Local News
Railroad officials think vandals caused derailment
YANTLEY, Ala. — A freight train parked at the Concord Road crossing on the Meridian and Bigbee’s line in Yantley unexpectedly began to move in the predawn hours Sunday, rolling more than a mile and a half down the tracks where it collided with another set of parked rail cars across County Road 1 near the intersection of Watermelon Drive.
An M&B spokesman in Meridian told the Sun on Monday that because the brakes were properly set on the train, the company suspects foul play.
An investigation involving the Federal Railroad Administration and other agencies was ongoing Monday afternoon.
The incident occurred sometime between 3 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. Sunday.
The two-engine train was pulling about 97 cars, according to Bill Gibson, Director of Choctaw County’s Emergency Management Agency. Several boxcars loaded with new kitchen appliances sustained heavy damage, Gibson said.
An M&B spokesman said a total of six cars derailed.
“It was a mess, but we are thankful that there were no injuries and no hazardous materials were involved,” Gibson said.
The company suspects vandalism may have been involved in Sunday’s incident, and a spokesman asked that anyone who saw any suspicious persons or vehicles in the area about that time to contact Choctaw Co. Sheriff James Lovette at (205) 459-2166 or EMA Director Bill Gibson at (205) 459-2153.
Yantley is in northwestern Choctaw County about a mile from the Lauderdale Co., Miss., line.
M&B Railroad is owned by Genessee and Wyoming, Inc., a provider of rail-freight transportation and its supporting services in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America and Australia.
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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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