A Vicksburg native has been recognized by the American Red Cross through a national medium.

Oscar Barnes, executive director of the West Alabama Chapter of the Red Cross in Tuscasloosa, is the subject of an article at www.redcross.org called “Meet Our Oscar! Red Cross Rolls Out the Red Carpet for One of Its Own.” It highlights Barnes’ role with the Red Cross during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which hit Mississippi and Louisiana Aug. 29, 2005. At the time, he was executive director of the Mississippi Gulf Coast chapter.

Barnes began his career with the Red Cross 11 years ago in Vicksburg and relocated to Tuscaloosa three years ago.

“It was very fulfilling to work at the Red Cross in my hometown,” said Barnes. “I’ve been given many breaks in my life, this is just a payback to the community.”

Local Alfa agent receives award

A Vicksburg Alfa Insurance agent has received the company’s Top Distinguished Field Underwriter in Commercial Award.

Jerry Stuart was honored at an awards ceremony Feb. 17 in Montgomery, Ala.

Stuart has been an Alfa agent for 21 years. He is a member of the Mississippi Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce and Vicksburg Kiwanis Club.

Stuart, a Delhi native, and his wife, Shirley Sherman Stuart, have three children and are members of Bovina Baptist Church.

Local lawyer named president of council

A Vicksburg lawyer has been elected president of the Mississippi Council of School Attorneys.

M. James Chaney Jr. is a partner in Teller Chaney Hassell & Hopson on Cherry Street. He is the lawyer for the Vicksburg Warren School District board, as well as the South Delta and Yazoo City school districts.

Chaney is a graduate of the University of Mississippi.

Extension office offers classes

The Warren County Extension Service has announced two events. The phone number is 601-636-5442.

At noon Thursday, a money management class called Nuts and Bolts: Tools for Today’s Economy will be offered at the office at 1100-C Grove St. Dr. Bobbie Shaffett, an Extension Family Resource Management specialist, will teach. The class is free, and participants are encouraged to bring lunch.

From 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, Dr. John Giesemann, a computer specialist at Mississippi State University, will teach Data Management in Excel. Cost is $20 per person, and laptop computers will be provided for the first 12 participants. Space is limited. Call for reservations.