Wallpaper reproduction specialist Jim Yates (r) discussed plans for Meridian’s Grand Opera House during a recent visit to the 115-year-old Lauderdale County structure. With him are conservation technician Kirsten Travers and Nick Nichols, dean of Mississippi State-Meridian. Efforts to convert the historic facility and adjoining Marks Rothenberg Building into an education and conference center are being undertaken by the university with private and government funds.