night out event, IP, Biloxi. Classes from 1993-1996 can attend. Details: Jamye, (304) 876-3244.
Biloxi Seafood Festival, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 16, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sept. 17, Biloxi Town Green. Food, arts and crafts. Details: Rachael@mscoastchamber.com or 604-0014.
SEPT. 23
Harrison Central High School Class of 1996 reunion, 7 p.m., Orange Grove Community Center, U.S. 49 North, Gulfport. Details: Mandy Herrmann Moran, 860-6226 or mandymoran@bellsouth.net.
OCT. 7
Low-vision support group, 9:30 a.m., Ocean Springs Hospital library. Legally blind individuals and their families meet the first Saturday of each month to discuss concerns and support. Details: 875-5090 or 218-1549.
15th annual George Ohr Fall Festival of Arts, Biloxi Town Green. Details: Holly Zinner, 374-5547.
NOV. 4
Low-vision support group, 9:30 a.m., Ocean Springs Hospital library. Legally blind individuals and their families meet the first Saturday of each month to discuss concerns and support. Details: 875-5090 or 218-1549.
DEC. 2
Low-vision support group, 11 a.m., Ocean Springs Hospital library. Legally blind individuals and their families meet the first Saturday of each month to discuss concerns and support. Details: 875-5090 or 218-1549.
events of community interest from sunherald.com
7/15/06
TODAY
Joppa Shrine Center ceremonial for members , 8 a.m. breakfast; noon picnic lunch with Shriner ladies, 13280 Mississippi 67, Biloxi. Shrine members only. Picnic in honor of 28th birthday of center. Unit rooms tours in afternoon, followed by birthday cake. Details: 392-9345.
Arts and Intercultural Workshop, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Biloxi Saenger Theatre. Each master class is 1.5 hours. Classes include acting, voice, auditions, makeup, character development, belly dance and more. Fundraiser for Gathering Grove. Details: 831-1003 or http://www.GatheringGrove.com.
4 Part Angel autograph signing, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. July 15, Wal-Mart, Pass Road, Biloxi; 2-4 p.m. July 16, Wal-Mart, Waveland.
"Glass Menagerie" auditions, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. July 15, 2-4 p.m. July 16, Ocean Springs Library on Dewey Avenue. The Walter Anderson Players Community Theatre has roles for two women, one about 60 and one late 20s, and two men in late 20s. Production set for Sept. 22-24. Details: Sandra Camphor, 806-2373.
Region 13 Commission for Mental Health-Mental Retardation, 11:30 a.m., Gulf Coast Mental Health Center, 1600 Broad Ave., Gulfport. Monthly board meeting. Details: Jeff Bennett, 863-1132 or jbennett@gcmhc.com.
Harrison County Federation of Democratic Women, 11:30 a.m. lunch, noon meeting, McAlister's, 2422 Pass Road, Biloxi. Speaker: Harry Ferguson, chairman of the Harrison County Democratic Executive Committee. Topics include organization of the national Democrats, precinct captains, and the efforts for candidates.
Beachcombers Red Hats luncheon, 11:45 a.m., McElroy's, Ocean Springs. Details: 374-1944.
Youth fingerprinting, noon-4 p.m., Movie Gallery, 1989 Pass Road, Biloxi. Children must be accompanied by parent or guardian. Cost: $1, includes one free children's rental.
Book signing, 2-4 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Laura Hildick Burge will sign her book, "Singing River Story." Details: 832-8906.
Nathan Woodward in Concert, 7 p.m., Church on the Rock, Pascagoula. Details: 762-3221 or cotrpas@bellsouth.net.
"CATS," 8 p.m. July 15-16 and 20-23, Gulfport Little Theatre, 2600 13th Ave. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 seniors and military. Details: 617-1991 or 313-1997.
"Up the Down Staircase," 8 p.m. July 15 and July 20-22; 2 p.m. July 16; Biloxi Little Theatre, 220 Lee St. Tickets: $10. Reservations: 432-8543 or 238-0831.
SUNDAY
Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church blood drive, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Monica Hall, Pass Road and Jim Money Road, Biloxi. Details: 239-0700.
Sugar Mill Trio ballroom dancing classes, 2-5 p.m., Gulfport Elks Lodge, 12010 Klein Road, Orange Grove. $6 admission fee. 1:30 p.m. free dance. Details: 897-2330.
"Steel Magnolias" auditions, 7 p.m. July 16-17, Gulfport Little Theater, 2600 13th Ave. Casting calls will be for six women, ages 20 to 50 and above. Auditioners will be asked to read from the script and have a short interview. Production dates are Sept. 8-10 and 15-17. Details: 863-3571.
MONDAY
Clear-It-Out book sale, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. July 17-19, under the front canopy at the Pascagoula Library, 3214 Pascagoula St. Hosted by the Friends of the Pascagoula Public Library. Fill a bag for $1. No water-damaged books will be sold. Details: 769-3225.
Ocean Springs Schools new student registration, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., July 17-Aug. 4, each school site. Check at school for the necessary forms. Details: 875-7721.
AARP Driver Safety Program, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. July 17-18, First Baptist Church, 1560 Popp's Ferry Road, Biloxi. Eight hour course divided into two four hour sessions. ring driver's license. Cost: $10. Registration: Ed Beeson, 392-6326.
Look Good Feel Better program for cancer patients, 9 a.m., Memorial Hospital, Gulfport. Goodie bags with make-up and other cosmetics. Program is free, but participants should register. Details: American Cancer Society, (800) ACS-2345.
Kamp Kiwanis, check in noon July 17, activities daily July 18-19, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Perkinston campus. A camp for children with arthritis and their families. Zoo visit in Hattiesburg and other field trips. Details: Dennis Oliver, 832-6786 or Peggy Bass, 669-2092.
Therma-Save house tour, noon, 609 Tennessee St., Gulfport. Homes have a R value of 50 and a 200 mile per hour sustained wind load rating. Details: http://www.thermasave.us.
Pascagoula High School freshman 2007 registration and orientation, 1-5:45 p.m. register and schedule pick-up in mall area; 6 p.m. "Focus on Freshman" in the gym, PHS. School officials will address parents and students, and members of faculty introduced. Tours of campus. Details: 938-6455.
Concerned citizens meeting, 6 p.m., Ocean Springs Municipal Library, small meeting room. Concerned Citizens of Ocean Springs United for a Green and Wise Recovery, Rebuilding, and Development after Hurricane Katrina. Details: joycemshaw@yahoo.com.
The Saucier Improvement Association town meeting, 6 p.m., Saucier Community Center. Progress of Mississippi 601 and architect plans for the town center will be discussed. Details: Wayne Jones, 832-1199.
The Gulf Coast Pond Society, 6 p.m., Linda Junkin, 8303 Shady Rest Road, Vancleave. A picnic and plant swap. Bring a side dish or dessert. Hamburgers, buns, drinks provided. Details: 826-1754.
Joppa Shrine meeting and pot-luck, 6:30 p.m., Joppa Shrine Center, 13280 Mississippi 67, Biloxi. Women will meet at the same time. Details: (601) 928-9200.
Bonsai presentation and meeting, 6:30 p.m., Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Aquaculture building, Espy and B Streets, Long Beach. "Outdoor Bonsai Display Stands" Details: Patrick LaNasa, 255-8735.
Long Beach Historical Society, 7 p.m., Christian Life Center of the First United Methodist Church, 208 Pine St., Long Beach. Moved from meeting scheduled for July 10. Details: 863-5332.
TUESDAY
Veterans Administration Hospital blood drive, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Recreation Hall, Veterans Avenue, Biloxi. Hours subject to change. Details: 239-0700.
Commission on Marine Resources, 9 a.m., Mississippi State University Coastal Research and Extension Center, 1815 Popp's Ferry Road, Biloxi.
Free Disaster Response Database training seminars, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. July 18, R-125, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jefferson Davis campus, Switzer Road, Gulfport; and July 20, Diamondhead Baptist Church. Joan Buchhop, who developed the software, teaches the seminars. Walk-ins welcome. Details: Monda Jewess, 868-0961 or monda@msidtf.org.
Medicare Part D session, 10 a.m.-noon, West Harrison Civic Center, Espy Avenue, Long Beach. Memorial Senior Services question-and-answer session about Medicare. Details: 865-3603.
Senior Fun day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Woolmarket Community Center, 16320 Old Woolmarket Road. Senior can enjoy lunch, bingo, door prizes and live entertainment. Details: 864-6274.
Orange Grove Community blood drive, 2-7 p.m., St. Joseph's Catholic Church, DePew Road, Orange Grove. Details: 239-0700.
Saucier Merchants' Association, 6 p.m., Saucier Community Center. Speaker: Cindy Simmons, Harrison County beautification director.
Medicare Part D session, 6-7 p.m., Memorial Hospital, private dining room, Gulfport. Memorial Senior Services question-and-answer session about Medicare. Details: 865-3603.
Free Enhancing the Image in Your Mirror seminar, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Wingate Inn, 3641 Sangani Blvd., D'Iberville. Given by Dr. E. Gaylon McCollough, a cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon. Details: Lisa Crouse, 396-1200.
Meeting with Gulfport mayor, 6:30 p.m., Isaiah Fredricks Community Center 3312 Martin Luther King Blvd., Gulfport. Details: 864-5209.
WEDNESDAY
Story of captive dolphins, 10:30 a.m., Bay St. Louis-Hancock County Library, McKenna Andrews, author of the book, "Riding the Storm Out", tells story of dolphins. Details: 467-5282.
American Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., fellowship hall, First United Methodist Church of Gulfport. 2301 15th St. Details: 239-0700; Hancock County Community Blood Drive, 1-6 p.m., Diamondhead Community Center, 7600 Diamondhead Circle. Appointments to donate. Details: Trinity Cuevas or Alexis Roberts, 255-0792 or Katrina, 671-9674.
The Harrison County Republican Club luncheon, 11:30 a.m., Gulfport room, Holiday Inn Airport, Gulfport. Speaker: Nathan Wells, political director Mississippi Republican Party. Membership drive. Details: 374-2354, 832-8250.
Golden Agers Senior Luncheon, noon, Orange Grove/Lyman Community Center, U.S. 49 North. Program on housing needs for disabled seniors with protection for disabilities. Door prizes.
THURSDAY
Pascagoula High School 10th, 11th, and 12th grades registration, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. July 20; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. July 21. Must be registered by parent or legal guardian. Check with school for required paperwork. Details: 938-6455.
Harrison Central High School Class Of 1986 Katrina Volunteer Day, 9 a.m., Wal-Mart parking lot, U.S. 49, Gulfport. Details: Melissa Panger (202) 285-9098 or harrisoncentral1986@yahoo.com.
American Red Cross blood drive, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Red Cross bloodmobile, Cellular South, Sangani Blvd., D'Iberville. Donors will also receive a goody bag. Details: 239-0700.
NARFE Chapter 209 meeting, 11 a.m., Parish Hall, Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, Pass Road, Biloxi. Judy Sthexnayder and Dan Miller of the Harrison County Sheriff's Department will present a program to alert seniors about fraud. Details: Marie Pope, 388-3627.
Beau Rivage Job Fair, 2-7 p.m., Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, West Harrison County Center, 21500 B St., Long Beach. Beau Rivage is recruiting culinary arts and other job positions.
Outdoor after hours, 5-7 p.m., The Bow Shop, 14507 Dedeaux Road, Gulfport. Cost: $5 members, $10 nonmembers. Details: 328-0503.
Free legal aid for Hurricane Katrina survivors, 5-7 p.m., Our Mother of Sorrows Roman Catholic Church, 803 Division St., Biloxi. Legal aid for issues concerning hurricane. Bring all related documentation. Details: (601) 352-2269.
Writing a Winning Business Plan workshop, 5:30 - 8:00 p.m., Gulf Coast Business Technology Center, 1636 Popp's Ferry Road, Biloxi. Cost: $25 if paid by July 13 or $30 after. Details: 392-9741 or btcbridgette@cableone.net.
Ocean Springs High School Class of 1976 reunion meeting, 7 p.m., home of Laura Pitalo Parker, 379 Nelson Road, Biloxi. The reunion is set for Sept. 16. To volunteer or join a committee, visit http://www.oshs76.com or call Parker at 697-1526.
Book club meeting, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Meets first and third Thursday of each month. Details: 832-8906.
Jacob Blue concert, 7:30 p.m., God's Katrina Kitchen, Pass Christian. Details: http://www.jacobblue.net.
FRIDAY
Father Michael Tracey book signing, 5-7 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Tracey, a priest at Our Lady of the Gulf, Bay St. Louis, will be signing Hurricane Katrina book, "She Was No Lady."
Harrison Central High School Class of 1986 reunion, 6 p.m. social July 21, Lookout 49 Restaurant, U.S. 49, Gulfport.
Main Street drive-in movie, 6:30 p.m., Town Green, Biloxi. "Herbie, Fully Loaded." Contests and food. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Cost: one can of food for Salvation Army. Details: 435-6339.
Pass Christian Mayor Election Candidates Forum, 7 p.m., West Harrison County Civic Center, Espy Avenue. Drop questions in candidate forum boxes by July 18 at the Library, Hancock Bank, Peoples Bank and Kafe Katrina, election@gazebogazette.com or in writing before 6:45 p.m. on meeting night. Details: 324-8275.
