news
Smithville mail available in Amory
- Because the Smithville Post Office was destroyed in the storm, residents will be able to pick up their mail at the Amory Post Office at 215 First Ave., North.
Customers from the Smithville Post Office area may contact the Amory Post Office at (662) 256-5091 to ask if they have mail there for pickup.
Smithville postal officials said after the storm workers removed all of the mail, accountable items and collection mail that could be recovered.
Postmaster Mike Davis said there will be a mobile mail unit in Smithville on Friday.
Smithville schools will resume next week
- Smithville schools suffered heavy storm damage, but its students will be able to resume classes next week at other schools in the county, Superintendent Scott Cantrell said.
Beginning on Monday, kindergarten to sixth-grade students will be housed at Hatley, and seventh- to 12th-graders will be at the Advanced Learning Center in Becker. The district will run its regular bus routes for students who live in Smithville.
Cantrell said the district will be lenient with excused absences, realizing that it will be difficult for many students to return to the classroom.
“It will be for the kids who are able to come and want to come,” he said. “We understand some may not have a place to stay or clothes to wear.”
REGION
Power to region won’t be turned off
- Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley said in a press conference Thursday that there’s no truth to the rumor that the Tennessee Valley Authority plans to shut off power to Northeast Mississippi. The grid has never suffered this much damage, but TVA is working to restore service.
The natural gas infrastructure in Smithville has been seriously damaged, Presley added. Atmos Energy has cut off gas service to Smithville until repairs can be made.
LEE COUNTY
Tupelo musician hopes to host benefit concert
- Brad Johnson, a Tupelo musician and member of Beatles tribute band Rubber Soul, wants to stage a benefit concert to help victims of the Smithville tornado.
He has the idea, he said, but needs help with sponsors, logistics and a venue.
Anyone who can help make the concert happen can contact him at (662) 312-3733 or via the Rubber Soul website, rubbersoul.us.
Benefit concert taking place Sunday in Tupelo
- “Picking Up the Pieces” benefit show will be 1 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday at Goodtime Charlie’s in Tupelo. There will be a donation charge of $5 at the door.
Performers include Happy Goat Band, Jake Wood, Alaun Comer, We Will Run, Karma on Attack, Seeking Sevin, Shallow Side, Chaos in Fiction and more.
There will be T-shirts on sale for $10, as well as band merchandise. All proceeds go to the Red Cross. Donations will also be accepted.