United Way brings big trucks, kids together

Maybe it’s the way big trucks are so formidable and loud. Maybe it’s the way they are so powerful — capable of awe-inducing feats. Whatever the reason, they seem to exercise an almost hypnotic hold on children, eliciting a fascination that sometimes continues long into adulthood.

CPD Christmas charity drive focuses on needs

No child should be without a gift to open on Christmas morning. No parent should have to look that child in the eyes and try to explain why Santa visits some houses but not others. Winter coats, gloves, shoes and socks should not be luxuries.

New wing commander asserts ‘quiet leadership’ at CAFB

Col. Jim Sears, who replaced former wing commander Col. Barre Seguin in June, spoke to the Columbus Rotary Club Tuesday, taking the opportunity to introduce Rotarians to both his leadership style and his vision for the base.

For Zetas, every month is breast cancer awareness month

For the 200 members of Mississippi State University’s Gamma Zeta chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha, breast cancer awareness is both national philanthropy and personal mission. And though October is traditionally set aside for awareness campaigns, for these young women, it is a year-round passion.

Heritage seniors rally around Humane Society

Slowly, but surely, the new Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society is beginning to take shape.

The 8,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor kennel is slated for completion by the end of the month, with one side of dog pens completely fenced and gated and the second side still lacking fencing and windows.

Court approves EMCC’s purchase of Country Club

After months of turmoil, the Columbus Country Club was quietly sold Friday morning at the United States Bankruptcy Court in Aberdeen, fetching $1.6 million.

Jackson named interim principal at West Lowndes

Charles Jackson was named interim principal of West Lowndes High School Thursday during a special called board meeting at the Lowndes County School District’s central office.

CMSD Board approves additional P.E. hire

Columbus Middle School will soon have a new physical education assistant, a position which came under much scrutiny during Thursday night’s city school board meeting.

MUW artists go graffiti at Propst Park

If you can’t beat em’ join ’em. And if you’re going to join them, do it in style.

Caledonia Aldermen consider breach-of-property pay outs

The Caledonia Board of Aldermen received updates Tuesday night on damages paid to two town residents who allege the water department crossed their properties without easements to make repairs.

Fight breast cancer, buy stamps

Columbus post offices kicked off breast cancer awareness month Monday with pink, pink, everywhere, from pink-frosted doughnuts for customers to pink balloons competing for space with envelopes and parcels in the Bluecutt Road facility’s lobby.

Oktibbeha schools conservator stresses parental involvement

Oktibbeha County parents got their first glimpse Monday night of the woman tasked with getting their schools back on track following last week’s state takeover.

Moon rocks exhibit open to public

Linda Marlbrough may be the only instructor in the history of Greater Columbus Learning Center to need a police escort when she leaves the building.

Then again, she carries precious cargo — two locked boxes containing authentic moon rocks that are both ageless and priceless.

Caledonians prepare to celebrate ‘Mississippi’s Mayberry’

Sometimes, you don’t know what you’ve got till you’re gone.

Duane Perkins grew up in Caledonia, and now, with the ninth annual Caledonia Day rapidly approaching, he’s busily working with the festival committee, making sure the Oct. 19-20 event goes off without a hitch.

Legion of Honor and a life well-lived: France’s highest honor wasn’t Thompson’s greatest achievement

Joseph Thompson never understood why his family and friends believed he was so special, so worthy of such an honor. The way he saw it, all he did during World War II was avoid getting shot.

Governor approves takeover of Oktibbeha schools

It’s official: The Oktibbeha County School District has been placed under conservatorship, joining eight other school districts in the state now controlled by the Mississippi Department of Education.

Columbus schools craft vision statements

The Columbus Municipal School District continued crafting its vision plan Saturday during the second of three strategic planning sessions.

State will take over Oktibbeha schools

The Oktibbeha County School District is the latest in a growing number of districts seized by the Mississippi Department of Education and placed under state control due to poor student performance and other accreditation issues.

Takeover imminent for Oktibbeha County schools

The Mississippi Board of Education voted unanimously today to ask Gov. Phil Bryant to declare a state of emergency in the Oktibbeha County School District. Once Bryant signs the paperwork, as he is expected to do, the district will be taken over by the state department of education, and Superintendent James Covington and all school board members will be removed and replaced with a state-appointed conservator, who could be in place as early as Monday.

Columbus program tackles dropout ‘epidemic’

The Columbus Municipal School District’s dropout prevention program kicks off Oct. 15, city school superintendent Dr. Martha Liddell told members of the Columbus Rotary Club Tuesday at the Columbus Country Club.