Tim Pratt
Starkville Bureau
News & Sports Department
tpratt@cdispatch.com

Recent Stories & Articles
Appeals court hears Oktibbeha land dispute  11/20/2009 11:34:00 AM
The gravel road separating Academy Crossing Apartments and the property along Louisville Street owned by Dr. Charles Scarborough is 12 feet wide and, at one time, is believed to have gone all the way to Louisville. These days, it’s in the middle of a five-year-old property dispute between Scarborough and Academy Crossing owner Mildred Rollins.

Curbside recycling records biggest week yet  11/19/2009 11:42:00 AM
A crowd gathered at Starkville Recycling Wednesday to celebrate the success of the city’s curbside recycling program, but the group was greeted with some unexpected news when Ward 3 Aldermen Eric Parker announced the amount of recyclable materials collected that morning from city streets was the largest amount to-date.

Aldermen deny housing development on Yellow Jacket Drive  11/18/2009 10:03:00 AM
The Starkville Board of Aldermen Tuesday denied a developer’s request to rezone 4.98 acres on Yellow Jacket Drive for a medium-density housing development.

Search begins for funds to improve culvert and drainage systems in Starkville  11/18/2009 10:03:00 AM
On a ride through the Sunset subdivision west of Starkville, Bobby Bardwell points to a pool of water in a culvert at the corner of Greenwood Street and Chisholm Drive.  Tall grass pokes through the water’s surface. Empty bottles and cans float nearby. 

Police search for stolen four-wheeler, mower  11/14/2009 7:02:00 PM
The Starkville Police Department is asking for the public’s help to locate two pieces of equipment stolen recently from area homes.

City recycling program: 25 tons and counting  11/13/2009 10:26:00 AM
In an effort to keep sustainable living fresh in the public’s mind, the city of Starkville is introducing residents to one new facet of its recycling program every month.

New system to offer easy access to local information  11/12/2009 10:25:00 AM
STARKVILLE — Residents of Starkville and Oktibbeha County could be the first in the state to dial 311 for non-emergency calls.

Kappa Sigma appeals charter revocation  11/10/2009 9:47:00 AM
STARKVILLE — The Mississippi State University chapter of the Kappa Sigma fraternity is appealing a decision by the organization’s national office to revoke its charter.

Study: Heart attacks down since smoking ban  11/10/2009 9:47:00 AM
STARKVILLE — A Mississippi State University study released Monday shows a 27 percent decrease in heart attacks among Starkville residents since the city passed its no-smoking ordinance in 2006.

Greta Bryan helps victims, families as they go through emotional court cases  11/9/2009 9:31:00 AM
Throughout the recent capital murder trial of Bobby Batiste in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court, family and friends of victim Andreas Galanis sat in a group two rows behind the prosecution’s table, sometimes in tears, other times stoic. The group sat through graphic testimony and photos of the crime scene; detailed stories of deception and fraud; and even pictures of Galanis’ battered and lifeless body. Yet, through it all, one woman was by their side, even though she never met Galanis or his family until shortly after the murder.

Shooting suspects’ family members arrested  11/6/2009 12:02:00 PM
The Starkville Police Department is still searching for two men involved in a weekend shooting on North Montgomery Street, but three of the suspects’ family members were arrested this week for withholding information about their whereabouts.

Plane’s owner, instructor uninjured after pair forced to make belly landing at Starkville airport  11/6/2009 12:02:00 PM
No injuries were reported Thursday afternoon when the landing gear on a Cessna Cutlass 172RG malfunctioned and the aircraft slid to a halt beside the runway at George M. Bryan Field.

Boy Scouts prepare for trip to Rocky Mountains  11/5/2009 11:13:00 AM
STARKVILLE — While their friends spent Halloween weekend trick-or-treating around the Golden Triangle, a group of local Boy Scouts took to the woods to prepare for an upcoming trip to the mountains of New Mexico.

Tobacco-free policy begins this month for city employees  11/4/2009 9:45:00 AM
City employees accustomed to using tobacco on the job have less than two weeks left to enjoy their habit. The Starkville Board of Aldermen in September adopted a tobacco-free workplace policy for employees, set to go into effect Nov. 15.

Supes OK new wastewater district  11/3/2009 9:41:00 AM
The Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors Monday approved a resolution officially creating the East Oktibbeha Wastewater District.

Authorities yet to release name of fire victim  11/3/2009 9:41:00 AM
STARKVILLE — A pair of dogs laid lazily in the tall grass along Townsend Road Monday afternoon and another stood alert just inside a thin wire fence. The hound in the yard barked menacingly at anyone who approached while the charred remains of a mobile home loomed in the background. The roof of the trailer was melted and scorched, and the blackened insides of the structure were visible from the dusty, unpaved road. The home belonged to an elderly man who died Sunday when the structure caught fire and he was unable to escape. Authorities have not released the identity of the man, only saying he was in his early 70s.

Police continue search for weekend shooting suspects  11/3/2009 9:34:00 AM
The Starkville Police Department was still searching today for two suspects involved in a weekend shooting on North Montgomery Street.

Bobby Batiste sentenced to death  10/31/2009 10:01:00 PM
After three hours of deliberation today, an Oktibbeha County jury sentenced 29-year-old Bobby Batiste to death for the capital murder of his rommate last year at 21 Apartments.

Local activist protests Batiste’s all-white jury  10/30/2009 10:06:00 AM
STARKVILLE — A community activist is protesting the all-white jury in the trial of a former Mississippi State University student accused of killing his roommate.

Evidence contradicts Batiste’s account of killing  10/30/2009 10:06:00 AM
STARKVILLE — Thursday testimony suggests a former Mississippi State University student on trial for capital murder might not have been totally truthful last year in statements to authorities regarding the death of his housemate at 21 Apartments.

Defense Attorney: Batiste was attacked first  10/29/2009 10:38:00 AM
STARKVILLE — Jurors in the capital murder trial of Bobby Batiste got their first glimpse Wednesday at the brutal slaying of Mississippi State University student Andreas Galanis last March at 21 Apartments, but defense attorney Jim Lappan threw the panel a curve ball when he said during opening statements that Galanis was the aggressor and initiated the fatal fight with Batiste.

Attorneys question potential jurors about death penalty  10/28/2009 9:45:00 AM
It’s been a long two days for Bobby Batiste. Sitting silently with his team of defense attorneys in front of a packed courtroom at the Oktibbeha County Courthouse, the former Mississippi State University student has faced more than 100 prospective jurors in his capital murder trial, all the while knowing 12 members of the group ultimately will decide whether he lives or if he dies.

Jury in Batiste trial could be sequestered  10/27/2009 10:04:00 AM
Jury selection continued this morning in the capital murder trial of former Mississippi State University student Bobby Batiste, who is accused of killing his roommate last year at their off-campus apartment.

Chiropractor bounces back from office fire  10/22/2009 11:00:00 AM
It’s been nearly two months since fire ripped through the chiropractic office of Dr. Robert Leach at the corner of Russell and Hogan streets.

Sidewalk, stormwater ordinances irk builder  10/21/2009 9:46:00 AM
Builder Clayton Richardson is fed up with Starkville’s stormwater and sidewalk ordinances, saying the regulations are too strict and are scaring away developers.