Eyefellgloffen Hootenannie Merryberry Crunch, 8 p.m. July 21-22, 2 p.m., July 23, Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center, 1600 Government St., Ocean Springs. Children's production presented by The Walter Anderson Players.
JULY 22
Woolmarket Consolidation School reunion 1912-1957, 10 a.m. social, noon lunch, Woolmarket Community Center, Old Woolmarket Road and Mississippi 67. Potluck dinner. Honoree class of 1956. Do not have to be a graduate to attend. Details Bobby Robbins (601) 798-3412, Whitney Taylor, 392-5064, or Mack Husley, 392-5991.
Harrison Central High School Class of 1986 reunion, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. family picnic July 22, HCHS campus, Gulfport; 7 p.m.-midnight '80s Party, 8 p.m. class photo July 22, Orange Grove Community Center, U.S. 49, Gulfport. Cost: Party, $30 each or $50 couple. Details: 324-9374 or harrisoncentral1986@yahoo.com.
The Tullibee Base of USSVI and the Subvettes of Tullibee Base, 11 a.m., Pascagoula VFW Post 3373, 2724 Vega St. All submarine veterans and their spouses can attend. Details: http://www.datasync.com/~edabear/Welcome.html.
Poker book signing, 2-4 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Ken Warren of Ocean Springs will sign his four poker books.
4 Part Angel concert, 4 p.m., D'Iberville Wal-Mart. "Be An Angel Tour" for hurricane relief.
4 Part Angel has now performed for thousands on their "Be An Angel Tour."
St. Martin High High School 1956 reunion, 7 p.m., Chinese Express, Ocean Springs. Details: 392-5227.
D'Iberville High School's Class of 1996 reunion, 8 p.m.-midnight, Sunkist Country Club. Details: Christy (Collins) LeBatard, 326-3166 or diberville1996@yahoo.com.
JULY 24
American Association of University Women, 5 p.m., O'Neal's Restaurant, 2330 E. Pass Road, Gulfport, to plan events for the Gulf Coast branch for the coming year. New members are invited. Details: R. Elaine Schmidtling, 669-5475, turpie55@aol.com.
Hancock County public services meeting, 5:30 p.m., Kiln Public Library. Discuss the status of Hancock County water, wastewater and stormwater systems in Hancock county. Details: Kay Gough, 216-9047, governorscomission@hancockchamber.org.
JULY 25
Reception for Sarah Maghan, 5-7 p.m., Pascagoula High School media center. Maghan, former assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction at Pascagoula School District, retired after 40 years. Details: 938-6491.
JULY 26
Six Sigma course, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., July 25-26, John C. Stennis Space Center, Bay St. Louis. Methodology for eliminating defects in processes from manufacturing to transactional and from product to service. Cost: $399 per person. Details: Pearl River Community College, (601) 544-4646 or esalsobrooks@prcc.edu.
Mary C. O'Keefe Youth Symphony Summer Session concert, 7 p.m., Performing Arts Theater, Mary C. O'Keefe Cultural Center, Ocean Springs. Details: 818-2878.
American Red Cross blood drive, noon-4 p.m., American Red Cross Southeast Mississippi Chapter Office on Jackson Ave. in Pascagoula. Prizes and food coupons. Details: 239-0700.
JULY 27
"Fiddler on the Roof," 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. July 27-28, 7 p.m. July 29, 2 p.m. July 30, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Jefferson Davis campus, Switzer Road, Gulfport. Performance by WINGS. Chaperones of daycare camps free. Cost: $6 adults, $4 for students. Free to Katrina recovery volunteers. Details: 897-6039 ext. 303, macaldwell@lmdc.org or http://www.lmdc.org.
JULY 29
Flower bookmark activity, 10-11 a.m., Crosby Arboretum, 370 Ridge Road, Picayune. Children can create bookmarks using pressed and dried flowers. Register by July 22. Details: (601) 799-2311.
Children's Health Fair, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Edgewater Mall, U.S. 90, Biloxi. Details: Tammy Howell, 282-3773.
Long Beach High School Class of 1996 reunion, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. family barbecue, War Memorial Park, Pass Christian; 7-10 p.m. social and cocktail party (casual wear), Bayou Bluff Tennis Club. Details: Vicki Slade Pace at vickisladepace@hotmail.com or Kim Johnson Ritter at kimberliejohnson@bellsouth.net.
American Red Cross blood drive, noon-4:30 p.m., Red Cross bloodmobile, Gulf Coast Veterinary Hospital. Iberville Drive, Biloxi. Prizes and food coupons. Details: 239-0700.
"Say Aloha to Summer" event, 2 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Hawaiian luau, dancers, story and activities. Winner of writing contest announced. Details: 832-8906.
Moss Point High School Class of 1953 Reunion, 6:30 p.m.-until, Georgia Mansfield, 2019 Margie Moore Ave., Pascagoula. Members of other MPHS classes to 1966 can attend. Food and setups furnished. Can bring own beverage. RSVP. Details: 475-5778.
JULY 31
American Red Cross blood drive, 2-6 p.m., Red Cross bloodmobile, Walgreen's, corner of Pass and Popp's Ferry roads, Biloxi. Prizes and food coupons. Details: 239-0700.
AUG. 4
Exotic vegetables seminar, 10 a.m., Crosby Arboretum, 370 Ridge Road, Picayune. Vegetable horticulturist Christine Coker will talk about strange and unique vegetables for Southern gardens. Register by July 28. Details: (601) 799-2311.
Fish fry, 5-8 p.m., American Legion Hall Post 139, Green Meadows Road, Bay St. Louis. For Pearl River Community College's Hancock County Alumni Chapter scholarships. Cost. $6 , takeouts available. Details: Frank Ladner, 467-7130, Kevin Ladner, 255-0992, Jimmy Ladner, 467-4425.
"Katrina" Caruso Dance Ensemble performance, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 4-5, Saenger Theatre for the Performing Arts, 170 Reynoir St., Biloxi. Tickets are $12, $8 for students, children and senior citizens. Details: (601) 749-0266.
AUG. 5
Low-vision support group, 9:30 a.m., Ocean Springs Hospital library. Legally blind individuals and their families meet the first Saturday of each month to discuss concerns and support. Details: 875-5090 or 218-1549.
Christmas in August arts and crafts show, The Joppa Shrine Center, 13280 Mississippi 67, Biloxi. Details: 697-9960 or 539-7042.
Picayune First Saturday, 5-8 p.m., downtown. Shopping dining and live entertainment. Details: (601) 799-3929, (601) 749-0756 or (800) 256-3258.
Gulfport High School Class of 1981 reunion, 7-9 p.m., Bayou Bluff Tennis Club, Gulfport. Details: Jennifer Robb Herbert, 324-1863; Joyce Blackledge Struss, 865-0479.
AUG. 6
Pass Christian community bloodstock drive, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Holy Family Parish in the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Hall, 22342 Evangeline Road off Menge Ave. Donors receive T-shirt and can enter a drawing for August to win a $1000 American Express gift card. Appointments scheduled. Details: Leah, 452-3948.
AUG. 8
New Mystery book club, 7 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. True crime stories to lighter mysteries will be moderated by John Washburn. Details: 832-8906.
AUG. 15
Region 13 Commission for Mental Health-Mental Retardation, 11:30 a.m., Gulf Coast Mental Health Center, 1600 Broad Ave., Gulfport. Monthly board meeting. Details: Jeff Bennett, 863-1132 or jbennett@gcmhc.com.
AUG. 18
Bugfest 2006, 4-8 p.m., Crosby Arboretum, 370 Ridge Road, Picayune. Dr. Bug is back and needs help locating insects at the Arboretum. Register by Aug. 11. Details: (601) 799-2311.
AUG. 19
Booksigning, 2-4 p.m., Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 15246 Crossroads Pkwy., Gulfport. Vickie Noilet will sign her book, "Parting Shots of Old Town Bay St. Louis." Details: 832-8906.
AUG. 22
NALS Legal Training Course (basic), begins Aug. 22, through November; Franke and Salloum, PLLC, 2605 14th St., Gulfport. A 12-week course for those with less than three year's law office experience or limited to socialized area of law or for students preparing for Accredited Legal Secretary or Professional Legal Secretary certification examination. Registration fee includes all materials. RSVP by July 1. Details: Jeannie M. Shaw, 831-8709 or 868-7070 or jmshaw@cableone.net.
AUG. 23
SD-VOSB & VOSB Outreach Event, August 23-24, 2006, IP, 850 Bayview Ave. Biloxi. Provides insight on networking and procurement opportunities within Northrop Grumman. Limited space. RSVP. Details: Mijisha Gray, sebp ss@ngc.com or fax, 933-7525.
AUG. 25
George Ohr Rising opening reception, 6-8 p.m., Fine Arts building, Jefferson Davis campus of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Details: 374-5547.
AUG. 26
St. Martin High School Class of 1981, 7 p.m., Sunkist Country Club, Biloxi. Twenty-fifth class reunion. Details: Angela Alley, 392-3925 or aalley9744@cableone.net.
SEPT. 1
Gulfport students of the 1950s combined reunion party, 8 p.m., Orange Grove Community Center.
SEPT. 2
Low-vision support group, 9:30 a.m., Ocean Springs Hospital library. Legally blind individuals and their families meet the first Saturday of each month to discuss concerns and support. Details: 875-5090 or 218-1549.
Gulfport High School Class of 1954 luncheon reunion, 11 a.m., Sept. 2, Blow Fly Inn, U.S. 49. Details: 697-8989.
SEPT. 8
Gulfport High School Class of 1995 Reunion, 6:30 p.m. GHS football game Sept. 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. family picnic, Sept. 9, James Hill Park, 6 p.m. night out event, IP, Biloxi. Classes from 1993-1996 can attend. Details: Jamye, (304) 876-3244.
Biloxi Seafood Festival, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 16, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. Sept. 17, Biloxi Town Green. Food, arts and crafts. Details: Rachael@mscoastchamber.com or 604-0014.
SEPT. 23
Harrison Central High School Class of 1996 reunion, 7 p.m., Orange Grove Community Center, U.S. 49 North, Gulfport. Details: Mandy Herrmann Moran, 860-6226 or mandymoran@bellsouth.net.
OCT. 7
Low-vision support group, 9:30 a.m., Ocean Springs Hospital library. Legally blind individuals and their families meet the first Saturday of each month to discuss concerns and support. Details: 875-5090 or 218-1549.
15th annual George Ohr Fall Festival of Arts, Biloxi Town Green. Details: Holly Zinner, 374-5547.
NOV. 4
Low-vision support group, 9:30 a.m., Ocean Springs Hospital library. Legally blind individuals and their families meet the first Saturday of each month to discuss concerns and support. Details: 875-5090 or 218-1549.
DEC. 2
Low-vision support group, 11 a.m., Ocean Springs Hospital library. Legally blind individuals and their families meet the first Saturday of each month to discuss concerns and support. Details: 875-5090 or 218-1549.
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Audrey2Katrina
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- Location: Metaire, La.
FEMA issues eviction notices
Some residents say they only have a few days - if that - to move out
Photo by Bill Starling / Press-Register
Saturday, July 15, 2006 Mobile-Press Register/AL.com
By RUSS HENDERSON
Staff Reporter
BAYOU LA BATRE -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency has begun distributing eviction notices to the remaining hurricane-displaced tenants of the agency's trailers at Zirlott Park as part of a plan to empty the park by July 31, FEMA officials said Friday.
"These people were given 15 days' notice before proceedings began to end their leases," said Lynne Keating, FEMA spokeswoman.
But some residents interviewed Friday said they'd received no previous warning before getting eviction notices late this week. Some complained they were told to get out immediately when they don't yet have another place to stay.
After a long day shucking oysters Thursday, Ronald Curran came home to find a red flyer taped to the door of the travel trailer where he and his 67-year-old mother have lived since Hurricane Katrina. It read:
"Your Move Out Will Be Done July 14, 2006."
"We had one night to get all our stuff together and get out," said Curran, 47.
Earlier this week, he'd just taken his mother home to the trailer after a five-day stay at Mobile Infirmary, Curran said. She fell from the trailer's front steps last week and busted open the skin of the back of her head, he said.
"They closed it up with staples, but they kept her in for high blood pressure. She doesn't need this stress," Curran said as he packed bowls into a cardboard box in the trailer floor Friday. He and his mother will for now move in with his sister in Grand Bay, he said.
The pair's house on Bayou Drive in Coden was flooded by Katrina and there wasn't enough room in the yard for a travel trailer. So they were placed at Zirlott Park, he said. Rachel Curran said she didn't want to bother repairing the house and sold it to her youngest son.
"I'm not moving back to Bayou La Batre," she said.
The Currans' next-door neighbors said they received notices giving them less than a week to get out.
"We have to be out by July 19th. My husband's working on an oil rig in the Gulf and he won't be back till the 19th," said Teressa Self, 32. She's staying at the trailer with the couple's four children, ranging in age from 18 months to 12 years. The family has qualified for FEMA rental assistance and she's expecting a check any day, she said.
"But it's in his name, and I don't have any way of cashing it," Self said. "I don't know what's going to happen."
Keating said that a team of 15 FEMA workers is assigned full-time to finding housing for Zirlott Park residents. Each family has a designated caseworker. Keating took the names of the Zirlott Park complainants from a reporter Friday and said she'd contact their case workers.
