Category: <span>Community</span>

Meridian Museum of Art Collective, Lauderdale County and city of Meridian officials and community leaders dedicated a colorful new entryway into the Queen City on Saturday with a ribbon cutting for a recently completed mural along the 26th Avenue underpass.

The mural, which stretches from one side of the underpass to the other, includes bright colors and shapes, with the words “Lauderdale County” on one side and “Meridian MS” on the other.

Leslie Carruth, a member of the Art Collective, which designed and created the mural, said the design is much more than it first appears. While abstract, the shapes and lines making up the mural are actually places in the city that have been manipulated into the flowing design.

The bright colors are also a nod to the area’s history, as artists chose to match colors from native African cloth in reference to the historc African American Business District sitting just east of the underpass’s north side.

 

“This was by far the biggest square footage mural that we’ve ever done, and it really could not have been done without the community days and our volunteers coming out and helping us,” she said.

Laura Carmichael, executive director of Visit Meridian, Lauderdale County’s tourism arm, said the new mural is a fantastic addition to the city. Visitors coming into Meridian love stopping and taking pictures with the colorful display.

“This is just evidence of the creative culture we have in our community, and Visit Meridian is so proud to be a part and the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors as well, and we just support you, and we want to be here for you,” she said. “You’re making an instagramable moment for our visitors. As they come into our community, they love to get pictures by these beautiful pieces of art.”

Helen Sims, membership director for the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation, said the Art Collective is not only making the city beautiful with its murals but also providing an avenue for future artists to discover their creativity. The collective held several community paint days welcoming volunteers to assist in painting the large mural.

“I just think that it gives us all inspiration, and I may not have this talent, but I can definitely celebrate it,” she said. “And I’m so thankful that we’re here today and this group of people that are big supporters and the fact that these artists are not only impacting us but generations to come in making our city beautiful.”

In addition to the 26th Avenue underpass, the Art Collective is also responsible for numerous murals throughout the community including the Temptations and Jimmie Rodgers on Fourth Street, a welcome mural off of 18th Avenue, a Beatles mural at Freddie’s Fine Spirits, a mural at Meridian Airport and private murals at Naval Air Station Meridian and Meridian Coca-Cola.

The group is currently working on a mural as part of an alleyway revitalization project between Weidmann’s Restaurant and the East Mississippi Business Development Corporation offices off 22nd Avenue.

Lauderdale County residents have an opportunity to dispose of waste that can’t be put out with household garbage as the county hosts a Solid Waste Amnesty Day on April 18.

Set for 8 a.m. to noon at the Lauderdale County Road Department, 210 Windmill Drive, Amnesty Day is a chance for people to dispose of old motor oil, paints and solvents, tires, appliances and other hazardous materials.

Solid Waste Enforcement Officer Daniel Mabry said the county tries to organize two amnesty days per year to make it easier for residents to properly dispose of their hazardous waste. Things like old batteries, fluorescent bulbs and electronics can be difficult to otherwise get rid of in the proper manner, he said.

“It can be difficult for residents to dispose of hazardous materials, and so we offer Amnesty Day twice a year to give them a chance to get rid of these materials properly,” he said.

Earlier this month, county supervisors approved contracts with Rhino LLC and Complete Environmental to collect and dispose of waste collected during the Amnesty Day event.

Mabry said there is no cost to participate in Amnesty Day, and it is open to Lauderdale County residents outside the city limits.

“The city of Meridian offers Amnesty Days for its residents. They receive a grant for their Amnesty Days inside the city limits, while we receive grant money for Amnesty Day outside the city limits,” he said.

Lauderdale County makes use of Solid Waste Assistance Grants through the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality to help cover the costs of Amnesty Day events. The non-competitive grants can be used to cover up to 75% of the cost, with the county providing the remaining 25%.

The county is also currently applying for a competitive Solid Waste Assistance Grant for $60,000 to help combat illegal dumping, as well as a separate $180,000 Solid Waste Assistance Grant to launch a waste tire removal program.

Items accepted during Amnesty Day include:

— stale gasoline

— pesticides/herbicides

— solvents

— used oil (limit of five gallons)

— paint

— fertilizer

— appliances

— TVs/computers

—  brake fluid

— antifreeze

— sharps

— batteries

— paint thinners

— fluorescent bulbs

— expired medication

— tires (limit of five passenger tires per household)

Area families are invited to celebrate the outdoors by visiting one of Lauderdale County’s outdoor attractions while nurturing future outdoors enthusiasts as the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks hosts its Youth Fishing Rodeo at Dunn’s Falls.

