Meridian Star - Local News

Cutest Parade
Grant comes through for Magnolia Grove
Magnolia Grove School (MGS) recently received two grant awards to enhance the educational experience for students receiving treatment at Bradley Sanders Adolescent Complex. The Phil Hardin Foundation awarded MGS $12,000 for the "Software for Success" program and the Keep America Beautiful (KAB) Organization presented the school with a $500 mini-grant for an outdoor classroom.
The Phil Hardin Foundation partnered with the East Mississippi State Hospital (EMSH) Friends Organization, who contributed $4,000 towards the proposal, and EMSH to fund the $20,000 project, which includes three software programs, three printers, cabling and supplies. The software package will provide computer assisted instruction to MGS students in the core academic areas of reading, language arts, writing, math and science, as well as career tech and life skills. The programs are research based and adapt to different learning styles by incorporating auditory, visual, and tactile learning.
Residents urged to take back the night
A recent conversation between Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department Chief Dep. Ward Calhoun and department DUI Enforcement Officer Dep. Kris Cokel went something like this.
"Hey Chief," said Cokel. "When are we going to do something like the Night Out Against Crime programs a lot of other departments put on each year?"
"You know," responded Calhoun. "I've been thinking about that for some time now. What do you propose?"
"I don't know. At the department I was with in Washington state we used to do it each year along with the national dates and it was a good thing," said Cokel.
Kemper Co. honors nation, veterans
The Kemper County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual July 4th Celebration and Veteran's Service today at the Kemper County Courthouse in DeKalb.
Man's body found by relative
The body of a south Lauderdale County man was discovered Friday afternoon by a relative.
The deceased, 82-year old Samuel Matthews of No. 50 Springhill Road, died sometime Thursday evening of an apparent heart attack according to Lauderdale County Coroner Clayton Cobler.
Last hope for blue water vets
Like the Cavalry in an old western movie, House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Bob Filner [D-CA] has ridden to the rescue of the ‘Blue Water Navy’ Veterans. These are Veterans who have been excluded from receiving any disability compensation due to exposure to Agent Orange and the other toxic chemicals sprayed in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. Rep. Filner has introduced a new law [H.R. 2254] which, if passed, will restore equity to all Vietnam veterans that were exposed to Agent Orange.
Making Plans
(3:15 p.m.) Man killed
Test Takers
Rush to open weekend pediatric clinic
Rush is opening the Rush KidsCare Weekend Clinic for children with minor illnesses or injuries this Saturday.
Located adjacent to the Rush Emergency Room (in the WorkForce Wellness area), this weekend walk-in clinic will provide care for kids of all ages (up to 18 years) every Saturday and Sunday from noon until 6 p.m.
Ready To Serve
Before the backdrop of a gigantic American flag, Mayor-elect Cheri Barry and five city council-members were sworn into office at downtown Meridian's Temple Theater Tuesday.
Barry, who will officially take office July 7, spoke a message of unity and optimism to the cheerful crowd in the theater.
Officials breathe sigh of relief over center
When the Firefighter's Memorial Burn Center in Greenville closed down in mid-2005 because of budget and staffing shortfalls, a low rumble could be heard like far off thunder from fire officials in the state.
This week, with the official announcement Mississippi was getting a privately owned, self-supporting burn center in Brandon, those same fire officials breathed a sigh of relief.
Beloved educator R.D. Harris passes away
R.D. Harris, an educator who helped shape the lives of young people growing up in Mississippi for more than 40 years, died in Jackson on Thursday.
Details on funeral arrangements were not available Thursday.
Harris resigned as principal of Meridian High School in August 2007 because of health problems and was placed on the National Transplant Registry for a kidney.
City to celebrate Independence Day
(1:34 p.m.) R.D. Harris dies
Shooting fireworks this Fourth?
Meridian Police Department Chief Benny DuBose realizes the night sky leading up to and immediately after the Fourth of July will be punctuated with the lights and sounds of fireworks.
He also knows as his patrolmen enforce a city ordinance prohibiting the shooting of fireworks in the city of Meridian the MPD will be seen as a party pooper to some — including children.
Nevertheless, the city ordnance is in place and it is the duty of MPD officers to enforce it, he said.
"Sometimes we have to protect the public from themselves," said DuBose, as the holiday weekend approaches. "We've got to do it even though we know it will disappoint some of the children and parents."
VFW to host Independence Day party
The Stephenson-Delauncey V.F.W. Post 79 will celebrate Independence Day along with their own 79th anniversary this Fourth of July.
The public is invited to attend the festivities, which will take place at the post location on Hwy. 80 W., just south of Meridian Community College. The celebration will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m., leaving time for patrons to enjoy the City of Meridian's fireworks show at Bonita Lakes.
MMA accepting votes for People's Choice
The Meridian Museum of Art’s People’s Choice Art Competition is now exhibiting.
The voting will end at 5 p.m. on July 10.
The People’s Choice competition gives Museum visitors the chance to vote for the award winners in a variety of media categories, as well as Best in Show.
This year’s event, the 18th Annual People’s Choice, features more than 71 works of art by artists form throughout the Southeast, with works in media such as acrylics, ceramics, colored pencil, conte, glass, mixed media, oil paintings, pastels, pen and ink, pencil drawings, photographs, sculpture, and watercolors.
MSU Riley Center to announce 2009-2010 season
The Mississippi State University Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts will announce its fourth annual performing arts season on Wednesday.
The center is hosting an after-work social from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. for theater patrons, the media and public to hear the line-up of nationally and internationally touring artists that will make up the 2009-2010 season.
Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar will be provided.

Order a classified ad

Need extra income?
Deliver the Meridian Star!

Popular business directory searches

Order a classified ad

Need extra income? Deliver the Meridian Star!

Popular business directory searches

Need extra income?
Deliver the Meridian Star!