Jackson Free Press

SportsEvents magazine, an industry publication for sports event planners, has named Jackson as one of the top destinations for sports events in its 2012 Readers' Choice Awards issue.

Magazine readers nominated the best commissions, visitors bureaus and venues for sports events. This year, the Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau received one of the awards for creativity and professionalism in hosting sports groups.

The magazine selected winners from around the United States based on results from an online system that registered more than 3,000 votes.

Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. said yesterday that the city wants to conduct a feasibility study to build an arena in Jackson, but is still working to find money to fund the study.

Rolls-Royce Plans Stennis Center Expansion

Rolls-Royce plans to almost double its work force at its Gulf Coast facility by adding another stand to test jet engines.

The expansion will cost at least $50 million and is expected to create 35 new jobs. Rolls-Royce uses the facility, located at the Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, to conduct specialized testes on jet engines in development, including noise, crosswind, thrust reverse, cyclic and endurance testing.

"Rolls-Royce is a valued member of the Gulf Coast's--and the entire state's--corporate community, and I am grateful this leading company is continuing to invest in our state," Leland Speed, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority, said in a statement.

The Outdoor Jet Engine Testing Facility opened at the space center in 2007 and currently employs 45 workers. The site is one of three such testing facilities in the world.

Fire Becomes Whiskey River

Whiskey River Saloon (209 Commerce St.) will hold its grand opening Jan. 14, featuring The Molly Ringwalds.

The club, formerly known as Club Fire, is reopening under new management, new decor and with a new musical focus. Manager Chip Matthews said the venue has been renovated and is totally different, with hardwood floors and an 85-foot octagonal bar in the middle of the room.

"The walls are all logs; I guess it looks like Abe Lincoln's cabin," he said. The club will also play more Americana music.

For the grand opening, doors open at 9 p.m., and the cover is $15. The event is open to ages 18 and over. The club will normally open at 7 p.m. and close at 2 a.m. with a $5 cover, depending on which band is playing.

Whiskey River Saloon has a website in the works; for now, find music listings and other information at fireclubjackson.com.

Fondren Town Hall Meeting

The Fondren Association of Businesses will hold a town hall-style meeting this Thursday to talk about spring events, including Arts, Eats and Beats, and the Zippity Doo Dah Parade.

Groups such as the Fondren Renaissance Foundation, the Fondren Association of Businesses, OurFondren, the Broadmeadow Association, SoFo, COPS and SAFE will make presentations, and attendees will have the opportunity to take part in discussion.

The meeting takes place in the sanctuary of Woodland Hills Baptist Church (3327 Old Canton Road) on Jan. 12, beginning at 5:30 p.m.