Making Music History, AgainMeridian establishes entertainment district
CONSIDER YOUR
TASTEBUDS PAMPERED
FLYING HIGHAir Station, Key Field
bring jobs and diversity
Enjoy downtown Meridian’s historic
architecture in a quick video
tour.
What’s Online
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2011 | IMAGESEASTMISSISSIPPI.COM
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EAST MISSISSIPPI
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Images East Mississippi is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is
distributed through the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation
and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions
or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080
or by email at [email protected].
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:East Mississippi Business Development Corporation
1901 Front Street, Suite A, Meridian, MS 39301Phone: (601) 693-1306 • Fax: (601) 693-5638
[email protected] www.embdc.org
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PHOTO BY BrIAN McCorD
EAST MISSISSIPPI
®
cOntents
Features
8 MAkING MUSIC HISTORY, AGAINMeridian establishes entertainment district
12 FLYING HIGHAir Station, Key Field bring jobs and diversity
20 CONSIDER YOUR TASTEBUDS PAMPEREDArea restaurants serve flavor and a good atmosphere
departments
4 Almanac
16 Biz Briefs
18 Business in East Mississippi
19 Economic Profile
23 Education
25 Health & Wellness
26 Arts & Culture
28 Sports & Recreation
31 Community Profile
32 Through the Lens
2011 EDITION | vOLUME 2
All or part of this magazine is printed on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.
please recycle this magazine
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Facts & statsDig deeper with in-depth data on industries, schools and more
ViDeoGet a moving glimpse at favorite local places and attractions
Real estateLearn about the local housing market and get started finding your place
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Welcome to East MississippiAn introduction to thE ArEA’S pEoplE, plAcES And EvEntS
Party Like it’s Mardi gras
New orleans may have a lock
on Mardi gras debauchery, but in
Meridian, Mardi gras means fun for
the whole family. The city sponsors
the annual Meridian Main Street
Mardi gras Downtown Parade, as
well as a “Little Mardi gras” for
young revelers. Even the furriest
members of the family can get
involved with the popular Pet
Parade. Also a star at this smaller
Mardi gras is the Bubba gump
gumbo Cook-off, where
contestants compete for the best
take on the Creole classic. other
festivities include a crawfish boil,
block party and a Battle of the
Bands competition.
MSu riley CenterA performing arts center, a conference center, an
educational center, a catalyst for downtown revitalization,
all accurate ways to describe the MSu riley Center. Since
opening its doors in 2006, the Mississippi State university riley
Center for Education and Performing Arts has attracted more
than 60,000 visitors to downtown Meridian each year for
meetings, educational activities and performances. The
centerpiece of the MSu riley Center is a fully restored,
fully functioning 1889 grand opera house theater, featuring
exquisite Victorian decor combined with remarkable intimacy
and quality acoustics. In addition to the performing arts and
educational components, the center’s use as a meeting facility
has earned widespread praise. ConventionSouth magazine
presented the MSu riley Center with their annual readers’
Choice Award for demonstrating excellence, professionalism
and creativity in 2009.
Almanac
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All You Need is Love
All you need is love, but
customers will get a little more
than that when they walk into
L.o.V.E.’s Kitchen. The Lauderdale
outreach and Volunteer Effort, or
L.o.V.E., was started in the 1980s
by Judge Billy Neville with the
motto that no one would be
refused based on his or her
circumstances. From there, the
organization has grown into a
full-scale charitable organization
whose mission is to feed the
hungry. The organization is
supported by individuals,
businesses and churches
throughout the community, and
anyone is welcome to help with
small gifts of money, food or time.
Taking offMeridian regional Airport offers
daily flights to Atlanta, ga., and
boards approximately 2,000
travelers a month. The airport is
home to Key Field, the longest
public-use runway in the state.
Key Field houses the Mississippi
Air National guard 186th Air
refueling Wing and the Army
National guard 185th Army
Aviation Support Facility.
Take a Spindentzel carousel is a kid’s
choice for a fun ride. dating from 1896, this carousel was restored to bring the original beauty of the animals, chariots and painting for all to enjoy. today, it’s a national historic landmark and the world’s only two-row stationary dentzel menagerie in existence. All animals are hand-carved and original oil paintings cover the top crown of this Meridian landmark. located in highland park, the carousel costs 50 cents per ride and is available for private parties and events.
Let the games BeginMississippi’s annual state games are coming to Meridian. Starting
in 1992, the state has hosted its own set of games with athletes
competing in different sports. The games originally consisted of
1,200 competing athletes and 12 sports, and in 2010 more than
5,000 participated in 29 sports. Both team and individual sports are
represented with activities ranging from bowling, powerlifting and
archery to baseball, basketball and volleyball. Modeled after the
olympic games, the series promotes amateur athletes who have
been residents of Mississippi for at least 30 days. The top three
competitors in each sport are awarded a gold, silver or bronze medal.
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LAUDERDALE
Meridian
ALABAMA
59
20
59
11
45
20
80
4539
19
19
POPULATION (2010 ESTIMATE)Meridian: 41,148
Lauderdale County: 80,261
LOCATIONLauderdale County is located in
the North Central hills region of
Mississippi, on the border of Alabama.
Meridian is the county seat and
principal city. Interstates 20 and
59 join together to pass through
the county.