In May, FEMA officials announced the park would be closed June 1, but later said there would be no specific closure date -- the housing needs of the families at the park must be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, they said.
Residents that month received letters from FEMA, informing them that they were required to make other housing arrangements within 30 days of receiving notice.
FEMA has given residents, who have lived at the park free of charge, three options: buy their trailer for about $6,000; apply for FEMA rental assistance and find a local house or apartment to stay in; or remain in the trailer, but be moved to a commercial trailer site in Troy.
Since the May closure announcement, the number of residents staying at the park has shrunk from 59 to 38, Keating said.
"Zirlott Park was never intended to be a long-term housing site," Keating said Friday.
All the same, May's closure announcement came a year ahead of FEMA's originally announced schedule. Hurricane Katrina evacuees moving into the park trailers in October were told they could stay at Zirlott Park for 18 months, so long as they requalified for the aid every few months.
Last month, FEMA agreed to rebuild Bayou La Batre's youth ball fields at Zirlott Park, which the agency dug up last year at the city's request to build a trailer park for people displaced by Katrina, which struck Aug. 29. In exchange, the city agreed to give FEMA an early release from its $20,000-per-month lease on the property.
Some residents say they only have a few days - if that - to move out
Photo by Bill Starling / Press-Register
Saturday, July 15, 2006 Mobile-Press Register/AL.com
By RUSS HENDERSON
Staff Reporter
BAYOU LA BATRE -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency has begun distributing eviction notices to the remaining hurricane-displaced tenants of the agency's trailers at Zirlott Park as part of a plan to empty the park by July 31, FEMA officials said Friday.
"These people were given 15 days' notice before proceedings began to end their leases," said Lynne Keating, FEMA spokeswoman.
But some residents interviewed Friday said they'd received no previous warning before getting eviction notices late this week. Some complained they were told to get out immediately when they don't yet have another place to stay.
After a long day shucking oysters Thursday, Ronald Curran came home to find a red flyer taped to the door of the travel trailer where he and his 67-year-old mother have lived since Hurricane Katrina. It read:
"Your Move Out Will Be Done July 14, 2006."
"We had one night to get all our stuff together and get out," said Curran, 47.
Earlier this week, he'd just taken his mother home to the trailer after a five-day stay at Mobile Infirmary, Curran said. She fell from the trailer's front steps last week and busted open the skin of the back of her head, he said.
"They closed it up with staples, but they kept her in for high blood pressure. She doesn't need this stress," Curran said as he packed bowls into a cardboard box in the trailer floor Friday. He and his mother will for now move in with his sister in Grand Bay, he said.
The pair's house on Bayou Drive in Coden was flooded by Katrina and there wasn't enough room in the yard for a travel trailer. So they were placed at Zirlott Park, he said. Rachel Curran said she didn't want to bother repairing the house and sold it to her youngest son.
"I'm not moving back to Bayou La Batre," she said.
The Currans' next-door neighbors said they received notices giving them less than a week to get out.
"We have to be out by July 19th. My husband's working on an oil rig in the Gulf and he won't be back till the 19th," said Teressa Self, 32. She's staying at the trailer with the couple's four children, ranging in age from 18 months to 12 years. The family has qualified for FEMA rental assistance and she's expecting a check any day, she said.
"But it's in his name, and I don't have any way of cashing it," Self said. "I don't know what's going to happen."
Keating said that a team of 15 FEMA workers is assigned full-time to finding housing for Zirlott Park residents. Each family has a designated caseworker. Keating took the names of the Zirlott Park complainants from a reporter Friday and said she'd contact their case workers.
In May, FEMA officials announced the park would be closed June 1, but later said there would be no specific closure date -- the housing needs of the families at the park must be dealt with on a case-by-case basis, they said.
Residents that month received letters from FEMA, informing them that they were required to make other housing arrangements within 30 days of receiving notice.
FEMA has given residents, who have lived at the park free of charge, three options: buy their trailer for about $6,000; apply for FEMA rental assistance and find a local house or apartment to stay in; or remain in the trailer, but be moved to a commercial trailer site in Troy.
Since the May closure announcement, the number of residents staying at the park has shrunk from 59 to 38, Keating said.
"Zirlott Park was never intended to be a long-term housing site," Keating said Friday.
All the same, May's closure announcement came a year ahead of FEMA's originally announced schedule. Hurricane Katrina evacuees moving into the park trailers in October were told they could stay at Zirlott Park for 18 months, so long as they requalified for the aid every few months.
Last month, FEMA agreed to rebuild Bayou La Batre's youth ball fields at Zirlott Park, which the agency dug up last year at the city's request to build a trailer park for people displaced by Katrina, which struck Aug. 29. In exchange, the city agreed to give FEMA an early release from its $20,000-per-month lease on the property.
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Audrey2Katrina
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FEMA fraud suspect on the run from FBI
Saturday, July 15, 2006 Mobile Press Register/AL.com
By BRENDAN KIRBY
Staff Reporter
The FBI is offering a $1,000 reward for help in locating a Clarke County woman who authorities say cheated the federal government out of tens of thousands of dollars with phony Hurricane Katrina claims and then used the money to buy land and a mobile home.
Witnesses have told investigators that the suspect, Lawanda Williams, carried an oversized purse stuffed with cash and used a large check from the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of a down payment on a trailer home.
Officials said Williams, who faces federal charges in Mobile, ran out of the back door and into nearby woods when federal agents arrived to search her home.
According to the FBI and a criminal complaint filed by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector General, Williams used several combinations of names, addresses and Social Security numbers to file about 30 claims with FEMA following last summer's disaster.
The FBI described Williams as a 32-year-old woman, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 126 pounds. She has brown eyes and black hair, and her last known address is 50 Jackie and Linda Road in Jackson, Ala.
In one case, according to the affidavit in federal court, Williams used the name Lawanda Johnson when she applied for disaster assistance on Jan 16.
The criminal complaint states that Williams had married a man named Aaron Johnson in 1998, but a spokesman for the Mobile office of the FBI could not say Friday if those two were still together.
Williams' application in the name of Johnson stated that she lived at 111 Myrtle St. in Biloxi when Katrina hit.
"As far as investigators can determine, she never lived there," said Special Agent Craig Dahle, the FBI spokesman.
The criminal complaint states that FEMA sent Williams a check for $24,664.92 in response to the Myrtle Street claim. Dahle said he does not know how much money investigators believe Williams got altogether from FEMA.
"That is still to be determined, so I am hesitant to give a figure, although it's going to be more than what you're seeing here," he said.
Just the check for $24,664.92 cited in the complaint would be the biggest FEMA fraud case related to Hurricane Katrina prosecuted so far in the Southern District of Alabama.
"It's a significant case," Dahle said.
A handful of other cases have involved much smaller amounts of money, usually around $2,000 worth of emergency assistance.
The affidavit in federal court indicates that Williams signed over the $24,664.92 FEMA check plus $8,000 in money orders on Feb. 1 to Cedar Ridge Homes in Thomasville as a down payment for a double-wide trailer home. The company delivered the home to Williams' address on Jackie and Linda Road in Jackson.
A Jackson real estate business owner told investigators that he sold Williams a piece of property at that address on Jan. 24 for $9,500, according to the complaint. The businessman, Jerry McNeely, told investigators that Williams took that money from a large purse stuffed with cash.
Law enforcement investigators began looking into the case when a FEMA employee in Biloxi noticed a number of "suspicious" applications that appeared to be connected to Williams, according to the affidavit.
All of the assistance money from FEMA was wired or mailed to the same few addresses, the complaint states.
A woman who owns a mobile home at 261 Dove Lane in Jackson, where FEMA sent much of the money, told investigators that Williams lived there during Katrina and that neither the home nor Williams' property were damaged by the storm, according the complaint.
Dahle declined to say whether Williams has a criminal record, but Clarke County Circuit Court records indicate she has convictions for theft by deception, identity theft, misdemeanor fraud and writing bad checks.
Saturday, July 15, 2006 Mobile Press Register/AL.com
By BRENDAN KIRBY
Staff Reporter
The FBI is offering a $1,000 reward for help in locating a Clarke County woman who authorities say cheated the federal government out of tens of thousands of dollars with phony Hurricane Katrina claims and then used the money to buy land and a mobile home.
Witnesses have told investigators that the suspect, Lawanda Williams, carried an oversized purse stuffed with cash and used a large check from the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of a down payment on a trailer home.
Officials said Williams, who faces federal charges in Mobile, ran out of the back door and into nearby woods when federal agents arrived to search her home.
According to the FBI and a criminal complaint filed by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of the Inspector General, Williams used several combinations of names, addresses and Social Security numbers to file about 30 claims with FEMA following last summer's disaster.
The FBI described Williams as a 32-year-old woman, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 126 pounds. She has brown eyes and black hair, and her last known address is 50 Jackie and Linda Road in Jackson, Ala.
In one case, according to the affidavit in federal court, Williams used the name Lawanda Johnson when she applied for disaster assistance on Jan 16.
The criminal complaint states that Williams had married a man named Aaron Johnson in 1998, but a spokesman for the Mobile office of the FBI could not say Friday if those two were still together.
Williams' application in the name of Johnson stated that she lived at 111 Myrtle St. in Biloxi when Katrina hit.
"As far as investigators can determine, she never lived there," said Special Agent Craig Dahle, the FBI spokesman.
The criminal complaint states that FEMA sent Williams a check for $24,664.92 in response to the Myrtle Street claim. Dahle said he does not know how much money investigators believe Williams got altogether from FEMA.
"That is still to be determined, so I am hesitant to give a figure, although it's going to be more than what you're seeing here," he said.
Just the check for $24,664.92 cited in the complaint would be the biggest FEMA fraud case related to Hurricane Katrina prosecuted so far in the Southern District of Alabama.
"It's a significant case," Dahle said.
A handful of other cases have involved much smaller amounts of money, usually around $2,000 worth of emergency assistance.
The affidavit in federal court indicates that Williams signed over the $24,664.92 FEMA check plus $8,000 in money orders on Feb. 1 to Cedar Ridge Homes in Thomasville as a down payment for a double-wide trailer home. The company delivered the home to Williams' address on Jackie and Linda Road in Jackson.
A Jackson real estate business owner told investigators that he sold Williams a piece of property at that address on Jan. 24 for $9,500, according to the complaint. The businessman, Jerry McNeely, told investigators that Williams took that money from a large purse stuffed with cash.
Law enforcement investigators began looking into the case when a FEMA employee in Biloxi noticed a number of "suspicious" applications that appeared to be connected to Williams, according to the affidavit.
All of the assistance money from FEMA was wired or mailed to the same few addresses, the complaint states.
A woman who owns a mobile home at 261 Dove Lane in Jackson, where FEMA sent much of the money, told investigators that Williams lived there during Katrina and that neither the home nor Williams' property were damaged by the storm, according the complaint.
Dahle declined to say whether Williams has a criminal record, but Clarke County Circuit Court records indicate she has convictions for theft by deception, identity theft, misdemeanor fraud and writing bad checks.
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Audrey2Katrina
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Indian priest visiting Fla. Panhandle accused of sexual abuse
7/15/2006, 12:48 p.m. CT
The Associated Press
BONIFAY, Fla. (AP) — A Roman Catholic priest from India visiting the Florida Panhandle has been arrested on charges of sexual abuse involving a minor, officials said.
Father Vijaya Bhasker of the Diocese of Cuddapah in India was charged Thursday with lewd and lascivious battery against a minor, according to the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.
Bhasker was assisting Blessed Trinity Parish while visiting friends in Bonifay, diocese officials said.
The diocese prohibited Bhasker from performing any ministry after learning June 26 that an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor had been made against him, according to a statement posted on the diocese Web site.
A background check performed before Bhasker's June 3 arrival in the United States showed no history of inappropriate behavior, diocese officials said.
A Holmes County Jail official said Bhasker was still in custody Saturday and had not posted a $20,000 bond. It was not immediately known if he had an attorney.
7/15/2006, 12:48 p.m. CT
The Associated Press
BONIFAY, Fla. (AP) — A Roman Catholic priest from India visiting the Florida Panhandle has been arrested on charges of sexual abuse involving a minor, officials said.
Father Vijaya Bhasker of the Diocese of Cuddapah in India was charged Thursday with lewd and lascivious battery against a minor, according to the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.
Bhasker was assisting Blessed Trinity Parish while visiting friends in Bonifay, diocese officials said.
The diocese prohibited Bhasker from performing any ministry after learning June 26 that an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor had been made against him, according to a statement posted on the diocese Web site.
A background check performed before Bhasker's June 3 arrival in the United States showed no history of inappropriate behavior, diocese officials said.
A Holmes County Jail official said Bhasker was still in custody Saturday and had not posted a $20,000 bond. It was not immediately known if he had an attorney.
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Audrey2Katrina
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'We have lost a giant of a man'
'Civil Rights Doctor' praised
By KAT BERGERON 7/15/06
sunherald.com
The funereal music was low and steady and flowers scented the humid Biloxi church air as young and old, black and white, stood before the casket of Dr. Gilbert Mason Sr., the Mississippi Coast "Civil Rights Doctor."
During Friday evening's six-hour public viewing, which preceded today's private burial, hundreds paid last respects to the 77-year-old self-described Freedom Boomer.
