Contact: Sammy McDavid
As they continue to deal with the aftermath of Friday's sudden and violent storm, two Mississippi State offices issued special notices Monday [Feb. 19] to affected persons in the area.
For students whose off-campus residences now are unlivable due to damaging winds and rain, the Office of University Housing is making available rooms in the Herbert Hall Conference Housing Center.
"Herbert Hall has approximately 40 rooms available for temporary housing of storm victims," said housing director Ann Bailey.
Single occupancy rooms are $20 per night: $25 for double occupancy. Linens are provided.
"Persons seeking additional information on these rooms or wishing to make reservations should telephone assistant director Shay McDonnall as soon as possible at (662) 325-3359," Bailey said.
Also, Steve Ellis, director of campus radio WMSV, said the 14,000-watt FM station at 91.1 on the dial is off the air due to the loss of its Oktoc Road tower. The 387-foot structure was toppled by early afternoon winds passing through the area at speeds of more than 70 miles an hour.
"We are working this week to find a temporary solution to get us back on the air until a new permanent tower can be constructed," Ellis said.
The station reaches an audience spread over a 60-mile radius. In addition to an Alternative/Triple A music format and special weekend musical programming, WMSV is the only area station broadcasting "Conference Call," the widely popular syndicated Southeastern Conference sports talk show carried 5-8 p.m. weekdays.
Ellis can be reached at 325-8481.
University officials continue to assess damage from the massive weather front that struck the Starkville-MSU-Columbus area. More than $3 million in damages have been identified so far to MSU property alone.