MEMA director addresses supervisors’ storm damage concerns

PANORAMIC VIEW – Divide Road in southern Lawrence County provides panoramic views of the county’s beautiful landscape. An Easter Sunday tornado cut a wide path across the road between its intersections with Sand Road and Highway 587, making the Pearl River visible in areas that were previously obscured by the tree line. (Photo by Anne Morgan Carney)

The Lawrence County Board of Supervisors held its monthly recessed meeting on Monday, April 20, at the Lawrence County Courthouse, in Monticello. Supervisors Steve Garrett (District One), Delane Ervin (District Two), Glenn Ard (District Three), Stanley Stephens (District Four), and Archie Ross (District Five) were all in attendance, with Board President Steve Garrett presiding.
Because of the ongoing situation with the coronavirus, the board, for the third straight meeting, met in the courtroom, the largest room in the courthouse, allowing for the practice of proper social distancing. Upon opening the meeting, Garrett reminded citizens that the coronavirus threat is still ongoing, relating his fears that too many Lawrence Countians are taking the pandemic situation casually. He reminded citizens to continue to wear masks, wash hands, and use hand sanitizers.
Lawrence County’s initial exclusion from a Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster declaration, regarding the Easter Sunday tornadoes, was a major topic of discussion at Monday’s meeting. Joining Lawrence County Emergency Management Director Tony Norwood at the meeting was the Executive Director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), Colonel Gregory Michel.
The board briefly went into executive session to discuss potential litigation and a prospective land sale. No action was taken.
The board’s next meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday, May 4 at the Lawrence County Courthouse.

Read more in the April 22, 2020 E-Edition