"My joy is thinking what a great Mississippi reunion it must be when Mason made it home, with Aaron Henry, Medgar Evers, Winston Hudson, Fannie Lou Hammer and the others who left us before him," said the Rev. Charles L. White Jr. of Atlanta, director of the NAACP's Southeast region. "Imagine what a conversation they have had. It's not the same ole Mississippi. Mississippi still has a long way to go, but it's far better than what it used to be.
"His type of leadership was an inspiration to change America and the world. We've come to wish the warrior farewell and to thank his family for allowing him to give of himself to us and the much larger good."
Many who came Friday came from Coast cities most affected by Mason's bravery, courage and tenacity to fight for education, medical care, voting, the right to walk the beaches and other missing freedoms that harbored second class citizenship. A larger July 30 memorial is expected to draw people from across the nation.
The beach wade-ins he organized in the late 1950s and early '60s were Mississippi's first noted civil disobedience. The price he paid was smear campaigns against his practice, threats against his family, his name on a Ku Klux Klan hit list and a firebombing of his office. After an 8-year court battle led to desegregation of Coast beaches in 1968, Mason did not quit his vocal public stance for civil rights, whether as an NAACP leader or as a Boy Scout leader.
"He took risks and made stands good for the entire community in the end," said Dr. James "Pat" Smith, who co-wrote "Beaches, Blood and Ballots," Mason's 2000 autobiography. "His stance about beaches means our beaches will remain public and cannot be developed like they are elsewhere. What he did was a blessing for everybody whether they liked to swim or not.
"But his legacy is much more - he was the first black Democratic delegate to be elected to a national convention, he changed city government in Biloxi, fought to integrate schools in the name of his own son. He touched so many different things."
The Friday public viewing was held at Greater St. John AME Church, which was not Mason's church because that was gutted in Hurricane Katrina.
"This church is a fitting place because it has the architecture of the 1960s," said Kathy Egland of Gulfport, who was mentored by Mason and who is now on the NAACP national board of directors. "We have lost a giant of a man."
His mourners' footsteps on Friday were muffled by a new royal blue carpet in St. John that was contributed by out-of-town volunteers when the other was destroyed by storm waters. Hurricane recovery, too, is Mason's past.
When he lost everything in Camille in 1969, Mason bicycled barefoot to the Biloxi hospital to tend to storm victims, then fought to remove vestiges of Jim Crowism from recovery efforts and was appointed by the governor to the statewide Camille recovery commission. Unfortunately, his office and home received damage from Katrina.
By that time his health was failing from a previous stroke and auto accident, although family and friends say he maintained his remarkable intelligence, wit, courage and tenacity in everything he did.
"The community, the state, even this nation has lost the end of an era with his passing," said Robin Midcalf, a Harrison County Court judge. "I'm not sure anyone is ready or prepared to step up to the plate. It took a certain personality and courage to do some of the things he did and I don't know who is going to pick up the torch."
'Civil Rights Doctor' praised
By KAT BERGERON 7/15/06
sunherald.com
The funereal music was low and steady and flowers scented the humid Biloxi church air as young and old, black and white, stood before the casket of Dr. Gilbert Mason Sr., the Mississippi Coast "Civil Rights Doctor."
During Friday evening's six-hour public viewing, which preceded today's private burial, hundreds paid last respects to the 77-year-old self-described Freedom Boomer.
"My joy is thinking what a great Mississippi reunion it must be when Mason made it home, with Aaron Henry, Medgar Evers, Winston Hudson, Fannie Lou Hammer and the others who left us before him," said the Rev. Charles L. White Jr. of Atlanta, director of the NAACP's Southeast region. "Imagine what a conversation they have had. It's not the same ole Mississippi. Mississippi still has a long way to go, but it's far better than what it used to be.
"His type of leadership was an inspiration to change America and the world. We've come to wish the warrior farewell and to thank his family for allowing him to give of himself to us and the much larger good."
Many who came Friday came from Coast cities most affected by Mason's bravery, courage and tenacity to fight for education, medical care, voting, the right to walk the beaches and other missing freedoms that harbored second class citizenship. A larger July 30 memorial is expected to draw people from across the nation.
The beach wade-ins he organized in the late 1950s and early '60s were Mississippi's first noted civil disobedience. The price he paid was smear campaigns against his practice, threats against his family, his name on a Ku Klux Klan hit list and a firebombing of his office. After an 8-year court battle led to desegregation of Coast beaches in 1968, Mason did not quit his vocal public stance for civil rights, whether as an NAACP leader or as a Boy Scout leader.
"He took risks and made stands good for the entire community in the end," said Dr. James "Pat" Smith, who co-wrote "Beaches, Blood and Ballots," Mason's 2000 autobiography. "His stance about beaches means our beaches will remain public and cannot be developed like they are elsewhere. What he did was a blessing for everybody whether they liked to swim or not.
"But his legacy is much more - he was the first black Democratic delegate to be elected to a national convention, he changed city government in Biloxi, fought to integrate schools in the name of his own son. He touched so many different things."
The Friday public viewing was held at Greater St. John AME Church, which was not Mason's church because that was gutted in Hurricane Katrina.
"This church is a fitting place because it has the architecture of the 1960s," said Kathy Egland of Gulfport, who was mentored by Mason and who is now on the NAACP national board of directors. "We have lost a giant of a man."
His mourners' footsteps on Friday were muffled by a new royal blue carpet in St. John that was contributed by out-of-town volunteers when the other was destroyed by storm waters. Hurricane recovery, too, is Mason's past.
When he lost everything in Camille in 1969, Mason bicycled barefoot to the Biloxi hospital to tend to storm victims, then fought to remove vestiges of Jim Crowism from recovery efforts and was appointed by the governor to the statewide Camille recovery commission. Unfortunately, his office and home received damage from Katrina.
By that time his health was failing from a previous stroke and auto accident, although family and friends say he maintained his remarkable intelligence, wit, courage and tenacity in everything he did.
"The community, the state, even this nation has lost the end of an era with his passing," said Robin Midcalf, a Harrison County Court judge. "I'm not sure anyone is ready or prepared to step up to the plate. It took a certain personality and courage to do some of the things he did and I don't know who is going to pick up the torch."
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Audrey2Katrina
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AROUND SOUTH MISSISSIPPI
D'IBERVILLE
Middle School students to register next week
Current and new students at D'Iberville Middle School may begin registering Thursday. Students may register from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Building 2 at D'Iberville Elementary or Building 7 at D'Iberville High.
If a student attended the elementary or middle school last year, parents must show two proofs of residency, a copy of the student's birth certificate and a certificate of compliance if one wasn't submitted last year.
New students also must bring these items, as well as the child's Social Security number and a copy of the previous year's report card. An IEP also is required if the student is in special education.
mmscallan@sunherald.com
GULFPORT
Model-home open house set for Monday afternoon
An open house for a new ThermaSave home will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Monday at 609 Tennessee St.
ThermaSave Structural Insulated Panelized Building System says its panels are rated to sustain a 200-mph wind load, are endorsed by the Federation of American Scientists and are International Code Council approved.
St. James Baptist Church Disaster Recovery Ministry, the city of Gulfport, and the Charm Foundation of Orange County, Calif., partnered with ThermaSave to build a home.
- SUN HERALD
Boil-water notice issued for areas of 8th Avenue
Local officials issued a boil-water notice for residents who live in the areas of 8th Avenue from 34th Street North to Strawberry Road, and 8th Avenue from 34th Street West to 13th Avenue.
A water outage is scheduled for Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The city will do repairs on the water lines, and surrounding areas may be effected.
Boil water vigorously for one minute and let cool.
Details: Public Works Department at 868-5765/868-5740.
- SUN HERALD
Parts of Creosote Road to close today and Sunday
Portions of Creosote Road on the east side of the Three Rivers Road intersection will be closed to through traffic today and Sunday.
Traffic traveling east on Creosote will be detoured south to Airport Road, east to Washington Street and north back to Creosote Road.
All lanes of Creosote Road west of the Three Rivers intersection, and all lanes on Three Rivers, will remain open.
Also, in order to install a water main, O'Neal Road from Three Rivers Road east to John Road will be closed Tuesdayfrom 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Details: Public Works Department, 868-5765 or 868-5740.
- SUN HERALD
HATTIESBURG
PRCC Forrest Co. Center celebrates opening
A ceremony marking the opening of Pearl River Community College's new 12,000-square-foot library/classroom facility at the Forrest County Center on U.S. 49 South in Hattiesburg is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday.
The public will be able to tour the new facility after the ceremony.
The expansion project features five new classrooms, a learning center with 30-35 computers, new library space with two study rooms, new academic offices and new restrooms.
The $1.6 million project is funded by the Forrest County Board of Supervisors.
Enrollment at the Hattiesburg campus has doubled over the last several years from 631 students in 2000 to 1,388 students in fall 2005.
- SUN HERALD
JACKSON COUNTY SCHOOL REGISTRATION
details outlined
Many schools in Jackson County will begin registration soon. Returning and new students must be accompanied by parent or guardian at registration. Parents/guardian of new students must bring: Student's birth certificate; Social Security number; immunization records from the Mississippi Health Department; two acceptable forms of identification for residency with one a recent utility bill; student's withdrawal papers from previous school. Legal guardians must provide a copy of the court order assigning guardianship.
Jackson County School District will conduct student registration from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Both returning and new students are required to register on these dates.
Pascagoula High School 10th, 11th, and 12th grades registration will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday; and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. Details: 938-6455.
Pascagoula High School freshmen 2007 registration and orientation will be held Monday.Registration and schedule pick-up will be in mall area from 1 to 5:45 p.m. At 6 p.m., "Focus on Freshmen" will be held in the gym, PHS. School officials will address parents and students, and members of faculty introduced. Tours of campus. Details: 938-6455.
Ocean Springs Schools new-student registration, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Aug. 4, each school site. Parents may check in at the office of one of the elementary schools, Magnolia Park, Oak Park, Pecan Park, Taconi, the Ocean Springs Middle School or the Ocean Springs High School, for the necessary forms and/or information. Details: 875-7721.
PASCAGOULA
Library-book sale will begin Monday
The Friends of the Pascagoula Public Library will host a three-day "Clear-It-Out" book sale Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. under the front canopy at the library, 3214 Pascagoula St.
Special deals such as 'fill a bag for a dollar' will be offered. No water-damaged books will be sold. Participants should bring their own boxes or bags. Also available are children's videos, books on tape and some music CDs.
The Friends of the Pascagoula Public Library lobby for and help raise funds that support programs and enhance public library services. Funds raised will go toward nonbudgeted items and other expenses for the library.
Details: 769-3225.
- SUN HERALD
Man pleads guilty to 2002 armed robbery
A man pleaded guilty Friday to a 2002 armed robbery. He received a 15-year sentence for robbing two liquor-store clerks of $750 and two bottles of champagne.
John S. Hebert admitted to robbing Fort Bayou Wine and Spirits in Ocean Springs while he was a chemical-engineering major enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi. He told the court drug addiction prompted him to commit the crime, according to a news release from District Attorney Tony Lawrence.
Five years of Hebert's sentence will be spent in the state correctional facility and ten years will be served under the Mississippi Department of Correction supervision.
- MICHAEL NEWSOM
mmnewsom@sunherald.com
PERKINSTON
Kamp Kiwanis will open Monday
Kamp Kiwanis for children with arthritis and their families is being held July 17-19 at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Perkinston campus.
Check-in will be noon July 17 and daily activities daily be held July 18-19. A zoo visit in Hattiesburg and other field trips are planned.
Details: Dennis Oliver, 832-6786 or Peggy Bass, 669-2092.
- SUN HERALD
D'IBERVILLE
Middle School students to register next week
Current and new students at D'Iberville Middle School may begin registering Thursday. Students may register from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Building 2 at D'Iberville Elementary or Building 7 at D'Iberville High.
If a student attended the elementary or middle school last year, parents must show two proofs of residency, a copy of the student's birth certificate and a certificate of compliance if one wasn't submitted last year.
New students also must bring these items, as well as the child's Social Security number and a copy of the previous year's report card. An IEP also is required if the student is in special education.
mmscallan@sunherald.com
GULFPORT
Model-home open house set for Monday afternoon
An open house for a new ThermaSave home will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Monday at 609 Tennessee St.
ThermaSave Structural Insulated Panelized Building System says its panels are rated to sustain a 200-mph wind load, are endorsed by the Federation of American Scientists and are International Code Council approved.
St. James Baptist Church Disaster Recovery Ministry, the city of Gulfport, and the Charm Foundation of Orange County, Calif., partnered with ThermaSave to build a home.
- SUN HERALD
Boil-water notice issued for areas of 8th Avenue
Local officials issued a boil-water notice for residents who live in the areas of 8th Avenue from 34th Street North to Strawberry Road, and 8th Avenue from 34th Street West to 13th Avenue.
A water outage is scheduled for Monday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The city will do repairs on the water lines, and surrounding areas may be effected.
Boil water vigorously for one minute and let cool.
Details: Public Works Department at 868-5765/868-5740.
- SUN HERALD
Parts of Creosote Road to close today and Sunday
Portions of Creosote Road on the east side of the Three Rivers Road intersection will be closed to through traffic today and Sunday.