Excitement builds for aerospace megasite  10/20/2009 9:29:00 AM
Touting messages of progress and economic development, some of the state’s most influential people gathered Monday at East Mississippi Community College-Golden Triangle to mark what Joe Higgins called “the end of the beginning” of the Golden Triangle Regional Global Industrial Aerospace Park project.

Supervisor wants return to the beat system  10/20/2009 9:23:00 AM
STARKVILLE — Oktibbeha County Supervisor Orlando Trainer has long been a proponent of road-improvement projects in his district, but he’s felt limited by the unit system under which the county operates.

Cash festival attendance down from past years  10/19/2009 9:19:00 AM
Hours after the conclusion of the third annual Johnny Cash Flower Pickin’ Festival Sunday, organizer Robbie Ward said he plans to bring the event back to Main Street next year.

Starkville teens building robot  10/19/2009 9:19:00 AM
The buzzing of power tools echoed down the empty corridor in Mississippi State University’s Simrall Hall Friday night, though no classes were in session.

Johnny Cash Festival rocks Starkville  10/18/2009 12:07:00 AM
STARKVILLE — Musician John Francis recalls a time last February when he was working with John Carter Cash, the only son of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, and the pair went to a cabin in the woods to hash out some songs.

Mark Keenum installed at MSU  10/18/2009 12:07:00 AM
STARKVILLE — When Mark Keenum and Scott Ross roamed the campus of Mississippi State University three decades ago, they were just students with their whole lives ahead of them.

Fists of fury: Wrestling a way of life for MWF performers  10/18/2009 12:07:00 AM
STARKVILLE — Danny Campbell walks confidently through the narrow back hallways at Rick’s Cafe Americain with a drink in his hand, a smile on his face and a tight black T-shirt that reads “I support midget violence.” At the edge of the kitchen, Campbell, 44, is stopped by a handful of young women who ask to pose with him for photos. He is more than happy to oblige.

On wings of Eagles: Starkville teen overcomes obstacles to earn Scouting's highest honor  10/16/2009 9:53:00 AM
David Bouchard of Starkville was born blind and has spent all 18 years of his life overcoming obstacles. He will be awarded Sunday at Trinity Presbyterian Church for overcoming one of them.

Johnny Cash fest offers more than just music  10/15/2009 9:56:00 AM
While much of the attention at the Johnny Cash Flower Pickin’ Festival this weekend will center on the musical acts of headliners Carlene Carter and Justin Townes Earle, aspiring musicians will have the chance to learn more about the songwriting process from two other renowned performers.

Planners reject controversial zoning change  10/14/2009 9:38:00 AM
The Starkville Planning and Zoning Commission Tuesday voted against a developer’s request to rezone 4.98 acres off Yellow Jacket Drive.

Kappa Sigma's charter revoked at MSU  10/12/2009 2:33:00 PM
The national office of the Kappa Sigma fraternity last week revoked the charter of the organization’s Mississippi State University chapter. Kappa Sigma was investigated by university officials for violations stemming from a September party involving alcohol and underage drinking.

Midget wrestling coming to Starkville  10/10/2009 7:57:00 PM
Fans of the unusual will be in for a treat this week as Rick’s Cafe in Starkville hosts a night of professional midget wrestling. The Micro Wrestling Federation, a nationwide touring group, will put on a show Oct. 14 at Rick’s, located at 319 B Highway 82 E. The MWF will set up a ”mini” wrestling ring in the middle of the dance floor, said Rick’s Cafe owner Rick Welch, and six to eight wrestlers will perform.

Curbside recycling kicks off  10/9/2009 10:41:00 AM
Joe Bell and Stan Shurden were ready Wednesday for the first day of citywide curbside recycling pickup to begin in Starkville. But the co-owners of Starkville Recycling had no idea how much material they would actually process.

MSU set to begin work on EcoCAR  10/8/2009 10:11:00 AM
STARKVILLE — The design phase is complete and the team is all set.  Now, students at Mississippi State University’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Technology are ready to transform a 2009 Saturn Vue into an electric-powered hybrid vehicle. 

City enforces strict drainage rule  10/7/2009 10:04:00 AM
STARKVILLE — Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman made the definitive decision Tuesday on what stormwater runoff standards developers will have to meet to build in the city.

Oktibbeha supes back megasite  10/6/2009 9:18:00 AM
The Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors Monday threw its official support behind a potential aerospace megasite project adjacent to Golden Triangle Regional Airport.

Painting and skating  10/5/2009 10:59:00 AM
STARKVILLE — On the first Friday of each month, a new artist’s work is put on display at Cre8tive Warehouse at Washington and Lampkin streets in downtown Starkville. The pieces then remain on display for a few weeks before another artist takes over the Warehouse’s gallery space.

Program trains seniors to re-enter work force  10/3/2009 6:23:00 PM
Experience Works is looking for more than two dozen senior citizens to begin on-the-job training programs — and possibly find gainful employment — at locations around the Golden Triangle.

Black Hills Festival reborn in Starkville  10/2/2009 9:46:00 AM
STARKVILLE — It’s been 10 long years since the sounds of the Black Hills Festival echoed throughout the neighborhoods around J.L. King Memorial Park, off of North Long Street. This Saturday, however, nearby residents will once again be greeted by a drum call and day-long celebration when the event returns to Starkville.

Carville, Matalin light up MSU  9/30/2009 10:24:00 AM
James Carville and Mary Matalin come from vastly different backgrounds. He’s a Democratic political strategist who grew up in Louisiana. She’s a Republican from Illinois.

E-mail scam targets arts council  9/30/2009 9:40:00 AM
STARKVILLE — Candy Crecink went to work Tuesday morning expecting it to be just like any other day. But within minutes, Crecink was on the phone with the Federal Bureau of Investigation to report a suspected Internet crime.

Carville, Matalin to speak at MSU tonight  9/29/2009 9:46:00 AM
STARKVILLE — Political commentators James Carville and Mary Matalin, the husband-and-wife duo known for sitting on opposite sides of the political aisle, are set to speak today at Mississippi State University as part of the College of Business’s third annual Leadership Summit. 

Police searching for Oktibbeha man  9/29/2009 9:46:00 AM
STARKVILLE — The Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help to locate a man missing since Monday afternoon. 

Starkville Parks and Rec garners state recognition  9/26/2009 9:26:00 PM
STARKVILLE - The Starkville Parks and Recreation Department is celebrating two awards it won this week at the Mississippi Recreation and Park Association Conference in McComb.

Bulldogs ready to bash  9/24/2009 9:31:00 AM
STARKVILLE — The streets of the Cotton District will be abuzz this weekend as the 10th annual Bulldog Bash kicks off with food, fun and live music.

Latimer appointed city attorney  9/23/2009 9:38:00 AM
STARKVILLE — After more than two months with an interim city attorney, the Starkville Board of Aldermen Tuesday finally agreed on an official replacement.

Construction to begin on Poorhouse Road paving  9/22/2009 9:16:00 AM
STARKVILLE — Construction is set to begin soon on two long-awaited infrastructure projects in Oktibbeha County.

