For complete stories, pick up the 08/09/02 issue of The Panolian
Dead bird: West Nile Virus? No answers available yet
BY KAREN DUNN EDITOR
BATESVILLE – A dead blue jay was found by a Batesville resident Wednesday, August 7, and West Nile Virus is the suspected culprit.
Mack Hatcher, who lives on Brooks Street in Batesville, said he was instructed by the Dept. of Health to bring the bird in for testing.
"They told me to wear rubber gloves and to double bag it [the bird]," Hatcher said. "And then I was supposed to dispose of the gloves by burning them."
Hatcher did as instructed and transported the bagged blue jay to the Dept. of Health.
At press time, no determination had been made as to whether the bird was infected with the West Nile Virus.
Protect yourself from bites
BY KAREN DUNN EDITOR
BATESVILLE – With the number of human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) on the rise, Panola Countians need to take special precautions to protect themselves.
According to information obtained from the Mississippi State Department of Health, the most important thing residents can do to avoid the virus is prevent themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes.
State Health Officer Dr. Ed Thompson said people older than 50 years of age have the highest risk of severe disease.
Water tank collapses Sardis Lake Estates residents battle another problem
BY JIM BEAVER PUBLISHER
SARDIS LAKE – Less than two months ago, residents at Sardis Lake Estates were struggling to find a way in and out to their property after their private road had washed out.
Thanks to the help of several private contractors, a new culvert was installed and their road was repaired.
Now it’s a different problem on the property development by Joe Steed, a former Panola County land developer, who has since served prison time and literally been banned from Panola County.
A water tank that serves the homes in the private subdivision has collapsed and has several holes in it.
Media Day held with Ole Miss coaches and players
BY MYRA BEAN SPORTS EDITOR
UNIVERSITY – Ole Miss head football coach David Cutcliffe and members of the 2002 team entertained varied members of the working press in its annual media day, Wednesday, August 7.
Cutcliffe gave an opening statement and entertained questions from the media regarding the team as a whole, the new defensive coordinator and specific players.
After Cutcliffe’s remarks, the press interviewed and photographed different players. Garnering the most requests for interviews were quarterback Eli Manning, captains Eddie Strong, Lanier Goethie, Ben Claxton and Jason Armstead.
Players from Panola County, including Strong, were senior Toward Sanford and freshman Chris Herring.
