| Feb 19, 7:18 AM EST
PRATTVILLE, Ala. (AP) -- After touring a neighborhood where some homes were completely destroyed and many others heavily damaged by a tornado, Alabama Gov. Bob Riley noted that 23 volunteers had come to help clean up one of the mangled homes. "One of the great things about living in Alabama - and I say this after every major emergency we have - it truly is amazing to see what's happening out there with all the families in this state," Riley said Monday. About 50 people were injured when the tornado ripped through the area Sunday, and about 200 homes and 40 businesses were damaged or destroyed. Two people were listed in serious condition Monday, said Todd Stacy, a spokesman for the governor. Both Riley and Mayor Jim Byard said they were working with Federal Emergency Management Agency preliminary assessment teams to determine whether the area will be eligible for federal emergency management assistance.
Council tackles drought woes
According to the public health inspector, some schools have been forced to dismiss classes early or close because of an absence of water at the institutions. Mayor Harold Brown told the meeting that the council would have to, in the short and medium term, consider purchasing a water truck, while seeking to engage the National Water Commission (NWC) for some active assistance. Neither the local NWC nor the parish council has any vehicles for that purpose. During question time on the council's order paper, former mayor and sitting councillor for the Seaforth division, Joan Spencer, said the drought was presenting severe hardships for her constituents, who did not have regular supplies of potable water. - Arthur Green Waste dominates Trelawny agenda FALMOUTH, Trelawny: The Trelawny Parish Council focused on two major topics at their monthly meeting last Thursday.
RICHARD ENG: Golden Gate track draws raves
A stark contrast between the bad and the good of synthetic surfaces never rang truer than at Santa Anita and Golden Gate Fields. Santa Anita has had 11 canceled racing days because of a Cushion Track that doesn't drain water. Officials hope to run Saturday with a new mixture in place of Pro-Ride binders and fibers added to the Cushion Track material. The polar opposite was at Golden Gate. Despite near-record rainfall, not one day of racing was missed. The meet ended Sunday with spectacular results over their new Tapeta surface. The average field size of 8.2 was an increase of 11.8 percent. Total handle was up 9.4 percent. Out-of-state wagering grew by 24.8 percent. The total handle increase would have been greater except for the Santa Anita cancellations.
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