Curbside recycling a sign of the times in Starkville  9/19/2009 9:52:00 PM
STARKVILLE — As Starkville residents continue to sign up for the city’s new curbside recycling program, officials and “green” advocates in town can’t help but feel like their efforts are finally paying off.

Leaders ready to ‘move on’ from liquor debate  9/17/2009 10:09:00 AM
The final chapter in Starkville’s Sunday alcohol sales debate was written Wednesday in Jackson by the Mississippi Tax Commission.

Hunter safety courses available  9/17/2009 10:09:00 AM
STARKVILLE — It’s not too late for Golden Triangle residents to sign up for upcoming hunter education courses with the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

State approves Sunday liquor sales in Starkville  9/16/2009 10:24:00 AM
The State Tax Commission this morning approved the city of Starkville's request to allow restaurants to sell liquor and wine on Sundays.

Electric rates on the rise in Starkville  9/16/2009 9:54:00 AM
STARKVILLE — On the same night the Starkville Board of Aldermen approved a balanced budget and long-term plans to improve the city’s infrastructure, the board also voted 4-3 in favor of a utility rate increase for customers of the Starkville Electric Department.

State takes up Sunday alcohol petition today  9/16/2009 9:54:00 AM
STARKVILLE — The Mississippi Tax Commission was scheduled to meet this morning to consider the city of Starkville’s request to allow restaurants to sell liquor and wine on Sundays.

CVB, Cash festival organizer at odds  9/15/2009 9:25:00 AM
A majority of the Johnny Cash Flower Pickin’ Festival next month won’t take place at its usual location in downtown Starkville, but at Rick’s Cafe American on Highway 182.

Oktibbeha supes raise taxes  9/15/2009 9:25:00 AM
The Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors Monday unanimously approved a 5.14-mill property tax increase as part of its 2009-2010 fiscal year budget.

DeRego creates art in all forms  9/14/2009 10:15:00 AM
STARKVILLE — Troy DeRego is a writer, a filmmaker, a musician, an artist and a Web site designer all rolled into one. The New Hampshire native also serves as one of the organizers of the Johnny Cash Flower Pickin’ Festival each year in Starkville. And he runs a Web site, http://starkvilleeats.com, which serves as a guide to the city’s restaurant scene.

Angel Food Ministries offers help for needy  9/11/2009 10:26:00 AM
By day, Matthew Rye is director of the Starkville Parks and Recreation Department.

GSDP unveils new logo  9/10/2009 9:57:00 AM
When Greg Jeffries sat down to design a logo representative of the city of Starkville, he wanted to create something that captured the community’s culture and character.

New wastewater system in the works  9/9/2009 9:56:00 AM
STARKVILLE — Residents with no access to public wastewater systems in eastern Oktibbeha County could soon find a new treatment option in place.

Starkville planners approve Creamery at Central Station  9/9/2009 9:50:00 AM
STARKVILLE — The Starkville Planning and Zoning Commission Tuesday approved the first phase of the Creamery at Central Station project, proposed in the old Borden Milk plant off South Montgomery Street. The preliminary/final plat, which planning and zoning passed unanimously, now must be approved by the Starkville Board of Aldermen.

Starkville makes do amid hiring freeze  9/5/2009 8:20:00 PM
STARKVILLE — The hiring freeze approved Tuesday by the Starkville Board of Aldermen will leave some offices short-handed, but city department heads Thursday acknowledged it was a necessary move and said they aren’t too worried.

Oktibbeha supervisor arrested in Starkville  9/4/2009 10:30:00 AM
An Oktibbeha County Supervisor was arrested last week on a charge of disorderly conduct after an incident outside the Starkville Police Department.

State: Starkville's alcohol sales request 'neither approved nor denied'  9/3/2009 8:37:00 AM
The State Tax Commission said it has neither “approved nor denied” Starkville’s request to allow Sunday alcohol sales, after reports surfaced Wednesday that the Tax Commission’s Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control had issued a preliminary denial of the city’s request to allow restaurants to sell wine and spirits by the glass on Sundays.

ABC denies Starkville’s request for Sunday alcohol sales  9/2/2009 11:51:00 AM
STARKVILLE — Just two weeks after the Starkville Board of Aldermen voted to allow Sunday alcohol sales, the State Tax Commission’s Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control threw the city a curve ball.

New fire station getting funded by grant  9/2/2009 10:56:00 AM
A new fire station is on the way in Starkville.  The about 5,800-sqaure-foot building will be constructed at Reed Road and Highway 25 South. 

Plan could create Beale Street atmosphere  8/30/2009 12:17:00 AM
STARKVILLE — Business owners in downtown Starkville have grown increasingly alarmed over the past few years as crowds during Mississippi State University football weekends have spilled into the streets.

Starkville authorities investigate possible arson  8/28/2009 11:24:00 AM
STARKVILLE — A day after fire ripped through his chiropractic office on Russell Street, Dr. Robert Leach was back to work Thursday, only this time it was from a new location: his home.

Starkville Sportsplex offers yoga, other activities  8/28/2009 11:24:00 AM
STARKVILLE — The new Starkville Sportsplex building on Lynn Lane has become popular for city residents looking to play basketball or use the facility’s free indoor walking track.

Cash family to pardon the city during ’09 Flower Pickin’ Festival  8/26/2009 10:58:00 AM
During each of the past two Johnny Cash Flower Pickin’ Festivals, the city of Starkville and Oktibbeha County have granted symbolic pardons to the family of Johnny Cash, who was arrested in Starkville in 1965 and later wrote a song about the ordeal: “Starkville City Jail.”

McDonald’s shooting suspects face new charges  8/26/2009 10:58:00 AM
Two Columbus men who were arrested in December for their involvement in a shooting outside a Starkville McDonald’s are facing new charges this week related to an Aug. 15 purse snatching in downtown Starkville.

Travis Outlaw Day this weekend  8/26/2009 10:58:00 AM
Golden Triangle residents who want to hang out with a professional basketball player will have the chance this weekend when the city of Starkville celebrates Travis Outlaw Day. 

Missing Starkville man found in Florida  8/22/2009 10:48:00 PM
A Starkville man who went missing Wednesday was found safe and sound Friday in Florida.

Swine flu keeps MSU on edge  8/21/2009 12:18:00 PM
Rumors of upcoming class cancellations at Mississippi State University due to an H1N1, or “swine flu,” outbreak aren’t true, university officials said this week. As of Thursday afternoon, the university had 109 potential cases of H1N1 on campus, though only eight cases have been confirmed by the Mississippi Department of Health, said Robert Cadenhead, administrator of the university’s Health Center. Some of the cases might be seasonal flu, Cadenhead said, though he acknowledged seasonal flu outbreaks typically don’t show up until later in the year.

Starkville police locate missing man  8/21/2009 11:04:00 AM
A Starkville man who went missing Wednesday has been located in Florida.

In wake of vote, Starkville residents, visitors still split on Sunday alcohol sales  8/20/2009 10:11:00 AM
A day after the Starkville Board of Aldermen voted to allow Sunday alcohol sales, the city of about 24,000 Wednesday had mixed feelings about the issue.

Starkville approves Sunday alcohol sales  8/19/2009 7:12:00 AM
Touting messages of progress and development, the Starkville Board of Aldermen Tuesday took another step toward allowing Sunday alcohol sales.

