The Biloxi Lions Club is now accepting nominations for Biloxi’s Outstanding Citizen of 2017.
Nomination requests have been sent to more than 70 local churches, and fraternal, civic and business organizations. Organizer Greg Crapo said guidelines include outstanding service to the Biloxi community during 2017. The nomination should be based on altruism and not part of the person’s regular employment. To receive a nomination form, email biloxilions@cableone.net.
The Lions Club outstanding citizen program dates back more than 80 years, to 1931, when W.F. Swan was named the city’s outstanding citizen. Since that time, each year, the city and Lions Club recognize “a Biloxian who has worked to make our community a better place to live, and someone who has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all Biloxians,” said Biloxi Lions Club President Ronnie Cochran.
Recent recipients of the annual award include Susan Hunt, Joe Boney, Katherine Blessey and Dennis Burke.
A panel consisting of past recipients and Lions Club members will evaluate all nominations and select the most deserving recipient.
The award presentation will take place at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at the Biloxi Yacht Club. For more information, email biloxilions@cableone.net.
See the roster of outstanding citizens
See photos from the Susan Hunt luncheon
News and notes
CAO on the program of work: Mike Leonard, Biloxi’s chief administrative officer, drops by this week’s City Desk podcast with an update on a host of city projects. To listen to the 18-minute program, recording this morning at City Hall, click here.
Humane society discounts: The Humane Society of South Mississippi is offering spay specials for animals of Harrison County residents through February to help reduce pet overpopulation. The discounted surgeries are made possible through a grant. For more information, call HSSM at 228-863-3354. To see the humane society website, click here.
Popp’s Ferry park progress: Improvements to Popp’s Ferry Causeway Park continue to take shape in west Biloxi. The project, which includes a bait shop and outdoor pavilion, new piers and walkways along the waterfront, is marching toward an April completion, weather permitting. To see a video status report, courtesy of WXXV News 25, click here.
Mardi Gras prep: The city continues its Carnival preparations, with parades by Neptune and Gulf Coast Carnival a few weeks away. Public Works crews were installing Mardi Gras-style pole banners throughout downtown (to see photos, click here), and the city has announced that rebar will no longer be used to supplement barricades along the parade routes. To see a video update on safety precautions, courtesy of WLOX News Now, click here. What do you need to know when preparing for parades? For a safety checklist, click here.
