Looking back on 2025
Published 7:44 pm Wednesday, December 31, 2025
With the end of another year, The Meridian Star is looking back on some of the biggest news. From a $10 billion data center investment to a new city administration the past 12 months brought big changes to the Queen City. Here are our top 10 most read stories of 2025:
Winn-Dixie to close, convert to ALDI
Meridianites who prefer grocery shopping at Winn-Dixie had to look for other suppliers as the Highway 39 grocery store closed its doors.
In a statement, Southeastern Grocers, which owns the Winn-Dixie brand, confirmed it plans to shut down in early September before converting into an ALDI location.
“Winn-Dixie has proudly served the Meridian community over the years, and we will work through this process with care. We are grateful for the support and understanding of our valued associates, customers and communities.”
ALDI previously purchased Southeastern Grocers in March 2024 and announced plans to convert its Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket grocery stores to ALDI locations in a multi-year conversion plan. In February, a group of private investors bought the Southeastern Grocers brand back from ALDI along with roughly 170 stores in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida, the company announced on its website.
ALDI, which retained ownership of several Winn-Dixie and Harvey Supermarkets, plans to continue with its conversion of roughly 220 stores through 2027.
A former Winn-Dixie location on Highway 19 closed in 2010.
Meridian to demolish more than 70 structures
More than 70 condemned homes and businesses are being torn down after the Meridian City Council voted in October to award a demolition contract.
Cullum Construction came in as the low bidder for the work at a total cost of $688,061, with 74 buildings on the list for removal. This will be the second demolition contract for Meridian-based Cullum, which also took down condemned structures for the city in 2023.
Mayor Percy Bland said demolishing abandoned and condemned structures improves the aesthetics of the community, but it also helps with public safety. Abandoned buildings can be incubators for criminal activity, he said, and taking them down benefits everyone.
While city officials celebrate the pending removal of the condemned structures, recouping the cost of tearing them down is no easy feat. The city has the ability to assess the cost of demolition as a tax lien, which must be paid when property taxes are paid, but that doesn’t guarantee a return on investment.
City Attorney Will Simmons said properties acquired through the annual county property tax sale can see liens wiped out when the parcel changes hands. In the annual tax sale, delinquent taxes are sold in an auction where the highest bidders get a lien on the property. Lien holders accrue 1.5% interest for each month they hold the lien, making the tax sale an attractive investment.
Owners of the property have two years to pay the overdue taxes, with interest, or risk losing ownership to the lien holder. When a lien holder acquires the property with a tax deed, any lien the city has against it is wiped out. Councilman Dwayne Davis said the city recently lost out on $250,000 after its lien on a property was eliminated.
To give the city a better shot at recouping its money, Simmons said city officials could look at filing lawsuits or forcing sales to protect its claim. Those routes won’t be cost effective for every condemned structure, he said, but they could make sense for higher value properties such as the example cited by Davis.
Council confirms new police chief, department heads
Meridian Police Department has a new leader after the City Council in July confirmed Mayor Percy Bland’s appointment of a new police chief and new department heads.
Malachi Sanders, a Marine Corps veteran with more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, said he looks forward to getting to work combatting crime in the city and building partnerships with the community and other agencies to improve the lives of the city’s residents.
Sanders said building relationships with state, federal and local law enforcement agencies is just one part of what he plans to do to help stem violence in the community. He said his approach is founded in community policing, and his department will also work closely with the community to educate residents and keep them informed.
As he works to implement programs and ideas, Sanders said he is asking the community to work with him to move the city forward. Solving Meridian’s problem with crime isn’t something he can do alone, he said, and it will take buy in from everyone to reach a lasting solution.
“It’s going to take this entire city. It’s going to take community members, community leaders that see something and say something,” he said.
Also stepping into new roles are Craig Hitt, who will serve as Chief Administrative Officer, and Greg Morgan, who will serve as director of public safety and training.
Hitt, a former Lauderdale County Supervisor and economic development professional, previously headed up the city’s community development department under the previous administration. Morgan will replace Doug Stephens, who retired in June after years of service to the city.
Several city department heads will serve another term in their roles after the council confirmed Bland’s reappointments. Thomas Adams will stay in his position as director of Parks and Recreation, David Hodge will continue to head up the city’s public works department, Brandye Latimer will continue her role as chief financial officer and city clerk, and Michael Evans will stay on board as Meridian Fire Chief.