Lt. Gov. pushes voter ID reform at Starkville meeting  8/18/2009 10:44:00 AM
Mississippi Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant was in Starkville Monday and asked the city’s Rotarians for their support in making identification requirements stricter for voters when they head to the polls.

Starkville residents asked to name city park  8/18/2009 10:44:00 AM
The Starkville Park Commission is calling on residents to help name a popular city park.

Ragtime Festival receives grant  8/17/2009 10:38:00 AM
The Charles Templeton Ragtime Jazz Festival is still seven months away, but Mississippi State University Thursday announced it has received a $4,000 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission to help produce the event.

Sexual assault suspect arrested  8/15/2009 7:13:00 PM
A sexual assault Wednesday morning outside of Starkville left one woman in Oktibbeha County Hospital and the suspect in Oktibbeha County Jail.

Aldermen plan to revise Sunday alcohol ordinance  8/14/2009 10:08:00 AM
The Starkville Board of Aldermen is expected to vote Tuesday on proposed amendments to the city’s alcohol ordinance after it holds a second public hearing on the matter. 

Bikers rolling in to Sturgis for rally  8/13/2009 10:51:00 AM
STURGIS — The town of Sturgis is bracing for an influx of bikers this weekend as the 13th edition of the Sturgis South Motorcycle Rally kicks off in southwestern Oktibbeha County.

Starkville School District video garners national attention  8/13/2009 10:16:00 AM
Working in the video production business, Robbie Coblentz doesn’t often get chills when he views a piece of work. But a video his company put together for the Starkville School District over the summer recently made his hair stand on end.

Planners deny rezoning request  8/12/2009 11:47:00 AM
STARKVILLE — A developer’s attempt to rezone 4.98 acres off Yellow Jacket Drive for a new subdivision was rejected Tuesday night by the Starkville planning and zoning commission.

Group of MSU students, faculty comb Starkville for litter, make other improvements  8/11/2009 10:23:00 AM
Donned in blue shirts, shorts and gloves, a handful of Mississippi State University students walked side-by-side through the streets of the Cotton District Monday morning, plastic bags in hand, their eyes peeled for garbage and recyclables. Another group traversed the downtown area with the same goal in mind: to rid the streets of litter.

Starkville's Mike Murphey, who came to town as a student, has owned The Bicycle Shop for 30 years  8/10/2009 10:16:00 AM
Nestled deep in a corner of Cotton Crossing Shopping Center, The Bicycle Shop over the past three decades has become a haven for Starkville’s cycling community.

Oktibbeha churches cook for less fortunate  8/8/2009 9:41:00 PM
STARKVILLE — The group stood as one and bowed their heads Thursday evening when Paul Millsaps, a member of First Presbyterian Church on University Drive, led them in a blessing before dinner.

Ex-student who choked coed faces 20 years at sentencing  8/7/2009 12:06:00 PM
STARKVILLE — A former Mississippi State University student who admitted to choking a freshman coed last fall in a campus dormitory is set to be sentenced today in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court.

Neighbor shoots family’s dog  8/6/2009 10:45:00 AM
STARKVILLE — An Oktibbeha County man was arrested over the weekend for killing a neighbor’s dog that wandered onto his property.

Passionate arguments from those for, against alcohol sales dominate charged public hearing  8/5/2009 11:00:00 AM
Some have called the debate over Sunday alcohol sales one of the most divisive in Starkville’s recent history.

Ex-game warden sentenced to 60 years for fatal DUI crash  8/4/2009 10:36:00 AM
STARKVILLE — The night began like any other. A group of friends were hanging out at Rick’s Cafe American in Starkville and agreed to meet again later for a cruise around the back roads of southern Oktibbeha County.

Crash on Highway 45 Alternate injures three  8/1/2009 10:36:00 PM
A two-vehicle crash near Crawford Saturday afternoon sent three people to the hospital and left watermelon pieces strewn across the road.

Sunday alcohol hearing this week  8/1/2009 10:36:00 PM
STARKVILLE — The first of two public hearings on Sunday alcohol sales in Starkville will take place this week at City Hall.

MSU prof faces assault charge  7/31/2009 11:00:00 AM
A Mississippi State University professor accused of assaulting a student last month is scheduled for an Oktibbeha County Justice Court appearance Tuesday to face the charge.

Treetop foundation: Refuge Friends build new bald eagle’s nest  7/31/2009 11:00:00 AM
STARKVILLE — The dead old pine tree stands ominous and gray in a section of woods just off the beaten path in the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge.

Starkville police seek info on Sears break-in  7/31/2009 11:00:00 AM
STARKVILLE — The Starkville Police Department is continuing to investigate a break-in this week at the Sears store on Highway 12.

MSU professor faces charge of assaulting student  7/30/2009 3:25:00 PM
STARKVILLE — A Mississippi State University professor accused of assaulting a student last month is scheduled for an Oktibbeha County Justice Court appearance Tuesday to face the charge.

Railroad cleanup scheduled next weekend  7/30/2009 10:33:00 AM
STARKVILLE — The railroad tracks beneath the University Drive bridge in Starkville are overgrown, littered with garbage and stink of stagnant water.

Son of ex-alderman gets 15 years on cocaine charge  7/29/2009 10:37:00 AM
STARKVILLE — The son of a former Starkville Board of Aldermen member was sentenced Tuesday in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court to 15 years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections system for dealing cocaine.

Former Starkville official’s son guilty of cocaine charge  7/28/2009 10:12:00 AM
STARKVILLE — The son of a former Starkville Board of Aldermen member was sentenced today in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court for a drug violation that dates back more than two years.

Artists wanted for new Starkville logo campaign  7/27/2009 10:42:00 AM
STARKVILLE — Artists, grab your sketch pads. The Greater Starkville Development Partnership is now taking submissions for a new logo/slogan competition to represent the Starkville community. The winning logo/slogan will be available to the city, businesses, Mississippi State University and anyone else who wants to use it, Partnership President and CEO Jon Maynard said.

Starkville sales tax revenues drop  7/25/2009 8:48:00 PM
STARKVILLE - A look at sales tax figures released Friday by the city of Starkville shows revenues are down over the past year. As of May, the most recent month for which figures were available, the city received $1,098,487.98 in sales tax. This compares to $1,239,757.53 reported by May 2008.

City misses bike path deadline; returns unspent $1.2 million  7/24/2009 10:12:00 AM
With plans for the proposed Lynn Lane multi-use path at a standstill, Starkville officials this week asked the state to keep more than $1.2 million in unspent federal grant money until the project is ready for construction.

Street signs with a flair  7/23/2009 10:25:00 AM
STARKVILLE — Residents of some Starkville neighborhoods soon might not have to look at the same drab street signs as other parts of the city. 

Sunday alcohol supporters, opponents dig in  7/22/2009 10:59:00 AM
The latest debate over Sunday alcohol sales heated up Tuesday in Starkville. Newly elected Alderman Jeremiah Dumas brought the issue to the table when, during a marathon meeting in City Hall, he and his fellow aldermen agreed to hold two public hearings next month to discuss the issue. The board is considering amendments to the city’s code of ordinances which would allow alcohol sales seven days a week.

