South Georgia storm briefs

Albany Utilities provides updated power outage data

ALBANY — As crews continue working to restore power to customers impacted by the storms that moved through Albany over the weekend, Albany Utilities reported roughly 310 customers were still without power as of 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

In a statement from Albany Utilities Marketing Manager Monique Broughton Knight, lineman crews had restored power to some 3,250 customers since Sunday.

Areas still affected by storm-related power outages include:

— 600 Holly Drive trailer park/Imperial Road

— U.S. Highway 19 S./Holly Drive/Bettys Drive

— Mock Road/Sanborn areas

AAA donates $10,000 toward Albany storm relief

ALBANY — Moved by the plight of south Georgia communities, AAA Auto Club Group Georgia donated $10,000 to the United Way of Southwest Georgia to help support displaced families.

According to a statement, “AAA has an ongoing commitment to volunteerism, community involvement and business leadership. In support of helping with the South Georgia relief effort, AAA is dedicated to working with United Way of Southwest Georgia, encouraging fellow business leaders to do the same.”

Ceres Environmental to hold subcontractors meeting

ALBANY — Ceres Environmental, which was recently awarded a contract by the city of Albany to collect, haul, process and dispose of disaster-generated debris, is hosting a meeting today for subcontractors interested in helping execute the contract.

In preparation for the start of operations, Ceres is seeking local, qualified contractors to help with various elements of the debris-removal project. Today at 2 p.m., Ceres will hold a meeting for all interested contractors at the Riverfront Resource Center’s Candy Room at 119 Pine Ave.

All contractors interested in subcontracting to assist with the storm cleanup are encouraged to attend this meeting.

New Mediacom WiFi site set up for rescue, recovery workers

ALBANY — A new WiFi site set up by Mediacom at the Albany Relief and Recovery Center on Broad Avenue was put in place for use by rescue and recovery workers and volunteers, and not for the general public.

Unlike the company’s three free WiFi sites, at First Baptist Church of Albany, the Albany Civic Center and the Albany Mall, the new site is located in an internal building, meaning residents cannot drive up and connect to the network.

Additionally, space in the parking area near the site, which is being used as a staging area for relief supplies, is limited and Mediacom does not want to encourage the public to use this location for WiFi needs.

The three additional sites can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week and are open to customers and noncustomers alike.

Taylor Insurance Services donates to Second Harvest to help with disaster relief

VALDOSTA — Taylor Insurance Services has donated $1,000 to Second Harvest of South Georgia to help with disaster relief efforts following the most recent storms that affected the region.

Second Harvest of South Georgia’s Chief Marketing Officer, Eliza McCall, accepted the donation from Trey Taylor, CEO and president of Taylor Insurance Services.

“Several of our clients and their employees are our neighbors or know someone that has been affected by the storms,” explained Taylor. “Our values drive us to always go the extra mile. And we wanted to do our part in making sure families get fed during this trying time.”

“We are extremely appreciative of Taylor Insurance’s donation,” McCall said. “For every $1 we receive, we can distribute at least 4 pounds of food to those in need in our community. It’s business partners like Taylor Insurance that make our work possible.”

South Carolina residents want to repay Albany for its kindness

SUMTER, S.C. — Ward III Albany City Commissioner B.J. Fletcher said she has been contacted by officials in this community who are preparing to bring disaster relief supplies to the city in response to a similar gesture by Albany when that area was flooded last summer.

“These kind folks said they want to repay Albany for the kindness we showed during their time of need,” Fletcher said. “It’s just amazing when people want to help each other.”

Fletcher said the supplies will be delivered in the next few days.

AmeriCorps and SeniorCorps respond to storms and tornadoes

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Corporation for National and Community Service, the federal agency that administers AmeriCorps, announced the first resources deployed to support the response to the severe storms and tornadoes that tore through Mississippi, Georgia and other southern states. In total, more than three dozen AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members are actively responding, with additional deployments pending and all AmeriCorps Disaster Response Teams on standby.

Wednesday in Georgia, 20 Senior Corps volunteers were supporting meal distribution and donations management at the Mt. Zion Soup Kitchen in Albany. Additional AmeriCorps members placed at local organizations may be temporarily reassigned to support disaster response activities.

“The national service family stands shoulder to shoulder with those affected by these storms in their time of need, with AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members at the ready to help their neighbors as they begin to rebuild from this disaster,” said Kelly DeGraff, senior advisor for disaster services at the Corporation for National and Community Service. “Working hand-in-hand with local partners, AmeriCorps and Senior Corps members are providing vital relief to affected communities. We will continue to support Georgia and Mississippi residents and families as they begin to rebuild over the long haul.”

CNCS is coordinating closely with state and local authorities to monitor and assess additional resources needed within the community. In addition, the agency is working with the Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism, the state service commission responsible for implementing national service programs across the state.

Food and clothing giveaway, free laundry service planned for Saturday

ALBANY — Community activist Willie Ross has announced two events taking place Saturday to lend a helping hand to those impacted by recent storms.

At the corner of Clark Avenue and Blaylock Street, a food and clothing giveaway will be held beginning at 1 p.m. From 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Five Points Laundromat at 2225 E. Broad Ave. will conduct “Loads of Love,” during which the laundromat will offer free laundry service.

Arrangements can be made for transportation if it is needed. For more information, contact Ross (229) 288-1629.