Traffic traveling east on Creosote will be detoured south to Airport Road, east to Washington Street and north back to Creosote Road.
All lanes of Creosote Road west of the Three Rivers intersection, and all lanes on Three Rivers, will remain open.
Also, in order to install a water main, O'Neal Road from Three Rivers Road east to John Road will be closed Tuesdayfrom 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Details: Public Works Department, 868-5765 or 868-5740.
- SUN HERALD
HATTIESBURG
PRCC Forrest Co. Center celebrates opening
A ceremony marking the opening of Pearl River Community College's new 12,000-square-foot library/classroom facility at the Forrest County Center on U.S. 49 South in Hattiesburg is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday.
The public will be able to tour the new facility after the ceremony.
The expansion project features five new classrooms, a learning center with 30-35 computers, new library space with two study rooms, new academic offices and new restrooms.
The $1.6 million project is funded by the Forrest County Board of Supervisors.
Enrollment at the Hattiesburg campus has doubled over the last several years from 631 students in 2000 to 1,388 students in fall 2005.
- SUN HERALD
JACKSON COUNTY SCHOOL REGISTRATION
details outlined
Many schools in Jackson County will begin registration soon. Returning and new students must be accompanied by parent or guardian at registration. Parents/guardian of new students must bring: Student's birth certificate; Social Security number; immunization records from the Mississippi Health Department; two acceptable forms of identification for residency with one a recent utility bill; student's withdrawal papers from previous school. Legal guardians must provide a copy of the court order assigning guardianship.
Jackson County School District will conduct student registration from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday. Both returning and new students are required to register on these dates.
Pascagoula High School 10th, 11th, and 12th grades registration will be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday; and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. Details: 938-6455.
Pascagoula High School freshmen 2007 registration and orientation will be held Monday.Registration and schedule pick-up will be in mall area from 1 to 5:45 p.m. At 6 p.m., "Focus on Freshmen" will be held in the gym, PHS. School officials will address parents and students, and members of faculty introduced. Tours of campus. Details: 938-6455.
Ocean Springs Schools new-student registration, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Aug. 4, each school site. Parents may check in at the office of one of the elementary schools, Magnolia Park, Oak Park, Pecan Park, Taconi, the Ocean Springs Middle School or the Ocean Springs High School, for the necessary forms and/or information. Details: 875-7721.
PASCAGOULA
Library-book sale will begin Monday
The Friends of the Pascagoula Public Library will host a three-day "Clear-It-Out" book sale Monday through Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. under the front canopy at the library, 3214 Pascagoula St.
Special deals such as 'fill a bag for a dollar' will be offered. No water-damaged books will be sold. Participants should bring their own boxes or bags. Also available are children's videos, books on tape and some music CDs.
The Friends of the Pascagoula Public Library lobby for and help raise funds that support programs and enhance public library services. Funds raised will go toward nonbudgeted items and other expenses for the library.
Details: 769-3225.
- SUN HERALD
Man pleads guilty to 2002 armed robbery
A man pleaded guilty Friday to a 2002 armed robbery. He received a 15-year sentence for robbing two liquor-store clerks of $750 and two bottles of champagne.
John S. Hebert admitted to robbing Fort Bayou Wine and Spirits in Ocean Springs while he was a chemical-engineering major enrolled at the University of Southern Mississippi. He told the court drug addiction prompted him to commit the crime, according to a news release from District Attorney Tony Lawrence.
Five years of Hebert's sentence will be spent in the state correctional facility and ten years will be served under the Mississippi Department of Correction supervision.
- MICHAEL NEWSOM
mmnewsom@sunherald.com
PERKINSTON
Kamp Kiwanis will open Monday
Kamp Kiwanis for children with arthritis and their families is being held July 17-19 at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, Perkinston campus.
Check-in will be noon July 17 and daily activities daily be held July 18-19. A zoo visit in Hattiesburg and other field trips are planned.
Details: Dennis Oliver, 832-6786 or Peggy Bass, 669-2092.
- SUN HERALD
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Audrey2Katrina
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- Age: 75
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- Location: Metaire, La.
Housing program aims to keep displaced musicians, others in the Big Easy
7/15/2006, 5:18 p.m. CT
By DOUG SIMPSON
The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Dan Oestreicher is a 23-year-old saxophone player, not long out of college, who has lived with friends since Hurricane Katrina's floodwater drove him from his apartment. A new housing program is aimed at turning him into a homeowner.
Oestreicher is one of dozens of New Orleans residents who have signed up to help build the so-called Musicians' Village, a collection of houses in a section of the Ninth Ward flooded after the storm. He said he liked the idea of living in an area populated with a lot of fellow musicians. He also likes the idea of paying $500 a month to own a brand new, three-bedroom house worth about $90,000
"It's a great deal," Oestreicher said. "When I tell people, they're like, 'What's the catch?'"
There might be a catch, as is true in nearly every recovery project undertaken in this struggling city: resentment among longtime residents of the neighborhood — most of them homeowners themselves — who aren't sure that musicians and new houses are what the area needs. Some sneer at the brightly painted new homes that don't quite match the area's other houses, which were built mainly from the 1940s through the '60s.
Antoinette Thornton, a nurse who lives around the corner from the development, called the new homes "little huts."
"Look at those funny little houses they're putting in there," said Thornton, who recently returned to New Orleans after staying in Irvine, Calif., since Katrina struck last August. "If we're talking about bettering New Orleans, why put those there? It's not a step in the right direction."
The housing program is run by Habitat for Humanity, the Americus, Ga.-based nonprofit made famous by its most prominent volunteer, former president Jimmy Carter. Saxophone player Branford Marsalis and singer Harry Connick Jr., honorary chairmen for the group's Gulf Coast rebuilding program, dreamed up the idea as a way of encouraging musicians to move into one area.
The group bought a vacant lot formerly owned by the city school board and is using its army of volunteers — about 3,000 of them so far — to build 75 homes. It plans another 225 houses elsewhere in the neighborhood, said Elizabeth Lisle, a Habitat deputy director.
The first new homeowners should be able to move in within a few weeks, and the first 75 homes should be ready by mid-August, she said.
Habitat requires Oestreicher and other new homeowners to help build the homes: they must spend 350 hours hammering nails, painting and sawing boards. On Saturday, Oestreicher used a circular saw to cut boards in New Orleans' broiling midday sun.
In return, Habitat will sell 1,100-square-foot homes to displaced New Orleanians like Oestreicher for $75,000, in an agreement that includes a no-interest mortgage and financial provisions to discourage the new homeowners from reselling for a quick profit.
The program is open to people in any profession, but its name and a publicity campaign at nightclubs and other venues have attracted plenty of musicians, including Oestreicher, who plays with trumpeter Irvin Mayfield's jazz orchestra and a rock band called The Other Planet, jazz bassist Peter Beadie, and Fredy Omar, a singer whose new house in the village is almost finished.
Habitat won corporate sponsors for Musicians' Village including 84 Lumber Co., Exxon Mobil Corp. and mortgage finance company Freddie Mac.
On Saturday, Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco was joined by Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine in a photo opportunity where they painted houses and hammered nails and praised the program's power to help rebuild a badly damaged city.
Dequinta Butler, a cook at a downtown hotel, washed paint off her hands after delivering some of the 185 hours she's put in so far toward her new home. She proudly pointed to the house, still under construction, where she planned to move in with her 15-year-old son, and predicted it would be a benefit to the area.
"We're going to make the neighborhood," she said.
Across the street, Claude Steward wasn't so sure.
Steward, a retiree, was taking a break from repairing the flood-damaged home where he has lived since 1968 with his wife Elaine. He said the new houses were an improvement on the vacant lot, which was an eyesore, with abandoned cars and uncut grass.
But he had his doubts about the new houses going up.
"I guess it's going to help the area, and I guess the city as a whole. It will fill a big void, rather than that empty lot sitting there," he said. "We're just a little concerned about who our new neighbors will be."
7/15/2006, 5:18 p.m. CT
By DOUG SIMPSON
The Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Dan Oestreicher is a 23-year-old saxophone player, not long out of college, who has lived with friends since Hurricane Katrina's floodwater drove him from his apartment. A new housing program is aimed at turning him into a homeowner.
Oestreicher is one of dozens of New Orleans residents who have signed up to help build the so-called Musicians' Village, a collection of houses in a section of the Ninth Ward flooded after the storm. He said he liked the idea of living in an area populated with a lot of fellow musicians. He also likes the idea of paying $500 a month to own a brand new, three-bedroom house worth about $90,000
"It's a great deal," Oestreicher said. "When I tell people, they're like, 'What's the catch?'"
There might be a catch, as is true in nearly every recovery project undertaken in this struggling city: resentment among longtime residents of the neighborhood — most of them homeowners themselves — who aren't sure that musicians and new houses are what the area needs. Some sneer at the brightly painted new homes that don't quite match the area's other houses, which were built mainly from the 1940s through the '60s.
Antoinette Thornton, a nurse who lives around the corner from the development, called the new homes "little huts."
"Look at those funny little houses they're putting in there," said Thornton, who recently returned to New Orleans after staying in Irvine, Calif., since Katrina struck last August. "If we're talking about bettering New Orleans, why put those there? It's not a step in the right direction."
The housing program is run by Habitat for Humanity, the Americus, Ga.-based nonprofit made famous by its most prominent volunteer, former president Jimmy Carter. Saxophone player Branford Marsalis and singer Harry Connick Jr., honorary chairmen for the group's Gulf Coast rebuilding program, dreamed up the idea as a way of encouraging musicians to move into one area.
The group bought a vacant lot formerly owned by the city school board and is using its army of volunteers — about 3,000 of them so far — to build 75 homes. It plans another 225 houses elsewhere in the neighborhood, said Elizabeth Lisle, a Habitat deputy director.
The first new homeowners should be able to move in within a few weeks, and the first 75 homes should be ready by mid-August, she said.
Habitat requires Oestreicher and other new homeowners to help build the homes: they must spend 350 hours hammering nails, painting and sawing boards. On Saturday, Oestreicher used a circular saw to cut boards in New Orleans' broiling midday sun.
In return, Habitat will sell 1,100-square-foot homes to displaced New Orleanians like Oestreicher for $75,000, in an agreement that includes a no-interest mortgage and financial provisions to discourage the new homeowners from reselling for a quick profit.
The program is open to people in any profession, but its name and a publicity campaign at nightclubs and other venues have attracted plenty of musicians, including Oestreicher, who plays with trumpeter Irvin Mayfield's jazz orchestra and a rock band called The Other Planet, jazz bassist Peter Beadie, and Fredy Omar, a singer whose new house in the village is almost finished.
Habitat won corporate sponsors for Musicians' Village including 84 Lumber Co., Exxon Mobil Corp. and mortgage finance company Freddie Mac.
On Saturday, Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco was joined by Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine in a photo opportunity where they painted houses and hammered nails and praised the program's power to help rebuild a badly damaged city.
Dequinta Butler, a cook at a downtown hotel, washed paint off her hands after delivering some of the 185 hours she's put in so far toward her new home. She proudly pointed to the house, still under construction, where she planned to move in with her 15-year-old son, and predicted it would be a benefit to the area.
"We're going to make the neighborhood," she said.
Across the street, Claude Steward wasn't so sure.
Steward, a retiree, was taking a break from repairing the flood-damaged home where he has lived since 1968 with his wife Elaine. He said the new houses were an improvement on the vacant lot, which was an eyesore, with abandoned cars and uncut grass.
But he had his doubts about the new houses going up.
"I guess it's going to help the area, and I guess the city as a whole. It will fill a big void, rather than that empty lot sitting there," he said. "We're just a little concerned about who our new neighbors will be."
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Audrey2Katrina
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- Age: 75
- Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2005 10:39 pm
- Location: Metaire, La.
Clinic opens in Port Sulphur
Lower Plaquemines gets health service
Saturday, July 15, 2006 TP/NOLA.com
By Karen Turni Bazile
St. Bernard/Plaquemines bureau
Plaquemines Parish officials on Friday celebrated the grand opening of a full-service health clinic in the southern end of the parish that was decimated by Hurricane Katrina and where officials say there are no local physicians left.
State and federal agencies had provided care there since Katrina, but they also helped locals reopen the Plaquemines Medical Center in its new location at 26851 Louisiana 23 in Port Sulphur, inside a modular facility provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The state Department of Health and Hospitals had manned two trailers on the center's original site until May 1, when the new clinic began serving patients, said Plaquemines Hospital Board Chairman Jimmy Cappiello.
The new facility has treated more than 800 patients since May. Friday was the official opening party.
"This is one of the most important things we can do to get people back, next to getting the schools open," Plaquemines Parish President Benny Rousselle said. "They have better medical care now than they had pre-Katrina. It's a big improvement."
Rousselle said the parish cleaned the property and surveyed it for the hospital district, which is a separate government agency.
Cappiello agreed that the 5,000-square-foot new facility is far more modernized than the previous center that Katrina destroyed. It now has a state-of-the-art medical lab and digital X-rays.
"We are the only game in town down here," Cappiello said. "All the doctors and physicians who were down here before Katrina have left and relocated."
The facility is on land donated by George and Penny Harrigan, who own Delta Drugs across the street on Louisiana 23.
