Articles by Carmen K. Sisson
Local women form group to give shelter animals 11th-hour reprieves
A knock on Andrea Spain’s door in Starkville Monday elicits a raucous chorus of what sounds like hundreds of dogs. It’s easy to imagine being bowled off her porch by a canine blitzkrieg of muddy paws and slobbering tongues. But when she opens the door, silence — punctuated by a staccato of wagging tails — ensues. No dog leaves Spain’s home without learning basic house manners.
Group’s efforts to revive stadium evoke cherished memories
It’s easy to overlook the squatting behemoth that serves as a gateway to downtown. Faded and worn, the stadium sits silent, encircled by concrete but endowed with a proud legacy — somewhere in there. Once the home of victories and triumphs, there is little glory to be found in the Magnolia Bowl of today. No one clamors at the gates, and the storied walls whisper only of the ravages of time.
But that could change if a local organization, Link’d Young Professionals, succeeds in an ambitious, five-phase restoration plan.
Borsig inaugurated as 14th MUW president
For a college president who has embraced change since his arrival, Friday was a bit of a role reversal for Mississippi University for Women President Dr. Jim Borsig, who bowed to pomp and tradition this week for his inauguration as the 14th leader of the “long blue line.”
Be mine! Browns celebrate 67th anniversary on Valentine’s Day
They are easy in the spaces between words, no need to rush, no rush to be. They have — have had — a lifetime together.
And it turned out fine, Willie Brown says, gazing at his wife, Hazel. It turned out fine.
Ballard leaves United Way, joins city schools
One agency’s loss is another agency’s gain as Jan Ballard, executive director of United Way of Lowndes County, heads over to the Columbus Municipal School District, where she will serve as school board clerk, assisting deputy superintendent Craig Shannon and streamlining responsibilities with the administrative assistant for the office of the superintendent.
CAFB passes inspection with flying colors
After months of hard work, the men and women of Columbus Air Force Base were finally able to stand at ease Monday, enjoying a base-wide picnic and celebration following the conclusion of their biennial unit inspection.
Effort to reclaim graves of black residents brings a community together
It is late evening in Vaughn’s Cemetery, and the shadows are beginning to creep across the graves, slowly enveloping both simple and ornate without prejudice.
Columbus Bark Park targets March opening
It was the bark heard around Columbus, and Roger Short, executive director of Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority, took the request seriously. People were tired of driving their dogs to Starkville and Tupelo to play. They wanted a dog park here, and as a fellow dog lover, Short was equally enthused with the idea.
MSMS heading to National Science Bowl after win
Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science students are headed to the National Science Bowl after taking first place in the state high school science bowl Friday. MSMS students will travel to Washington, D.C., April 25-29.
Johnson: More focus needed on mental illness
More than a month has passed since the school shooting in Newtown, Conn., but questions remain.
What was wrong with Adam Lanza? What would lead someone to kill 20 children, six adults, his mother and himself? And how can we stop this from happening again?
Group works to bring fresh food co-op to Golden Triangle
Vicky Rose knew something was wrong. She was tired all the time, unable some days to crawl out of bed. When she talked to her doctor, he ran through a battery of tests, trying to find the cause. Finally, he decided upon an answer: As the mother of seven vivacious, home-schooled children, of course she was exhausted, he said.
Former CAFB Airman makes history in South Carolina
Brigadier General Calvin H. Elam likes to say he came to Columbus Air Force Base to get an education, but he ended up taking home a bride.
Recently that bride, Mary Glenn Elam, and a host of in-laws, watched him make history as he became the first black brigadier general in the South Carolina Air National Guard.
His path to the top has not been easy.
CMSD spending freeze could impact school athletics
The Columbus Municipal School District is considering a move that would freeze all non-essential spending — potentially including things like athletics travel — beginning Feb. 1.
A vo-tech vision: County considers stand-alone vocational school to address today’s changing workplace realities
The weather is pleasant today, almost spring-like, and the metal bay door is thrown open wide, spilling sunlight and fresh air into West Lowndes High School’s masonry and brick-building class.
This is a planning period for Joseph Fowler, but his students are still milling around, some chatting, but most vying for Fowler’s attention, reluctant to leave.
Better Business Bureau warns Rotarians of scams
A Nigerian prince is dying and wants to leave his fortune to you, but he needs $3,000 to fund the transaction. You’ve won $1 million in a lottery you don’t remember entering. There’s a must-see video on Facebook, but first you must upgrade your software to view it. A company you’ve never heard of is offering a great deal on roofing, driveway resealing, tree-trimming or lawn service.
Most people recognize a scam when they see one — or do they?
Pell Grant reductions present challenge for students, schools
Changes to federal student aid last summer are taking a toll on Mississippi students, leaving college financial advisors concerned about the potential impact on enrollment as well as the state’s economic future.
Monday profile: Robinson improves community, one child at a time
The past few days have been busier than usual for Dr. John Robinson, a Columbus dentist and president of the local chapter of 100 Black Men.
Sunday found him pacing the Columbus Riverwalk, waiting for the kickoff of Dream 365’s first march to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s march to Washington and his “I Have a Dream” speech.
Johnny Mathews: Blessed are the meek …
The day dawned dark and cold, with ice-slicked streets and clouds heavy with impending snow.
Knowing the weather was supposed to be bad, Johnny Mathews, 64, rose earlier than usual Thursday morning. He didn’t want to be late for work.
Media relations, criticism are hot topics at school board retreat
The Columbus Municipal School District’s board of trustees held its annual retreat Saturday morning at the Wingate by Wyndham hotel.
Sequestered in a tiny side room dominated by a long conference table, the board discussed the events of the past year and brainstormed ways to make the upcoming year better.
MUW offers nursing doctorate
Mississippi University for Women’s nursing program has long been an asset in the college recruitment game, and now, they have another tool in their arsenal — a doctorate.