Aldermen OK Academy Road zoning change  7/22/2009 10:55:00 AM
STARKVILLE — The Starkville Board of Aldermen approved a controversial zoning change Tuesday night, despite the wishes of several dozen residents who showed up in opposition. 

Starkville police ask for help to solve robbery  7/21/2009 11:25:00 AM
STARKVILLE — The Starkville Police Department is investigating a weekend robbery outside of Cadence Bank downtown.

Wiseman: New municipal complex is ‘highest priority’  7/21/2009 11:19:00 AM
STARKVILLE — Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman Monday said a new municipal complex should be “the highest priority” for the city, and he expects the issue to come to a referendum by next summer.

Oktibbeha supes delay decision on road repairs  7/21/2009 10:59:00 AM
STARKVILLE — Oktibbeha County District 2 Supervisor Orlando Trainer made progress Monday in his quest to pave the county’s vast network of gravel roads, but fellow board members held off on his request to pursue a bond issue for major infrastructure improvements.

Making a stand: Greg's Produce Barn, owned by Greg Bollinger, offers fresh produce to Oktibbeha residents year-round  7/13/2009
STARKVILLE — Greg’s Produce Barn is a colorful little place on Highway 12, just west of Starkville in the Longview community.

Developer churning new life into former Borden Milk plant  7/9/2009
STARKVILLE — The old Borden Milk plant has sat vacant at the corner of Lampkin and Montgomery streets in Starkville for years.

Volunteers leave their mark on Noxubee Wildlife Refuge  7/8/2009
STARKVILLE — The group came together nearly a year ago as total strangers from all over the country. One was from Minnesota and another was from Georgia. Massachusetts also was represented, along with Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.

Oktibbeha supervisor wants new bond issue for road work  7/7/2009
STARKVILLE — Another citizen showed up at the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors meeting Monday to ask for the county to pave a road, but the board ultimately told him it probably won’t happen any time soon.

Mayor Camp vetoes Lynn Lane path  7/5/2009
STARKVILLE — Outgoing Starkville Mayor Dan Camp on Thursday issued a veto of the revised Lynn Lane multi-use path project.

No more ink: Oktibbeha to get scan fingerprint technology  7/5/2009
STARKVILLE — The Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Department soon will begin using some new, state-of-the-art fingerprinting technology in an effort to improve its outdated system.

Wiseman: ‘Something big is about to happen’  7/3/2009

Battling the bug: Starkville, Columbus pull out the stops to control mosquitoes  7/2/2009
STARKVILLE — In the city of Starkville, Joseph Goddard is a mosquito’s worst enemy. The 22-year-old Mississippi State graduate has been on a mission to control the city’s mosquito population for each of the past three summers. He places mosquito larvicide tablets in standing water to kill the insects before they hatch; he sprays chemicals to kill mosquitoes in areas where they’ve become a problem, including the city’s streets and neighborhoods; and he has eight New Jersey mosquito traps set up throughout town.

Starkville aldermen shake up Parks Dept. in final meeting  7/1/2009
STARKVILLE — In its final meeting of the term, the Starkville Board of Aldermen Tuesday made a controversial decision about the future of the Parks and Recreation Department.

Aldermen OK new bike path for Lynn Lane  7/1/2009
STARKVILLE — A new Lynn Lane recreation path is in the works. The Starkville Board of Aldermen Tuesday voted 4-3 for engineering firm Neel-Schaffer to move forward with a revised plan that would connect Sycamore Street to McKee Park and the city’s Sportsplex.

Starkville aldermen OK new Lynn Lane bike path plan  7/1/2009
STARKVILLE — A new Lynn Lane recreation path is in the works. The Starkville Board of Aldermen Tuesday voted 4-3 for engineering firm Neel-Schaffer to move forward with a revised plan that would connect Sycamore Street to McKee Park and the city’s Sportsplex.

Faver takes over as Starkville judge  7/1/2009
STARKVILLE — Rodney Faver was sworn in as Starkville municipal court judge Tuesday during a ceremony in City Hall and took over in place of retiring Judge William Eshee today at 12:01 a.m.

Theater brings home awards  6/30/2009
STARKVILLE — Starkville Community Theatre members earned several awards last week for their portrayal of “Catfish Moon” at the American Association of Community Theatre Festival in Tacoma, Wash. The group won the Outstanding Backstage Achievement Award and the Outstanding Ensemble Award.

Wiseman's funding dwarfed mayoral opponents  6/27/2009
STARKVILLE — A look at the campaign finance reports from the Starkville municipal election this spring shows a significant disparity in the amount of contributions made to each candidate.

Starkville restaurant wants to cook up world record  6/27/2009

Eat With Us Group boycotts Canadian seafood  6/26/2009
A local restaurant group has joined businesses all over the world in a boycott of Canadian seafood. The Humane Society of the United States announced this week the Eat With Us Group, which is based out of Columbus, is boycotting Canadian seafood in response to the country’s annual commercial seal hunt.

MSU picks one of its own new dean of students  6/25/2009
STARKVILLE — Despite a nationwide search for a new dean of students, Mississippi State University has selected one of its own to fill the position.

New utility deposit policy approved  6/24/2009
STARKVILLE — A new, more expensive utility deposit is on the way in Starkville. The city’s Board of Aldermen Tuesday approved a new Starkville Electric Department deposit policy which increases the amount new residents must pay when setting up new accounts. The new rates are based on a customer’s utility credit history, which the Electric Department will check when patrons sign up for service.

Bike path won’t connect Starkville to MSU  6/24/2009
STARKVILLE — The Lynn Lane bike path project is dead. Kevin Stafford, of engineering firm Neel-Schaffer, told the Starkville Board of Aldermen Tuesday the whole scope of the Lynn Lane project needs to be changed. Neel-Schaffer asked the Federal Highway Administration for an extension to get all the final right-of-way acquisitions done, and to take care of other issues needed before the project can move forward, such as environmental studies, but the FHA didn’t grant the extension, Stafford said.

Oktibbeha supervisors reach deal with Highlands Plantation  6/23/2009
STARKVILLE — The Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors Monday night put one ongoing controversy to rest — at least for now — but rekindled the flame in another.

Starkville to get DEQ grant for curbside recycling  6/19/2009
STARKVILLE — The city of Starkville received word this week it was approved for a $25,000 Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality grant to initiate a curbside recycling program.

A model neighborhood: Campers study Cotton District architecture  6/18/2009
The Cotton District these days is a vibrant and bustling section of Starkville, with restaurants, apartments, bars and other businesses. It’s a far cry from the way it used to be, says Mayor Dan Camp, who began buying properties in the Cotton District in 1969. Camp described the old neighborhood as a “slum that nobody would walk into.”

Former Starkville Daily News editor remembered  6/17/2009
STARKVILLE — Don Foster was known by many in the Starkville community as a charismatic writer and sports editor for the Starkville Daily News.

City judge leaving bench  6/17/2009
STARKVILLE — William Eshee wears a lot of hats. He’s a judge, a professor, a hunter, a soldier and a father. At the end of this month, Eshee will take off two of those hats when he retires as municipal court judge for the city of Starkville, and as a business law professor at Mississippi State University. He officially retires from both jobs June 30.