‘Chico’ remembered for loyalty, dedication to Meridian athletics
When Michael “Chico” Brooks passed away Friday, Aug. 22, he had just left the place he’d spent much of the past 50 years — the MHS Field House. Throughout his half century assisting with Meridian athletics, Chico touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on his community.
When asked about his passing, Meridian High School Principal Sherrod Miller may have said it best: “Legends never die.”
“Nobody loved the Cats more than Chico. Dedication, Loyalty, Consistency, Iconic. If only the world had more people like Chico,” Miller added.
Athletic Director Cheyenne Trussell said, “For half a century, Chico was involved with all things Wildcat. As an eighth grader, Chico began as a trainer, a task usually reserved for juniors and seniors.”
Born Jan. 30, 1955, Chico graduated in 1975 and began working in the kitchen of Riley Hospital.
Pam Tvarkunas was head nurse of ICU/CCU and became Director of Nursing at Riley Hospital. She remembers “Mike” took cheer with him everywhere he went.
“Hospitals are not always happy places. I think God puts angels among us to help us perform our jobs, and Mike was our angel,” she said. “He was a sweetheart, and what I know most is if all of us had a little bit of Mike Brooks in us, it would be a better world. Ask yourself how someone who picks up the garbage becomes the best loved person in the organization. After he left the hospital, he would come by to see us. He always had on MHS gear and was wearing that beautiful championship ring he always had to show us.”
Coach Bill McFarland, “Big Pop,” as Chico called him, recalls first meeting Chico in 1973 when he came to Meridian as an assistant to baseball coach Bill Marchant.
“Chico was a student manager then. When I took over as head coach in 1977, there was Chico-all day, every day. Doing whatever needed to be done. When he graduated, he continued as baseball team manager for 22 seasons. Even when I retired, Chico would travel to see me when I coached in Alabama,” McFarland said. “Chico was the truest Wildcat fan through thick and thin. One of the last times I saw him, he left saying, ‘I love my Big Pop.’ He always had a special name for the people he knew, and that was mine.”
Chad Acton, head trainer at Meridian High School for 20 years, considers Chico part of his family.
“He was larger than life; he was the heart and soul of all we tried to do at Meridian High. His name was synonymous with football. He would go with us around town when we were raising money, and all it took was for word to get out that Chico was with us. People were coming out of their offices,” he said.
Tim Lowe, the voice of MHS Athletics, said Chico’s impact will continue to be felt each time the Wildcats step onto the field.
Ondray Harris Sr. died Nov. 19 while fishing with friends.
‘Servant and Friend:’ Community remembers Ondray Harris Sr.
Judge Ondray M. Harris Sr. passed away Nov. 19, doing what he loved, spending a leisurely morning fishing with friends. Judge Harris was a faithful civil servant and friend to many as he spent his life dedicated to enhancing the well-being of this community.
His friends recall Harris’ love of fishing, biking and walking He is especially remembered for his passion for coaching children in the game of baseball, umpiring and volunteering at Magnolia Baseball Park.
Mayor Percy Bland describes the impact Harris had on our community.
“Judge Harris served this community with distinction. His steady leadership, integrity, and commitment to just made a lasting impact on the people he served. His work strengthened our institutions, uplifted families, and reflected the very best of what public service can be.”
Judge Harris graduated from Meridian High School in 1978 and continued his education at Jackson State University, later transferring to East Mississippi Community College to be closer to family. In 1979, he married his high school sweetheart Rosette Harris. The couple had four children: Donsha, Ondray Jr., Ashley and Xavier. Rosette, his wife of more than 35 years, passed away in 2014. Five years later, Harris married Brenda Helen-Harris in 2019. Together, they raised two more sons, Jarrod and Jamal.
Harris began his career in public service with the Meridian Police Department in 1987. He also worked as a Lauderdale County Deputy in 1988 and a police officer and assistant chief for the town of Marion.
In 1992, Judge Harris made history, becoming the first black Constable for District 2, a position he held for 25 years, serving 6 elected terms. That same year, he was appointed Justice Court Judge, and he continued to serve in that position until present day.
Judge Paul Earley remembers his friend.
“Ondray never belittled those who came before his court. He took pride in delivering fair verdicts and those who came before him felt their voice was heard. I have learned so much professionally, and personally from his example. I am sad for Lauderdale County, the other judges, and especially for his family having lost a great man that impacted all our lives.”
