Articles by Carl Smith
McGinnis picked as interim circuit clerk
Former Oktibbeha County Circuit Clerk Angie McGinnis will serve as interim circuit clerk until a new leader for the office is picked in Nov. 7’s special election.
Oktibbeha County seeks AG opinion on withheld OCH data
Oktibbeha County is seeking an opinion from Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood’s office on whether OCH Regional Medical Center officials can intentionally withhold information meant for prospective hospital bidders.
McGinnis emerging as option for interim circuit clerk
A familiar face could take over as Oktibbeha County’s interim circuit clerk.
Judge rules Moore’s election challenge can proceed
Starkville mayoral candidate Johnny Moore’s challenge of May’s Democratic Primary runoff likely will remain in legal limbo after attorneys for Mayor Lynn Spruill promised to appeal Special Judge Barry W. Ford’s Thursday decision denying her motion to dismiss the case.
Oktibbeha man accused of raping a juvenile
An Oktibbeha County man remains in jail after he was accused of raping a minor.
Barret stepping down from GSDP role this month
Heath Barret, who led the Greater Starkville Development Partnership on an interim basis as it searched for a new chief executive officer, will step down from his role as its director of membership development July 26.
Public meeting for Locksley multi-use path set for Thursday
Officials will debut conceptual designs of sidewalks and bike paths that will connect south Starkville to Mississippi State University’s campus during a 4 p.m. public meeting Thursday at The Mill Conference Center.
Joint city-county meeting expected on industrial park options
An expected joint meeting of the Starkville Board of Aldermen, Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors and bond attorneys could decide the fate of a proposed Golden Triangle Development LINK-backed industrial park as leaders are expected to discuss how to proceed with the litigated project’s financing.
Campanella lands OCEMA director job
Oktibbeha County Emergency Management Agency’s long-serving deputy director, Kristen Campanella, will now lead the agency she joined 16 years ago.
Road manager hire splits supervisors
Fred Hal Baggett is set to become Oktibbeha County’s next road manager, but his Monday appointment drew protest from two supervisors who said stronger candidates had applied.
Sheriff’s department investigating SPD officer
Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a Starkville Police Department officer after the city referred the case to its county counterpart, OCSO Lt. Brett Watson confirmed Thursday.
Starkville mayoral hearing rescheduled
A hearing on candidate Johnny Moore’s challenge to the results of Starkville’s mayoral race is now set for Thursday after scheduling issues with the presiding judge forced the event to be pushed back.
Starkville man charged with assaulting a police officer
A Starkville man is due in court next month after he allegedly assaulted a police officer.
Starkville aldermen fire sanitation director
Starkville is now looking for a new person to lead its sanitation department after aldermen unanimously voted to fire Emma Gandy Wednesday.
Infrastructure, jobs and parks high on Starkville’s to-do list
Many of the hottest issues on this spring’s campaign trail — infrastructure fixes, job creation and improvements to Starkville’s public park system — are now set to be high-priority agenda items for the next four years.
Ellis steps down from Miss. House seat
District 38 Rep. Tyrone Ellis, D-Starkville, is stepping away from public service effective immediately.
Maynard picked as next GSDP leader
Outgoing Ward 5 Alderman Scott Maynard will take over as the Greater Starkville Development Partnership’s president and chief executive officer next month.
Stricklin resigns from school board post
Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District trustee Anne Stricklin submitted her letter of resignation Wednesday after forecasting her eventual departure last year.
SPD dedication postponed after flooding issues surface
Friday’s planned unveiling of Starkville Police Department’s newly renovated headquarters was postponed Wednesday after issues of flooding in the building’s basement came to light this week.
MSU bomb threat forces evacuation
Mississippi State University police continue to investigate a bomb threat that forced the evacuation of several buildings on campus.
Blake Shapen embracing leadership under center and in the QB room
July 18, 2025
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