Images East Mississippi

2011 | imageseastmississippi.com ®

What’s Online Enjoy downtown Meridian’s historic architecture in a quick video tour.

east mississippi

CONSIDER YOUR TASTEBUDS PAMPERED FLYING HIGH Air Station, Key Field bring jobs and diversity

Making Music History, Again Meridian establishes entertainment district sponsored by the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation

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What’s Online imageseastmississippi.com

2011 edition | volume 2 ®

East Mississippi

Photos See more photos in our online photo gallery Get the inside scoop from our photographers’ blog

Facts & Stats

co nte nt s

Dig deeper with in-depth data on industries, schools and more

F e atu r e s

Video

8 Making Music History, again

Get a moving glimpse at favorite local places and attractions

Meridian establishes entertainment district

12 flying high

Real estate Learn about the local housing market and get started finding your place

Air Station, Key Field bring jobs and diversity

20 CONSIDER YOUR TASTEBUDS PAMPERED Area restaurants serve flavor and a good atmosphere

Digital edition Easily share articles and photos on Facebook, Twitter or via email 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 info@jnlcom.com.

For more information, contact: East Mississippi Business Development Corporation 1901 Front Street, Suite A, Meridian, MS 39301 Phone: (601) 693-1306 • Fax: (601) 693-5638 wjones@embdc.org www.embdc.org Visit Images East Mississippi online at imageseastmississippi.com ©Copyright 2011 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent.

Member

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Almanac Biz Briefs Business in East Mississippi Economic Profile Education Health & Wellness Arts & Culture Sports & Recreation Community Profile Through the Lens

The Association of Magazine Media Member

Custom Content Council

Member East Mississippi Business Development Corporation project manager Lisa battles On the cover guitar from the jimmie rodgers’ museum Photo by brian mcCord

d e pa r tm e nt s

All or part of this magazine is printed on recycled paper containing 10% post-consumer waste.

Please recycle this magazine

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Almanac

Welcome to East Mississippi An 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 Center A 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.

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Taking Off Meridian 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.

All You Need is Love

Let the Games Begin Mississippi’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.

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.

Take a Spin 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. 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.

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Fast Facts n Meridian elected its first female mayor in 2009 when voters chose Cheri Barry to lead the city.

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.

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.

East Mississippi At A Glance Location Lauderdale 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.

Beginnings Meridian’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 Information East Mississippi Business Development Corporation 1901 Front St., Suite A Meridian, MS 39301 Phone: (601) 693-1306 Fax: (601) 693-5638 www.embdc.org

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Meridian

What’s Online Take a virtual tour of East Mississippi, courtesy of our award-winning photographers, at imageseastmississippi.com.

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ALABAMA

Population (2010 estimate) Meridian: 41,148 Lauderdale County: 80,261

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.

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Home to

ENTERTAINM

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MENT

mississippi’s first designated entertainment district declared in Meridian Story By Jessica Mozo

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eridian 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.

Brian M c Cord

MSU Riley Center The 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 worldrenowned 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

The Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Museum celebrates the life and career of the man widely recognized as the “Father of Country Music.”

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Jeff Adkins

Jeff Adkins

Brian M c Cord

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.”

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.

Jeff Adkins

Temple Theater Downtown 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.”

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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Flying

HIGH Meridian’s Naval Air Station and Key Field bring jobs, diversity to the city Story By jessica mozo

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he 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.

Brian M c Cord

Naval Air Station Meridian Naval 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.

The Naval Air Station Meridian is a Navy training base, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in Meridian in 2011.

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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.

Daily Life at NAS Meridian Those 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, fleet 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.

Brian M c Cord

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 antiterrorism 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.”

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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Brian M c Cord

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Business

Biz Briefs Businesses – both large and small – that help define east mississippi’s economic climate

Scorecard Business At A Glance

$881 million Annual retail sales

$22,417 Retail sales per capita

$99 million Annual hotel and food sales

3,132 Total number of firms Source: U.S. Census QuickFacts

STRUCTURAL STEEL SERVICES Biz: Structural steel fabricator Buzz: 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 16

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LEADING EDGES ADVERTISING Biz: Advertising agency Buzz: 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 company Buzz: 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 CORPORATION Biz: Defense contracting company Buzz: 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

Winstead Realty Inc. Since 1952, Winstead Realty Inc. has been providing the Meridian area with a full range of real estate services. As a familyowned 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.

