Relief Efforts After Deadly Tornado

Tuscaloosa, Alabama was the scene of a tragic thunderstorm that took the life of at least 32 people. The mile long tornado carried winds reaching up to two hundred mph, and left everything in its path completely destroyed. Brittany Shields, a student at the University of Mississippi, was left worrying about her boyfriend, a resident of Tuscaloosa.

“It took me so long to come in to contact with him, which left me very concerned,” said Shields.

Although Mark lost his home and his vehicle, he and his roommates were unharmed, except for a few cuts and bruises. Not the same can be said for others, the tornado caused 195 deaths in the state of Alabama, 32 in Tuscaloosa. Many were left homeless and unable to acquire food. Good Morning America Video

On Wednesday April 27^th, President Barack Obama declared a state of emergency for the search and rescue responses in Alabama. Danielle Schlegelmilch, a Red Cross employee, was immediately on the scene following the terrible twister. The American Red Cross provided relief for those left without their home. The Red Cross is also distributing relief supplies and providing emotional support for the victims. Over 1500 people have sought refuge in the Red Cross shelters across Alabama.  The American Red Cross                    

Danielle stated, “We will be here to provide aid until we are no longer needed, we still have a lot of work left to do.”

While relief efforts seem to be put in place, precautions for severe storms such as these are not always taken seriously. At the University of Mississippi, classes were not cancelled; causing students to believe the threat was not serious. Precautions need to be taken to allow a safe environment for all.

“After witnessing what happened to the University of Alabama, we all should take things more seriously and take the proper precautions necessary,” said Shields.

The Newest Celebrity in Oxford

The Gulf Shores are Clean Once Again

              

            The BP oil spill was the largest accidental marine spill in the history of the petroleum industry. Since this accident, Gulf Shores, Al was hit majorly from the lack of tourists in the area. Rental homes were left inhabited for most of the past eight months.

Well worry no longer, the white sandy beaches are back to normal. Almost all of the sand in the thirty-two mile stretch of beaches was scooped up before being put threw a giant sifter. Once the sand was cleaned it was placed back in the same location, almost like a giant kitty litter.

Jackson Gilmore, a local from the coast said, “I think the beach looks better now than it has ever before.” “I have never seen the sand so white!”

The local businesses are pleased to hear that everything is back to normal if not better than before the oil spill. The Gulf Shores attract many travelers during spring break; the timing couldn’t appear to be any better. Restaurants and other businesses are expected a large revenue during next weeks spring break period.

Gilmore said he plans to head back home for spring break and work as a waiter and bartender at the Dog House Grille, a job he has held for a few years.

“I am excited to be home making money during this spring break, instead of spending all of it.”

Gilmore believes that the number of vacationers will be back to normal once again after being down 15% last summer. New, white sandy beaches make the Gulf shores a great place to visit for a cheaper price than most spring break vacations. Brian McCarthy, a student at the University of Mississippi has plans to visit the coast and all of the new things it has to offer over spring break next week.

“The Coast couldn’t be in better condition at a better time.”

Whoever thought the Gulf would repair from this disaster so fast? The largest marine spill in history has been cleaned up and the sandy, white beaches are ready for reopening. If you are looking for a great, affordable location for family travel, Gulf Shores is the place to visit.

Word Count: 370

The Oxford Run for Hope

Once a year, the beautiful town of Oxford plays host to a half marathon and 5k known as the Oxford Run for Hope. 640 people from all around the southern region participated in the event benefitting two camps in the Oxford area.

            Camp Hopwell is separated in to two different summer camps, one benefitting children dealing with type 1 diabetes and the other is designed to support families with children suffering from cancer. The camps allow families to focus on having fun while providing care for those who suffer from these terrible diseases.

            Nick Marzullo, a student at Ole Miss and a volunteer in the Oxford Run for Hope said, “Camp Hopwell is simply a great organization, it provides hope for children with these terrible diseases.” Nick volunteered his time by standing at mile markers, pointing the runners in the right direction while cheering them on.

            The race took place on Saturday, February 26^th and the course stretched all throughout the city of Oxford. Beginning at the Oxford Convention Center, the runner’s head toward the beautiful hills of northern Oxford before continuing on to the University of Mississippi campus. After completing this part of the course the runner’s move to historical downtown Oxford. They finish up where they began at the Convention Center.

            Colin Cawthorne, a runner who has competed in the Boston Marathon and numerous other events around the country said, “It was definitely a great test of endurance, the city of Oxford is full of treacherous hills and great scenery.”

            The competition was stacked with great runners from around the region. The winner of the half marathon was John Hinkle from Lake Village, Arkansas with a time of 1:11:19. Henry Olivi from Clarksdale, Mississippi captured the win in the 5k with a time of 18:41.

            As we say goodbye to the cold winter conditions and welcome in the beautiful spring, The Oxford Run for Hope allows people from outside the area to experience all that this great town has to offer. The history of this small, southern town is something everyone needs to come and experience for themselves.

           

            

Reporting to Conclusions Reaction

Rem Reider attacks a very controversial issue in his online article. As a journalist, when and where is it the appropriate time to make your opinions clear to all the watchers, listeners, readers what have you out there? I think Reider is justified in most of his remarks because, in the end, journalists should have a certain edge or bias about them because that will make them effective at what they do best, you know, give them a style all their own to work with, but certainly, a real journalist should never let his political opinions dictate what he is reporting in the news or how he reports it.