Nimrod: ‘Put the pressure on the EPA’

“Put the pressure on the EPA. Now is not the time to slow down.  Now is the time to push even harder” said Peter Nimrod with the Levee Board to an overflow crowd at the Vicksburg courthouse this evening.

The event, organized by Eagle Lake flood victim Linda Banchetti, attracted one of the largest crowds in recent history.

Speakers from Nimrod to Ryan Jones with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks to Greg Michel, executive Director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency addressed the full house on current flood conditions and what to expect in the near future.

The meeting lasted for nearly two hours with the longest and strongest show of appreciation directed toward Eagle Lake Volunteer Fire Department Chief Earl Wallace. Wallace was singled out for his herculean efforts in attempting to hold back the flood waters.

There has been minimal loss of life during the five month flood. One couple, LaTamela Taylor, 29, and her boyfriend, Darron Wilson, 34, drowned in Yazoo County June 13 when their car went off the road into the floodwaters. The coordinated efforts of many local and state organizations are to be credited for keeping residents relatively safe during the historic flood.

People waiting to get into the meeting at the already full courthouse.

Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace warned those who may want to take advantage of flood victims. He told residents to contact his office regarding any contractors who are not reputable. “Eagle Lake will be a very different place when you go back,” he said. “We will not tolerate bad behaviour.”

The meeting wrapped with a question and answer session.

Amy Libbey and Stormy Deere listen intently to Peter Nimrod’s response to a question.

Clay Adcock of Holly Bluff and Billy Whitten of Valley Park are two farmers who have not been able to plant this year.

Sheriff Martin Pace speaks to the assembled crowd.

Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace, County Supervisor Charles Selmon, District 3, and Circuit Court Judge M. James Chaney, Jr. listen intently to a speaker.