In addition to his public service, Harris spent three decades (1987-2016) as both assistant pastor and pastor at Lively Stone Fellowship Church. In later years, Judge Harris was the pastor of New Olive Baptist Church, a position he held until his passing.
Meridian’s Jamal Roberts made history Sunday as he was crowned the winner of season 23 of American Idol.
The 27-year-old physical education teacher at Crestwood Elementary wowed judges and fans alike with his finale performances of “Just My Imagination” by the Temptations, “First Time” by Teaks and Tom Odell’s “Heal.”
Roberts has spoken bluntly about his hometown and his desire to bring new light to Meridian through his performances. In a statement on social media, he said he hopes the achievement shows others their dreams are possible as well.
“From my first step on that stage to this unbelievable moment, I never dreamed a kid from my hometown would one day be called American Idol,” Roberts said. “This journey has been bigger than me, and I’m so grateful for every person who believed in me when I was just chasing a dream.
“Most of all, I hope my girls see this and know that with faith, hard work, and heart, anything is possible. To my city, my family, and everyone out there grinding for something greater, this is our victory.”
Thousands came out ahead of Sunday’s grand finale to support Roberts at a celebratory parade and concert held last Wednesday in downtown Meridian. The event, which was filmed by American Idol crews, served to both congratulate Roberts for making the Top 3 and wish him well in the final event.
Meridian City Councilman Dwayne Davis on Monday said last week’s event was a great success, and he wants to hold another celebration for Roberts to recognize his overall win. Davis asked Lauderdale County supervisors to help finance the event along with the city of Meridian.
“It really put Meridian on the map, as well as Lauderdale County,” he said.
Data center to bring $10B investment to Lauderdale County
Lauderdale County will soon be host to data centers needed to operate online businesses, streaming services and digital storage after Gov. Tate Reeves announced Thursday a $10 billion project is coming to the area.
Dallas-based Compass Datacenters will establish a data center campus in Lauderdale County where it will build eight data centers over the next eight years. The campuses built by the company are designed to last more than a century and create economies that support local jobs and businesses, the governor’s office announced in a news release.
According to its website, Compass Datacenters operates data centers in Dallas, Texas, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Phoenix, Arizona, Nashville,Tennessee, Raleigh, North Carolina, Columbus, Georgia, and Boston, Massachusetts, as well as Montreal and Toronto in Canada. Once completed, the Meridian campus will be one of the largest data facilities in the region and is expected to bring more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs, the company stated in a news release.
Bill Hannah, president and CEO of the East Mississippi Business and Development Corporation, said bringing the project to Lauderdale County was the work of many at both the state and local level.
The Mississippi Development Authority is helping with site preparation for the centers and also plans to certify Compass as a data center operator, providing the company with state income and franchise tax exemptions for 10 years. Compass will also receive sales and use tax exemptions on construction materials, equipment, software and hardware.
Mississippi Power, which is also involved in the project, is expected to supply roughly 500 megawatts of power to the facility once it is completed. Anthony Willson, president and CEO of Mississippi Power, said the company is proud of the role it plays in bringing economic development projects to fruition throughout its service area.
AJ Byers, president and chief development officer for Compass Datacenters, said the company is looking forward to coming to Meridian and thanked all those involved in helping the project come to fruition.
eridian Mayor Percy Bland takes the oath of office administered by Judge Robbie Jones at the city’s inauguration ceremony at the Temple Theater.
Meridian swears in new mayor, council members
Meridianites ushered in a new era of city leadership Monday as a new mayor and five City Council members were sworn in during an inauguration ceremony at the Temple Theater.
Returning to the mayor’s office is Mayor Percy Bland, who previously served two terms as mayor before being defeated in the 2021 municipal elections. Bland said the four-year hiatus from public service gave him time to learn, grow and reflect on what his previous administrations had done correctly and what should have been done differently.
Bland outlined three pillars for his new administration, including combatting violent crime. On crime, he said rebuilding relationships between the police and community, supporting law enforcement and investing in programs such as community outreach and mental health initiatives will all help make the community safer.
The second pillar is making use of second chances. It’s not only people who get second chances, and communities, cities and even city administrations can also get an opportunity to try again, Bland said. Meridian has been given a second chance, he said, and his administration will use it to move the city forward.
Lastly, Bland said his administration will create a vision for what Meridian should look like in the future and work toward making it into reality. Over the coming months, the city will work to expand workforce development, attract industry, support small business owners and invest in infrastructure.
