Notes on tornado happenings

—Clovis 911 dispatchers received an unprecedented number of calls during the period of tornado activity Friday night, according to Capt. Patrick Whitney of the Clovis Police Department.

During about a half-hour period, 1,043 calls were fielded by dispatchers, he said.

Dispatchers field about 200 calls on an average day.

A normal shift has an average of three dispatchers. Whitney said six worked Friday night when officials realized the severity of the situation.

Three dispatchers worked from the police department, handling calls for police, he explained, while three others were placed in an underground command center to handle fire and rescue dispatches during the storm.

—Both lanes of U.S. 70 were reopened for traffic at 5 p.m. Wednesday, according to Curry County Sheriff Matt Murray.

—Those interested in volunteering with the American Red Cross as

caseworkers can attend a training session from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Fairfield Inn and Suites, 4305 N. Prince.

There are 20 slots open at this time.

Individuals must register with the Red Cross.

Information: 763-4129.

—The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers to help with administration/clerical duties, warehouse, sorting donated goods and food delivery. To register, please contact the Salvation Army at 762-3801. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

—If you are interested in assisting with general construction cleanup, contact the City of Clovis at 769-7828.

—All groups active in the response to this disaster (or would like to be) are urged to attend an interagency meeting at 11 a.m. Friday at the Clovis Chamber of Commerce Boardroom.

—Activities normally held at the Baxter-Curren Senior Center located at 908 Hickory St. will be held at the Friendship Center at 901 W. 13th St. until further notice.

Exceptions to this will be the Thursday breakfast and Friday night dance.

Information: 769-7913.

—City of Clovis landfill disposal fees will be suspended until further notice to aid in the cleanup effort.

—First Community Bank has donated $5,000 to “Kick-Start the Recovery.”

The bank is challenging businesses and residents to donate to the tornado relief effort. Cash or check donations can be made online at http://www.unitedwayenm.org or at the Salvation Army located at 301 E. 2nd St., the American Red Cross at 108 W. 2nd St., or the United Way at 215 N. Main.

Information: 762-3801.

—The delivery of Social Security checks scheduled for April 1 and April 3 has been halted in areas affected by Friday’s tornado, according to city of Clovis officials.

The checks will be held at the post office on 21st Street.

—Anyone wishing to make donations is asked to contact the Salvation Army or the Red Cross. Needs: Money donations, boxes, tape, plastic sheeting, tarps, new socks, new underwear, flashlights, and batteries.

Information: 763-4129.

—Members of the Levelland Breakfast Rotary collected a trailer full of food and clothing to help victims.

During an eight-hour collection blitz at United Supermarket and Wal-Mart, club members collected more than 1,500 pounds of food and numerous bags of new and used clothing.

The group also collected nearly $600 in cash that was used to purchase new men's, women's and children's jeans, socks, T-shirts and underwear.

—The Salvation Army needs volunteers to assist at the Curry County Fairgrounds Disaster Relief Center and donation warehouse, meal service and thrift store warehouse.

Volunteer shifts begin at 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

—The citizens of Clovis are invited to attend Town Hall meetings on Friday to discuss the tornado damage and relief status.

Two locations and times have been scheduled:

—1 p.m. at Parkview Elementary School 1121 Maple St.

—3 p.m. at Lockwood Elementary School 400 Lockwood Dr.

—New Mexico Mutual is giving $10,000 to help families transition into alternate housing.

— Compiled by CNJ staff