Local Digest

By Staff
Plans for Mardi Gras block party under way
A Mardi Gras block party will be held Saturday, Feb. 17, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Meridian. There will be live onstage entertainment and Mardi Gras-style food and beverages prepared at downtown restaurants.
Local businesses may 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.
Kennel club offers obedience classes
The East Central Mississippi Kennel Club will offer Puppy Kindergarten and Basic Obedience classes beginning Tuesday, Feb. 27, at the Frank Cochran Center in Highland Park.
A people orientation, no dogs allowed, will be held Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the Frank Cochran Center. For more information or to register, call 693-7194.
Lodge to celebrate 150th anniversary
Toomsuba Masonic Lodge No. 130 will hold a 150th anniversary gathering Saturday at the E.J. Knox Center on Russell-Topton Road. The supper will begin at 7 p.m. and the program will begin at 8 p.m. The guest speaker will be Jo Edd Wiggs, Grand Master for all Masonic lodges in the state of Mississippi. For more information, call Roy Graves at 693-3624.
WEBB Center hosts tax seminar
A free tax seminar for business will be presented in the Multi-purpose Room at Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 6 p.m.
The seminar, sponsored by Meridian Community College's WEBB Center, is designed to help new and existing small business owners get a better understanding of their tax responsibilities.
For more information, call Johnny Thompson at MCC at 482-7445 or call (800) MCC-THE-1.
Wesley UMC to host chili cook-off
The 16th Annual Chili Cook-Off will be held Saturday at Wesley United Methodist Church. The event begins at 11 a.m. and continues until 2 p.m. Chili, desserts and tea will served for $5 a person. Tickets may be purchased at the door and carry-outs are available. The church is located at 1500 Eighth Ave. For more information, call 483-2920.
MCC announces upcoming events
Look for these events, sponsored by Meridian Community College, in the coming weeks:
Today Production of "Gentleman from Mississippi," two shows, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Ivy Hall Theater. A one-man play that showcases the life of the late U.S. Sen. John Stennis. For more information, call Michele Thames at 484-8696.
Saturday MCC Homecoming. The crowning of the homecoming queen will take place at the Ivy Gym. For more information, call Hilary Allen at 484-8699.
Saturday ACT Workshop from 8:30 a.m.-noon at the WEBB Center. For more information, call Susan Duke at 484-8839.
Saturday MCC Baseball Eaglefest begins at 7 p.m. at the MSU-Meridian Multi-purpose Room with Coach Pat McMahon as the guest speaker. Banquet tickets are $50. For more information, call MCC coach Russ McNickle at 484-8680.
Tuesday, Feb. 6 Continuing education class "Fundamentals of Contracting with the Government" from 6-9 p.m. at the MCC WEBB Center. The cost is $20 plus fees. Participants will learn basic steps and other information in obtaining government contracts. For more information, call Bill Mabry 482-7445.
Thursday, Feb. 8 Lifetime Quest's "Great Books" at 2 p.m. at Hardin Hall, Room 124. For more information, call Michele Thames 484-8696.
February 8-10 MCC Arts and Letters Series musical, "Pump Boys and Dinette" at 7:30 p.m. at MCC Ivy Hall Theater. Tickets: $8 adults,$5 children and children under 12 free. For ticket information, call Michele Thames 484-8696.
Saturday, Feb. 10 ACT Exam from 8 a.m.-noon at MCC. For more information, call Quinn Carlisle 484-8707.
Elvis impersonator to appear in concert
Elvis impersonator, Billy Myers &Band, will appear in concert at West Lauderdale Elementary School on Saturday Show-time is 7 p.m. Tickets are $7, and children under 10 will be admitted free. Tickets can be purchased at Garrett's Sporting Goods on Eighth Street or by calling Mrs. Hurtt at 737-5457, Mrs. Savell at 737-2807 or the band hall at 737-2277.
MHS Band Boosters to meet
The Meridian High Band Boosters Association will meet Feb. 12, at 7 p.m. in the MHS cafeteria. All MHS Band parents and friends are invited to attend. The annual banquet will be discussed. Membership for the Band Boosters is $5 a year and is open to anyone. For information, call Rick Burton at 482-2532.
AARP offers free tax advice for seniors
Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 6, senior citizens will have access to free tax advice. AARP volunteers will be available every Tuesday, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Meridian-Lauderdale County Public Library. Volunteers will also be available every Friday, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Highway 19 North Trustmark National Bank. This service will be available until April 15.