Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Why Meridian still craves a long-gone five-cent Chik Steak sandwich

Coming up on the Meridian Patch calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness

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Sunday October 11th Patch AM
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Hello Meridian! Here's our latest buzz. Let's get into it. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Why Meridian still craves a long-gone five-cent Chik Steak sandwich
  • What charges did Meridian police file in the Oct. 1 shooting?
  • Which Meridian defenders are climbing the 2026 sack leaderboard?

Also on today's calendar: Free Bra Fittings to Support Breast Cancer Awareness and 4 more events.

Today's riddle: What do you call somebody who crosses the ocean twice and doesn't take a bath? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: sunny, with a high of 88 and low of 57 degrees. 🌶 Hot!
  • Monday: Toasty conditions, temps: high: 93, low: 57.
  • Tuesday: Sunny with record-tying heat, with a high of 93 and low of 57 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Chik Steak dreams (meridianstar.com) — Longtime residents will recognize the beloved Chik Steak sandwich that once drew crowds to downtown Meridian, right in front of today's City Hall. This nostalgic piece walks through the Phipps family's restaurants, dance pavilion, and the still-mysterious original recipe that Meridianites have tried and failed to perfectly recreate for decades.
   

2. MPD announces formal charges in Oct. 1 homicide (meridianstar.com) — Meridian residents now know that three suspects have been formally charged with capital murder and armed robbery in the Oct. 1 shooting death of Dearius Ruffin on Manning Street. Police describe a fast initial arrest, followed by additional warrants and coordinated work by investigators, SWAT, and patrol officers, while emphasizing that all three remain presumed innocent.
   

3. 7A Region 3 Football 2026 Varsity Sacks Stat Leaders (maxpreps.com) — Meridian High defenders Deon Johnson, Terrance Roberts, Demond Johnson, and Ashton Dawson are among the 2026 7A Region 3 sack leaders, highlighting a strong defensive presence for the Wildcats. The list compares Meridian's standouts with rivals from Brandon, Oak Grove, Pearl, and Northwest Rankin, giving local fans a quick snapshot of how their players stack up across the region.
   

4. List of country music stars to die in 2026 surges past 30. Here's who we lost (cleveland.com) — Among dozens of country music figures lost in 2026, longtime Meridian radio voice Ken Rainey Sr. stands out for local readers as a beloved 970KK personality and supporter of homegrown talent. Tributes from Mayor Percy Bland and country star Randy Houser recall how Rainey's authentic on-air style and mentorship helped shape Meridian's country scene and even launched Houser's path to Nashville.
   

📸 Around Meridian

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Sometimes, I can't help but wonder if I'm the only one who feels this way.
    It has been five years since my divorce. Although I've gradually learned to live independently and take care of myself over the years, there are… (Nextdoor Northwood/Poplar Springs)
  • Hello, everyone.
    I'm not sure why, but lately, I've been feeling inexplicably down. It's not that anything terrible has happened; it's more like a slow accumulation… (Nextdoor Northwood/Poplar Springs)
  • Olive Garden posted a job opening for Prep Cook in Meridian. Apply here.
  • Pizza Hut - Flynn Group posted a job opening for Assistant Manager in Meridian. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Meridian here.

Ok Meridian! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "What do you call somebody who crosses the ocean twice and doesn't take a bath?" — A dirty double crosser ! (Thank you Theresia F. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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