Lowndes sets new superintendent’s salary

When Lynn Wright assumes the seat as Lowndes County School superintendent in January, he’ll enter office making 40 percent more than his predecessor’s starting salary, thanks to a unanimous vote by the county school board during Friday’s meeting.

Saturday Profile: Pitty-Pats closing its doors after 32 years

They came from places as far away as Texas, Louisiana and Georgia. They brought their children and later their grandchildren. For more than three decades, the little house, nestled beneath a canopy of pines on Crescent Drive, was a one-stop shop of wonders and curiosities to suit the young as well as the young at heart. And the reason for it all was Pitty-Pat’s, a locally owned gift shop specializing in hard-to-find, high-end gifts and collectibles ranging from Italian-made Fontanini Nativity sets to tussy mussy bouquets made by an artisan in Artesia.

Middle-schoolers humbled by work at local soup kitchen

The air was filled with the smell of a holiday-style meal and the sounds of Christmas carols Friday afternoon as the Caledonia Middle School Beta Club, along with members of Broadacres United Methodist Church and Central United Methodist Church, served food at Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen in Columbus.

Canine rescue: Humane Society saves more than 100 dogs

MACON — Christmas greetings flank each end of Jefferson Street in downtown Macon: Peace on Earth, Joy to the World. A few miles away, in an abandoned factory, those who have known little peace or joy are getting a second chance following one of the largest canine rescues Mississippi animal rights activists have seen in recent years.

New Hope family escapes fire, loses Christmas gifts

A New Hope family escaped with only the clothes on their backs after an early morning fire damaged their rental house and all of their possessions, including the children’s Christmas presents.

Tues. fire destroys Crawford nightclub

Lowndes County volunteer firefighters battled an early Tuesday morning blaze in Crawford but were unable to save The Horseman Club, a local juke joint and popular night spot in the small town.

Bittersweet goodbye: Well-wishers surprise Brigham with tribute

Allegra Brigham slipped onto the Mississippi University for Women campus amid little fanfare nearly a year and a half ago. She thought she would leave the same way.

Columbus Christmas parade: Rain dampens half-century tradition

For many people in Columbus, the annual Christmas parade has become synonymous with frosty fingers, hot cocoa and family memories. This year, there will be a new memory: the second time in history the event has been canceled due to inclement weather.

Columbus Christmas parade: Rain dampens half-century tradition

For many people in Columbus, the annual Christmas parade has become synonymous with frosty fingers, hot cocoa and family memories. This year, there will be a new memory: the second time in history the event has been canceled due to inclement weather.

Christmas Parade canceled due to rain

This year’s Christmas parade in downtown Columbus has been canceled due to rain. It will not be rescheduled. Amber Brislin, director of Main Street Columbus Inc., made the announcement shortly before 3 p.m. today, saying the decision was made in an effort to “keep everyone safe and healthy this Christmas season.”

Christmas Parade canceled due to rain

This year’s Christmas parade in downtown Columbus has been canceled due to rain. It will not be rescheduled. Amber Brislin, director of Main Street Columbus Inc., made the announcement shortly before 3 p.m. today, saying the decision was made in an effort to “keep everyone safe and healthy this Christmas season.”

Young joins Dispatch as news editor

A West Virginia journalist with more than 20 years experience has joined the staff of The Dispatch.

Nerissa Young assumed the role of news editor Monday, replacing former news editor Garthia Elena Halbert-Burnett, who was promoted to managing editor earlier this month.

Prospective president: MUW has a bright future

The last time Dr. Jim Borsig visited Mississippi University for Women, he was working with the College Board to answer questions about the presidential search process. He arrives on campus next week as MUW’s possible next president.

Nunnelee: Political gridlock cause for lack of progress on budget, job creation

Rep. Alan Nunnelee, R-Tupelo, said political gridlock is making it difficult for legislators to achieve progress in budget discussions and job creation.

Unemployed vets: Waiting for the dough

Outside, the rain poured thick and fast.

Inside the Golden Triangle WIN Job Center, a handful of job seekers crouched in front of computer terminals, hoping for a bit of promise on an otherwise dreary Tuesday.

Halbert-Burnett named Dispatch managing editor

The Dispatch has a new editor, but her name will be familiar to many longtime readers.

Dispatch names Griggs new production manager

You could say Perry Griggs has printer’s ink in his blood, entering the profession in a Georgia printshop at 15 and quickly moving to the newspaper industry, where he rose from entry level pressman to production manager for news outlets across the South.

Senior Citizens Unity Luncheon brings community together

Mayor Robert Smith hoped people would join together and ignore color during the sixth annual Senior Citizens Unity Luncheon at the Trotter Convention Center Wednesday, but it was hard to overlook Dora Stewart, who had donned a bright smile and a striking lavender suit — replete with hat — for the occasion.

Gonsoulin up for top school jobs in Starkville and Louisiana

STARKVILLE — Starkville School District Assistant Superintendent Dr. Walter B. Gonsoulin is among the 23 candidates still being considered for the district’s top job. But he also is one of three final candidates in consideration for superintendent of the Lafayette Parish School District in Lafayette, La.

College Board names MUW preferred candidate for president

The mood at Mississippi University for Women’s Nissan Auditorium Thursday evening was one of bated breath and then finally, finally, a collective sigh of relief as a video sprang to life on the overhead projector screen and the announcement was made: A preferred candidate has been chosen as the college’s next possible president.