BEGINNINGSMeridian’s history is tied to the railroad
industry. The city was established in
1860 at the intersection of the Mobile
and ohio railroad and Southern
railway of Mississippi. The city
suffered heavy damage during the
Civil War, but rebuilt itself into the
largest city in the state by 1890. The
city’s nickname is Queen City.
FOR MORE INFORMATIONEast Mississippi Business
Development Corporation
1901 Front St., Suite A
Meridian, MS 39301
Phone: (601) 693-1306
Fax: (601) 693-5638
www.embdc.org
east mississippi at a glance
Three Cheers for the Arts
East Mississippi gets artsy at
the Threefoot Festival, an annual
event that celebrates the arts in
downtown Meridian. For one day
each year, artists from throughout
the southeast compete for awards
in specialized categories, including
photography, drawing, painting,
mixed media and sculpture art.
guests to the festival are in store
for plenty of browsing, buying and
entertainment, including children’s
activities and famous Threefoot
Bloody Marys. The festival is
sponsored by the Meridian Council
for the Arts, which supports the
local art scene through funding
grants, workshops and other
localized events.
Fast Factsn Meridian elected its first female mayor in 2009 when voters chose cheri Barry to lead the city.
n Weidmann’s restaurant has been a downtown landmark since 1870.
n Meridian has several significant historic structures, including Merrehope, an Antebellum home, and the F.W. Williams home, a victorian structure. Both are open to the public.
n A portion of 49th Avenue is named for Meridian native and slain civil rights worker James chaney.
n the threefoot Building is named after the threefoot family, who were Jewish-german immigrants. Abraham threefoot and his sons constructed the building just prior to the great depression in 1929.
n Jimmie rodgers, known as the “Father of country Music;” david ruffin, former lead singer of the temptations; and hayley Williams, lead singer of the band paramore, were all born in Meridian.
What’s Online Take a virtual tour of East Mississippi, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imageseastmississippi.com.
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Home toENTERTAINMENT
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MISSISSIPPI’S FIRST DESIGNATED ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT DECLARED IN MERIDIAN
STorY BY jESSICA MOzO
Meridian has long been a destination for entertainment, thanks to its grand historical
Temple Theater, the Mississippi State University Riley Center, the Meridian Symphony Orchestra and community theater groups such as the Meridian Little Theatre. But in 2010, local and state leaders made it official by declaring in Meridian the state’s first designated entertainment district.
The designation came after state legislature passed the Mississippi Entertainment District Act, which allows cities to designate areas as entertainment districts with tax incentives to encourage growth in entertainment-related businesses.
MSU Riley CenterThe designation came as no surprise
to residents of Meridian and the surrounding area who have been enjoying local entertainment for
decades. The MSU Riley Center, for example, offers a monthly roster of performing arts events that run the gamut from jazz and country music to pop and R&B.
“We’ve got a number of great events coming up this summer I think people will really enjoy,” says Dennis Sankovich, executive director of the MSU Riley Center. “Country music icon George Jones is coming in May, and in June we’ll have Johnny Lang – a world-famous modern blues performer. In August, The Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley will be coming.”
Not only do patrons enjoy world-renowned performers at the Riley Center, they also revel in stunning architecture. The downtown building is a fully restored 1889 grand opera house that seats 950 people. It is owned by Mississippi State University and is also used for conferences and educational shows for area students.
“The Riley Center’s Victorian
Home toENTERTAINMENT
the Jimmie rodgers Memorial Museum celebrates the life and career of the man widely recognized as the “Father of country Music.”B
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architecture is very unusual to Mississippi,” Sankovich says. “It’s a very classic historical building that has been transformed into a high-tech performing arts center.”
Temple TheaterDowntown Meridian’s Temple Theater
also packs the house with a variety of events, from musicals such as The Sound of Music to performances by the South Mississippi Ballet Theatre. The first Friday of each month, Temple Theater hosts The Sucarnochee Revue, a live taping of a radio program featuring local, regional and national musical talent. It is hosted by award-winning singer/songwriter Jacky Jack White and is aired by roughly 60 radio stations around the world.
Mississippi Country Music Trail
Some of Mississippi’s most famous native sons and daughters are celebrated at local tourism attractions, such as the Mississippi Walk of Fame, the Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Museum, and Mississippi Country Music Trail markers honoring Jimmie Rodgers, Elsie McWilliams and Moe Bandy.
“The Country Music Trail markers attract visitors who have an interest in country music and Mississippi’s music heritage,” says Mary Beth Wilkerson, director of tourism for the Mississippi Development Authority. “The markers draw visitors to a city or area, and peak their interest to explore other activities and venues they might not have considered otherwise.”
Rodgers’ marker is located at Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Born in Meridian in 1897, he is widely recognized as the “Father of Country Music,” and a Mississippi Blues Trail marker honoring Rodgers is also located in Meridian’s Singing Brakeman Park.
McWilliams’ marker is located on the lawn of the Lauderdale County Courthouse. A Meridian housewife, mother and Sunday school music teacher, McWilliams was the first woman to have a successful country songwriting career, contributing music and lyrics for 39 songs performed by Rodgers, her brother-in-law.
Bandy’s marker is scheduled for placement in Meridian in 2011.
