Articles by Carmen K. Sisson
Cracker Barrel coming to Columbus
Local residents and ardent road-trippers will soon have another option on the menu: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store and Restaurant, a mainstay of the national food chain, is expected to locate in Columbus early next year.
Market Street Festival security goes high-tech
“It’s like something from a James Bond movie,” a man whispered, watching in awe Friday as Stark Aerospace electro-optical technician Arzell Huggins demonstrated the company’s Pop200 infrared surveillance system.
In West Point, a glimmer of hope: Prospects of a major employer coming to town creates mood of cautious optimism
Slowly, the land is reclaiming what once was a proud, family-owned industry in West Point. What the weeds and ant hills have not taken, the wrecking ball and Mother Nature will eventually destroy.
The W celebrates 40th anniversary of nursing program
They came from across the nation, their hair perhaps a little grayer, their steps perhaps a little slower, but their faces as alight with enthusiasm as they were the first day they stepped on campus at Mississippi University for Women. It was a celebration, after all, and the charter class of MUW’s College of Nursing and Speech-Pathology came prepared for the occasion.
Faithful turn to prayer in wake of tragedies
Terrie Young was watching television Monday when the words scrolled across the screen. Two bombs had exploded near the finish line at the Boston Marathon. At least three people were dead. Dozens were injured.
“Lord have mercy,” she whispered. And she fell to her knees.
MUW kicks off homecoming today
The long blue line is coming home, with hundreds expected to celebrate Mississippi University for Women’s homecoming, which kicks off today and continues through Sunday.
Caledonia hires interim town clerk
Voters in Caledonia will see a familiar face around Town Hall for the next few weeks.
Fire at Corps of Engineers barn estimated at $350K in losses
The War on Weeds is dead in the water — for the moment, anyway.
Columbus couple leaves bomb scene before blasts
It had been a perfect day. That’s what Columbus resident and avid runner Brad Atkins couldn’t wrap his head around Monday night. Everything was good, everyone was happy, everything was fine, he kept saying. Everything had seemed fine.
Officials beaming over success of Pilgrimage
The 73rd annual Spring Pilgrimage ended Saturday, concluding what organizers say was the event’s most lucrative year in a decade.
Gilding the Gilmer: Operators hope renovations will again make historic hotel an option for tourists
This past weekend was arguably one of the busiest Columbus has seen in a while. Between the conclusion of the Spring Pilgrimage and the Grillin’ on the River barbecue competition, restaurants, shops and hotels enjoyed brisk business.
Decades ago, Hotel Gilmer — with its prime location on Main Street — would have presided over it all.
Community shred day to be held Friday
With tax day fast approaching, area financial experts are advising people to consider destroying documents they no longer need.
Sally Kate Winters set for main fundraiser
Heather Usry sees the faces behind the statistics every day. Six million children. Approximately 3.6 million cases. One child abuse report filed every 10 seconds. Last year, 120 abused children from 40 Mississippi counties sought refuge in West Point at Sally Kate Winters Family Services, where Usry works as outreach coordinator.
Columbus library helps bridge ‘digital divide’
Love it or hate it, the Internet is here to stay, rapidly permeating almost every aspect of our culture.
Once a novelty, digital literacy is now a critical skill, and libraries across the country are scrambling to get their patrons up to speed.
Many Golden Triangle districts eligible for charter schools
Charter schools could begin showing up in area school districts as early as next year, pending Gov. Phil Bryant’s signature on House Bill 369, which passed the Senate last week 34-18. The governor has said he will sign the bill, opening the door for up to 15 charter schools per year to open in struggling and failing school districts across the state.
Missing: A Columbus family’s search for a missing sister spans five decades
Everything was going to be OK, she said. Better than OK. The past few years had been tough, but she was tough, too, and she was going to make it. Wronged in so many ways, she was going to finally set things right. Build a new life for herself and her eight-month-old daughter.
‘Tales from the Crypt’ brings legends to life
Juniors at Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science have spent the entire school year exploring the historical context of issues like race, class, gender and religion as they relate to some of the city’s most notorious residents.
Tonight at 7 p.m., they will present the culmination of that knowledge in the 23rd annual “Tales from the Crypt” at Friendship Cemetery.
Hill resigns as Caledonia Town Clerk
The board of aldermen Tuesday night unanimously approved the resignation of acting clerk Krista Hill, who began Feb. 1. Hill filed a workplace harassment complaint Feb. 26, alleging Mayor George Gerhart and political candidate William Darnell had engaged in indecent language and sexual comments that made her uncomfortable.
Heredia displays magnetic charm of servant leader
Her resumé reads like a page-long listing in Who’s Who Among American High School Students.
Senior class president. Class favorite. Most beautiful. Homecoming queen. Honor roll student. Cheerleader. She leads Heritage Academy’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes and is vice-president of the Beta Club. She is the All-American girl-next-door.
Library reveals ‘Mother Goose’ endowment drive
For a half-second Monday night, Edwina Williams was speechless. Known by everyone in Columbus as “Mother Goose,” she is usually found in costume (with her goose by her side), reading to children, or singing, playing the piano or performing as one of her other incarnations — Miz Claus or, most recently, Mrs. Easter Bunny.