September 2-- Nobody knows for sure how many people have been killed by Hurricane Katrina. Morticians from six south Georgia communities, including Toombs County coroner Ron Hall of Murchison Funeral Home in Vidalia, are in Gulfport, Mississippi to help with the victims. He says the group is carrying water and other supplies for the living, and is prepared to help with embalming of those killed in the storm.

Meanwhile, law enforcement officers from Georgia are being alerted for possible duty in the New Orleans area. Twenty GBI agents have already been dispatched, and Toombs County Sheriff Junior Kight says his office is on standby. The sheriff says he would like to see at least ten officers from the sheriff's office and the police departments in Vidalia and Lyons cooperate for the relief effort. Sheriff Kight believes the officers would be asked to provide security for public health officials from the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta. He also believes it will provide real-world training for local officers.

If you'd like to help with the hurricane relief effort, supplies are being gathered by the United Way, Red Cross and Salvation Army. Dot Foods has agreed to send an 18-wheeler to the area once contributions are in place. There are various drop-off points including the Vidalia Onion Museum building located behind the chamber of commerce offices on Highway 280. Water, non-perishable food, wet wipes, diapers, personal hygiene items like soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and toothpaste, baby formula and blankets are being collected. The drive will continue until September 11th, according to the United Way.