Starkville Community Theatre heading to national competition  6/16/2009
STARKVILLE — On stage, Krista Vowel is a complicated character. Her name is Betty and she’s caught up in the middle of a tense love triangle involving her ex-husband and one of his childhood friends. Her brother, meanwhile, tries to maintain the peace.

Peach stand returns, at new location  6/15/2009
STARKVILLE — She parks her truck in front of the old service station on University Drive four days a week, pulls out a chair and sets up her umbrella.

Officials want bike-friendly status  6/13/2009
With a bicycle lane already connecting downtown to Mississippi State University, and another planned nearby, the city of Starkville in recent years has worked hard to provide safe transportation opportunities for cyclists.

Wiseman wants board to wait on personnel changes at City Hall  6/13/2009
STARKVILLE — Incoming Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman said Thursday he doesn’t plan to recommend any immediate personnel changes at City Hall, but a six-month evaluation period might be in the works.

McCool man arrested for a weekend shooting  6/11/2009
STARKVILLE — Starkville police arrested a McCool man Tuesday night for a weekend shooting in the Brookville Garden apartment complex. Stennis Miller, 18, was arrested on two counts of aggravated assault and one count of shooting into a dwelling.

CottonMill developers seek new deal with MSU  6/11/2009
STARKVILLE — Despite months of negotiations, developers of the CottonMill Marketplace project still have not reached an agreement with Mississippi State University on the sale of the historic E.E. Cooley building.

Oktibbeha County Lake levee set for repairs  6/10/2009
STARKVILLE — Officials in Oktibbeha County are set to repair a deteriorating section of the Oktibbeha County Lake levee in coming weeks.

Along the tracks, sounds of silence  6/9/2009
STARKVILLE — The train cars line the tracks outside of Starkville for miles on each side. Many are rusted and covered with graffiti. The tracks, meanwhile, are becoming overgrown, with some weeds standing as high as 6 and 7 feet tall. For Kansas City Southern, the company whose trains run through Starkville, the idle box cars are just a sign of the times.

Profile: 'It’s definitely not monotonous’  6/8/2009
STARKVILLE — Ty Thames goes through 1,000 spoons a week. As the co-owner of Restaurant Tyler in downtown Starkville, plus other restaurants in town including Bin 612, Rock Bottom Bar and Grill, and Barrister’s, Thames nearly always has a plastic spoon in his hand as he makes his rounds through the kitchen. He strolls from sauce to sauce, dish to dish, and constantly checks tastes and temperatures.

New city leaders ready for future  6/8/2009
STARKVILLE — The city of Starkville is poised to welcome a new mayor and five new members of the Board of Aldermen next month, but the incoming leaders aren’t worried about a lack of experience in City Hall.

Mayor Dan Camp looks back on four years of progress  6/6/2009
STARKVILLE — In the minds of some Starkville residents, the last four years in City Hall have been as contentious as any in recent memory.

Starkville alderman continues to vote ‘nay’  6/6/2009
STARKVILLE — Roy A. Perkins has been on the Starkville Board of Aldermen for 16 years. In that time, the Ward 6 representative often has voted against his fellow board members, as countless 6-1 votes can be found in city records.

Starkville recount yields no change in Ward 2 election results  6/5/2009
STARKVILLE — Election officials in Starkville Thursday held a recount of the general election results from Ward 2, but when all was said and done, the vote totals remained the same.

Aldermen work out details of increasing utility deposits  6/3/2009
STARKVILLE — Newcomers to Starkville could soon have to pay a bit more when setting up electric and other utilities in their homes. The Starkville Electric Department and the city’s Board of Aldermen are working on a proposal which would increase the deposit new customers must pay when setting up their accounts.

Complaints by neighbors lead to arrests in drug raid  6/3/2009
STARKVILLE — The investigation into possible drug activity in the Blackjack community outside of Starkville began six months ago, when neighbors complained to police about a high volume of traffic coming in and out of homes on Loco and Theodis roads.

Wiseman Elected, one of youngest mayors in state  6/3/2009
STARKVILLE — Parker Wiseman started thinking about going into politics when he was a student at Starkville High School.

Oktibbeha landowners push for sewer line  6/2/2009
STARKVILLE — A group of landowners in eastern Oktibbeha County is banding together in an effort to bring sewer service to their community.

Highlands, Cowbells Booze dispute continues  6/2/2009
STARKVILLE — With the future of the Highlands Plantation resort community still up in the air, Oktibbeha County Sheriff Dolph Bryan and developers of the $60 million development came a bit closer to an agreement Monday.

Starkville City Hall in for a change  5/31/2009
STARKVILLE — Voters in Starkville Tuesday will have the opportunity to reshape the face of city politics, though candidates with experience in City Hall are few and far between.

Oktibbeha water association doubles in size  5/29/2009
STARKVILLE — The city of Starkville is continuing to grow, and now a water association in Oktibbeha County is expanding to meet the demand.

Starkville company wins governor’s award  5/28/2009
STARKVILLE — A Starkville company was one of six in the state to receive the Governor’s Cup award this week, which recognizes businesses in the private sector for their impacts within the community.

Poorhouse Road project delayed in Oktibbeha  5/28/2009
STARKVILLE — More than a half dozen contractors showed up at the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors meeting Wednesday to find out who would win the bid for the Poorhouse Road construction project, but the group left without any answers.

Former Negro League baseball player to visit Starkville Wednesday  5/26/2009
STARKVILLE — A former Negro League baseball player will be in Starkville Wednesday to visit the James “Cool Papa” Bell exhibit at the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum.

Base honors longtime fire chief by naming new station in his honor  5/22/2009
For more than 50 years, Robert McAllister “dedicated his life” to helping others, ensuring his co-workers’ safety and serving his country in many different ways.

Experience Works offers new pursuits to older Americans  5/22/2009
STARKVILLE — Norbin McCollum Jr. was an employee of Southwire Co. in Starkville for more than 18 years. But in 2006, at the age of 62, McCollum says he lost his job and had no other means of income.

How did he do it? Wiseman’s Starkville campaign lauded by politicos  5/22/2009
ANALYSIS: Securing minority vote turned election in favor of political newcomer, experts say

Starkville passes sidewalk ordinance  5/20/2009
STARKVILLE — Starkville became a bit more pedestrian-friendly Tuesday night after the Board of Aldermen passed an ordinance to set standards for the construction of all new sidewalks throughout the city.

Wiseman wins runoff for Starkville mayor  5/20/2009
STARKVILLE — The race for mayor in the city of Starkville became a bit clearer Tuesday night as Parker Wiseman narrowly won the Democratic runoff against Matt Cox and secured his spot in the general election two weeks from now.

Starkville Sportsplex now a reality  5/19/2009
STARKVILLE — For Fred Tate, Mondays are fun days. Tate, 38, lives in Starkville, but works as a barber in Ackerman, more than 20 miles to the west.

Mayor, aldermen seats at stake in Starkville  5/16/2009
STARKVILLE — The upcoming runoff elections in the city of Starkville will feature two candidates in the race for mayor and two more facing off for a seat on the Board of Aldermen.

Drug unit investigates Starkville detective  5/14/2009
STARKVILLE — A Starkville Police Department detective is on administrative leave this week while he is being investigated by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and his own department for possible misconduct.

