By Rupert Howell
“All of us are getting calls about roads and potholes,” District Three Supervisor John Thomas said following Monday’s board meeting in Sardis.
“We are overwhelmed due to recent flooding issues. I just hope everybody will be patient,” Thomas stated.
Emergency Management Coordinator Daniel Cole gave a report of current conditions since March flooding, informing supervisors that public and private declarations had been made, making Panola County and affected homeowners eligible for federal and state assistance.
Cole also told of the opening of a disaster recovery center in Quitman County to provide assistance to victims of the severe storms and flooding that began March 9, and affected the west and north portion of the county.
Recovery centers are run jointly by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Representatives of state, federal and voluntary agencies are set up in the center to explain the various programs designed to help survivors recover.
The Quitman County center is located at the Marks Fire Department, 108 W. Main St., Marks.
The center is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays until further notice.
Road Manager Lygunnah Bean gave an estimate of $155,000 worth of storm damage, mostly to culvert pipes—replacing, installing and equipment he noted, stating most damage was, “On the north end,”  while adding, “We’ll find more.”