Columbus Library to begin e-book program

Brick-and-mortar libraries aren’t disappearing from the literary landscape any time soon, but they are changing, and the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library is changing as well, adding a growing litany of services for book lovers young and old.

By the end of July, your next beach read may be an e-book, borrowed from the library and downloaded to your favorite digital device.

Library adds new resource center to help autistic children

Library Director Alice Shands was in Lancaster, Penn. when she saw something that blew her away — so much so that she knew immediately it was a service the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library should offer.

No injuries in Columbus Air Force Base jet malfunction

A Columbus Air Force Base instructor pilot and student pilot escaped without injury Monday after the landing gear of their training jet malfunctioned, causing the aircraft to land on its belly with its wheels retracted.

Carlyle finds perfect fit at Heritage Academy

Heritage Academy’s new headmaster, Dr. Greg Carlyle, knows a thing or two about private education: The native Canadian attended Ridley College, an independent, co-educational boarding school in St. Catharine’s, Ontario.

The school’s Latin motto, “Terar Dum Prosim,” is loosely translated as “May I be consumed in service,” and Carlyle has spent his life adhering to that principle. Now, as he takes the place of former Heritage Headmaster Tommy Gunn, he enters the next phase of his 21-year career in education.

Wind Symphony serenades 2,000

As concert-goers streamed up the hillside to the overlook at the John C. Stennis Lock and Dam Saturday evening, waves of undulating heat rose from the ground, relentless, unforgiving.

The reward went to those who persevered.

The timing could not have been more carefully orchestrated. The American Wind Symphony Orchestra took the stage as the sun began its slow decline, and as the first strains of music rang out across the water, the sky blushed the palest of pinks, painting the Tennessee-Tombigbee in a palette of silvered lavender.

New superintendent to make $150,000 in first year

After two weeks of contract negotiations, Dr. Martha Liddell finally signed the dotted line last Monday, agreeing to a three-year commitment as superintendent of the Columbus Municipal School District.

Principals named at CHS and CMS

The Columbus Municipal School District named principals for Columbus High School and Columbus Middle School today during a special board meeting of the Board of Trustees.

The two new principals will be familiar faces to parents and students; both are longtime assistant principals at the schools they will now run. Jill Savely will be the new principal at the high school, and Freda Dismukes will take the helm at the middle school.

CMSD turns down Point of Grace’s $175,000 offer for school

Church congregations have successfully snapped up vacant city school properties over the past few years, but Point of Grace Pastor Shane Cruse was not so lucky in his recent attempt to purchase the sprawling Lee Middle School, which has sat empty since January 2011.

Apologetic Liddell backs off plan for early-release

After considerable blow-back from her first major action as the Columbus Municipal School District’s new superintendent, Dr. Martha Liddell reversed course Tuesday on a plan to dismiss students early on Wednesdays to allow time for teacher training and development.

Kappler resigns; Columbus now with three principal vacancies

The city schools finally have a new superintendent, but with the fall semester only a month and a half away, the administrative shuffle continues as the Columbus Municipal School District seeks to fill three, possibly four, key vacancies.

Humane Society flooded with donations after dog food theft

Days after dealing with a puppy chow thief, the Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society has a new, albeit good, problem: Local animal lovers have responded with a deluge of dog food — more, in fact, than what was stolen.

State puts CMSD early-release plans in jeopardy

The Columbus Municipal School District’s early dismissal plan, if implemented, may meet an early demise due to state board of education concerns over policy inconsistencies in other districts.

Thousands celebrate family and freedom at Juneteenth

For many who gathered at Sim Scott Park, Juneteenth was part homecoming and part history lesson — a celebration of family and freedom. In its early years, the festival only drew around 1,000 people, but now more than 10,000 attend, said Leroy Brooks, of the Afro-American Culture Organization, which coordinates the three-day event.

Nancy Bragg named state Administrator of the Year

It has been a year of highlights for Sale Elementary International Studies Magnet School, and things just keep looking up, Principal Nancy Bragg said Friday, on her way home from the state Department of Education’s board meeting in Jackson.

Liddell backtracks on early-release letter

A letter to teachers and administrators asking for feedback on releasing city school students early on Wednesdays was never sent, district Superintendent Dr. Martha Liddell confirmed late Thursday night.

Governor’s School uses eclectic classes to inspire creativity

Textbooks have given way to Sudoku, South Park, and sushi this summer as the top high schoolers in the state gather for the 32nd annual Mississippi Governor’s School at Mississippi University for Women.

Caledonia employee files grievance

An employee with the Town of Caledonia’s water and sewer department has filed a grievance against Water Superintendent Benny Coleman, alleging blackmail, ethics violations, discrimination and a violation of his constitutional rights.

A promise kept: Columbus native returns home to honor parents

The first time Joe LaNier II left Columbus, he was 17. There weren’t many options for the young black man deep in the heart of the 1940s South. His mother was dead, his father was out of work, his little sisters were hungry and he had just been fired from his job as a dishwasher because he’d asked for a raise from $3.50 to $5 a week.

Liddell to propose ‘early release Wednesdays’

Dr. Martha Liddell will preside Monday night over her first school board meeting since being selected as superintendent of the Columbus Municipal School District.

She plans to update the board on details of her “Believe and Achieve” strategic plan, which she unveiled during her interview last month.

Caledonia outlines municipal complex plans

It may not be the Taj Mahal, but Caledonia aldermen believe the new municipal complex they’re planning will be a welcome improvement for the community.