Local News
Soldier receives promotion
Another local soldier graduates basic training
Justin Todd Michel, a 17-year veteran of the US Army, is remembered in West Point where he grew up as a good football player and the local paper boy where he continued to excel in everything he did.
His military career is following the same pattern.
Michel was recently promoted to major. Michel, a member of the Rangers and a member of the Special Forces has been deployed to Iraq twice spending one tour of duty with the Special Forces and another as captain and commander of his own unit. Michel's unit suffered only one person injured during his time as commander. His unit was then disbanded and Michel became commander of "The Old Guard" at Arlington National Cemetery where he oversaw up to 13 veteran funerals per day.
The 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment, "The Old Guard," is the Army's oldest active Infantry Regiment and is the Army's premiere ceremonial unit and escort to the President of the United States.
Michel is the son of Joey Michel of Meridian, and Faye Michel of Lauderdale. He is the grandson of the late Joe Michel of Meridian and the late Parker Gray of Lauderdale and Sallie Gray, a resident of Golden Living Center in Meridian.
After graduating from West Point High School, Michel attended Northeast Community College for two years on a football scholarship. He then enrolled at Mississippi State University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. He is currently stationed at Ft. Leavonworth, Kansas where he continuing his education, working on his Master's Degree in Sociology.
In other military news, US Air Force Airman Dominique Adams graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.
The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.
Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.
He is the son of Barbara Adams of Lizzie Road, Meridian, Miss.
Adams is a 2009 graduate of Southeast Lauderdale High School, Meridian.
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Honing Skills
The men and women who make up Lauderdale County's volunteer fire departments all have one thing in common – the desire to protect and serve their community.
Of course these volunteers don't get paid for their service, and although some are retired, there are many, like Bo Land from the Martin community, who work full-time and have a family.
That means volunteer fire department members must train nights and weekends. -
MPD probing weekend incidents
Detectives with the Meridian Police Department are investigating two incidents that reportedly occurred Sunday, one of which was an alleged armed robbery and the other a shooting.
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Deadly accident claims two lives
Meridian police are investigating a single-vehicle traffic accident that killed two people and sent two others to a local hospital on Monday.
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Partnership formed to promote fire safety
Last year, Key Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to 116 single family fires in its seven-county service area – 48 of which were in Lauderdale County.
"That's fires with total or major destruction," said Susan Wehr, executive director of the Key Chapter. -
Happy Birthday Meridian
Sesquicentennial is a big word, but what it means is simple — A sesquicentennial is a 150th anniversary.
2010 is Meridian's sesquicentennial, and the celebrations here will begin this week and go on for the rest of the year. -
Navy League accepting scholarship applications
Each year, the Meridian Area Navy League awards two $500 scholarships to deserving students to help with costs of higher education. This year, however, the organization upped the ante and will bestow two $750 scholarships. -
Arbor Day program set for Tuesday
The Lauderdale County Welcome Center celebrates Mississippi's Arbor Day this week.
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Fans show team spirit at Temple viewing of Super Bowl XLIV
The smell of hot nachos and cold beer is all around you. You can see beads of sweat falling from Peyton Manning's brow as he hurls the ball. The voice of the announcer booms on the loudspeakers.
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Star of The Week: Megan Mowdy
Meridian Community College Sophomore Megan Mowdy lives to sing, and she loves to share her passion for music.
20-year-old Megan is a Kemper County resident, and her love of music helped her to become the first member of her family to attend college. -
4-H leader is driving force behind community service
MISSISSIPPI STATE – Newton’s business and civic leaders have always expected a visit from Johnnie Mae Walker on behalf of the annual 4-H bike-a-thon for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, but they grew worried when other people appeared in her place.
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