Clockwise from top left: Memorabilia from the Jimmie rodgers Memorial Museum; Jimmie rodgers’ guitar; the downtown building that houses the Mississippi State university riley center is a fully restored 1889 grand opera house that seats 950 people; the MSu riley center offers a monthly roster of performing arts events.
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the United States Navy and the Mississippi Air National Guard are well represented in Meridian, with two
military facilities serving the area. Together, the Naval Air Station Meridian and Key Field (home to the 186th Air Refueling Wing of the Air National Guard) provide more than 4,000 jobs for local residents.
Naval Air Station MeridianNaval Air Station Meridian is a
Navy training base that has thrived in Meridian since it was commissioned in 1961. It celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2011 with events throughout the year, including the Golden Wings Over Meridian Air Show headlined by the Blue Angels in March.
Between 3,000 and 4,000 people live and/or work at the base, including contractor, civilian and law enforcement personnel.
“NAS Meridian enjoys a great relationship with members of the local community who are very supportive of
the base and military personnel. The people in this community welcomed my family and embraced us with Southern hospitality as soon as we arrived in Meridian,” Commanding Officer Capt. Charles Gibson says. “Having the advantage of living on-base and participating in the various outdoor activities is also very enjoyable. On the professional side, the individuals who work onboard NAS Meridian are extremely knowledgeable, motivated, capable and make my job as commanding officer much easier. It is inspiring being around young sailors and Marines who will go on to become the future leaders of the Navy and Marine Corps.”
NAS Meridian is home to Training Air Wing One and its two subordinate commands, Training Squadron Seven and Training Squadron Nine. They train 52 percent of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps strike pilots annually, as well as international pilots from France, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom.
MERIDIAN’S NAvAL AIR STATION AND kEY FIELD BRING jOBS, DIvERSITY TO THE CITY
HIGH Flying
STorY BY jESSICA MOzO
the naval Air Station Meridian is a navy training base, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in Meridian in 2011. B
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The base is also home to the Naval Technical Training Center and Marine Aviation Training Support Squadron One, which train enlisted sailors and Marines and graduate more than 3,500 annually.
Regional Counterdrug Training Academy
Also on the base, the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy is run by the Mississippi Air National Guard and graduated more than 12,000 law enforcement officers in 2010 from counterdrug and anti-terrorism courses.
“Naval Air Station Meridian is a perfect location for training student naval aviators,” Gibson says. “There is virtually no encroachment, plenty of air space and good weather that allows Training Air Wing One to meet its goals. NAS Meridian doesn’t just train student aviators – we also train young enlisted sailors and Marines in a variety of areas before they are assigned to duty in all parts of the world. NAS Meridian is proud to support the Regional Counterdrug Training
Academy, which trains thousands of civilian law enforcement personnel in the ongoing war on drugs.”
Daily Life at NAS MeridianThose who live and work at NAS
Meridian enjoy a high quality of life.“Life is good on the base – we have
numerous activities and facilities,” says Terry York, director of morale, welfare and recreation at NAS Meridian. “Three restaurants are available to everyone and a galley for Navy and Marine Corps students. There is also a fitness center, childcare center, bowling and recreation center, golf course, hotel, f leet and family support center. Everyone is very positive about work, the Navy and our future. We work in an upbeat, get-it-done environment – really a good place to come to work every day.”
The public is invited to NAS Meridian’s annual POW-MIA Recognition Ceremony and 9/11 Commemoration held annually in September. The base also hosts public air shows approximately every three years, most recently in March 2011.
nAS Meridian trains 52 percent of the u.S. navy and u.S. Marine corps strike pilots annually, as well as international pilots from around the world.
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scorecardBUSINESS AT
A GLANCE
$881 millionAnnual retail sales
$22,417Retail sales
per capita
$99 millionAnnual hotel
and food sales
3,132Total number
of firms
source: U.s. Census QuickFacts
Business
Biz BriefsBuSinESSES – Both lArgE And SMAll – thAt hElp dEFinE
EASt MiSSiSSippi’S EconoMic cliMAtE
STRUCTURAL STEEL SERvICESBiz: Structural steel fabricatorBuzz: Founded by Mississippi native Tommy Dulaney in 1975, Structural Steel Services offers custom fabrication for their customers, who are typically commercial manufacturers and producers such as American Electric Power and Southern Electric. While the company focused on exporting commercial steel overseas in the past, most of its work is now done within the U.S.(601) 483-5381
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Terry Winstead, Broker
4905A Poplar Springs Drive • Meridian, MS 39305 (601) 483-4563 • www.winsteadrealty.com
Since 1952, Winstead Realty Inc. has been providing the Meridian area with a full range of real estate services. As a family- owned and operated business, we bring professionalism with a personal touch and combine it with our extensive knowledge of Meridian and the surrounding area to meet our clients’ needs.
Whether you’re relocating to East Mississippi from across the country or already in the area moving across the street, we’re here to help. We know real estate, and we know Meridian.
Together, it’s a powerful combination. Let us put our experience to work for you.
Winstead Realty Inc.
