DATE: Sunday, August 3, 1997                TAG: 9708010284

SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON   PAGE: 04   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: Compiled by Jo-Ann Clegg.

LENGTH: 44 lines

FYI

FYI is an update of the news and happenings that have affected Virginia Beach during the last week. Storm warning

As funnel clouds made their appearances over Virginia Beach Wednesday afternoon, phones in the Virginia Beach newsroom began jingling.

``Do you know there are tornados out there?'' a male caller asked. Assured that the newspaper staff was tracking the storm's progress from the second floor windows, the caller asked a second question.

``Don't you all have air raid sirens to warn people here?'' he asked. ``No,'' a reporter told him, ``but then we don't have tornados, either.''

``You do now,'' said the caller as he hung up. Creeds truck granted

Things are looking up for the Creeds Volunteer Rescue Squad. For nearly a year, the folks who live closer to North Carolina than they do the courthouse have been trying to come up with $70,000 to match a state grant for a new squad truck.

That was the equivalent of extracting $70 from every household in the area they serve.

Last month, with the aid of individuals, businesses, service clubs and a $38,000 infusion from City Council, they reached their goal.

``The truck has been ordered,'' said Ed Brazle, administrative assistant for the Virginia Beach Department of Emergency Medical Services. ``We should have it by Christmas.''

The hope now is that the old truck, a Ford of indeterminate age and questionable lineage kept in running order by the sheer determination of the volunteers, will hold up until the new one is delivered.

Squad trucks are used to carry equipment and medical supplies to accident scenes. The $70,000 from the state was the largest ever authorized by the Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by CHARLIE MEADS

A funnel cloud was spotted over the Bay Wednesday afternoon.

Send Suggestions or Comments to webmaster@scholar.lib.vt.edu