Archives
 By  Staff Reports Published 
7:54 am Saturday, April 20, 2002

Around town good attitude abounds

By Staff
April 14, 2002
Like the happy horses of the Around Town Carousels Abound public arts project, the positive attitude expressed in recent days by so many people in Meridian is refreshing.
We believe, like many of you, that downtown revitalization efforts are good for our community and a solid sign that things can get better in the future. We believe our economy can grow stronger. We support such projects as the Riley Education and Performing Arts Center, including the Grand Opera House, and the Southern Arts and Entertainment Center because they can add to Meridian's appeal.
Residential and commercial construction activities are picking up as hospitals, churches, banks and a variety of other private interests build or renovate. Lowe's has opened, Montana's will open soon and Chunky River Harley-Davidson/Buell will soon embark on a huge relocation and expansion project.
While these projects provide short term jobs for engineers, architects and construction trades, they offer tremendous benefits over the long term, too. Commercial Realtor Larry Dudley brought a group of colleagues from other parts of Mississippi to Meridian last week and they liked what they saw and heard.
On so many levels, Meridian is a city on the move. Let's remember this positive attitude when someone, as they will before too long, seriously suggests construction of a civic center or new school. The reservoir of good will can be as deep as we make it, just as our community can be as good as we make it.

Also on Franklin County Times
Sheriff: Contraband is constant battle in jails
Main, News, Russellville, ...
Bernie Delinski For the FCT 
January 21, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver said the county jail is not immune to the problem jail officials everywhere face: Inmates coming...
Oliver, Shackelford qualify for sheriff
Main, News, Russellville, ...
Kevin Taylor For the FCT 
January 21, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE – Franklin County Sheriff Shannon Oliver will have to hit the campaign trail to seek a fifth term this year. Oliver, a Republican and Fra...
New welding shop a plus for students
Franklin County, Main, News, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
January 21, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — A new welding shop inside the Russellville High School’s remodeled career tech building offers students more time and space to learn th...
Vina seniors tour NWSCC campuses
News, Vina Red Devils
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
January 21, 2026
VINA — Vina High School seniors toured the Phil Campbell and Muscle Shoals campuses of Northwest Shoals Community College as part of career planning a...
Can the US solve its electricity crisis?
Columnists, Opinion
January 21, 2026
As America embraces a new year 2026, consumers are looking for relief from an ongoing “affordability crisis.” While prices for some key items have mer...
Book Lovers Study Club helps Safeplace
Columnists, News, Opinion
HERE AND NOW
January 21, 2026
Safeplace provides safety, shelter and practical support to people experiencing domestic violence and education aimed at preventing abuse. The regiona...
CB&S Bank announces promotion of Woodard
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
January 21, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE CB&S Bank will have a new chief credit officer this spring as longtime executive Jeff Daniel prepares to retire at the end of the first q...
Vaughn retires from First Metro Bank
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
January 21, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — After a 45-year career in the financial industry, Mike Vaughn has retired from First Metro Bank, where he spent the last three decades ...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *