Local News
MDOT certifies more than $100M for area infrastructure
A lot of orange cones will be popping up soon along roadways in East Central Mississippi as work begins on more that $100 million for infrastructure projects from the federal stimulus package.
Commissioners with the Mississippi Department of Transportation unanimously approved the projects during a special meeting Monday.
Included in the package is $50 million for phase two of the four-lane project to widen Highway 19 from Meridian to Philadelphia. The first phase is under way. The second phase will widen the highway from Lauderdale County to Highway 492. MDOT plans to bid the project later this month.
More than $30 million, which includes some previously earmarked funds, will go toward the Hawkins Crossing project for access to the I-20/59 industrial project. Bids will be taken in May.
Dick Hall, Central District Transportation Commissioner said he is enthusiastic about the projects certified Monday.
"East Central Mississippi absolutely has the lion's share of just over $300 million for the state," Hall said. "This should really stimulate the economy with more than $100 million in construction work over the same period of time."
He said once the infrastructure is in place it will make a huge difference to industrial prospects and will be another selling point in East Central Mississippi to new business.
Other parts of the package for East Central Mississippi includes: $15 million to rebuild Highway 45 from the Kemper County line to Brooksville; $10 million to add two lanes from the I-20/59 split to State Route 19; and $2.7 million for mill and overlay work on State Route 39 from I-20 to 52nd Street (North Hills Street) in Lauderdale County.
A list of the projects to be bid in March and April can be found on the MDOT Web site at www.gomdot.com. Under the listing for business on the home page, click on American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The list will be updated later to include those projects to be bid in May and June.
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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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