By THEADORIS MORRIS / STAFF WRITER

The city of Jemison will lend supplies, machinery and personnel in an effort to help surrounding neighbors who were affected by the Alabama tornadoes that struck and devastated the state last Wednesday.

“The government has requested every citizen and municipality that can aid to help,” said Jemison’s Mayor Eddie Reed. “It will take years to clean up. I hate to say this, but it could very well happen here, and we would have been looking for the same kind of assistance.”

Every police chief was asked to spare off-duty police officers to go because of the need of security, Reed said.

“They are not asking for money,” said Reed. “They need hands, tools and for us to allow and send some of our workers to go.”

Council members volunteered themselves to help with the cleanup and approved to lend their bucket truck and a couple of men to assist as a start.

In other business, A public hearing will be held Tuesday, May 3 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) regarding the intersection widening of Alabama 191 and Highway 31.

The council approved a beer and wine license for L & M Food Mart on County Roads 44 and 31.

May Fest will be held on May 14, 2011.