Meridian Life February 2024 | Page 2

LOCAL EATS

Diamond Jim ’ s and Mrs . Donna ’ s Steakhouse : Family , tradition & tasty steaks

ARTIST CORNER

Emmy Award-winning artist returns to his Southern-born cartoonist roots

FEATURES

IN A MATTER OF MINUTES

Sudden cardiac arrest alters college student Kennedy Grice ’ s life

February 2024

The People and Communities of Lauderdale County

COMMUNITY

Darrin Mitchell Jr . leads others to healthier lifestyle with BTBY

COUNTING THE BIRDS

Local birders identify 89 species in county skies

Life After The Badge

Sheriff Billy Sollie reflects on career

44

24 INVITING READS TO KICK OFF ’ 24

HAPPENINGS

SNAPSHOTS

ALONG FOR THE RIDE

A whole lot of young Elvis and more in trek north to Tupelo

PARTING SHOT

LIFE AFTER THE BADGE

Former Sheriff Billy Sollie reflects on nearly 50-year career

AROUND TOWN CAROUSELS ABOUND

Meridian ’ s love of carousel horses takes center stage across the area

AMERICA AT THE CROSS ROADS

National GUITAR Museum traveling exhibit visits The MAX

In a Matter of Minutes Life changed for Kennedy Grice

Around Town Carousels Abound Meridian ’ s love of carousel horses takes center stage

Former Lauderdale County Sheriff Billy Sollie on his hunting and fishing plans now that he is retired after nearly 50 years in law enforcement in Meridian and Lauderdale County . Photo by Thomas Howard .