Scaffolding going up at Biloxi Lighthouse

Workers with J.O. Collins Contracting, working under cloudy skies and through light rainfall, began erecting scaffolding around the Biloxi Lighthouse this afternoon in preparation for lead abatement and re-painting of the city landmark.

The exterior work should take four to six weeks, according to city Historical Administrator Bill Raymond.

“Once that is complete, the brick masons will begin repairing the brick interior,” Raymond said. “Electricians have already removed the old wiring and conduit. They will return once the brick masons have completed their tasks.”

The entire project — $400,000 cost, mostly paid for with FEMA funding — is on schedule to be completed in December.

To see photogrpahs of the scaffolding being erected, click here.

For background on the project, click here.

Biloxi all-stars one victory away from national TV

Biloxi defeated South Lake Charles, the defending regional champs, 4-3 in Little League play this afternoon at the Southwest Regionals in Waco, Texas.

The Biloxi team, Mississippi’s state champion, faces Texas East Tuesday at 10 a.m., with the winner advancing to the tournament finals, which will be carried by ESPN2 Thursday night at 7.

You can listen to a delayed broadcast of today’s game beginning at 6 this evening on News Radio 104.9 FM.

In the game, Biloxi jumped up to a 2-0 lead in the first inning, but left runners on base numerous innings to be held scoreless until the fifth inning. It was in the fifth that Darrell Montiforte blasted a two-run homer to push the lead to 4-0 going into the top of the 6th.

Trent Gill pitched a shutout through six innings, before reaching his pitch count and pulled from the game with two outs in the sixth.

Said Coach Scotty Berkowitz: “We then brought in Tyler Roch and Eddie Rey Garza to try and get the last out. We had pushed the game to a 4-3 bases-loaded sixth inning and Eddie Rey shut down the last batter.”