Articles by Carl Smith
Harness track repairs in limbo despite funding approval
Despite Oktibbeha County supervisors approving funding and in-kind services to repair Mississippi Horse Park’s harness racing surface and bring the venue up to U.S. Trotting Association standards, park Director Bricklee Miller says officials have not yet approved work at the Mississippi State University-owned facility.
New nightclub ordinance draft adds teeth
A new draft of an ordinance regulating nightclub operations contains several new life safety provisions, including rules curbing establishment overcrowding and ensuring access to functional, unobstructed emergency exits in structures.
Aldermen promote Sanders to community developer
Aldermen unanimously promoted Buddy Sanders, Starkville’s former city planner, to community developer and began the process to fill his now-vacant position Tuesday.
Unity Park group eyes January opening
Unity Park committee members hope to unveil a redesigned public green space on Martin Luther King Jr. Day — Jan. 19, 2015 — that provides more acknowledgements to local and state-level civil rights pioneers.
Club Rock injunction remains after hearing is continued
Club Rock will remain closed until at least late May after an Oktibbeha County Circuit Court Judge continued a public nuisance abatement against the nightclub’s owner Larry Fair on Monday.
Garrard ready to lead as county administrator
While Oktibbeha County Administrator Emily Garrard formally took over the county’s top administrative post earlier this month, she has yet to physically move into the head office.
Gilbert named finalist for Austin Peay’s top position
Mississippi State University Provost and Executive Vice President Jerry Gilbert was named one of four finalists for Austin Peay State University’s top post’s upcoming vacancy.
Board narrows community developer list to five
Starkville aldermen narrowed a list of 26 community developer applicants to five finalists this week and scheduled interviews for a 5:30 p.m. special-call board meeting on Tuesday.
SED manager predicts no electricity rate hikes
Starkville Electric Department will operate a Fiscal Year 2014-2015 budget similar to current funding levels and does not need an electric rate hike to subsidize its operations, General Manager Terry Kemp said Thursday.
One person interviewed in hit-and-run investigation
Investigators have identified and interviewed at least one person of interest who may be connected to Sunday’s hit-and-run fatality on U.S. Highway 82 but had not made any arrests as of Wednesday, a Mississippi Highway Patrol spokesperson confirmed.
Suspect shot Friday in alleged home invasion
Oktibbeha County deputies are searching for two home invasion suspects after a third was shot at University Hills Trailer Park Friday.
Circuit judge shuts down Club Rock
A circuit court judge on Friday temporarily closed Club Rock after the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Department, through an affidavit seeking a temporary restraining order, said it received credible information that a retaliatory shooting “has been planned and is ready to be carried out” at the nightclub.
Stewart woman arrested with meth, paraphernalia
Starkville police officers arrested a Stewart woman Monday after discovering she had methamphetamine and methamphetamine paraphernalia after a morning incident at Walmart.
Aldermen move forward with 4 sanitation studies
Starkville aldermen on Tuesday unanimously approved four separate sanitation studies — including one that would outsource service — in an effort to find future savings to help balance the department’s budget.
Community developer interviews back on city agenda
Starkville aldermen could set interview dates for its vacant community developer position today, one of the last remaining top-tier vacancies within city government.
Alabama man identified as hit-and-run victim
A Mississippi Highway Patrol spokesperson identified Sunday’s hit-and-run fatality as 25-year-old Cason Bryant Park, a former US Marine of Gordo, Ala.
Oktibbeha supe wants to resume hospital sale talks
Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors President Orlando Trainer is again calling for a meeting between supervisors and OCH Regional Medical Center trustees to discuss the future of county health care.
Man killed in Sunday hit-and-run near Center Grove
Investigators are working to confirm the identity of a man killed in an apparent hit-and-run accident Sunday along U.S. Highway 82.
Latimer: Budget committee should use caution with meeting input
Attorney says Ward 4 Alderman Jason Walker’s interaction at Thursday’s budget discussion changed the nature of the meeting.
Alderman Walker censored at budget meeting
Ward 4 Alderman Jason Walker left Thursday’s preliminary sanitation budgetary session after Board Attorney Chris Latimer, via a phone call to city representatives, said he could only observe, not participate in financial discussions.
