The United Way of South Hampton Roads has distributed more than $280,000 so far to victims of the April tornado in Suffolk.

More than $625,000 in pledges have been received the organization so far, according to a news release.

SUFFOLK More than 250 tornado victims began receiving checks this week, thanks to the charity of others. The United Way of South Hampton Roads mailed $500 checks on Friday to 288 people who had applied for assistance following the April 28 storm. Some of the grants did not find their applicants and were returned, said William Reid, the charity's chief operating officer.

SUFFOLK The city plans to host a "gateway beautification workshop" on June 7 at Market Park as it moves to repair the damage caused to area trees and gardens by the recent tornado. Residents can view plans to replant and rebuild those public spaces damaged by the tornado that swept through the city on April 28.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest loans to North Carolina residents and businesses who suffered damage in tornadoes May 11. The decision came in response to a request from Gov. Mike Easley, who last week asked the SBA to offer the disaster loans.

LEWISTON-WOODVILLE, N.C. Falk Lassiter was watching "Stargate SG-1" with his girlfriend Sunday when the power went out and hail began beating on the roof of his mobile home on Connaritsa Road.

SUFFOLK The cost of the emergency response and recovery effort following last week's tornado has surpassed $1.5 million, according to the first official accounting.

SUFFOLK People have discovered them on empty streets, dangling from tree branches and sitting beside broken houses since last Monday's tornado, little big things such as birth certificates and diplomas and jewelry boxes. The city wanted to make sure such treasures found their way home.

SUFFOLK A community foundation has raised about $90,000 for the city's tornado victims in the week since the storm, and it will soon get more help from the Washington Redskins.

SUFFOLK With apologies to Dr. Seuss, it's time to say the cat in the trap came back. The Virginia Beach SPCA had taken humane traps to two pet owners in Hillpoint Farms whose kitties vanished in last week's tornado.