Starkville hotel tax snafu clarified  5/14/2009
STARKVILLE — A clerical error is to blame for the sudden drop-off in hotel tax revenues in the city of Starkville, tourism officials said this week.

Oktibbeha sheriff says he’s open to talks on Highlands Plantation’s resort status  5/11/2009
STARKVILLE — Oktibbeha County Sheriff Dolph Bryan says he is willing to talk with representatives from the Highlands Plantation resort community about a new proposal to limit excessive drinking among residents, but he wants to hear more about the plan before he makes a decision.

MSU grad’s on a mission  5/11/2009
STARKVILLE — The city of Chiang Mai is a sprawling metropolitan area in the northern mountains of Thailand. The climate is hot and humid, the food is spicy and fresh, and for much of the past year, a former Mississippi State University student has called the region home.

Starkville election officials prep for runoffs  5/11/2009
STARKVILLE — With the Starkville runoff and general elections set to take place over the next few weeks, officials at City Hall are doing everything they can to make sure the process runs smoothly.

Maben man gets two life terms for murders  5/8/2009
STARKVILLE — A Maben man will spend the rest of his life behind bars after he pleaded guilty Wednesday in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court to the murder of his wife and another woman last summer west of Starkville.

Firm combats downturn with soldier sculptures  5/8/2009
STARKVILLE — The factory floor inside the Nucor steel plant in Starkville is long, loud and bustling with working men.

Starkville alderman races set up changing of the guard  5/6/2009
STARKVILLE — While the city of Starkville braces for a new mayor this summer, residents also can expect to see some new faces on the seven-member Board of Aldermen.

Camp out as Starkville mayor; Cox and Wiseman in runoff  5/6/2009
STARKVILLE — Starkville City Hall was bustling Tuesday night as city officials, candidates and supporters alike gathered to wait on election results.

New plan aims to curb drinking outside homes, spare sports bar  5/5/2009
STARKVILLE — The fate of the Highlands Plantation resort community outside of Starkville hasn’t been decided just yet. Although the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors voted last month to ask the State Tax Commission to revoke the community’s resort status, the board on Monday decided to continue the resolution until it investigates the situation further.

Ward 4 primary features two MSU students  5/4/2009
STARKVILLE — In the race for the Ward 4 alderman seat, incumbent Richard Corey is running for re-election on the Democratic ticket and will face Republican challengers Nick Papas or John Michael VanHorn in the general election on June 2.

Self and Vaughn to face off in Ward 7 race  5/4/2009
STARKVILLE — The battle for Starkville’s Ward 7 alderman seat will pit incumbent Janette Self against challenger Henry Vaughn Tuesday in the Democratic primary. With no Republicans entered in the race, the winner of the Democratic primary will secure the Ward 7 seat.

Starkville Ward 1 Democratic primary to feature Bagwell, Duncan and Weaver-Reese  5/4/2009
STARKVILLE — With Starkville’s Ward 1 Alderman Sumner Davis opting not to run for re-election, five candidates have come forward to fill his seat. Democrats Corey Bagwell, Mark Duncan and Juliette Weaver-Reese will square off Tuesday in the primary election. The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Ben Carver and Independent Helen Eaves in the general election on June 2.

Starkville Mayor’s race: Camp, Cox and Wiseman square off Tuesday  5/3/2009
STARKVILLE — With the city of Starkville growing each and every year, many are calling the upcoming municipal election one of the most important in community history.

Georgia man charged in Thursday kidnapping attempt at MSU  5/3/2009
STARKVILLE — A Georgia man arrested Thursday morning at Mississippi State University on a robbery charge now faces additional charges by city and campus police.

Suspected prank forces closure of MSU auditorium  4/24/2009
STARKVILLE — A Thursday afternoon French class at Mississippi State University turned into quite the adventure for a professor and a few of his students after the group was exposed to some suspicious white powder in a campus auditorium.

Board denies rezoning for proposed subdivision  4/23/2009
STARKVILLE — The Starkville Board of Aldermen Tuesday voted 4-3 to deny a developer’s request to rezone 4.98 acres at the southwest corner of Yellow Jacket Drive and Eckford Drive from an R-1 single-family residential district to an R-3A single-family medium density district.

Starkville woman gets 15 years for 2008 shooting  4/23/2009
STARKVILLE — A Starkville woman was sentenced Tuesday to 15 years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections system for the shooting death of another woman last March in the Pecan Acres neighborhood.

Starkville aldermen aim to regulate outdoor furniture, yard sales with proposed ordinance  4/23/2009
STARKVILLE — As part of a continued effort to improve the appearance of Starkville, the city’s Board of Aldermen is considering an ordinance to ban couches and other indoor furniture from porches and yards.

Suspicious powder found at MSU  4/23/2009
The Mississippi State University Police Department is investigating some suspicious white powder a professor found this afternoon in an auditorium on campus.

New technology hurts Oktibbeha 911 budget  4/22/2009
STARKVILLE — With more people relying on cell phones and other means of communication instead of traditional land lines, the Oktibbeha County E-911 dispatch center has found itself in a financial bind.

Starkville police nab MSU robbery suspects  4/22/2009
STARKVILLE — Two juveniles and a 20-year-old have been arrested for robbing a Mississippi State University student Monday night on Sorority Row.

Man upset with supes over land deal  4/21/2009
STARKVILLE — The effort to pave a short stretch of gravel road just south of Starkville has left one property owner angry at the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors over what he calls a campaign of “deception” and “half truths.”

Starkville set for Bulldog Bash, Cotton District Arts Festival  4/16/2009
STARKVILLE — The city of Starkville will be abuzz this weekend as organizers prepare for Super Bulldog Bash and the Cotton District Arts Festival.

Starkville joins the ‘party’  4/16/2009
More than 100 people rallied in front of the Oktibbeha County Courthouse in Starkville to protest the federal government’s economic policies.

MSU gets grant for C&G Railway study  4/15/2009
STARKVILLE — Representatives from the Appalachian Regional Commission were in Starkville Tuesday and presented Mississippi State University officials with a $100,000 check to study the Columbus and Greenville Railway line, which has been out of service between West Point and Greenwood since 2001.

Mayoral candidates spilt on Sunday alcohol sales  4/15/2009
STARKVILLE — Residents of Starkville got a glimpse of their future leader Tuesday night as all four candidates in the race for mayor gathered for a public forum at the Hilton Garden Inn.

Starkville mayoral forum set for tonight  4/14/2009
STARKVILLE — The Starkville Young Professionals will hold their third and final public forum tonight for candidates in the upcoming Starkville municipal election.

Shortened bike path plan called a ‘reasonable compromise’  4/10/2009
STARKVILLE — Although the Lynn Lane multi-use path won’t be quite as long as initially planned, members of Starkville in Motion are excited to see the project move forward.

Starkville hotel tax revenues drop  4/9/2009
STARKVILLE — Hotel tax revenues in the city of Starkville are down substantially over the past year and some local businessmen want to know why.

Supervisors vote to revoke hamlet's resort status  4/7/2009
STARKVILLE – The fate of the Highlands Plantation resort community outside of Starkville now rests in the hands of the state.

