Beebe visits storm evacuees, aid workers (UALR Public Radio) - Governor Beebe traveled to Fort Chaffee on Labor Day to visit and thank volunteers and emergency workers aiding Hurricane Gustav evacuees. Beebe also chipped in a bit of gubernatorial influence to ensure Arkansas' guests had enough clean blankets and towels.

The governor directed his staff to contact Wal-Mart's chief executive and order provisions for 2,308 evacuees housed here already and perhaps up to 4,000 more.

No one had to call CEO Lee Scott directly, but within an hour contacts were already being lined up between Posey and the company's emergency operations center to address the state's request for 8,000 towels and 6,000 blankets. A logistics report from the post said some evacuees were using linens to make partitions in the barracks.

Angie Stoner, a senior manager of public affairs for Wal-Mart, says the company is scouring its stores and Sam's
Club warehouse stores in an effort to fill the order.

Thousands have fled the Gulf Coast since late last week hoping to avoid Gustav, which came ashore at Cocodrie,
Louisiana, yesterday morning. In addition to the 2,308 here, thousands more are staying in county-based shelters, motels
and in private homes.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. © Copyright 2009, UALR Public Radio