News

Keli Rabon Reports on Efforts to Clean Up Pascagoula
The city of Pascagoula is tired of talking trash, some leaders say it's time to take action against their litter problem. The city will declare January Anti-Litter Month, teaming up with the Pascagoula Rotary Club to spread awareness about the messy situation. Keli Rabon takes us to the beaches and the ditches as Pascagoula prepares to get tough on trash. WATCH THE VIDEO.



Rotary Club plans aggressive anti-litter campaign
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
By BRAD CROCKER
The Mississippi Press

PASCAGOULA -- An aggressive anti-litter campaign is being planned by the Pascagoula Rotary Club.

Rotarian John Battley asked the City Council Tuesday to declare January as the city's anti-litter campaign month.

The club, Battley said, is working with the police department, Mississippi Department of Transportation, Pascagoula Renaissance Commission, Keep America Beautiful and Mississippi Department of Marine Resources to initiate the campaign.

Battley said he saw only five anti-litter signs in the city, adding that a major part of the Rotary Club's campaign will be to add new signs, possible designs for which were provided to city officials.

A media blitz and possibly a billboard will be part of the campaign, said Battley, who asked the council to get other city employees involved.

Enforcing the city's maximum $1,000 fine and one year in jail for littering was urged by Battley, adding that police crews are already on board with the project.

That, Battley stressed, would catch the attention of the hundreds of people who work in Pascagoula but do not live in the city. The state and federal agencies plan to go to local schools and reach young children, who are more willing to pass beautification messages on to their parents, he said.

"This has been a battle that we have not won," said Mayor Matthew Avara, who vowed support to the club's cause and city resources, where available, as well as a resolution designating January as anti-litter month, which is expected to be passed at the council's Oct. 16 meeting.

Avara said Councilman George Wolverton has been "a magnet to work and clean our city up" and asked him to be involved.

Reporter Brad Crocker can be reached at bcrocker@themississippipress.com or (228) 934-1431.


PAUL HARRIS - 2007
The following were given the honorable title of being Paul Harris fellows:



Dr. Dean Williams
Kevin Miller
Charles Busby
Dr. Jack Hoover
Terry Miller
Todd Trenchard

Congratulations to all of you, and thank you for all of your service.

Rotary renews service award
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
By VETO F. ROLEY

The Mississippi Press

PASCAGOULA -- The Pascagoula Rotary Club will reinstate its Service Above Self award Wednesday.

The award ceremony will be held at the LaFont Inn at noon.

"The award recognizes effort by people in the community," said Rotary board member Paige Roberts. "It is a very important award."

The winner of the Service Above Self award does not have to be a Rotary Club member. The award was last given in 2004 to Rev. Bill Barton of Wade Baptist Church and Home of Grace.

Board member Todd Trenchard said the civic club has not given an award the last two years because of Hurricane Katrina.

"The club was in disarray the last two years," he said, adding that the awards ceremony was another sign of the community getting back to normal following Katrina.

Roberts said the 2006 award will go to two people.

"The board of directors unanimously chose the couple," Trenchard said.

The club will also recognize its annual Paul Harris Fellows at Wednesday's ceremony. Paul Harris Fellows give $1,000 or more to the club, or have $1,000 or more given to the club in their name.

Reporter Veto F. Roley can be reached at vroley@themississippipress.com or (228) 934-1427.