For the second year in a row, NASCAR’s summer run in Memphis will be "under the lights," courtesy of Musco Lighting and their revolutionary system that will surround the racing surface with 81,000,000 lumens of light. In layman’s terms, that is equal to the light produced by nearly 13,500 60-watt household bulbs.

Memphis’s own Trenyce is coming home to sing the National Anthem, and will be joined by former American Idol finalists Carmen Rasmusen and Ryan Starr to headline the post-race party and concert . The newly-crowned Miss Tennessee, Blaire Pancake, will also be at the track as race Grand Marshal to help "start those engines."

"With NASCAR on the track and a lineup of ?luminaries’ like that on the stage, it’s no wonder we’re fast approaching a sell-out," said Jason Rittenberry, Memphis Motorsports Park Vice President and General Manager.

The competition in this year’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is sure to provide its own brand of entertainment. The surge in the circuit’s popularity is equaled only by the track’s reputation for producing different winners – eight in the event’s eight-year history. And they will all be racing for the sport’s most distinctive trophy – the ?Elvis’ – sixty pounds of cast bronze, based on the only statue ever officially commissioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises. The trophy is also one-of-a-kind in that there will only be twelve produced – one each for the winning drivers of the summer Craftsman Truck Series and fall Busch Series races 2005-2009, and one each for Graceland and Memphis Motorsports Park. No replicas. No miniature souvenirs. And after the Busch race in 2009, the mold will literally be broken.

The race week schedule also includes a driver autograph session Friday night in the infield for season ticket holders. Family Day headline entertainment on Saturday will include Jonah 33 and By The Tree in concert, as well as the family fun of the Sonic Kids Zone. Qualifying is set for 5:00 p.m., and the green flag will drop at 8:15 p.m.
  

For tickets or more information, call toll-free
1-866-40-SPEED or visit .

Though most visitors to Enid Lake are looking to take advantage of the many recreational opportunities such as camping, boating, swimming, fishing and hunting, we must not forget why Enid Lake was built.

Constructed in 1952, Enid Dam was one of many dams built as part of a strategic plan to help protect the Mississippi Delta from flooding. Even though recreation, environmental stewardship, natural resource management, and water supply are very important Enid Lake missions; flood control is Enid’s main priority.

During Enid’s dam inspection in 2003 it was determined that the rip rap rock, which is the primary erosion control material against wave action on the face of Enid Dam, had reached its life expectancy. The existing rip rap rock has been in place for over fifty years and is in need of maintenance. A contract was advertised and bids were submitted for a base contract with three options.

The bid from Bickerstaff Brothers, Inc. from Batesville was accepted and they were given notice to proceed on July 20, 2006, and have 150 days to complete the contract. The overlay project will not only increase the longevity of the dam, but will also increase its integrity.

The top of the dam will be closed to visitors while overlaying operations are being performed. All recreation areas on the south side of the dam and below the dam will remain open for use. Visitors needing to access the Persimmon Hill Recreation Area can detour from the top of the dam, using the toe road located below the dam or access the area from Highway 51. Visitors wanting to visit the Outlet Channel or Riverview Recreation Areas may continue to use normal routes until further notice. Initial overlaying operations are expected to be completed mid-November of this year.

Enid Lake’s Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day

Enid Lake’s Annual National Hunting and Fishing Day has been set for September 23, 2006. Through events like this we hope to introduce children and their families to the opportunities and enjoyment of the outdoors while preserving good sportsmanship and wildlife/fisheries ethics. If any there are any outdoor vendors, arts and crafts vendors, or agencies interested in participating please contact the Enid Lake Field Office at 662-563-4571.

For more information on rip rap overlaying operations or National Hunting and Fishing Day please contact the Enid Lake Field Office.
 

CLEVELAND – With less than two months remaining before the start of the 2006 season, Delta State University football fans may purchase season tickets online or at Chadwick-Dickson Field House beginning July 15. Coach Rick Rhoades and the Statesmen enter the 2006 season ranked in every major preseason poll and expectations are riding high at Travis Parker Field.

"We’re excited about the start of the season," said Rhoades. "We will put an exciting brand of football on the field and I hope everyone comes out to support the Statesmen." "We’ve worked hard to establish a family-oriented atmosphere at our games and this season will be no different."
Delta State fans also have the opportunity to purchase a limited number of reserved chairback seats. These seats are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Reserved seats are $100. General admission adult tickets start at $50 with student/senior citizen general admission tickets at $45. Single game tickets will be $10 for adults and $8 for students and senior citizens.

Fans may log on to to purchase tickets or call the Athletic Ticket Office at (662) 846-4300.