news
- The Red Cross has opened two emergency aid stations for people affected by the weekend storms, one at state Highway 370 and Old Hwy. 370 in Ashland and another at Harmony Baptist Church, 28960 Hwy. 15, in Walnut. The sites are staffed with Red Cross nurses and mental health workers from 9 a.m. to about 7 p.m.
To help people affected by disasters, like the recent floods and tornadoes, people can text "REDCROSS" to 9-0-9-9-9 and make a $10 donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
To help Mississippians filing claims, Commission Mike Chaney offers the following tips:
- Have your insurance company's name and policy number ready to speed up the claim process.
Keep all receipts for expenses for any damages to your home.
- Be careful before entering any damaged property and be careful of escaping natural gas, live electrical wires and collapses.
- Take pictures of any damages before you repair both inside and outside. If possible, make temporary repairs to your property to prevent further losses.
- Hire licensed and reputable contractors for repair work. Call the Mississippi State Board of Contractors at (800) 880-6161 or visit its website at www.msboc.state.ms.us to determine if a contractor is properly licensed.
Bank, Red Cross offer vouchers for victims
- Merchants and Farmers Bank is working with the Red Cross to provide vouchers for families affected by the tornado. These vouchers may be used at Webster's Supermarket or Dollar General in Ashland.
To get vouchers, families will be referred to the bank by the Red Cross. The vouchers will be issued by Merchants and Farmers Bank's Ashland branch.
Contributions are being accepted at all branch locations - Holly Springs, Ashland, Hickory Flat and Byhalia - or may be mailed to Merchants and Farmers Bank, Benton County Assistance Fund, P. O. Box 700, Holly Springs, MS 38635.
Monroe County added to federal aid request
- Gov. Haley Barbour said Tuesday he has requested federal assistance for three more counties affected by a massive tornado on April 24.
Barbour said he's seeking public assistance for local governments in Warren, Issaquena and Monroe counties. If approved, the counties could receive federal funding for debris removal and repair of infrastructure.
Attala, Choctaw, Holmes and Yazoo counties already have been approved for federal public assistance.
A news release from Barbour's office said that all counties qualifying for individual assistance have been approved. They are Oktibbeha, Monroe, Union, Attala, Choctaw, Holmes, Warren and Yazoo counties.