Cappiello said because it is the only public building opened in Port Sulphur since the storm, state and FEMA officials asked him to include office space for other government services such as mental health and home health care. The building also includes space for the Plaquemines district attorney's child advocacy office.
Cappiello said the center has an agreement with Meadowcrest Hospital, located about 45 minutes to the north in Gretna, to receive any patients who need a full hospital.
Cappiello said the Port Sulphur center has hired back 18 of its original staff of 31 employees and the hospital district is sound financially, thanks to outside help.
Although tax revenue since Katrina is down from a normal $3.5 million a year to $1.3 million, the hospital district has a $942,000 Community Development Block Grant to cover salaries for eight or nine months.
"We think we can operate one- and-a-half to two years without going into our treasury," Cappiello said.
FEMA donated the building at a cost of about $400,000 and the district expects to get reimbursed for the new medical equipment.
"We are actually better off financially since the storm than we were before the storm. FEMA has paid for everything even though we lost about 50 percent of our millage," Cappiello said.
Cappiello said the facility is opened seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and hopes to expand to 16-hour days soon. All insurance is accepted, but those without insurance also are served. Currently, its only phone is a cellular number: (504) 570-8337.
Lower Plaquemines gets health service
Saturday, July 15, 2006 TP/NOLA.com
By Karen Turni Bazile
St. Bernard/Plaquemines bureau
Plaquemines Parish officials on Friday celebrated the grand opening of a full-service health clinic in the southern end of the parish that was decimated by Hurricane Katrina and where officials say there are no local physicians left.
State and federal agencies had provided care there since Katrina, but they also helped locals reopen the Plaquemines Medical Center in its new location at 26851 Louisiana 23 in Port Sulphur, inside a modular facility provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
The state Department of Health and Hospitals had manned two trailers on the center's original site until May 1, when the new clinic began serving patients, said Plaquemines Hospital Board Chairman Jimmy Cappiello.
The new facility has treated more than 800 patients since May. Friday was the official opening party.
"This is one of the most important things we can do to get people back, next to getting the schools open," Plaquemines Parish President Benny Rousselle said. "They have better medical care now than they had pre-Katrina. It's a big improvement."
Rousselle said the parish cleaned the property and surveyed it for the hospital district, which is a separate government agency.
Cappiello agreed that the 5,000-square-foot new facility is far more modernized than the previous center that Katrina destroyed. It now has a state-of-the-art medical lab and digital X-rays.
"We are the only game in town down here," Cappiello said. "All the doctors and physicians who were down here before Katrina have left and relocated."
The facility is on land donated by George and Penny Harrigan, who own Delta Drugs across the street on Louisiana 23.
Cappiello said because it is the only public building opened in Port Sulphur since the storm, state and FEMA officials asked him to include office space for other government services such as mental health and home health care. The building also includes space for the Plaquemines district attorney's child advocacy office.
Cappiello said the center has an agreement with Meadowcrest Hospital, located about 45 minutes to the north in Gretna, to receive any patients who need a full hospital.
Cappiello said the Port Sulphur center has hired back 18 of its original staff of 31 employees and the hospital district is sound financially, thanks to outside help.
Although tax revenue since Katrina is down from a normal $3.5 million a year to $1.3 million, the hospital district has a $942,000 Community Development Block Grant to cover salaries for eight or nine months.
"We think we can operate one- and-a-half to two years without going into our treasury," Cappiello said.
FEMA donated the building at a cost of about $400,000 and the district expects to get reimbursed for the new medical equipment.
"We are actually better off financially since the storm than we were before the storm. FEMA has paid for everything even though we lost about 50 percent of our millage," Cappiello said.
Cappiello said the facility is opened seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and hopes to expand to 16-hour days soon. All insurance is accepted, but those without insurance also are served. Currently, its only phone is a cellular number: (504) 570-8337.
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Audrey2Katrina
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- Age: 75
- Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2005 10:39 pm
- Location: Metaire, La.
School transfer requests increase
Lake Pontchartrain hopes to stem tide
Saturday, July 15, 2006 TP/NOLA.com
By Sandra Barbier
River Parishes bureau
About twice as many students have applied to switch from Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School in LaPlace to another St. John the Baptist Parish public school this fall as applied last year.
Lake Pontchartrain is among 151 schools in the state that were ranked as academically unacceptable for failing to earn an annual performance score of 60 in 2005. Those schools are required to offer their students the option of attending a different school. Lake Pontchartrain had a score of 58.1.
The school is again being required to offer choice this year, although its performance score for the 2005-06 school year has not yet been released, school system spokeswoman Ann LaBorde said. Officials are optimistic the school will reach the state's goal, based on test scores, attendance and drop-out rates, for the 2005-06 school year. However, the performance score won't be released until September.
Meanwhile, students at Lake Pontchartrain can apply to attend one of three other schools. This year, the alternate schools are Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School, John L. Ory Communications Arts Magnet School, and LaPlace Elementary School.
LaBorde said those schools were selected as transfer schools based on their higher performance scores and available space, although the additional students could fill LaPlace Elementary to capacity.
Applications for transfers will be accepted until 4 p.m. Tuesday. Application forms are available at the St. John the Baptist School Board office, 118 West 10th St., Reserve.
Some 105 students have applied to change from Lake Pontchartrain to another school this fall, compared to 51 students last year, LaBorde said. About 37 of the 51 applicants followed through and made the switch last year, she said.
The School Board has been accepting applications since June 27, when the school district mailed letters to parents of all the students at the school telling them about their choices.
Officials have made several improvements to Lake Pontchartain l over the past year, beginning with an $800,000 renovation last summer that rid the building of a long-standing mold problem and gave it a face-lift with new paint, ceilings and other repairs.
The school system superintendent and School Board also appointed a new principal, Patricia Triche, who was highly regarded for her leadership at Garyville Magnet.
Officials are projecting the school will earn a score between 61 and 64 for the 2005-06 school year, and will progress out of the unacceptable category.
If the school is removed from the category, it will not be required to offer students the choice of transferring next fall. Students who transferred in 2005 or 2006 will be allowed to remain at their new schools through eighth grade, however bus transportation will not be provided except to the two magnet schools.
LaBorde said many of those students applying for a transfer this year "do not realize the difference" in the Lake Pontchartrain school, based on its old reputation.
Many are newcomers to the parish, displaced by Hurricane Katrina, she said.
They may also be wrestling with adjustment to a different school and school system, she said.
"That (Lake Pontchartrain) is a very structured school. . . They have rules and they follow the rules," she said.
Previously, discipline problems along with low scores and the physical condition of the school were drawbacks.
As part of being classified as an academically unacceptable school in need of improvement, the school last year implemented more training for its teachers, LaBorde said.
Teachers will attend training next week. "In order to teach at Lake Pontchartrain, teachers must commit to attend that summer in-service," she said.
LaBorde praised Triche for helping the school improve academically and socially.
Triche stands at the school's front door and greets all students as they arrive for the school day, she said.
"Before, the buses would unload in the front and in the back. Now every bus comes to the front. She (Triche) is literally out there and sees every child every morning," she said.
Triche also had set a goal of earning a Renaissance Master Certified School award for Lake Pontchartrain in her first year as principal, which it did.
The award is based on measurable schoolwide growth in reading, higher test scores and teacher training.
Lake Pontchartrain hopes to stem tide
Saturday, July 15, 2006 TP/NOLA.com
By Sandra Barbier
River Parishes bureau
About twice as many students have applied to switch from Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School in LaPlace to another St. John the Baptist Parish public school this fall as applied last year.
Lake Pontchartrain is among 151 schools in the state that were ranked as academically unacceptable for failing to earn an annual performance score of 60 in 2005. Those schools are required to offer their students the option of attending a different school. Lake Pontchartrain had a score of 58.1.
The school is again being required to offer choice this year, although its performance score for the 2005-06 school year has not yet been released, school system spokeswoman Ann LaBorde said. Officials are optimistic the school will reach the state's goal, based on test scores, attendance and drop-out rates, for the 2005-06 school year. However, the performance score won't be released until September.
Meanwhile, students at Lake Pontchartrain can apply to attend one of three other schools. This year, the alternate schools are Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School, John L. Ory Communications Arts Magnet School, and LaPlace Elementary School.
LaBorde said those schools were selected as transfer schools based on their higher performance scores and available space, although the additional students could fill LaPlace Elementary to capacity.
Applications for transfers will be accepted until 4 p.m. Tuesday. Application forms are available at the St. John the Baptist School Board office, 118 West 10th St., Reserve.
Some 105 students have applied to change from Lake Pontchartrain to another school this fall, compared to 51 students last year, LaBorde said. About 37 of the 51 applicants followed through and made the switch last year, she said.
The School Board has been accepting applications since June 27, when the school district mailed letters to parents of all the students at the school telling them about their choices.
Officials have made several improvements to Lake Pontchartain l over the past year, beginning with an $800,000 renovation last summer that rid the building of a long-standing mold problem and gave it a face-lift with new paint, ceilings and other repairs.
The school system superintendent and School Board also appointed a new principal, Patricia Triche, who was highly regarded for her leadership at Garyville Magnet.
Officials are projecting the school will earn a score between 61 and 64 for the 2005-06 school year, and will progress out of the unacceptable category.
If the school is removed from the category, it will not be required to offer students the choice of transferring next fall. Students who transferred in 2005 or 2006 will be allowed to remain at their new schools through eighth grade, however bus transportation will not be provided except to the two magnet schools.
LaBorde said many of those students applying for a transfer this year "do not realize the difference" in the Lake Pontchartrain school, based on its old reputation.
Many are newcomers to the parish, displaced by Hurricane Katrina, she said.
They may also be wrestling with adjustment to a different school and school system, she said.
"That (Lake Pontchartrain) is a very structured school. . . They have rules and they follow the rules," she said.
Previously, discipline problems along with low scores and the physical condition of the school were drawbacks.
As part of being classified as an academically unacceptable school in need of improvement, the school last year implemented more training for its teachers, LaBorde said.
Teachers will attend training next week. "In order to teach at Lake Pontchartrain, teachers must commit to attend that summer in-service," she said.
LaBorde praised Triche for helping the school improve academically and socially.
Triche stands at the school's front door and greets all students as they arrive for the school day, she said.
"Before, the buses would unload in the front and in the back. Now every bus comes to the front. She (Triche) is literally out there and sees every child every morning," she said.
Triche also had set a goal of earning a Renaissance Master Certified School award for Lake Pontchartrain in her first year as principal, which it did.
The award is based on measurable schoolwide growth in reading, higher test scores and teacher training.
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Audrey2Katrina
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Blighted property list is updated
St. Bernard owners must state intentions
Saturday, July 15, 2006 TP/NOLA.com
By Karen Turni Bazile
St. Bernard Parish officials late Friday issued an updated list of Katrina-damaged properties designated as blighted and being considered for demolition because their owners have yet to say what they plan to do with them.
The list of 7,833 structures, first released last week, now highlights the owners of 725 homes who have called or visited the parish within the past week to address concerns about their properties.
Acting Chief Administrative Officer Dave Peralta said owners of the remaining 7,108 structures need to contact the parish to say whether they already have gutted and cleaned their properties or plan to do so by the parish's Aug. 29 deadline. Owners also can place their homes in a list of properties to be demolished.
The updated list is posted on the parish's Web site, http://www.sbpg.net, where residents can find out what documents are needed to address the properties' status and obtain an information form. The list is already posted on nola.com and at the Department of Community Development office in Trailer K, behind the parish government complex. It will be published in the parish journal and posted at the Parish Courthouse.
The Aug. 29 deadline, on the anniversary of Katrina's landfall, seeks to push property owners into making decisions about their properties for the benefit of residents who are rebuilding in the parish
Homes whose owners who do not contact the parish could face involuntary demolition once that deadline passes, Peralta said.
The owners who have contacted the parish, and whose addresses appear highlighted in red in the new list, will be back on the list if they don't clean up their properties by Aug. 29.
"If they fail to comply after telling us that they would, they would still have to come under the Aug. 29 deadline of being placed under forced demolition," Peralta said.
However, Peralta said the current list is far from being accurate. People who secured electrical or building permits very early after the storm were not listed in the parish's computerized database. Consequently, officials have said some residents living in their repaired homes have told them their addresses are mistakenly included on the blighted list.
"For the ones that we erred on, I'm sorry," Peralta said.
Residents were supposed to contact parish government by May 31 to indicate whether they planned to rebuild or demolish their homes. The list of blighted homes includes properties whose owners did not ask the parish to remove debris or gut or demolish their homes and haven't applied for building permits to start repairs. It is intended to represent addresses about which the government has heard nothing from their owners.
For information, call the office of community development at (504) 278-4301 or (504) 278-4307.
St. Bernard owners must state intentions
Saturday, July 15, 2006 TP/NOLA.com
By Karen Turni Bazile
St. Bernard Parish officials late Friday issued an updated list of Katrina-damaged properties designated as blighted and being considered for demolition because their owners have yet to say what they plan to do with them.
The list of 7,833 structures, first released last week, now highlights the owners of 725 homes who have called or visited the parish within the past week to address concerns about their properties.
Acting Chief Administrative Officer Dave Peralta said owners of the remaining 7,108 structures need to contact the parish to say whether they already have gutted and cleaned their properties or plan to do so by the parish's Aug. 29 deadline. Owners also can place their homes in a list of properties to be demolished.