Terry Winstead, Broker 4905A Poplar Springs Drive • Meridian, MS 39305 (601) 483-4563 • www.winsteadrealty.com

TOWER AUTOMOTIVE Biz: Automotive component and assembly supplier Buzz: 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

Business in East Mississippi EMBDC helps to oversee economic development in the region

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ore 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

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Business | Economic Profile

East Mississippi Economic Overview Meridian’s economy is boosted by diverse industries, including manufacturing, retail, professional and technical services, and health care, to name a few.

77% White-Collar Jobs

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

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:

income

$17,961 Per Capita Income

$39,537 Average Annual Household Expenditure

workforce

30,900

Meridian Amtrak Station 1901 Front St. Meridian, MS 39301 (601) 693-1663 www.amtrak.com

education

Government Offices Lauderdale County Government 410 Constitution Ave. 11th Floor Meridian, MS 39301 (601) 482-9746 www.lauderdalecounty.org Meridian City Hall 601 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

30% Associate Degree

14%

Employed

Bachelor’s Degree

3,030

8%

Unemployed

Graduate Degree

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Brian M c Cord

Local Flavor

Pamper Your Tastebuds area Restaurants serve flavor and a good atmosphere

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estaurants in Meridian and East Mississippi serve customers with good food, friendly service and local flavor in every dish.

steaks and southern food Weidmann’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.

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mexican food Meridian 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 Food For New York-style pizzas, calzones, pastas, paninis and desserts, Meridian turns to Nick & Al’s Pizzeria. The pizzeria prides itself on the familyfriendly 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 food Sake 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

Brian M c Cord

Staff Photo

Brian M c Cord

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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WHOLESALE TENNANT Floor Maintenance Equipment

HILLYARD PRODUCTS MATS OF ALL KINDS RUBBERMAID

MERCHANTS

JOHNSONDIVERSEY

GOJO SOAPS

SAFETY SUPPLIES

ROLL FOAM

RETAIL PACKAGING SUPPLIES

HOTEL/MOTEL SUPPLIES

SWIMMING POOL SUPPLIES

WEED KILLERS

BUBBLE WRAP CARTON SEALING TAPES

COPY PAPER

GYM FLOOR FINISHES

PALLET WRAP

GEORGIA PACIFIC

LYSOL

POLY BAGS

KIMBERLY CLARK

NEW JAX PRODUCTS

DART CUP

BAKERY SUPPLIES

LINERS OF ALL SIZES MEMPHIS GLOVES ATTENDS

1212 Grand Ave. • Meridian, MS • (601) 693-1783 • (800) 844-8894 22

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Education

Learning to Succeed East Mississippi schools aim to improve students, community ast 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.

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 University Mississippi State UniversityMeridian, 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

(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

Complete Care for Women 1221 24th Ave. • Meridian, MS 39301 (601) 482-1002 www.WomansGroup.net

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jeff adkins

Health & Wellness

Rush Foundation Hospital in Meridian, Mississippi

Healthy Bodies and Minds Health-care options in East Mississippi serve all patients

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ealth 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 Center Accredited 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 Hospital Rush 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 Center Alliance 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 Hospital East 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.

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Brian M c Cord

Arts & Culture

Enticing Treasures Arts and entertainment cater to culture enthusiasts

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ast Mississippi’s culture is all-inclusive with theater, art, music and fun – all intertwined within the historic districts of the area.

Theaters in Meridian MSU 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

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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 Meridian The 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

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

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Sports & Recreation

Live, Play, Love Life Outdoor Activities, recreation give residents plenty to do

O

utdoor 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 Play Highland 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,

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photos by Jeff Adkins

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 playfriendly 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 innertube 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.

Golf Golf 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

From left: The sun sets at Bonita Lakes Park in Meridian; There are five golf courses of varying difficulty in East Mississippi.