LEADING EDGES ADvERTISINGBiz: Advertising agencyBuzz: Leading Edges Advertising offers a variety of marketing services and creative products, specializing in Web design, interactive media, commercial production, graphic design and print/pre-press production. This full-service advertising agency comprises an experienced staff, as well as an expansive range of partners, working to captivate each client’s target audience.www.leadingedges.net
N.E.W. CUSTOMER SERvICE COMPANIES INC.Biz: Customer care companyBuzz: Providing extended service plans and buyer protection programs since 1983, N.E.W. Customer Services Companies Inc. operates call centers in many cities, including Meridian. The company’s Meridian facility specifically focuses on DIRECTV, the nation’s most popular satellite television service.www.newcorp.com
LOCkHEED MARTIN CORPORATIONBiz: Defense contracting companyBuzz: Lockheed Martin Corporation was formed in 1995 when Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta Corporation merged, now employing approximately 133,000 people around the world. The defense contracting company’s Meridian facility produces 70 percent of the C-130J fuselage, in addition to vertical stabilizers for the F-22 Raptor air dominance fighter. All products produced at this facility are used to assemble aircraft.www.lockheedmartin.com
TOWER AUTOMOTIvEBiz: Automotive component and assembly supplierBuzz: One of the largest independent global suppliers of automotive metal structural components and assemblies, Tower Automotive was founded in 1993 and serves most major automotive vehicle manufacturers. The business offers a variety of services, including body-structure stampings, frames and additional chassis structures, and also supplies complex welded assemblies for vehicles of all sizes.www.towerinternational.com
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Business in east mississippiEMBdc hElpS to ovErSEE EconoMic dEvElopMEnt in thE rEgion
More than 700 jobs were added to the Meridian/Lauderdale
County economy in 2010.That is what the East Mississippi
Business Development Corporation is all about as it helps to oversee economic development in one of the fastest growing regions in the country. The EMBDC is headquartered in Meridian and serves a 65-mile radius that covers
East Mississippi and West Alabama.“We’ve been around since 1996 and
help attract new business to the region as well as nurture existing industry,” says Ann Alexander, EMBDC Board Chair.
Alexander points out that the EMBDC is a big backer of education and strives to promote several academic programs throughout the region.
“An educated student base and
workforce are attractive assets to companies looking to settle in an area,” she says. “Meridian alone is home to a branch of Mississippi State University, along with Meridian Community College and several private and public secondary schools. Yes, the EMBDC pushes for quality education in a big way.” Driven to Perform
Alexander says there are several reasons why companies should consider East Mississippi as a place to do business, including a strong quality of life, good schools and a good transportation system. Regarding transportation, Meridian Regional Airport has the longest public runway in Mississippi, while Amtrak’s Crescent line connects Meridian with about a dozen big cities from New York to New Orleans. Meanwhile, the highway system includes Interstates 20 and 59, U.S. Highways 11, 45 and 80, and Mississippi State Highways 19, 39, 145 and 493.
“Distribution and logistics companies based here have very easy transportation access to Jackson, Tuscaloosa and Birmingham,” she says.
Being Hospitable
East Mississippi also has a strong health care system in place, led by Rush Hospital and its 2,800 employees, Anderson Regional Medical Center with 1,700 employees, East Mississippi State Hospital with 1,500 staff members and Alliance Health Center with 400.
“This area is also a hub for retail, with nearly $2 billion annually spent on purchases in Meridian alone,” Alexander says. “The 65-mile region of cities and counties will continue to market itself as East Mississippi and work toward making our economy as diverse and strong as possible.
– Kevin Litwin
Business
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GOvERNMENT OFFICES
Lauderdale County Government 410 Constitution Ave.
11th Floor
Meridian, MS 39301
(601) 482-9746
www.lauderdalecounty.org
Meridian City Hall601 24th Ave.
Meridian, MS 39302
(601) 485-1927
www.meridianms.org
ECONOMIC RESOURCES
East Mississippi Business Development Corp. Economic Development/
Chamber of Commerce
P.o. Box 790
1901 Front St.
Meridian, MS 39302
(601) 693-1306
www.embdc.org
Mississippi Economic Development Council P.o. Box 3721
Jackson, MS 39207
(601) 352-1909
www.medc.ms
Sources: www.embdc.org Onboard Informatics
Business | Economic Profile
ECONOMIC OvERvIEWMeridian’s economy is boosted by diverse industries, including
manufacturing, retail, professional and technical services,
and health care, to name a few.
EAST MISSISSIPPI
MAjOR EMPLOYERS
Meridian naval Air Station
3,000 employees
rush hospital
2,800 employees
East Mississippi State hospital
1,500 employees
Meridian public School district
1,050 employees
Anderson regional Medical
center
1,700 employees
peavey Electronics
1,000 employees
lauderdale county Schools
958 employees
city of Meridian
570 employees
Air national guard
420 employees
INCOME
$17,961per capita income
$39,537Average Annual household Expenditure
WORkFORCE
30,900Employed
3,030unemployed
77% White-collar Jobs
23% Blue-collar Jobs
TRANSPORTATION
Air:
Meridian Regional Airport
2811 Airport Blvd. S.
Meridian, MS 39307
(601) 482-0364
www.meridianairport.com
Road:
Greyhound Bus
1901 Front St.
Meridian, MS 39301
interstates 20 and 59
u.S. highways 11, 45 and 80
Mississippi State highways
19, 39, 145 and 493
Rail:
Meridian Amtrak Station
1901 Front St.
Meridian, MS 39301
(601) 693-1663
www.amtrak.com
EDUCATION
30%Associate degree
14%Bachelor’s degree
8%graduate degree
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Local Flavor
pamper your tastebudsArEA rEStAurAntS SErvE FlAvor And A good AtMoSphErE
Restaurants in Meridian and East Mississippi
serve customers with good food, friendly
service and local flavor in every dish.
steaks and sOuthern FOOdWeidmann’s has been a Meridian institution
for more than 130 years, and today lives on as an
upscale and friendly downtown restaurant. Classic
favorite dishes range from shrimp and grits to ribeye
steak, complemented by a unique beer list and a
building full of history.