The updated list is posted on the parish's Web site, http://www.sbpg.net, where residents can find out what documents are needed to address the properties' status and obtain an information form. The list is already posted on nola.com and at the Department of Community Development office in Trailer K, behind the parish government complex. It will be published in the parish journal and posted at the Parish Courthouse.
The Aug. 29 deadline, on the anniversary of Katrina's landfall, seeks to push property owners into making decisions about their properties for the benefit of residents who are rebuilding in the parish
Homes whose owners who do not contact the parish could face involuntary demolition once that deadline passes, Peralta said.
The owners who have contacted the parish, and whose addresses appear highlighted in red in the new list, will be back on the list if they don't clean up their properties by Aug. 29.
"If they fail to comply after telling us that they would, they would still have to come under the Aug. 29 deadline of being placed under forced demolition," Peralta said.
However, Peralta said the current list is far from being accurate. People who secured electrical or building permits very early after the storm were not listed in the parish's computerized database. Consequently, officials have said some residents living in their repaired homes have told them their addresses are mistakenly included on the blighted list.
"For the ones that we erred on, I'm sorry," Peralta said.
Residents were supposed to contact parish government by May 31 to indicate whether they planned to rebuild or demolish their homes. The list of blighted homes includes properties whose owners did not ask the parish to remove debris or gut or demolish their homes and haven't applied for building permits to start repairs. It is intended to represent addresses about which the government has heard nothing from their owners.
For information, call the office of community development at (504) 278-4301 or (504) 278-4307.
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Audrey2Katrina
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ST. Bernard officials' exodus goes on
President has lost 4 since storm
Friday, July 14, 2006 TP/NOLA.com
By Karen Turni Bazile
Adding to a mounting list of departures, two more top St. Bernard Parish administrators have told Parish President Henry "Junior" Rodriguez that they are quitting their posts.
Finance Director Geremie Loupe and Community Development Director Mike Hunnicutt bring to four the number of department heads to resign since Hurricane Katrina. Rodriquez has six top directors in all.
Chief Administrative Officer Danny Menesses left in April and Public Works Director Clyde Martin resigned in February. Both cited burnout because of extremely long hours needed for the recovery effort since the storm.
Loupe, who has overseen the parish's finances for about three years, said he is leaving to work with his wife's design and construction business. Hunnicutt, said he is leaving because he disagrees with recent changes Rodriguez made in issuing building permits. He has worked in the department for 16 years.
Loupe's last day is July 21; Hunnicutt's is July 27.
Rodriguez told the council at an executive-finance committee meeting Thursday that he doesn't expect to fill the vacant positions, mostly because he has only 18 months left in his term. Instead, he will shift the directors' duties to existing staff members.
Although Loupe resigned quietly before a vacation a few weeks ago, Hunnicutt fired off a passionate memo that he delivered to Rodriguez on Wednesday and distributed to all the council members.
The parish's six department heads, as well as a few other key administrative positions, are not protected under civil service and serve at the pleasure of Rodriguez.
Rodriguez has said he knows the disaster recovery effort has taken a toll on his managers. And he said he knows Hunnicutt was not satisfied when he ordered that his department be divided in two in mid-May, creating the Office of Rebuilding and Reconstruction to handle permits for repairs of residential and commercial properties.
Hunnicutt issued a memo on Monday to administrators and council members citing his concerns about how the divided department was functioning.
In the memo, Hunnicutt said he was revoking new construction permits for 14 addresses because he hadn't signed the documents or because there were problems with them.
While some of the permits had minor errors that could be fixed, Hunnicutt said there were at least two errors that were serious and could have resulted in structures being elevated to the wrong height.
Acting Chief Administrative Officer Dave Peralta said those permits were corrected and wouldn't be revoked. An employee in Hayes' office is signing those permits that are being reviewed by Hunnicutt, Peralta said.
Peralta said the confusion was part of the transition to two offices. Rodriguez said both Loupe and Hunnicutt have done a good job, but that he believes it was critical to separate the offices under Hunnicutt to expedite building permits.
President has lost 4 since storm
Friday, July 14, 2006 TP/NOLA.com
By Karen Turni Bazile
Adding to a mounting list of departures, two more top St. Bernard Parish administrators have told Parish President Henry "Junior" Rodriguez that they are quitting their posts.
Finance Director Geremie Loupe and Community Development Director Mike Hunnicutt bring to four the number of department heads to resign since Hurricane Katrina. Rodriquez has six top directors in all.
Chief Administrative Officer Danny Menesses left in April and Public Works Director Clyde Martin resigned in February. Both cited burnout because of extremely long hours needed for the recovery effort since the storm.
Loupe, who has overseen the parish's finances for about three years, said he is leaving to work with his wife's design and construction business. Hunnicutt, said he is leaving because he disagrees with recent changes Rodriguez made in issuing building permits. He has worked in the department for 16 years.
Loupe's last day is July 21; Hunnicutt's is July 27.
Rodriguez told the council at an executive-finance committee meeting Thursday that he doesn't expect to fill the vacant positions, mostly because he has only 18 months left in his term. Instead, he will shift the directors' duties to existing staff members.
Although Loupe resigned quietly before a vacation a few weeks ago, Hunnicutt fired off a passionate memo that he delivered to Rodriguez on Wednesday and distributed to all the council members.
The parish's six department heads, as well as a few other key administrative positions, are not protected under civil service and serve at the pleasure of Rodriguez.
Rodriguez has said he knows the disaster recovery effort has taken a toll on his managers. And he said he knows Hunnicutt was not satisfied when he ordered that his department be divided in two in mid-May, creating the Office of Rebuilding and Reconstruction to handle permits for repairs of residential and commercial properties.
Hunnicutt issued a memo on Monday to administrators and council members citing his concerns about how the divided department was functioning.
In the memo, Hunnicutt said he was revoking new construction permits for 14 addresses because he hadn't signed the documents or because there were problems with them.
While some of the permits had minor errors that could be fixed, Hunnicutt said there were at least two errors that were serious and could have resulted in structures being elevated to the wrong height.
Acting Chief Administrative Officer Dave Peralta said those permits were corrected and wouldn't be revoked. An employee in Hayes' office is signing those permits that are being reviewed by Hunnicutt, Peralta said.
Peralta said the confusion was part of the transition to two offices. Rodriguez said both Loupe and Hunnicutt have done a good job, but that he believes it was critical to separate the offices under Hunnicutt to expedite building permits.
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Audrey2Katrina
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- Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2005 10:39 pm
- Location: Metaire, La.
Lake reefs survive storm; four more planned
Concrete spheres lure marine life
Saturday, July 15, 2006 TP/NOLA.com
By Richard Boyd
Florida Parishes
Artificial reefs created in Lake Pontchartrain in 2003 survived Hurricanes Katrina and Rita virtually intact, and four new reefs sites may be established by year's end, officials said Thursday in Mandeville.
Plans call for reefs to be created at two locations off the north shore: one 6 miles south and slightly east of the Tchefuncte River at Madisonville, and the other 3 miles south of Pointe Platte and east of Bayou Lacombe offshore from the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge.
Reefs also will be established off the lake's south shore: one 6 miles out from eastern New Orleans and the other 6 miles out from St. Charles Parish.
The reefs are created by dropping groups of perforated concrete spheres atop shell pads that were established at the site of oil and gas wells in the lake. Drilling has ceased in the lake and most above-water platforms are long gone, but the underwater pads remain, providing good sites to establish reefs.
John Lopez, a professor and director of the Coastal Sustainability Program of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, one of the lead agencies in the reef program, said Thursday that about 18 regulatory steps remain for obtaining permits and permission to set up the new reefs. The concrete balls will be dropped from barges and put into place with the help of volunteer divers, including the Hammerhead Dive Club of Mandeville.
Lopez; Basin Foundation Director Carlton Dufrechou; Mike Poirrier, a UNO professor heading up reef monitoring diving teams; and Woody Crews of the Jefferson Parish Marine Fisheries Advisory Board briefed a sparse crowd at the Mandeville Community Center on the post-Katrina-Rita status of the existing reefs and the projected expansion.
Sonar images, taken recently and posted on the foundation's Web site http://www.saveourlake.org, and visual inspections revealed good news, Lopez and Poirrier said. They show virtually no movement of the concrete balls, which are 2 to 3 feet in diameter and weigh up to 400 pounds.
More than 300 balls were dropped at an abandoned drilling pad about 6 miles offshore from eastern New Orleans, and lesser numbers at a second east New Orleans site east of Lakefront Airport and about 4 miles offshore, and at a site just east of the Causeway and about 5 miles offshore from Mandeville.
Lopez said that so far, sonar testing has been done at the 300-plus cluster offshore from New Orleans, and divers visited the other sites and found them intact.
Poirrier said marine life continues to flourish around the reefs, and fishers have congregated there as well.
More than 50 marine life species have been documented by UNO students and volunteer divers at the reefs, including red drum, speckled trout and blue crab, he said. The reefs provide nesting and reproduction sites for species from sponges to crabs and a rich feeding ground for the larger and more popular fish sought by anglers.
Lopez said the reefs are now the property of the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Basin Foundation officials have said previously that the proposed new reefs will be financed through $245,000 that has already been raised from state and federal grant sources and private donations for the originally projected two-phase project of seven reef clusters.
"It has been very successful, creating teeming new nesting grounds for many species and very popular with sports fishermen. It is a good fit, like motherhood and apple pie," Crews said.
Concrete spheres lure marine life
Saturday, July 15, 2006 TP/NOLA.com
By Richard Boyd
Florida Parishes
Artificial reefs created in Lake Pontchartrain in 2003 survived Hurricanes Katrina and Rita virtually intact, and four new reefs sites may be established by year's end, officials said Thursday in Mandeville.
Plans call for reefs to be created at two locations off the north shore: one 6 miles south and slightly east of the Tchefuncte River at Madisonville, and the other 3 miles south of Pointe Platte and east of Bayou Lacombe offshore from the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge.
Reefs also will be established off the lake's south shore: one 6 miles out from eastern New Orleans and the other 6 miles out from St. Charles Parish.
The reefs are created by dropping groups of perforated concrete spheres atop shell pads that were established at the site of oil and gas wells in the lake. Drilling has ceased in the lake and most above-water platforms are long gone, but the underwater pads remain, providing good sites to establish reefs.
John Lopez, a professor and director of the Coastal Sustainability Program of the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation, one of the lead agencies in the reef program, said Thursday that about 18 regulatory steps remain for obtaining permits and permission to set up the new reefs. The concrete balls will be dropped from barges and put into place with the help of volunteer divers, including the Hammerhead Dive Club of Mandeville.
Lopez; Basin Foundation Director Carlton Dufrechou; Mike Poirrier, a UNO professor heading up reef monitoring diving teams; and Woody Crews of the Jefferson Parish Marine Fisheries Advisory Board briefed a sparse crowd at the Mandeville Community Center on the post-Katrina-Rita status of the existing reefs and the projected expansion.
Sonar images, taken recently and posted on the foundation's Web site http://www.saveourlake.org, and visual inspections revealed good news, Lopez and Poirrier said. They show virtually no movement of the concrete balls, which are 2 to 3 feet in diameter and weigh up to 400 pounds.
More than 300 balls were dropped at an abandoned drilling pad about 6 miles offshore from eastern New Orleans, and lesser numbers at a second east New Orleans site east of Lakefront Airport and about 4 miles offshore, and at a site just east of the Causeway and about 5 miles offshore from Mandeville.
Lopez said that so far, sonar testing has been done at the 300-plus cluster offshore from New Orleans, and divers visited the other sites and found them intact.
Poirrier said marine life continues to flourish around the reefs, and fishers have congregated there as well.
More than 50 marine life species have been documented by UNO students and volunteer divers at the reefs, including red drum, speckled trout and blue crab, he said. The reefs provide nesting and reproduction sites for species from sponges to crabs and a rich feeding ground for the larger and more popular fish sought by anglers.
Lopez said the reefs are now the property of the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Basin Foundation officials have said previously that the proposed new reefs will be financed through $245,000 that has already been raised from state and federal grant sources and private donations for the originally projected two-phase project of seven reef clusters.
"It has been very successful, creating teeming new nesting grounds for many species and very popular with sports fishermen. It is a good fit, like motherhood and apple pie," Crews said.
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Audrey2Katrina
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- Posts: 4252
- Age: 75
- Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2005 10:39 pm
- Location: Metaire, La.
Slidell granny convicted of drug dealing
Her children are part of ring, police say
Saturday, July 15, 2006 TP/NOLA.com
By Bruce Hamilton
A 49-year-old Slidell grandmother whose children helped her deal drugs has been convicted of six counts of distributing cocaine, according to the St. Tammany Parish district attorney's office.
A 12-member jury found Rose Freeman guilty after deliberating for less than an hour Thursday.
Freeman, her 32-year-old son and another Slidell man were arrested in October 2004 in an undercover operation, and authorities determined she was the kingpin.
It was not the first time Freeman had been arrested on charges of dealing cocaine.
She was arrested along with her son and daughter, Kenneth and Carla Freeman, after a monthlong undercover operation in May 1996.
Carla Freeman, 20, pleaded guilty to cocaine distribution in January 1997. Kenneth Freeman pleaded guilty in March 1997.
In the most recent case, Slidell police said Rose and Kenneth Freeman, along with Andrew "Boe" Long Jr., 35, were selling drugs in the Slidell area.
