FROM THE EDITOR ’ S DESK
A new year always brings change , fresh start
One year ends and a new year begins . It happens every 12 months just like clockwork . We should be used to it by now , but sometimes the unveiling of a new calendar brings life-altering changes . Changes that can be good or challenging — it just depends on how we see them .
For former Lauderdale County Sheriff Billy Sollie , 2024 will definitely bring change in the form of retirement after keeping watch over Meridian and Lauderdale County residents for almost 50 years . It ’ s likely a little hard to sign off one last time .
Today , Sollie , who is this edition ’ s cover story , is forging a new path with plenty of time on his hands , and he is hoping to spend some of his newly-found time outdoors hunting and fishing . We wish him luck in bagging his trophy buck , especially since it will give him new stories to share .
Also on the pages that follow , Meridian native and University of Alabama student Kennedy Grice faced her own life-changing experience a year ago at the age of 20 when she suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while out walking with friends . Her story helps bring attention to American Heart Month observed in February .
Byron Vaughns , a cartoonist and caricature artist , may be a familiar face to many of our readers who have seen him at downtown festivals and markets . But did you know Vaughns is an Emmy Award-winning artist ? You will likely recognize some of the cartoon characters he has helped showcase during his career .
Have you ever spent time sitting quietly near the edge of the woods watching the birds flutter , swoop and dart past or tried counting the different species of those birds ? It ’ s not easy . Every year , a group of local birders gather to count as many birds as they can in one day as part of the Christmas Bird Count , and we take you along for the ride on this year ’ s count .
Mississippi is full of historical places and things to do , and starting with this edition we are bringing you some great ideas for day trip excursions around the state with travel writers Brandi Perry and Dori Lowe . They are the authors of the new book , “ 100 Things To Do In Mississippi Before You Die .” We believe you will enjoy their journey to Tupelo and its Elvis Presley connection , as well as the purchase of the legend ’ s first guitar .
Additionally , we have features on Diamond Jim ’ s and Mrs . Donna ’ s Steakhouse , Darrin Mitchell Jr .’ s mission to help others discover a healthier lifestyle , a fresh look at the Around Town Carousels Abound art project and a review offering 24 good books to read in 2024 .
This is your February edition of Meridian Life magazine . I hope you enjoy reading it as much as we did in bringing it to you .
MERIDIAN LIFE The people and communities of Lauderdale County
PUBLISHER Terry Connor
EDITOR Glenda Sanders
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Thomas Howard Dori Lowe Tom Mayer Brandi Perry Glenda Sanders
PHOTOGRAPHY Thomas Howard Glenda Sanders
ADVERTISING Tayler Dailey Lisa Webb
DESIGNER Inga Bass Tayler Dailey
PRODUCTION Jennifer Hammond
DISTRIBUTION Bobby Fields Melissa Miller
Meridian Life , a publication of the Meridian Star , is published six times a year .
814 22nd Ave . Meridian , MS 39301 601.693.1551
Comments or editorial content , including photos , should be sent to gsanders @ themeridianstar . com . Meridian Life is not responsible for unsolicited submissions .
Reproduction or use of any content in this publication for any manner without permission is prohibited .
Meridian Life can be found online at www . meridianstar . com .
Glenda Sanders Meridian Life Editor
www . meridianstar . com
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