March, 2009

Along with the four other building/remodeling companies whose members took a week out of our lives to help our friends in Hancock County, MS, The Artisans Group has been honored by the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce.  The award is known as the 2009 Humanitarian Award, which is a major honor bestowed upon a Bucks County citizen/group every other year for truly extraordinary contributions to the well being of others. This is an unexpected honor for The Artisans Group, to be presented at a black tie dinner on April 18, 2009.

Aug 29, 2009 - Editorial in this week's Sea Coast Echo , produced in Bay St. Louis, MS

Remember Katrina: Four years after the worst disaster in U.S. history, we in Hancock County are recovering
By GEOFF BELCHER

The eyes of the world are upon us today here in Hancock County , just as they were exactly four years ago as Hurricane Katrina literally tore our communities apart.

Hurricane Katrina killed hundreds, left thousands homeless and caused untold billions of dollars' worth of damage. Even if you were one of the lucky few who didn't lose a loved one or your home or a pet or all your worldly belongings, you knew someone who did.  However, today, we celebrate our triumphs over Hurricane Katrina while honoring the memories of those who lost their lives; and while thanking the thousands of people who reached out to help us in our collective time of need.

Gov. Haley Barbour and First Lady Marsha Barbour helped kicked off observances a little early yesterday, touring Hancock County and meeting with local officials at the Bay St. Louis Depot to get an update on area recovery efforts. The governor also announced his annual report detailing the Coast's progress in Katrina's wake.

"We have seen phenomenal progress on the Gulf Coast as families, businesses and communities continue to rebuild,” Barbour said. “This year, we secured funding to restore the state’s barrier islands and create a statewide communications system for use in emergencies. These were the missing pieces of the recovery puzzle. With these two goals met, everyone can focus on moving forward to bring back the Gulf Coast better than ever.”

• According to the report, about 88 percent of Hancock County 's pre-Katrina population has returned, and about 73 percent of the housing has returned. To read the entire report, visit www.governorbarbour.com. 

• Also getting an early start on Friday, the city of Waveland hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Waveland Business Incubator at the corner of Coleman Avenue and Bourgeois Street .

• The Hospitality City will continue today, hosting a groundbreaking for the Waveland Municipal Complex--Saturday, at 9 a.m. on Coleman Avenue .

• A reception will follow at the Waveland Civic Center . 

• Also today, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Pearlington Recovery Center at Hwy. 604, hosted by the community and the Building Goodness Foundation, at 10 a.m. 

• The city of Pass Christian will dedicate the newly-constructed Fire Station No. 2 on 707 West North Street in honor of long-time volunteer firefighter Horace "Junior" Necaise Jr. at today at 10 a.m.

• On Sunday at 2 p.m., Main Street United Methodist Church in Bay St. Louis will dedicate its new steeple.

• There will be a memorial wreath laying at noon at War Memorial Park , Scenic Drive  and Fleitas, in Pass Christian. Pass Christian.

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