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6039-TR12260M_TGB_Livability.indd 1

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3/22/10 11:40:09 AM

LAW OFFICES OF

HAMMACK, BARRY, THAGGARD & MAY, LLP

visit our

advertisers Alliance Health Center www.alliancehealthcenter.com Anderson Regional Medical Center www.jarmc.org Citizens National Bank www.yourcnb.com Dan H. Singley DMD www.singleydr.com East Mississippi Electric Power Association www.emepa.com

William C. Hammack • J. Richard Barry • Lee Thaggard • William T. May Kacey Guy Bailey • Robert T. Bailey • Andrew W. Impastato Alternative Dispute Resolution • Appellate Practice • Banking and Consumer Finance Commercial and Business Litigation • Construction Law • Corporate Law • General Litigation Governmental Law • Health Care Law • Insurance Law • Labor and Employment Law Medical Malpractice Defense • Personal Injury • Product Liability Litigation Real Estate • Wills, Trusts and Estates

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Glover, Young, Walton & Simmons PLLC www.gloveryoung.com Hammack, Barry, Thaggard & May LLP www.hbtmlaw.com Holiday Inn Meridian East www.lalaenterprises.com Hotel & Restaurant Supply www.hnrsupply.com Lockheed Martin www.lmco.com Mississippi State University – Riley Center www.msurileycenter.com NEW Customer Service Companies Inc. www.newcorp.com Newell Paper www.newellpaper.com Rush Foundation Hospital www.rushhealthsystems.org The Citizens Bank www.thecitizensbankphila.com WGBC-TV LLC www.wgbctv.com Winstead Realty www.winsteadrealty.com Woman’s Group of Meridian www.womansgroup.net

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East Mississippi Community Overview The 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.

Household Information

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Climate Overview

Median Resident Age

92° F

45%

July Average High

Married

°

35 F January Average Low

55%

58”

33%

Single

Annual Rain Fall (vs. National

Age 19 and Under

Average Annual Rain Fall of 37”)

cost of living

46% Age 20-54

21%

$40,317

Age 55 and Over

Median Household Income

54%

$578

White

Median Rent for a Two-Bedroom Apartment

41% Black

time zone

3%

Central

Hispanic

Glover, YounG, Walton & SimmonS, pllc Attorneys H. Wingfield Glover, Jr. Ralph E. Young, Jr. Ronnie L. Walton H. Wingfield Glover, III William W. Simmons Stephen B. Jackson Reed C. Darsey

At

LAw

Post Office Drawer 5514 1724A 23rd Ave. Meridian, MS 39302-5514 (601) 693-1301 (601) 693-1363 Fax www.gloveryoung.com

transportation

15 minutes Median 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

Since 1953

Suppliers/Designers to the Food Service Industry Foodservice Equipment • Supplies • Furniture

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Five Locations to Serve You: Meridian, MS • Jackson, MS • Gulfport, MS Memphis, TN • Nashville, TN (800) 782-6651 • www.hnrsupply.com

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Ad Index

24 Alliance Health Center 1 Anderson Regional Medical Center

2 Lockheed Martin 22 Mississippi State University – Riley Center

C2 Citizens National Bank

18 NEW Customer Service

24 Dan H. Singley DMD

27 East Mississippi Electric Power Association

22 Newell Paper

31 Glover, Young, Walton & Simmons PLLC

C4 Rush Foundation Hospital

30 The Citizens Bank

32 WGBC-TV LLC

17 Winstead Realty

30 Hammack, Barry, Thaggard & May LLP 6 Holiday Inn Meridian East 31 Hotel & Restaurant Supply

Companies Inc.

24 Woman’s Group of Meridian

Through the Lens

Get the Story Behind the Photo Now that you’ve experienced East Mississippi through our photos, see it through the eyes of our photographers. Visit imageseastmississippi.com to view our exclusive photographers’ blog documenting what all went in to capturing those perfect moments.

From Our Photo Blog: east mississippi 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.

Posted by brian m c cord

More Online See more favorite photos and read the stories behind the shots at imageseastmississippi.com.

Meridian Underground Music

Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Museum