Local Digest

By Staff
Downtown ready for Mardi Gras party
A Mardi Gras block party will be held today, beginning at 6:30 p.m., at Dumont Plaza in downtown Meridian. There will be live onstage entertainment, including Secondhand Heros, Rose Ledet, and the Whodaddys. Mardi Gras-style food and beverages will be prepared at downtown restaurants. Admission is free.
Local businesses are encouraged to hang a Mardi Gras event poster, decorate a storefront and use the Mardi Gras theme for a weekend promotion or sale. If your business is interested in participating, call the Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau at 482-8001 or Main Street Meridian at 484-6841.
2nd Mile to perform at EMCC
East Mississippi Community College will host a gospel concert today featuring the group 2nd Mile. The concert will take place in the Stennis Auditorium on the Scooba campus. Proceeds will go to the EMCC's Chapel in the Pines project, an interdenominational chapel to be built on the Scooba campus. Admission is $10. For more information, call (662) 476-5060.
The Last Call to perform today
A Benefit Gospel Singing will be held today, beginning at 6 p.m., at Trinity Baptist Church. The concert will feature Carl Fitzgerald and The Last Call Gospel Trio, with songs by Stephanie Holden and Mae Bracken. Donations will be used to support youth projects at the church. The public is invited to attend.
Reunion planning meeting
The Meridian High School Class of 1986 is beginning preparations for their 15th year reunion. There will be a planning meeting today at Ryan's Steak House, 107 N Frontage Rd at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call Kenny Rue or Wanda Hudson Bouldin 482-3344. All interested members are asked to attend.
Girls softball holds registration
The West Lauderdale Girls Community Softball League for girls ages 4-16 will hold registration today and Feb. 24 at the West Lauderdale Middle School gymnasium. Each Saturday session runs from 9 a.m.-noon. The registration fee is $40 and $15 for each additional child. The fee must be paid at the time of registration. First-time players will need a copy of their birth certificates. For more information, call Jim Tittle at 737-2303 or Renee Covert at 986-5577.
Dixie baseball holds registration
The West Lauderdale Dixie Youth and Dixie Boys Baseball will hold registration for players 5-14 years old today and Feb. 24 at West Lauderdale Middle School Gym. The Saturday sessions will take place from 9 a.m. until noon.
MSO to present third concert
The Meridian Symphony Orchestra will present the third concert of the 40th anniversary season today at Meridian Community College's Ivy Hall Theatre. Curtain time is 8 p.m.
The concert, "American Influences," will feature guest artist Christopher Rex. A preconcert lecture led by Maestro Claire Fox Hillard begins at 7 p.m. in the Casteel Gallery in the MCC library.
Tickets may be purchased at the door for $15, $12 for seniors/military and $8 for students. Children under 12 will be admitted free.
Voters meet today to discuss flag
The new Voters League meeting will be held today, at 10 a.m., at the Boys and Girls Club Building. The public is invited to attend in order to learn about the upcoming special election to be held on April 17, a special election that will ask voters whether they want to retain the current Mississippi state flag. The Boys and Girls Club is located at 1717 45th Ave.
MHS Class of 51 plans reunion
There will be a meeting of the Planning Committee for the MHS Class of 1951 Reunion on Monday, at 7 p.m., at 6530 Bounds Road. All interested class members are welcome to attend. For more information, call 485-2875 or e-mail Msmagnolia51@AOL.com.
Railroad crossings closed for upgrades
Lauderdale County officials have announced the Norfolk Southern Railroad crossing on Hawkins Crossing Road will be closed all day Tuesday, Feb. 20, for upgrades. The crossing is adjacent to Highway 80 E. and is expected to reopen by the end of the day Tuesday or early Wednesday. The Homestead Road Norfolk Southern crossing will close for upgrades immediately after railroad officials complete work on the Hawkins crossing. The Norfolk Southern crossing on Marion Russell Road will be the next to receive upgrades. Officials say that crossing will probably close for upgrades Thursday.
WalkAmerica to kick off Tuesday
The Meridian WalkAmerica kick-off will be held Tuesday, at 5:30 p.m., on the fifth floor of Citizens National Bank located at 22nd Avenue. At the meeting, participants will receive information on the Meridian WalkAmerica that will take place April 28. The walk is sponsored by the March of Dimes, Union Planters Bank and Citizens National Bank. There will be food and beverages, door prizes and entertainment at the meeting. For more information, call the March of Dimes at (800) 842-5117.
Pat Parelli gives seminar
Equestrian Pat Parelli will hold a free seminar and demonstration Tuesday, Feb. 20, at the Scott County/Forest Coliseum in Forest. The session will last from 4-9 p.m. Parelli was a winning bareback bronc rider and successful trainer in California and is founder of the American Mule Association. The public is invited to attend. For more information, call (800) 642-3335.
MCC announces upcoming events
Look for these events, sponsored by Meridian Community College, in the coming weeks:
Today MathCounts competition from 8 a.m- 2 p.m. in Health Center Room 240. For more information, contact Dick Dixon at 484-8661.
Today EMT Refresher course from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in Health Center Room 215. For more information, call Glenda Kopt at 484-8778.
Monday How to Manage a Business and Increase Profit class, Marketing for a Small Business, 6-9 p.m. For more information, contact Milford Smith at 482-7445.
Wednesday Lifetime Quest lecture from 3-5 p.m. at the Meridian Room in Meridian Hall. Sam Mockbee of Auburn University will be the featured speaker. For more information, contact Michele Thames at 484-8696.
Feb. 24 EMT Refresher course from 8 a.m-4:30 p.m. in Health Center Room 215. For more information, call Glenda Kopf at 484-8778.
Feb. 24 Health Occupational Students of America (HOSA) district competition. Area high school senior and community college students will test their skills and knowledge in various health fields. For more information, call Dr. Richie McAlister at 484-8779.
Feb. 25 Casteel Gallery opening featuring the works of artist Jim Meade from 1-3 p.m. at the Casteel Gallery. For more information, contact John Marshall at 484-8647.