Cater’s Market offers a healthy lunch menu and
“gourmet-to-go” casseroles, along with a variety
of coffee, tea and baked goods. The shop also
sells speciality products, like gourmet olives and
balsamic vinegars.
rustler Steak house and Lounge focuses on
premium steaks and seafood dishes in an upscale,
candlelit atmosphere.
Jean’s restaurant is a locally owned favorite
among Meridian residents, and is located in the
downtown district. Menu options include Southern
traditional foods, such as fried chicken, rice and
gravy, chicken and dumplings, as well as the
flavorful Creole shrimp and seafood gumbos.
The hungry heifer is also located in downtown
Meridian and offers an eclectic menu of steaks,
wild game and fresh seafood, as well as traditional
American favorites.
mexican FOOdMeridian is home to a large variety of Mexican
restaurants. Try El Norte, with signature fish
tacos, La Piñata with Texas-style fajitas and tasty
margaritas, and San Marcos, the city’s first Mexican
eatery, which focuses on made-from-scratch
Mexican favorites.
italian FOOdFor New York-style pizzas, calzones, pastas,
paninis and desserts, Meridian turns to Nick & Al’s
Pizzeria. The pizzeria prides itself on the family-
friendly atmosphere, where kids can play with
dough that chefs will even bake for them.
Nick & Al’s, formerly known as Luigi’s, has
been in business for two generations.
Japanese FOOdSake Sushi hibachi Steak house provides a
memorable dining experience. Located in The
Crossroads Shopping Center just off Interstate
20/59, the restaurant offers contemporary
Japanese cuisine in a semi-casual and welcoming
atmosphere. Enjoy an outstanding selection
of fresh fish at the sushi bar, or succulent steak,
chicken or seafood at the hibachi grill tables as
experienced chefs entertain you with their
masterful cooking.
– Raven Petty
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Clockwise from top left: World-famous Black Bottom pie from Weidmann’s; Enjoy fresh produce on menus throughout Meridian; crab cake, made with fresh gulf crabmeat, perched atop a fried green tomato at Weidmann’s in Meridian
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TENNANT Floor Maintenance Equipment
HILLYARD PRODUCTS
MATS OF ALL KINDS
RUBBERMAID
GYM FLOOR FINISHES
LYSOL
NEW JAX PRODUCTS
JOHNSONDIVERSEY
ROLL FOAM
BUBBLE WRAP
CARTON SEALING TAPES
PALLET WRAP
POLY BAGS
DART CUP
GOJO SOAPS
RETAIL PACKAGING SUPPLIES
SWIMMING POOL SUPPLIES
COPY PAPER
GEORGIA PACIFIC
KIMBERLY CLARK
BAKERY SUPPLIES
SAFETY SUPPLIES
HOTEL/MOTEL SUPPLIES
WEED KILLERS
LINERS OF ALL SIZES
MEMPHIS GLOVES
ATTENDS
1212 Grand Ave. • Meridian, MS • (601) 693-1783 • (800) 844-8894
W H O L E S A L E M E R C H A N T S
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East Mississippi students are
not only educated, they are
also inspired to become better
people in their community.
meridian puBlic schOOls
The Meridian Public School
District strives to ensure that
all students receive a quality
education while respecting those
around them and participating in
community service. The school
system believes that children, and
their education, are essential to
developing and maintaining a
strong community. Meeting
state standards and providing
a nurturing environment, the
schools incorporate culture,
technology, professional and
business resources to serve the
needs of the diverse student
population. The district manages
six elementary schools, three
middle schools, one high school
and two additional learning
facilities.
The Marion Park complex
caters to students who are
prepping for a diploma or gED,
and offers alternative education
options for students who can
benefit from a flexible schedule,
and in some cases, counseling
and workforce training programs.
ross Collins Career and
Technical Center prepares
students through classroom
curriculum, laboratory work,
on-the-job training and
participation in student
organizations. The center
seeks to equip students for the
workforce by providing them with
the resources and real-life training
needed to secure employment.
learning to succeedEASt MiSSiSSippi SchoolS AiM to iMprovE StudEntS, coMMunity
Education
lauderdale cOunty puBlic schOOls
Lauderdale County Public
Schools educate all students so
they are competent, contributing
members of society. By offering
a supportive learning environment
and encouraging strong bonds
between students, their families,
school staff and community
members, the district maintains
high academic standards. This
system manages four elementary
schools, four middle schools and
four high schools; one of each in
the following areas: Clarkdale,
Northeast, Southeast and
West Lauderdale.
meridian cOmmunity cOllege
Meridian Community College
(MCC) offers students a variety
of options for continuing their
education. Some choices include
gED classes, two-year programs,
university transfer options,
community education classes
and online courses. The college
also provides employers a better
trained and educated workforce
through its workforce development
training programs. Centrally
located in East Mississippi,
MCC is in proximity to five major
universities, including MSu, Auburn
and ole Miss, to name a few.
