Articles by Carl Smith
SOCSD eyes new administrative home on Lynn Lane
A potential property acquisition could move many of Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District’s administrative functions to the former Mississippi State Department of Health office on Lynn Lane and give Oktibbeha County supervisors access to surplus property.
Sheriff: New deputy hires will expand shift coverage
The Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors’ tentative Fiscal Year 2017-18 budget will allow Sheriff Steve Gladney more manpower to cover the county’s 459 square miles.
College View, 550 Russell projects moving forward
Two new mixed-use projects at differing stages of development near Mississippi State University’s campus took steps toward becoming a reality in Starkville Thursday.
Sturgis bike rally a ‘reunion’ for committed attendees
Dusty Dendy, a retired U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services worker and 40-year motorcycle rider, said his annual trip to the Rally in Sturgis is a little more exciting this year because he has a new toy to show off to his friends.
Golden Triangle inclusivity touted at vigil for Charlottesville
As the chorus of “We Shall Overcome” filled the air Wednesday at Mississippi State University, those gathered in solidarity against others who attempt to divide the nation with hate had their own message: Intolerance and bigotry are not welcome in the Golden Triangle.
Almost 3-mill increase expected for Oktibbeha operations
Oktibbeha County’s recent road bond, its upcoming industrial park pledge, a funding increase for volunteer fire services and other tentative pledges are expected to increase taxes by 2.88 mills in the upcoming fiscal year.
2 dead in Oktibbeha County car crash
A single-car crash killed two Louisville residents in eastern Oktibbeha County Tuesday.
Sexual assault convict back in custody after escaping jail
Terry Hill, a 44-year-old West Point man recently convicted of numerous felonies stemming from a 2016 Cotton District assault and sexual battery, is back in custody after escaping from the Oktibbeha County Jail Friday.
Starkville man charged with sexual battery
A Starkville man is due in municipal court next month after he was charged with sexual battery.
With voting blocs building, Little could decide proposed alcohol changes’ fate
The sides supporting and opposing easements to Starkville’s restrictions on alcohol sales are taking shape, and Ward 3 Alderman David Little could be the swing vote on the matter after aldermen deadlocked Friday on an attempt to pull a call for public hearings from Tuesday’s agenda.
Starkville aldermen could ease restrictions on alcohol sales
Starkville aldermen could soon hold hearings on easing local restrictions on alcohol sales that will bring them in line with state statutes.
Weather delays opening of SOCSD-MSU partnership school to 2019
Construction of Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District’s grades 6-7 partnership school is not expected to conclude until spring 2019 because of delays to dirt work caused by summer rains, SOCSD Superintendent Eddie Peasant confirmed.
Prather named GSDP tourism leader
Greater Starkville Development Partnership Interim Director of Tourism Jennifer Prather is losing the “interim” portion of her title and will continue to lead tourism efforts on a permanent basis, the GSDP announced Tuesday.
Snyder running for Oktibbeha County’s circuit clerk position
The field of Oktibbeha County circuit clerk candidates grew to five last week after Stephanie Morgan Snyder, a local public school teacher of 15 years, qualified for the race.
Morse challenging Phelps for District 1 constable
Oktibbeha County’s District 1 constable position became a contested race last week after county transport officer Joe Morse qualified to run against former Constable Shank Phelps.
AG opinion: Supervisors should have access to ‘necessary’ OCH data
A recently issued opinion from Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood’s office states the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors should have access to information “necessary in carrying out the duties” of a potential OCH Regional Medical Center transaction and neither the county nor hospital can spend public funds to influence the outcome of November’s planned referendum.
Taylor announces bid for District 38 House seat
The field for the vacant Mississippi House of Representatives’ District 38 seat grew to three contenders Friday as Cheikh Taylor, the executive director of the nonprofit Brickfire Project, announced his candidacy.
Starkville clerk fined for delayed records disclosure
A preliminary ruling by the Mississippi Ethics Commission recommends fining Starkville City Clerk Lesa Hardin $100 for the city’s failure to meet a statutory deadline for answering an open records request for minutes of previous Starkville Airport Board meetings.
Grand jury declines to indict former SPD officer
A potential criminal case against William Thrasher appears to be over after the Oktibbeha County grand jury declined to indict the former Starkville Police Department officer this term, the circuit clerk’s office confirmed Thursday.
Gandy facing additional felonies from June chase
The Starkville teenager injured in June’s police chase and officer-involved shooting now faces two additional felony charges.