Local Digest
By Staff
Jan. 24, 2002
Satellite broadcast to feature George Will
Edward Jones investment representatives in Meridian will host "What's Next for America?" a satellite broadcast featuring Newsweek columnist and Pulitzer Prize-winning author George F. Will. The session will be at 7 p.m. today at East Mississippi Electric Power Association.
Will joins Edward Jones chief market strategist Alan Skraninka and Director of Equities Bob Morris, who will give their perspective on the state of the nation, economy and financial markets in 2002.
Kipling issues boil water' notice
The Kipling Water Association No. 2 in DeKalb has issued a "boil water" notice after a construction crew hit a water main Monday on Highway 16. Water officials recommend customers vigorously boil water for one minute before consuming. The notice will be lifted after tests of water samples show it is safe to drink.
U.S. Postal Service to give carrier exams
The U.S. Postal Service has opened registration for people interested in the rural carrier associate's exam. The Meridian Area QWL-EI Group will present a workshop to explain the duties and responsibilities of a rural carrier, give test-taking tips and provide sample test questions. Participants will be allowed to sign up for the exam at this time.
There will be two workshop sessions, at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. today. Both will be at the main post office, 2100 Ninth St. in Meridian. For information call 626-8190.
UBS holding area blood drives
United Blood Services of Mississippi is sponsoring the following blood drives Friday and Saturday in Meridian:
East Mississippi State Hospital, 4555 Highland Park Drive, 9:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Friday.
Burger King, 4825 8th St., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.
Meridale Girl Scout Service Center, 307 24th Ave., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.
United Blood Services, at 1115 25th Ave., also will take blood donations from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday.
Bill Herring, community relations director of United Blood Services in Meridian, said donations are badly needed.
MHS Band Boosters meet
A meeting of the Meridian High School Band Boosters Association will take place at 7 p.m. Monday in the school library. The upcoming concert band season, the annual MHS Band Banquet and other items will be discussed.
Membership in the association is $5 a year and is open to all parents, grandparents, family and friends of students. For information, call 482-2532.
Meridian to host Little Mardi Gras'
Once again this year, Meridian will experience a taste of New Orleans with the 2nd Annual Mardi Gras Celebration downtown in Dumont Plaza. The Feb. 1 event will feature live entertainment and New Orleans-style food. Admission is free and the celebration begins at 6:30 p.m.
For information, call the Lauderdale County Tourism Bureau at 482-8001.
AARP to offer seniors free tax service
AARP Tax Aide Service will prepare tax returns for senior citizens free of charge every Friday at Trustmark Bank on Highway 19 North and every Monday at the Meridian/Lauderdale County Library from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The service begins Feb. 1.
Wayne County Chamber of Commerce hosting banquet
The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 44th annual general membership meeting and banquet next month. This year's guest speaker will be U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran, R-Miss.
The dinner will be 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Feb. 4 at the Waynesboro City Auditorium.
Tickets for the dinner are $25 for non-chamber members and available at the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce office.
For information, call Stephanie Brown at (601) 735-6056.
McRae's begins school benefit
McRae's officials invite local schools and school organizations to participate in the store's annual "School Benefit Sale." This year's event will take place 6 a.m.-10 a.m. March 2. Participants sell tickets for $5, which entitles the purchaser to special store discounts. For information, or to sign up your organization, call 484-7809.
Nominations open for arts awards
Nominations for the Meridian Council for the Arts "2002 Excellence in the Arts Awards" are now being accepted. The awards recognize outstanding contributions and achievement in the arts. There are four award categories:
Artist achievement;
Arts educator;
Arts patron (individual); and
Arts patron (business).
Nomination forms are available at the Meridian Arts Council's office on the third floor of City Hall, Room 304. They also can be found at the city of Meridian's Web site, www.meridianms.org.
Nomination forms must be postmarked by Feb. 22. Winners will be announced April 5 at an awards reception at Highland Park to kick off the 31st Annual Arts in the Park Festival.
Time to file homestead exemption
Lauderdale County Tax Assessor Jimmy Slay announced that March 29 is the deadline to file for homestead exemption.
Homeowners are encouraged to contact the tax assessor's office and fill out a new application if there has been a change in homestead exemption status for any of the following reasons:
Purchased a new home in 2001;
Death of a spouse;
First time filing for over 65 or disability;
Change in property ownership;
Change in marital status;
Change in use of property;
Change in property description;
Homestead denied the previous year; or
Change in occupancy of home.
If no changes are necessary, and you do not qualify for an additional exemption, there is no need to reapply. For information, call 482-9779.