For the pre-college set, MCC
hosts the annual College for Kids
camp – a two-week summer
enrichment program offering
hands-on experiences on the
college campus designed to
incite young imaginations.
meridian’s universityMississippi State university-
Meridian, established in 1972,
is an accredited university that
aims to give students a friendly
atmosphere and convenient
location to enable students to
complete their degrees. Degree
offerings include bachelor’s in the
arts, science and business fields,
including health care, as well as
master’s degrees in business and
education specialties. Certificate
programs in criminal justice and
gerontology are also available.
Students find the necessary tools
they need with an advising center,
computer lab and more on campus.
– Raven Petty
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Obstetrics & Gynecology
1221 24th Ave. • Meridian, MS 39301
(601) 482-1002 www.WomansGroup.net
Complete Care for Women
(Left to right) Heather Patchin, WHNP, Steve George, M.D., William Hamilton, D.O., John S. Harris, M.D.,
Nicole Powe, CNM and Paulette Hopkins, WHNP
24 EASt MiSSiSSippi iMAgESEAStMiSSiSSippi .coM 25
Health care in East Mississippi provides patients
with plenty of options for maintaining good
health while offering state-of-the-art care. here are
the hospitals that serve the area:
andersOn regiOnal medical centerAccredited by the Joint Commission on
Accreditation of healthcare organizations, Anderson
regional Medical Center is a 260 private-room
facility that houses several centers to meet patients’
needs. Centers include cardiac, diabetes, pulmonary,
rehabilitation, sleep and women’s health. Located
adjacent to the hospital are an outpatient pharmacy
and physician office building so that patients will not
have to travel far to receive care.
Anderson-South is a 140-bed facility offering
services ranging from emergency and inpatient
rehabilitation to wound healing and pain management.
rush FOundatiOn hOspitalrush Foundation hospital is a 215-bed facility that
has served Meridian and nearby communities for
more than 90 years. rush health Systems includes
four other hospitals in East Central Mississippi and
West Alabama, including the Specialty hospital of
Meridian, Laird hospital in union, h.C. Watkins
Memorial hospital in Quitman and Scott regional
hospital in Morton.
alliance health centerAlliance health Center is a 154-bed acute care
psychiatric and chemical dependency hospital
serving individuals with acute mental and behavioral
health disorders, and chemical and substance abuse
issues. Specific programs are provided according to
patients’ diagnosis and age. The campus is also
home to The Crossings, a 60-bed residential
treatment facility for adolescents, and New Leaf
recovery, a partial hospitalization program with
a sleep over component that provides intensive
therapy in a private setting for individuals dealing
with addiction or depression.
east mississippi state hOspitalEast Mississippi State hospital has been in
operation since 1882, and is the second-largest
of four psychiatric hospitals in the state, and one
of the largest employers in the Meridian area.
The facility is licensed for 372 beds, 35 chemical
dependency beds and 226 nursing home beds.
EMSh serves adults from 31 counties who need
psychiatric or substance abuse treatment, and
adolescent males who require psychiatric treatment.
on-site, the reginald P. White Nursing Facility
admits residents from all over the state from the
public and private sectors for nursing home care.
– Raven Petty
healthy Bodies and mindshEAlth-cArE optionS in EASt MiSSiSSippi SErvE All pAtiEntS
health & Wellness
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rush Foundation hospital in Meridian, Mississippi
26 EASt MiSSiSSippi iMAgESEAStMiSSiSSippi .coM 27
Arts & Culture
East Mississippi’s culture is
all-inclusive with theater, art,
music and fun – all intertwined
within the historic districts of
the area.
theaters in meridianMSu riley Center for Education
and Performing Arts is the perfect
place for any theater enthusiast.
Since opening in 2006, the
center highlights performing
arts, attracting more than 60,000
visitors a year. At the heart of it
all, the 1889 second floor grand
opera house seats 950 attendees.
Also available are a 200-seat
studio theater and 30,000 square
feet of meeting space.
Meridian Little Theatre is
far from small in the hearts
of Mississippians. This theater
dates from 1932 and seats 400
attendees. The venue has grown
to be the largest community
theater in the state. With the
help of nearly 1,000 volunteers,
MLT is able to produce more than
50 performances a year.
Temple Theater was built by
the hamasa Shrine organization
in the mid 1920s as a meeting hall
and venue for traveling shows. It
wasn’t until the theater was leased
by the Saenger organization in
1927 that it gained popularity as
a silent movie house complete
with a robert Morgan pipe organ.
Today it remains a time capsule to
the era’s architecture and design
while serving as a performing arts
and movie venue.
art in meridianThe Meridian Museum of
Art is located in the city’s only
remaining Carnegie Library. Built
in 1912-1913, the museum houses
all that is art in the area. Along
with supporting regional artists
with exhibits and groups, the
museum offers art education
and outreach to the community.
Meridian Council for the Arts
helps support the art scene
through funding in grants,
workshops and other events,
allowing local organizations to
receive the funding they need.
The Threefoot Festival, sponsored
enticing treasuresArtS And EntErtAinMEnt cAtEr to culturE EnthuSiAStS
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by the council, celebrates arts
in downtown Meridian where
festival-goers can browse or
purchase from the diverse
collection of art.
music and Family Fun in mississippi
Meridian Symphony orchestra
in Meridian is dedicated to
bringing musical art to the area.
Not only does the venue perform
classic and new compositions,
but also the popular seasonal
Peppermint Pops Concert.
The Jimmie rodgers Museum
pays tribute to the life and career
of “The Father of Country Music.”
The building, located in highland
Park, features musical instruments
and steam engine railroad
memorabilia.
Dentzel Carousel is a kid’s
choice for a fun ride. Dating from
1896, this carousel was restored
to bring the original beauty of the
animals, chariots and painting for
all to enjoy.
Mississippi Arts and
Entertainment Center, which
will be located at the corner of
22nd Avenue and Front Street,
is dedicated to celebrating and
honoring the lives and works of
talented Mississippians. Two
facets of the center that have
been implemented are the
Mississippi hall of Fame and Walk
of Fame. Mississippi’s Walk of
Fame was unveiled in 2009 with
its first honoree, Jimmie rodgers.
Since then stars honoring B.B.
King, Eudora Welty, Tennessee
Williams, William Faulkner, Sela
Ward, Marty Stuart and Morgan
Freeman have been placed in the
walk in front of the MSu riley
Center. Each star added will
create a path that travels through
downtown Meridian. Inductions
into the hall of Fame begin in
2011. To stay updated on the
“stars,” visit the center’s website,
www.msarts.org.
– Raven Petty
From left: MSu riley center in Meridian; threefoot Arts Festival
iMAgESEAStMiSSiSSippi .coM 29 28 EASt MiSSiSSippi
Sports & recreation
live, play, love lifeoutdoor ActivitiES, rEcrEAtion givE rESidEntS plEnty to do
Outdoor activities in East
Mississippi are a great cure
for boredom. No matter what
your recreation interest is, you’ll
find something fun to do, or a
place to relax.
places tO playhighland Park is home to the
Jimmie rodgers Museum, the
Dentzel Carousel, Frank Cochran
Center and the Kendallwood Craft
Center. This park has everything a
visitor needs: a swimming pool,
duck pond, tennis courts and
sports fields, playground and
restrooms. Four shelters are
available for rentals.
Velma Young Park, measuring
15 acres, includes a playground,
baseball fields, basketball courts,
swimming pool and more. A
community center and picnic
shelters are positioned on the
grounds to serve visitors.
Northeast Park serves the
sports enthusiast with its lighted
softball and soccer fields, 10
lighted tennis courts, and a walking
and running track. Some other
amenities are a clubhouse with
showers, buildings for concessions
and facilities, and more.
Planet Playground is
also located at the Northeast
Park. This volunteer-built,
10,000-square-foot park is
open 24 hours a day and is free.
Clarko State Park – with white
sands and tall oaks – is located
just south of Meridian. A rest area
has been developed on an island
formed by a fast-moving creek.
sOFtBall, sOccer and BaseBall parks
Sammie Davidson Softball
Complex is the place to be if
softball is your game. Positioned
near Meridian Community College,
iMAgESEAStMiSSiSSippi .coM 29
Ph
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From left: the sun sets at Bonita lakes park in Meridian; there are five golf courses of varying difficulty in East Mississippi.
this complex is complete with
four lighted fields and locker
rooms, and hosts national softball
tournaments. Sykes Park, home to
the Meridian Wildcats baseball
team, is one of the newer parks
in the area. Three fields, batting
cages and other amenities make
this field one of the most play-
friendly areas for baseball. Phil
hardin Park offers baseball players
four lighted fenced-in fields and is
used for boys’ major and minor
league play for adolescents. The
park is complete with facilities and
measures 13 acres. The Meridian
Jaycee Soccer Complex has 10
fields and offers leagues for
children 4-19 years of age.
sWimming, BOating, Fishing
okatibbee Lake features a
4,100-acre lake and seven parks
for visitors. Areas for camping
and fishing, a marina, water slide
and swimming beaches are
included. Splashdown Country
Waterpark is located on 350 acres
of the land, complete with inner-
tube river rides, water slides and
even a motel on-site. Bonita Lakes
is a 3,300-acre park situated on
three lakes. Activities offered are
horseback riding, nature trails, a
walking track, mountain bike
trails, fishing and boating.
gOlFgolf in East Mississippi is easy
to come by. There are five courses
in the area for everyone from
experts looking for a challenge to
amateurs just wanting to have fun.
Private courses are: Briarwood
Country Club, Northwood
Country Club and Ponta Creek
golf Course, all 18 holes. Lakeview
golf Course, nine or 18 holes, and
okatibbee Creek golf Center, nine
holes, both include driving ranges
and are open to the public.
