Updated: 9:52 PM A measure has been approved that could encourage filmmakers to utilize Lauderdale County and east Mississippi.

Updated: 8:16 PM "Sondheim in the City", written by Meridian native Maryann Kyle, will be presented Mar. 3 at the Temple Theatre.

Updated: 10:58 PM The Jimmie Rodgers Foundation is inviting you to mark your calendars for the 2012 Jimmie Rodgers Festival.

Updated: 11:36 PM Marty Stuart is not just an entertainer, but a songwriter, country historian, and according to his wife, a genius as well.

Updated: 11:40 PM Philadelphia native, Marty Stuart, grew up listening to country music and wanting to be a part of that world.

Updated: 11:29 PM Country star Marty Stuart is the focus of a special series on Newscenter 11 this week.

Updated: 10:18 PM The star of Jefferson Performing Arts Society's production of Hairspray is Michelle Dowdy, who also starred in the musical on Broadway.

Updated: 11:14 PM The music of a local worship pastor is included on a Christmas album launched by Jesus Daily Music Group.

Updated: 7:22 PM First Assembly of God in Meridian will take people back to the very first Christmas this weekend.

Updated: 7:27 PM Students from Meridian High School shared the Christmas spirit, caroling at downtown businesses.

Updated: 4:32 PM The Young Professionals of Meridian's 59Twenty Music Festival raised over $3,000 for Care Lodge.

Posted: 11:41 AM The Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau will place a life-size Elvis Presley statue in front of City Hall.

Updated: 8:22 PM A load of Merry Meridian activities dominated the weekend, thanks to volunteers.

Updated: 8:22 PM The International Singing Brakeman Association, TISBA, will sponsor its annual Christmas party later this month, with something special for aspiring guitarists.

Updated: 11:46 PM Demopolis, Ala., is celebrating its 40th Annual Christmas on the River.

Updated: 5:14 PM The NJCAA National Championship Game between East Mississippi Community College and Arizona Western will air on MyTOK2.

Posted: 11:53 AM The 27th edition of The Singing Christmas Tree will be presented at Highland Baptist Church in Meridian Dec. 8-11.

Updated: 7:04 PM Evangel Temple Church announced that Michael W. Smith, winner of multiple Dove and Grammy music awards, will perform there Mar. 15, 2012.

Updated: 7:05 PM The 43rd Annual Trees of Christmas at Merrehope and the F.W. Williams House is once again featuring a magical display.

Posted: 11:57 AM Willard Tyler Sr., one of the founders and trumpeter for the Mississippi blues and jazz band the Red Tops, has died at the age of 95.

Updated: 10:59 PM A well-known Christian music artist, Eddie James, will be performing at a Meridian church Wednesday night.

Updated: 8:01 PM Preparations have already been made for Merry Meridian, with numerous Christmas-related events that will take place during November and December.

Updated: 9:33 PM MCCSA is still in the process of raising money for a new facility. It's hosting a carnival, complete with a haunted house, to raise money.

Updated: 4:48 AM The city of Meridian has placed new signs promoting the Jimmie Rodgers Museum in Highland Park.

Updated: 9:05 PM The Temple Theater announced its 2011-2012 fall/winter season Tuesday.