Sports writer, Meridian, MS

The Meridian Star, a 15,000 daily circulation newspaper covering East Mississippi, is looking for a versatile sports-minded journalist to round out its three-man sports staff. We are looking for someone with a strong work ethic, sports knowledge and the ability to manage multiple tasks at once. This full-time staff member will help us cover local sports — including three junior colleges, more than a dozen local high schools and more. If you’re interested in working in one of the best sports areas in the state, e-mail a cover letter, resume and clips to Editor Fredie Carmichael at fcarmichael@themeridianstar.com.

 

This may sound like a mean question, but is Meridian considered a big town by Mississippi standards? I see it's halfway between Tuscaloosa and Jackson and when I zoom out on Google Maps, I see its name still.

 

I stopped there for gas and a quick bite to eat once on my way to New Orleans. Didn't seem like there was much there. But I guess the same can be said about the whole state.

 

Jamie, who's leaving?

 

By Mississippi standards, it's bigger than most but smaller than some. Nowhere near the size (or things to do) as Jackson, Gulfport, Biloxi or Southaven. More on par with the sleepier burgs of Vicksburg and Natchez, except without the casinos. Probably a little over an hour from Tuscaloosa and Jackson, so it's even a bit far for a quick jaunt. There are worse places in the state to live, though.

 

Probably about 40-50k population. There's a mall and the usual assortment of chain restaraunts, so it isn't completely the end of the world. And you'll likely make friends with the state troopers is you try to reach Tuscaloosa or Jackson in an hour's time. And you are less than an hour away from the Choctaw reservation casinos.

 

I-20 can be rough on the pocketbook. However, in all fairness, the troopers do allow you to hit up to 75 MPH. That ain't too bad.

 

do they cover any Division I football or basketball?

 

I was in Meridian for a day or two on business last year. Doesn't seem like much is there. Most of the big buildings "downtown" are abandoned, but there is a crop of newer stores like Best Buy, Circuit City, etc. right off the highway. There's a Navy base in town, but other than that, really not much there. Though, like someone else said, for Mississippi standards, there aren't many big towns.

 

Not anymore.

 

Port Gibson?

 

That's one.
I'd say Natchez is another