Also sworn in Monday were five new members of the Meridian City Council. Representing Ward 1, Councilman Elliott Brewer said he is grateful to the voters in his ward for choosing him as their representative and looks forward to working with his fellow council members and city leaders.
Representing Ward 2 is Councilman Dwayne Davis, who is starting his second full term on the council. Davis said he also looks forward to working with Bland and his fellow councilmen. He said he also wants to thank his supporters and his wife for their support as well.
Councilman Tracy Tims, who was sworn in to represent Ward 3, said he wants to thank the residents of his ward for their support, questions and concerns.
Ward 4 Councilwoman Romande Walker, who is returning for a second term along with Davis, said she too wants to thank her supporters, family and friends for their efforts in returning her to office. The work and prayers from the community are much appreciated, she said.
Councilman Dustin Hill, who is representing Ward 5, said campaigning throughout his ward was a new experience, and he learned a lot about the community that he didn’t know. The experience was both eye-opening and humbling, he said, and he looks forward to getting to work.
Vance named new head football coach at Meridian High
The Meridian Public School District Board of Trustees voted in December to approve Tony A. Vance as the new head football coach for Meridian High School. Vance brings more than two decades of experience as a successful educator, leader and football coach across Mississippi and Alabama.
“We are excited to welcome Coach Vance to Meridian,” said Amy Carter, MPSD Superintendent. “His proven ability to build high-performing athletic programs, foster academic success and inspire student-athletes makes him the right leader to elevate Wildcat Football.”
Known for his energy, integrity and commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field, Vance has compiled an impressive coaching résumé that includes:
– 17 years as a head coach with 16 playoff appearances
– 4 State Championship appearances
– 157 career victories as a head coach
– 105 student-athletes continued their careers at the collegiate level
His coaching career includes impactful tenures at Hattiesburg High School, Charleston High School, Olive Branch High School, and other programs where he served as head coach, athletic director, coordinator and administrator. Under his leadership, his teams have earned a state championship, state runner-up finishes, district championships, and numerous playoff runs. He has also been recognized multiple times as Region Coach of the Year, Pine Belt Sports Coach of the Year, and Sports 601 Coach of the Year.
Vance has also played an active role in state athletics, serving as President of the Mississippi Association of Coaches (2023–2024) and in multiple leadership positions within the organization.
National Geographic series follows NAS Meridian trainees
Meridian and Lauderdale County residents may see some familiar sights on their television screens as National Geographic airs its new series about Naval aviator trainees onboard Naval Air Station Meridian.
“Top Guns: The Next Generation,” a six-part series, which aired 8 p.m. Sept. 16 on National Geographic, follows the trainees through the final six months of their training as they prepare to earn their Wings of Gold.
Director Lana Salah said Meridianites may recognize some of the places shown in the series, which includes several downtown bars, the Threefoot Hotel, Dalewood Lakes and the city’s annual Fourth of July celebration at Bonita Lakes.
Executive Producer Tanya Shaw said the idea for the series actually started more than six years ago while filming a series with the Royal Air Force..
Highlighting the final six months of the Naval aviator training was done intentionally as it is when many of the trainees will begin to put their skills to the test on their own, Salah said. The last half year of the program is when trainees learn dogfighting, solo strike bombing and more, she said.
“And also at the end of it they get their wings, which for some of them is the greatest day of their career and their lives really,” she added.
Learning to fly fighter jets is not easy task, and over the course of working on the series, Shaw said she noticed how even the smallest skills trainees practiced had to be perfected to master flying the aircraft.
Salah said one of the things that made an impression on her is the number of people who are there to help the pilots succeed. NAS Meridian has many of the amenities someone could find in a small town, such as a library, school, gym and canteen, she said, and that whole community works to make sure the pilots are able to do what they need to do and come home safely.
“There’s a whole team and community there, so that was really special to see and be a part of and you don’t really think about when you see someone go off in a plane,” she said.
Shaw said she wants to extend a big thank you from the production team to the Meridian community for its hospitality during the filming. The team spent a good amount of time in the Queen City, she said, and were made to feel very welcome.
“As a production team, I’d just like to say thank you to everyone in Meridian because we were treated some warmly, and quite a lot of the team spent a number of weeks at the Threefoot Hotel or various other places around, and I think the people of Meridian were really welcoming, and you’ve clearly got a great community there,” she said.