With lines hitting the water at 9 a.m., the youth fishing rodeo allows children under 15 to fish in a well-stocked lake and practice the sport while learning more about conservation and respect for Mississippi’s outdoor spaces. MDWFP staff make sure there are also plenty of hungry fish to catch as well.

Saturday’s rodeo is open for children age 2-15, and will run from 9-11 a.m. There is no cost to take part in the rodeo, but families will need to provide their own bait, rods and tackle. Prizes will be awarded.

MDWFP hosts youth fishing rodeos at different locations throughout the state each year to introduce children to the great outdoors.

Dunn’s Falls, located in southern Lauderdale County, is the site of a 65-foot waterfall that was once used to power a mill for local grain. The site is now a park managed by Pat Harrison Waterway District, as well as a natural refuge area. The park is a popular spot for sightseeing, picnicking, camping and hiking.

Local hotels are booked up as thousands of visitors are expected to travel to the Queen City this weekend to see the U.S. Navy’s famed Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron perform at Wings Over Meridian at Naval Air Station Meridian. With the additional traffic comes an increased need for safe driving and proper planning on the road.

Lauderdale County Sheriff Ward Calhoun said residents and visitors alike should plan to arrive early for the Wings Over Meridian performance. Gates open at 9 a.m. each day, with the program kicking off at noon, but security checks and additional traffic volume will eat up a substantial portion of that time.

“It’s going to take longer than you think to get in, to get parked and to get to spot where you can watch the air show,” he said.

Saturday and Sunday performances mark the first time in approximately 15 years that the Blue Angels have flown at NAS Meridian, and previous experience has shown one of the biggest challenges is getting everyone on base, parked and at the show. In addition to arriving early, Calhoun said he strongly encourages everyone to visit the event website, www.wingsovermeridian.com. The site is a wealth of helpful information including a lineup of performers, information on allowed and prohibited items, and directions to get to the parking area.

“People need to review that, know where they’re going, and they should plan on going early,” he said.

Bringing a chair is also an excellent idea, Calhoun said.

Preparations for the air show have been months in the making, and Lauderdale County deputies will be assisting with security for the event, Calhoun said. Mississippi Highway Patrol will also have a presence at intersections along the way to the Navy base.

“Our main function in the air show will be augmenting on base security for the event, as well as doing escorts for some dignitaries that will be here,” he said.

Wings Over Meridian is free and open to the public to attend. In addition to flight performances, the family-friendly event will feature a variety of static display aircraft, simulators, food trucks and more.

For those wanting to avoid traffic, the city of Meridian is offering additional free parking at Uptown Meridian Mall, with shuttles running from the mall to NAS Meridian from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Lauderdale County Animal Control is proud to announce it has been selected as one of several animal welfare organizations to receive grants from the Episcopal Church of the Mediator.

Each year the church holds a barbeque plate and freezer goods fundraiser and uses the funds to award grants to organizations making a difference in the community. The 2025 fundraiser was held in October, with recipients announcing the grant awards last week.

Animal Control Director Rocky Rockette said the shelter received $750 to support its efforts addressing Lauderdale County’s homeless pet population.

“We are incredibly thankful for the support from the Church of the Mediator,” said Rockette. “This grant will make a real difference by helping us expand access to essential services that benefit both pets and the community as a whole.”

Rockette said he wants to thank the church and all who supported the fundraising effort for their part in making the grants possible. The Lauderdale County Animal Control Shelter remains committed to promoting responsible pet ownership, reducing shelter intake, and improving outcomes for animals in need. He said community partnerships like this play a crucial role in achieving those goals.

Roadside Rescue Network, another grant recipient, said on social media the money provides crucial flexibility for unexpected expenses.

“Support like this means more than just funding—it gives us the flexibility to step in wherever the need is greatest, whether that’s medical care, supplies, or the unexpected moments that come with rescue,” the rescue said. “Because of this grant, we can keep saying ‘yes,’ to animals who need us most. Thank you, Episcopal Church of the Mediator, for standing with us and making this work possible.”

The city of Meridian Animal Control said funds it received from the Episcopal Church of the Mediator will be put toward a spay and neuter program for area cats.

