Catfish is plentiful in Scottsboro with the Tennessee River right in its backyard and a day-long event has been set aside to celebrate the outdoor adventure of fishing. Set for May 21st,  the Catfish Festival offers free family fun including a catfish fry, arts and crafts, a car, truck, and motorcycle show, and games and activities for children and pets. Festivities kick off at 8 a.m. and the day typically wraps up around 3 p.m.

From 8 a.m. to noon, children are invited to bring their fishing rods to try and catch (and keep) as many catfish as they can along the banks of the Tennessee River. Bait is provided.

If you would like to help tornado victims in Jackson County Alabama, following is a list of things that are needed:

5/4/2011 -- Updated needs list

• batteries size c and d

• shampoo & conditioner

• body wash

• deodorant

• baby wipes

• baby/toddler diapers (regular and sensitive skin)

• laundry detergent

• fabric softener

• work gloves

• rubber gloves

• serving gloves

• sunscreen

• aloe 

• garbage cans

• garbage bags - heavy duty

• flashlights

• storage boxes and totes

• coolers – styrofoam

• clothespins

• lanterns

• lamp oil

• extension cords

• clorox wipes

• ketchup & mustard

• box fans

• shovels

• rakes

• safety vests

• safety glasses

• ponchos

• umbrellas

• b

The American Red Cross Safe and Well secure website is a way to let your loved ones know you are safe following an emergency.  To register, visit www.redcross.org and click on the "List Yourself" or "Search Registrants" link under "How to Get Help." 

· People in the affected areas can list themselves as "safe and well" on the site.  Friends and family outside of the disaster area can then search for messages from their loved ones by using a pre-disaster phone number or complete address.