Local News
Today is child safety day
By Brian Livingston
blivingston@themeridianstar.com
Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death. In 2001, 1,579 child occupants ages 14 and under died in motor vehicle crashes, and in 2002 an estimated 227,000 were injured.
Even if you’re a careful driver, you can’t control other drivers’ behavior or eliminate the possibility of a crash. You can, though, greatly reduce the risk that your children will be seriously injured or killed.
Today the Meridian Police Department, in conjunction with MS
Safe Kids, will have a Child Safety Seat Checkpoint at Bonita Lakes starting at 1 p.m. and ending 3 p.m.
“All children eight years of age and under must be restrained while traveling in a vehicle and children under four years old must be in an approved child passenger safety seat,” said MPD Administrative Capt. Rick McCary. “This is not a car seat give away, however, if you have a car seat that is defective or on recall we may have one to exchange with you. This is on a first come first serve basis.”
There is no charge for coming and having your car seat checked by one of the
child passenger seat technicians to be sure your car seat is secured properly.
If you have any questions you may call McCary at the Meridian Police Department at 601-484-6830. More information about child safety may be obtained at www.nhtsa.gov or at www.safekids.org.
Safe Kids Mississippi provides safety information; Promotes safety practices with Safe Kids’ Mascot, KIDDO the safety kangaroo, which is a main attraction for preschoolers; Participates in safety presentations for children and adults; and advocates for protection programs to make the world a safer place for children.
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Threefoot Art Festival
This year’s Threefoot Art Festival is scheduled Saturday, April 3, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Meridian.
The event, sponsored by the Meridian Council for the Arts (MCA), actually combines two festivals into one – Arts in the Park and Threefoot Arts Festival – and will once again be held in the heart of downtown Meridian, making it the largest art and music festival in Lauderdale County. -
Downtown bridge, subway repairs planned
Public Works Director Monty Jackson delivered some good news and some bad news to the city council at their meeting Tuesday.
The good news: The 26th Avenue subway and the 29th Avenue bridge will both undergo extensive repairs at no cost to the city. The bad news: both will be under construction at the same time. -
Memorial to be built in Newton County
A new law gives the State Veterans Affairs Board (SVAB) authorization to establish a Mississippi Persian Gulf War Memorial.
Signed into law by Gov. Haley Barbour Monday, HB 1379 authorizes the Department of Finance and Administration to transfer to the State Veterans Affairs Board property located at the Mississippi State University Coastal Plains Experiment Station in Newton County for use as an addition to the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery. -
Primeaux, Mason seek chancery court re-election
Judge Lawrence "Larry" Primeaux and Judge Jerry G. Mason have qualified to seek re-election in the 12th Chancery Court District of Mississippi.
The district is comprised of Clarke and Lauderdale Counties. -
Donate this Spring to area United Blood Services
United Blood Services, the area's only blood provider; reminds everyone to make time to step forward and give blood at their earliest convenience.
"Now is the perfect time to donate blood. We all know to set our clock forward in the spring… and to change batteries in our smoke detectors. We encourage everyone to also make it a habit to set aside an hour and donate blood," said Heather Knight, United Blood Services spokesperson. "At this time, our inventories remain at lower than normal levels — and donor participation has not kept up with demand. That is why we're asking all eligible donors of all blood types to step forward and give blood now." -
Last phase of City Hall renovations on schedule
After suffering years of delays, Meridian Finance and Records Director Ed Skipper said that the final phase of City Hall renovation is on schedule so far.
Skipper said the building is scheduled to open in February 2011 if all goes well.
Right now, Skipper said, workers are currently constructing a mechanical building for the HVAC system, completing ductwork and conduit, pulling up flooring to prep for inlay, and beginning prep work for the finishes inside the building.
He said the concrete floor for the second stairwell and the basic steel structure for the fire stairs have already been completed. -
Anderson hospital names new CEO
Anderson Regional Medical Center has named Ray Humphreys as the new Chief Executive Officer after an extensive search, said Dr. Joe Anderson, chairman of the Anderson Board of Directors.
“Ray Humphreys brings a wealth of experience to Anderson and the board is excited to bring a person with his integrity to the table to carry out our revitalized vision,” Anderson said.
“Amazingly, I am coming full circle to my leadership position at Anderson Regional Medical Center,” said Humphreys, a Philadelphia native. “I was born at this fine facility, and the founder of the hospital, Dr. Jeff Anderson, was the doctor who delivered me.” -
Police investigate weekend robberies
Investigators with the Meridian Police Department Criminal Investigation Division are investigating several armed Robberies that occurred over the weekend.
The first reported robbery was Saturday, around 4:53 a.m. at the Cefco convenience store located at 721 Highway 19 South.
The second occurred on Saturday around 12:32 p.m. at Tobacco World, located at 2440 N. Hills St. -
Miss. best spellers compete today
Put your spelling skills to the test with Lauderdale County’s own Emma Martin as she competes in the 2010 Mississippi Statewide Spelling Bee live on Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB) television.
Today at 10 a.m., Martin will face off against 28 contestants from across the state.
“Mississippi Public Broadcasting is delighted to showcase these bright young people through our statewide broadcasting network,” says MPB Executive Director Judy Lewis. “The statewide spelling bee exemplifies a true dedication to learning that is to be commended and encouraged.” -
Mother recalls fatal wreck
Early last month, Leemisa Davis and her family were in a wreck that changed their entire world.
Davis' 2-year-old son, Fa'rrell Ji'ovanni King, died after the 1999 Oldsmobile Intrigue she was driving hydroplaned in the 7900 block of Highway 39 North.
She describes her son as "handsome" and "sweet," and her voice quivers when she talks about Fa'rrell.
"He's just always been my miracle baby," Davis says. "When I was nine, the doctors told my mama I'll never be able to have babies.
"Then I got pregnant with him." - More Local News Headlines
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