“We are beyond grateful and honored to be trusted with the funds,” the city shelter said.

For more information about spay and neuter programs or to support the Lauderdale County Animal Control Shelter’s mission, please contact the shelter at 601-485-1849 or email rrockette@lauderdalecounty.org. Residents can also follow the shelter on Facebook at Friends of the Lauderdale County Animal Control Shelter.

The Meridian Blues baseball team on Thursday announced former Major League Baseball player and coach Mickey Callaway will coach the team heading into its inaugural season this May.

At a news conference, Blues General Manager Larry Gill said bringing someone with Callaway’s experience and background to the team is an asset as Meridian’s professional baseball team looks to build quickly.

 

“What stood out most during the process was his vision, not just for winning games but for building a culture, a culture rooted in accountability, preparation and pride,” Gill said. “That’s exactly what we want Meridian Blues baseball to represent.”

Baseball has deep roots in Mississippi, Callaway said, and Meridian has its own rich history with the sport. While loving the sport and playing is good, he said being a coach is about more than just finding wins on the field.

“Through my experience coaching this game and playing this game, I realized that we’re really developing kids, not just to play baseball, but to go on and have successful careers after baseball, be successful businessmen and leaders in their community,” he said. “That’s kind of what I nerd out the most about is leadership, and I’m very excited to get to be a part of a community that is really taking pride in and leading their young kids in the community to aspire to do something that most don’t get to do.”

The Meridian Blues offers a unique opportunity for local youth, Callaway said. As spectators, they will get to see professional athletes compete while interacting with the players at a personal level, he said.

As the Blues look to start play in the Mid-America League in May, Gill said the team is setting a clear goal for what it hopes to accomplish.

“Our goal is simple, complete at the highest level, develop talent and give our fans a team and experience that they can believe in every single night,” he said.

Meridian Mayor Percy Bland said thanks is owed to Chief Administrative Officer Craig Hitt and Mid-America League Founder Mark Schuster for their efforts bringing the Blues to Meridian. Conversations about the team started between the two several years ago, he said, and it is their cooperation that made Thursday’s announcement possible.

Meridian is proud to have the Blues, Bland said.

In addition to the coaching announcement, Blues officials also announced the results of a contest naming the mascot, a red fox. The mascot will be called Mojo.

The streets of Collinsville are a little bit cleaner thanks to West Lauderdale High School Career and Technical Education students after more than 150 students took part in a cleanup effort organized by Lauderdale County Solid Waste Enforcement.

CTE Teacher Suzie Sanders, who teaches the Educator Preparation program, said the school is always looking for ways students can participate in community service. West Lauderdale previously participated in a cleanup effort several years ago, she said, and it is good to see the activity return.

“We’re just wanting them to practice a good work ethic, clean up, be proud of the school, be proud of the community,” she said. “When they all get outside working together, they’ll have a good time. It doesn’t matter what they’re doing.”

Sanders said Lauderdale County Solid Waste Enforcement and Meridian Waste, which provides residential garbage service to county residents, provided a lot of support for the school’s effort.

Daniel Mabry, Solid Waste Enforcement Officer for Lauderdale County, said students worked to clean up West Lauderdale Road from the four-way stop in Collinsville to West Lauderdale High School. The cleanup, however, goes beyond picking up litter, and it also helps raise awareness about littering and shows students the impact litter has on the community.

“What you can instill in us today, it’ll come back to us tomorrow,” he said.

Cole Crozier, Meridian Waste District Manager for Mississippi and West Alabama, said the company was proud to sponsor the cleanup. When Mabry reached out about the event, he said it was something Meridian Waste wanted to support.

“We thought this would be a great idea to get out and get with the community, show them what we do and how we do certain things, and we just thought it’d be a great thing to give back to the community,” he said.

Meridian Waste emphasizes giving back, Crozier said, and working with students is an opportunity to not only show how to properly dispose of trash but also to prevent more litter in the future.

“We’re just grateful for the partnership with the community and the leadership of Lauderdale County and the School and Mrs. Sanders. We appreciate it and look forward to remaining a great part of the community,” he said.

Mabry said everyone who participated in Wednesday’s cleanup will also be treated to lunch on Thursday by Meridian Waste in recognition of their efforts.

“Meridian Waste is going to feed them lunch and just reward them for the good work that they’re doing out here today,” he said.