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How to help the Oklahoma storm victims

(WTVM)- America shines brightest when our neighbors need help.

As millions of Americans focus their attention on the devastation in Oklahoma, many will feel compelled to reach out and help.

But sometimes, in massive recovery efforts, people's good intentions can turn into a burden for workers in the trenches.

News Leader 9's Elizabeth White spoke with local emergency management officials and the Red Cross about how to really make an impact with your gifts in times of disaster.

Final whitewater rafting preps underway on the Hooch

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM)- If the thought of flipping out of a raft into the Chattahoochee River is keeping you from experiencing Columbus' whitewater rafting course... just ask raft guide trainee Hunter Price. He flipped head first into the Hooch during training Monday.

"Anybody who hasn't done it, you know, it's going to be a little panic. Once you fall out, it's easy going," said Price. 

Hunter says everyone needs to understand the water is stronger than you. If you fight it, it's just going to make it tougher for you.

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(WTVM)- The devastating effects of the tornado in Oklahoma yesterday serve as a somber reminder that disaster can strike anywhere, anytime.

That's why it's crucial to stay up-to-date on the latest breaking news and weather alerts. We offer several different services to keep you informed when you're on the go.

All of these subscriptions and alerts are completely free.

Pets of the Day: May 21

Tag 350

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM)- We're thrilled to report that six of the eight animals we showcased last week have been adopted or placed in rescue groups.  A cat and a dog are still available for adoption.  Here is a look at today's pets that are in desperate need of a forever home.

Tag 350 is an adult black and white female bulldog mix. She may have a bulldog's tough exterior, but she's a real sweetie with a gentle heart.

Tag 363 is an adult male domestic shorthair brown tabby.  This handsome gentleman can't wait to come home to a loving family!

Valley Rescue Mission's Camp JOY now accepting applications

Valley Rescue Mission's Camp JOY now accepting applications

Now in its 40th year of operation, Camp JOY is a 6-week long summer camp for children ages 7 to 11. There will be 3 weeks for girls, and 3 weeks for boys. Every child who enrolls can attend during one week of their choice. 

There is no charge to the families for sending children to Camp JOY. Instead, their week at camp is generously underwritten by supporters from throughout the community.

Camp JOY seeks to provide a camping experience that will encourage Christian growth and have a lasting positive impact on the children.

Local 11th graders build playground for students with special needs

PHENIX CITY, AL (WTVM)- A group of eleventh graders from Central High School spent their free time in a productive way.

On Friday, they finished building a playground for students with special needs at Phenix City Elementary School.

When this project began, the elementary school only had one handicapped swing, which was broken.

Now, the swing is fixed and two new swings were installed along with other accessible playground equipment.

We had a chance to speak with one student who had a big part in this project.

Beer shoplifter pepper-sprays Piggly Wiggly employees

Victoria Owens, 52  source: Phenix City Police

PHENIX CITY, AL (WTVM)- Police say a woman walked into a Ladonia Piggly Wiggly with a plan to get free beer.

But as she soon found out, the plan was doomed to fail, and the situation quickly got out of control.

News Leader Nine's Dante Renzulli first learned about this incident by checking the Neighborhood Watch Group on Facebook.

Police said this started out as a simple case of shoplifting beer- the kind you may expect from an underage minor- except the accused woman is 52-years-old.