– Raven Petty
6039-TR12260M_TGB_Livability.indd 1 3/22/10 11:40:09 AM
30 EASt MiSSiSSippi iMAgESEAStMiSSiSSippi .coM 31
visit ouradvertisersAlliance Health Centerwww.alliancehealthcenter.com
Anderson Regional Medical Centerwww.jarmc.org
Citizens National Bankwww.yourcnb.com
Dan H. Singley DMDwww.singleydr.com
East Mississippi Electric Power Associationwww.emepa.com
Glover, Young, Walton & Simmons PLLCwww.gloveryoung.com
Hammack, Barry, Thaggard & May LLPwww.hbtmlaw.com
Holiday Inn Meridian Eastwww.lalaenterprises.com
Hotel & Restaurant Supplywww.hnrsupply.com
Lockheed Martinwww.lmco.com
Mississippi State University – Riley Centerwww.msurileycenter.com
NEW Customer Service Companies Inc.www.newcorp.com
Newell Paperwww.newellpaper.com
Rush Foundation Hospitalwww.rushhealthsystems.org
The Citizens Bankwww.thecitizensbankphila.com
WGBC-TV LLCwww.wgbctv.com
Winstead Realtywww.winsteadrealty.com
Woman’s Group of Meridianwww.womansgroup.net
LAW OFFICES OF
HAMMACK, BARRY, THAGGARD & MAY, LLP
Alternative Dispute Resolution • Appellate Practice • Banking and Consumer FinanceCommercial and Business Litigation • Construction Law • Corporate Law • General Litigation
Governmental Law • Health Care Law • Insurance Law • Labor and Employment LawMedical Malpractice Defense • Personal Injury • Product Liability Litigation
Real Estate • Wills, Trusts and Estates
505 CONSTITUTION AVE. (21ST AVE.) • MERIDIAN, MS 39301 • (601) 693-2393WWW.HBTMLAW.COM
William C. Hammack • J. Richard Barry • Lee Thaggard • William T. May
Kacey Guy Bailey • Robert T. Bailey • Andrew W. Impastato
30 EASt MiSSiSSippi iMAgESEAStMiSSiSSippi .coM 31
Glover, YounG, Walton & SimmonS, pllc
Attorneys At LAw
H. Wingfield Glover, Jr.Ralph E. Young, Jr.
Ronnie L. WaltonH. Wingfield Glover, III
William W. SimmonsStephen B. Jackson
Reed C. Darsey
Post Office Drawer 55141724A 23rd Ave.Meridian, MS 39302-5514(601) 693-1301 (601) 693-1363 Faxwww.gloveryoung.com
Foodservice Equipment • Supplies • Furniture
OPEN TO THE PUBLICFive Locations to Serve You:
Meridian, MS • Jackson, MS • Gulfport, MS Memphis, TN • Nashville, TN
(800) 782-6651 • www.hnrsupply.com
Suppliers/Designers to the Food Service Industry
Since 1953
HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION
32Median resident Age
45% Married
55% Single
33% Age 19 and under
46% Age 20-54
21% Age 55 and over
54% White
41% Black
3% hispanic
TRANSPORTATION
15 minutesMedian travel time to Work
NUMBERS TO kNOW
central Fire Station
2500 14th St.
Meridian, MS 39301
(601) 485-1822
www.meridianms.org/
firehome.htm
Meridian police department
2415 Sixth St.
Meridian, MS 39301
(601) 485-1843
www.meridianms.org/
depart_police.html
lauderdale county Sheriff’s
department
Courthouse Annex
410 Constitution Ave.
Meridian, MS 39301
(601) 482-9700
Sources:
www.meridianms.org
Onboard Informatics
COMMUNITY OvERvIEWThe East Mississippi region offers residents an outstanding quality
of life, with access to affordable housing and state-of-the-art
health care, abundant cultural and recreational opportunities,
and excellent educational facilities.
EAST MISSISSIPPI
CLIMATE OvERvIEW
92° FJuly Average high
35° FJanuary Average low
58”Annual rain Fall (vs. national
Average Annual rain Fall of 37”)
COST OF LIvING
$40,317Median household income
$578Median rent for a
two-Bedroom Apartment
TIME zONE
Central
Ad Index 24 AlliAnceHeAltHcenter
1 AndersonregionAl MedicAlcenter
c2 citizensnAtionAlBAnk
24 dAnH.singleydMd
27 eAstMississippi electricpowerAssociAtion
31 glover,young,wAlton &siMMonspllc
30 HAMMAck,BArry, tHAggArd&MAyllp
6 HolidAyinn MeridiAneAst
31 Hotel&restAurAntsupply
2 lockHeedMArtin
22 MississippistAteuniversity–
rileycenter
18 newcustoMerservice
coMpAniesinc.
22 newellpAper
c4 rusHFoundAtionHospitAl
30 tHecitizensBAnk
32 wgBc-tvllc
17 winsteAdreAlty
24 woMAn’sgroupoFMeridiAn
Through the Lens
Do you believe in ghosts? After
taking a tour of Merrehope in
Meridian, there’s a good chance
you will.
This historic 26-room home
was built in 1858 and was one of
only six homes remaining after
gen. Sherman invaded Meridian
during the Civil War. Before the
attack, the home was used as
a headquarters for Confederate
gen. Leonidas Polk.
A number of ghost sightings
have occurred inside the home.
one of the spirits is believed to
be Eugenia gary, the daughter
of Merrehope’s second owner.
A second and more aggressive
ghost has been rumored to haunt
the Periwinkle room, making
loud banging noises and
shattering glass.
FrOm Our phOtO BlOg: east mississippi
PoSTED BY BrIAN MCCorD
more Online See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at imageseastmississippi.com.
Meridian Underground Music
jimmie Rodgers Memorial Museum
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