Starkville Aldermen prepare to take on sidewalks regs  4/3/2009
STARKVILLE — A new ordinance intended to regulate the construction of sidewalks in Starkville is in the final stages and the city’s Board of Aldermen will soon take up the measure. Ward 4 Alderman Richard Corey on Tuesday will request two public hearings to discuss the ordinance, which would require sidewalks along all new public and private roads built within the city. It also would require sidewalks in front of all new homes and businesses before the city issues certificates of occupancy.

Starkville owl’s parents return  4/3/2009
STARKVILLE — The effort to save a baby barn owl whose home was destroyed by high winds last weekend appears to be a success.

Charlie, the owl that went to church  4/2/2009
STARKVILLE — Charlie is a 5-week-old barn owl who lives in a tree along Greensboro Street, not far from downtown Starkville.

Starkville aldermen candidates speak of city’s growth potential  4/1/2009
STARKVILLE — A half dozen candidates campaigning for seats on the Starkville Board of Aldermen came together for a forum Tuesday to discuss their plans for the city, with much of the talk centering on the need for smart growth and citywide infrastructure improvements.

Green movement in Starkville continues to gather steam  3/28/2009
STARKVILLE – When Stan Shurden and Joe Bell began a little company called Starkville Recycling back in 2004, some people thought they were crazy.

Suspect in MSU kidnap attempt still at large  3/27/2009
 STARKVILLE — A suspect in the attempted kidnapping of a Mississippi State University student was still at large Friday, two days after the incident at a Starkville apartment building.

Starkville sidewalk group on move  3/27/2009
STARKVILLE — The quest to improve Starkville’s cracked and crumbling sidewalks is well under way for the city’s sidewalk committee, but the group for now is content to tackle the task one step at a time.

MSU student jumps from moving car to escape kidnapper  3/26/2009
STARKVILLE – A Mississippi State University student was kidnapped Wednesday night from outside her apartment building, but escaped her assailant by jumping from a moving car.

Starkville residents applaud CottonMill Marketplace  3/25/2009
STARKVILLE — Developers of the CottonMill Marketplace project were curious about the reception they would receive Tuesday at a town hall meeting to discuss the development.

State’s economy ‘likely to get worse before it gets better’  3/24/2009
STARKVILLE — Sales tax receipts are up statewide compared to this time last year, State Treasurer Tate Reeves said Monday, and the city of Starkville is no exception.

Shinn’s Little Store an oasis for outdoorsmen  3/23/2009
STARKVILLE — On most days, W.T. “Bud” Shinn sits outside his store in the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge and watches the world go by.

Starkville sidewalk ordinance in the works  3/20/2009
STARKVILLE — While Starkville residents will see massive repairs to city streets and drainage systems this year, the city’s newly formed sidewalk committee is working hard to improve things for pedestrians.

Starkville aldermen approve curbside recycling plan  3/18/2009
STARKVILLE — A citywide curbside recycling program is finally on its way in Starkville. After months of discussion, the Starkville Board of Aldermen on Tuesday approved a plan to collect curbside recycling from more than 6,000 homes throughout the city.

Starkville police: Child predator story ‘a lie’  3/17/2009
STARKVILLE — A Starkville woman who told police a man approached her last week and threatened her children admitted Monday the story was a hoax.

Booze dispute simmers in Oktibbeha County  3/17/2009
STARKVILLE — Oktibbeha County Sheriff Dolph Bryan is standing firm in his stance against Highlands Plantation's resort status as the county Board of Supervisors debates what to do about the controversial community.

Mother, two children drown after wreck  3/16/2009
STARKVILLE — An Oktibbeha County woman and her two children drowned over the weekend when their vehicle veered off a gravel road and overturned in a flooded culvert.

Starkville aldermen to consider curbside recycling program  3/14/2009
STARKVILLE — The effort to create a greener Starkville is picking up steam as the city’s Board of Aldermen Tuesday will consider a proposal to implement a voluntary citywide curbside recycling program.

C&G Railway vital to towns along the tracks  3/14/2009
EUPORA — As Cynthia Wilson walks along a stretch of Columbus and Greenville Railway line, she points ahead to a section of track not far from the main drag in downtown Eupora.

Starkville’s future policy makers talk issues, project proposals  3/12/2009
STARKVILLE — Some of the newest faces on the Starkville political scene gathered for a public forum Tuesday night and gave city residents a brief glimpse into their plans for the future.

Former MSU linebacker faces felony charges  3/11/2009

First of three public forums for Starkville candidates tonight  3/10/2009
STARKVILLE — The Starkville Young Professionals are set to hold a public forum tonight for candidates running in the upcoming Starkville municipal election.

Three Starkville incumbents not seeking re-election  3/7/2009

Starkville after-school programs need funding  3/6/2009

CottonMill Marketplace public meeting scheduled  3/6/2009

Mother’s prayers answered when missing daughter calls from hospital  3/5/2009

Sheriff wants no more beer at popular Oktibbeha bar  3/4/2009
If Oktibbeha County Sheriff Dolph Bryan has his way, a popular sports bar and restaurant outside of Starkville one day will stop selling beer.

Starkville committee plans city stimulus spending  3/3/2009

Starkville police battle DUI problem  2/28/2009
STARKVILLE – The number of DUI arrests in Starkville has increased steadily in recent years, but city police are working hard to combat the problem.

Work begins on new Starkville Electric building  2/25/2009
STARKVILLE — Construction has begun at the site of the new Starkville Electric Department building in downtown Starkville.

Organizers gearing up for Starkville Community Market  2/24/2009
STARKVILLE — With the second season of the Starkville Community Market set to kick off in May, organizers are planning an event in downtown Starkville this weekend to help raise funds.

Hamming it up: Cub Scout’s radio interest leads to company, success  2/23/2009
STARKVILLE — Martin Jue can trace the entire course of his life back to one day. He was an 8-year-old Cub Scout, living in the Mississippi Delta town of Hollandale, and took part in a group activity where he learned how to build a radio. Little did Jue know this one activity would change his life.

Oktibbeha group looks to lure automaker  2/20/2009

Starkville High School principal resigns  2/19/2009

Starkville aldermen OK $3 million in road bonds  2/18/2009

Starkville High School principal resigns  2/18/2009
STARKVILLE — Starkville High School Principal Kathi Wilson submitted her resignation this morning to school district Superintendent Judy Couey.

Supes asked to seek funding for return of the railway line  2/17/2009
STARKVILLE — An engineering study is under way on the Columbus and Greenville Railway line as plans to reconstruct the roughly 200-year-old tracks continue to move forward.

Trooper acquitted of fondling charge  2/7/2009

Trooper’s fondling case nearly ends in mistrial  2/6/2009

Trooper found not guilty of fondling teen  2/6/2009

Trooper’s fondling trial continues today  2/4/2009

Oktibbeha recruits help tackle $27.5M hospital bond  2/3/2009

Drunk driver gets 35 years for fatal crash  2/3/2009

Starkville aldermen Davis, McLaurin call it quits  1/31/2009

State seeks death penalty for Maben murders  1/30/2009
A Maben man accused of brutally killing his wife and another woman last summer now faces a possible death sentence in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court.

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