Slidell police brought in an undercover sheriff's deputy, who bought crack cocaine and prescription drugs from the trio between August and October 2004, according to the district attorney's office.
Kenneth Freeman pleaded guilty to five counts of cocaine distribution in November; he was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Long pleaded guilty to two counts in November and received a 10-year sentence.
Rose Freeman told police that she bought crack cocaine in New Orleans, according to the district attorney's office, but she refused to reveal her source to police.
Her case was tried before state Judge Peter Garcia, and Assistant District Attorney Joseph Oubre presented the state's case.
The woman has previous convictions for cocaine distribution in 1997 and 1998 as well as a 1986 conviction for possession of cocaine and stolen property.
If found to be a habitual offender, Freeman could face 20 years to life in prison. Garcia will sentence her Aug. 7.
Her children are part of ring, police say
Saturday, July 15, 2006 TP/NOLA.com
By Bruce Hamilton
A 49-year-old Slidell grandmother whose children helped her deal drugs has been convicted of six counts of distributing cocaine, according to the St. Tammany Parish district attorney's office.
A 12-member jury found Rose Freeman guilty after deliberating for less than an hour Thursday.
Freeman, her 32-year-old son and another Slidell man were arrested in October 2004 in an undercover operation, and authorities determined she was the kingpin.
It was not the first time Freeman had been arrested on charges of dealing cocaine.
She was arrested along with her son and daughter, Kenneth and Carla Freeman, after a monthlong undercover operation in May 1996.
Carla Freeman, 20, pleaded guilty to cocaine distribution in January 1997. Kenneth Freeman pleaded guilty in March 1997.
In the most recent case, Slidell police said Rose and Kenneth Freeman, along with Andrew "Boe" Long Jr., 35, were selling drugs in the Slidell area.
Slidell police brought in an undercover sheriff's deputy, who bought crack cocaine and prescription drugs from the trio between August and October 2004, according to the district attorney's office.
Kenneth Freeman pleaded guilty to five counts of cocaine distribution in November; he was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Long pleaded guilty to two counts in November and received a 10-year sentence.
Rose Freeman told police that she bought crack cocaine in New Orleans, according to the district attorney's office, but she refused to reveal her source to police.
Her case was tried before state Judge Peter Garcia, and Assistant District Attorney Joseph Oubre presented the state's case.
The woman has previous convictions for cocaine distribution in 1997 and 1998 as well as a 1986 conviction for possession of cocaine and stolen property.
If found to be a habitual offender, Freeman could face 20 years to life in prison. Garcia will sentence her Aug. 7.
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Audrey2Katrina
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- Posts: 4252
- Age: 75
- Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2005 10:39 pm
- Location: Metaire, La.
Storm meeting set in Slidell
Saturday, July 15, 2006 TP/NOLA.com
From staff reports
The director of the St. Tammany Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will discuss lessons learned and the challenges faced by community leaders during and after Hurricane Katrina during a program Wednesday sponsored by the Military Road Alliance of eastern Slidell.
Dexter Accardo will discuss evacuation planning, contraflow, special needs shelters, rules for pets in shelters, communications improvements since Katrina, and how to find out when it's safe to return after a storm.
The meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Live Oak Village, 2200 E. Gause Blvd.
Saturday, July 15, 2006 TP/NOLA.com
From staff reports
The director of the St. Tammany Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness will discuss lessons learned and the challenges faced by community leaders during and after Hurricane Katrina during a program Wednesday sponsored by the Military Road Alliance of eastern Slidell.
Dexter Accardo will discuss evacuation planning, contraflow, special needs shelters, rules for pets in shelters, communications improvements since Katrina, and how to find out when it's safe to return after a storm.
The meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. at Live Oak Village, 2200 E. Gause Blvd.
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Audrey2Katrina
- Category 5
- Posts: 4252
- Age: 75
- Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2005 10:39 pm
- Location: Metaire, La.
Family suspects West Nile case
Covington-area woman in coma
Friday, July 14, 2006 TP/NOLA.com
By Bruce Hamilton
St. Tammany bureau
State health officials are reportedly investigating what might be this year's first case of West Nile virus infection in Louisiana, and the patient's relatives say the 75-year-old woman is a Covington-area resident who rarely leaves her house.
The woman's two sons said doctors at Lakeview Regional Medical Center, where she is a patient, have told them she has West Nile virus encephalitis. The doctors told them the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed test results, they said.
But a spokeswoman for the state Department of Health and Hospitals said there are no confirmed cases of West Nile virus in the state. She declined to say whether a specific case was under investigation.
"We will only discuss a case once it's confirmed," she said.
A spokeswoman for Lakeview also said no cases have been confirmed, but she said state health officials are seeking test results. "At this point we don't know whether it's West Nile or not," she said. "It may very well be."
As a matter of state policy, a hospital doctor's diagnosis is not sufficient to identify a case of West Nile infection. Only testing at state epidemiologist Raoult Ratard's laboratories is considered valid confirmation, the Department of Health spokeswoman said.
According to the patient's sons, the woman, who is now in a coma, only went outside to take a daily walk to the mailbox. She generally walked at midday down a 300-foot driveway in a rural area north of Covington, they said.
"We were as shocked as everybody else," said the son with whom she lives. "Prior to this, she was very healthy." The woman has been hospitalized for weeks, and her temperature reached 104 degrees, he said.
West Nile is carried by mosquitoes, which pick up the virus from infected chickens and other fowl, and they can transmit it to humans and other animals. It can cause encephalitis, a potentially deadly brain inflammation to which young children and the elderly are most vulnerable.
Mosquito control officials recently said a cardinal trapped in Lacombe tested positive for West Nile, which was also detected among trapped-mosquito samples in Folsom, west Slidell and Madisonville.
Those results were not considered surprising. Louisiana, and St. Tammany especially, experienced the nation's worst outbreak in 2002. Of the 329 confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne disease in the state that year, 40 were in St. Tammany, including four deaths.
Two suspected cases in St. Tammany were reported as recently as October; those cases were not confirmed by the state.
A 71-year-old Covington area man contracted West Nile days after Hurricane Katrina struck, his wife said. The Tchefuncta Club Estates resident was admitted to St. Tammany Parish Hospital, where a spokeswoman confirmed the suspected case.
In October, a Slidell area resident was a suspected West Nile case, said a Slidell Memorial Hospital spokesman. The person's sex, age and condition were not released.
For more information about West Nile, visit the CDC's Web page about the disease at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/q&a.htm.
If West Nile is found nearby, the state Office of Public Health recommends that residents use a mosquito repellent containing 20 percent to 30 percent DEET for adults and no more than 10 percent for children.
Residents can reduce insect populations by removing any standing water from their property. This includes draining, covering or removing containers, such as empty tires; turning over wheelbarrows and plastic wading pools; and cleaning clogged roof gutters.
Covington-area woman in coma
Friday, July 14, 2006 TP/NOLA.com
By Bruce Hamilton
St. Tammany bureau
State health officials are reportedly investigating what might be this year's first case of West Nile virus infection in Louisiana, and the patient's relatives say the 75-year-old woman is a Covington-area resident who rarely leaves her house.
The woman's two sons said doctors at Lakeview Regional Medical Center, where she is a patient, have told them she has West Nile virus encephalitis. The doctors told them the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have confirmed test results, they said.
But a spokeswoman for the state Department of Health and Hospitals said there are no confirmed cases of West Nile virus in the state. She declined to say whether a specific case was under investigation.
"We will only discuss a case once it's confirmed," she said.
A spokeswoman for Lakeview also said no cases have been confirmed, but she said state health officials are seeking test results. "At this point we don't know whether it's West Nile or not," she said. "It may very well be."
As a matter of state policy, a hospital doctor's diagnosis is not sufficient to identify a case of West Nile infection. Only testing at state epidemiologist Raoult Ratard's laboratories is considered valid confirmation, the Department of Health spokeswoman said.
According to the patient's sons, the woman, who is now in a coma, only went outside to take a daily walk to the mailbox. She generally walked at midday down a 300-foot driveway in a rural area north of Covington, they said.
"We were as shocked as everybody else," said the son with whom she lives. "Prior to this, she was very healthy." The woman has been hospitalized for weeks, and her temperature reached 104 degrees, he said.
West Nile is carried by mosquitoes, which pick up the virus from infected chickens and other fowl, and they can transmit it to humans and other animals. It can cause encephalitis, a potentially deadly brain inflammation to which young children and the elderly are most vulnerable.
Mosquito control officials recently said a cardinal trapped in Lacombe tested positive for West Nile, which was also detected among trapped-mosquito samples in Folsom, west Slidell and Madisonville.
Those results were not considered surprising. Louisiana, and St. Tammany especially, experienced the nation's worst outbreak in 2002. Of the 329 confirmed cases of the mosquito-borne disease in the state that year, 40 were in St. Tammany, including four deaths.
Two suspected cases in St. Tammany were reported as recently as October; those cases were not confirmed by the state.
A 71-year-old Covington area man contracted West Nile days after Hurricane Katrina struck, his wife said. The Tchefuncta Club Estates resident was admitted to St. Tammany Parish Hospital, where a spokeswoman confirmed the suspected case.
In October, a Slidell area resident was a suspected West Nile case, said a Slidell Memorial Hospital spokesman. The person's sex, age and condition were not released.
For more information about West Nile, visit the CDC's Web page about the disease at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/q&a.htm.
If West Nile is found nearby, the state Office of Public Health recommends that residents use a mosquito repellent containing 20 percent to 30 percent DEET for adults and no more than 10 percent for children.
Residents can reduce insect populations by removing any standing water from their property. This includes draining, covering or removing containers, such as empty tires; turning over wheelbarrows and plastic wading pools; and cleaning clogged roof gutters.
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Audrey2Katrina
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- Age: 75
- Joined: Fri Dec 23, 2005 10:39 pm
- Location: Metaire, La.
St. Mary Parish judges riverboat casino
7/15/2006, 9:52 p.m. CT
The Associated Press
MORGAN CITY, La. (AP) — St. Mary Parish voters on Saturday decided to allow a floating casino to move to the area from New Orleans.
Complete, but unofficial, results show 5,163 voters, or 65 percent, cast ballots for the riverboat gambling proposition compared to 2,772, or 35 percent, who voted against it, the Louisiana Secretary of State's Office said.
Columbia Sussex Corp., the owner of the Belle of New Orleans, which has been shuttered since before the Aug. 29 storm, proposed a dockside casino in the community of Amelia — only a short distance from the Chitimacha tribal casino in Charenton.
Columbia Sussex, a hotel and casino operator based in Fort Mitchell, Ky., said the project will provide 400 jobs. On top of that, the company has guaranteed the parish a minimum of $1.5 million annually for 10 years if the boat is allowed to move.
Parish officials generally backed the move, saying it would bring in jobs, tax revenue and provide a major buyer for products from local businesses. Opposition came from religious groups, as well as the Chitimachas.
The Belle of Orleans has never been a success story in New Orleans since opening in the mid-1990s. It typically ranked at the bottom of revenue figures among the state's casinos, including three competitors in the New Orleans area.
Known for years as Bally's, the boat was sold to Columbia Sussex in 2005 for $24 million to satisfy regulatory concerns after Harrah's Entertainment Inc. bought the boat's owner, Caesars Entertainment Inc.
The boat suffered heavy damage from Katrina and has been in a repair dock in Mobile, Ala. The area along Lake Pontchartain where the boat operated in New Orleans sustained some of the most-catastrophic wind and flood damage from the storm.
Columbia Sussex also owns a riverboat casino in Baton Rouge.
7/15/2006, 9:52 p.m. CT
The Associated Press
MORGAN CITY, La. (AP) — St. Mary Parish voters on Saturday decided to allow a floating casino to move to the area from New Orleans.
Complete, but unofficial, results show 5,163 voters, or 65 percent, cast ballots for the riverboat gambling proposition compared to 2,772, or 35 percent, who voted against it, the Louisiana Secretary of State's Office said.
Columbia Sussex Corp., the owner of the Belle of New Orleans, which has been shuttered since before the Aug. 29 storm, proposed a dockside casino in the community of Amelia — only a short distance from the Chitimacha tribal casino in Charenton.
Columbia Sussex, a hotel and casino operator based in Fort Mitchell, Ky., said the project will provide 400 jobs. On top of that, the company has guaranteed the parish a minimum of $1.5 million annually for 10 years if the boat is allowed to move.
Parish officials generally backed the move, saying it would bring in jobs, tax revenue and provide a major buyer for products from local businesses. Opposition came from religious groups, as well as the Chitimachas.
The Belle of Orleans has never been a success story in New Orleans since opening in the mid-1990s. It typically ranked at the bottom of revenue figures among the state's casinos, including three competitors in the New Orleans area.
Known for years as Bally's, the boat was sold to Columbia Sussex in 2005 for $24 million to satisfy regulatory concerns after Harrah's Entertainment Inc. bought the boat's owner, Caesars Entertainment Inc.
The boat suffered heavy damage from Katrina and has been in a repair dock in Mobile, Ala. The area along Lake Pontchartain where the boat operated in New Orleans sustained some of the most-catastrophic wind and flood damage from the storm.
Columbia Sussex also owns a riverboat casino in Baton Rouge.
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