Articles by Caroline Beach
Leerene Williams’ legacy shaped generations
Just as a stained glass window takes to the refraction of the sun’s light, Leerene Williams, 91, of West Point, encompasses the word “paradox” almost seamlessly.
Paper or Prada?: Fashion designer creates gown of newspapers to stand as testament to fashion, creative expression
Twenty dollars worth of newspapers and a vision were the only things local fashion designer Lashanda White-Owens needed to create a statement piece worthy of rivaling the most eccentric fashion icons.
Local pastor works to execute God’s vision
For Bishop RJ Matthews, God has never worked in mysterious ways. There was no crisis of faith nor any confusion on what God was calling him to do in his life’s journey; his predestined path was always crystal clear.
Photo: Sidewalk work
Mississippi State University workers Wade Ray and Brian Rolarins dig the soil near the university’s entrance sign off Blackjack Road. The crew is working to pull up soil and pipes to make way for a sidewalk that would connect with the crosswalk.
Columbus native crowned Miss Mississippi Volunteer
Flashing lights, cheers from the crowd, the soft grip of her runner up’s hand and a pounding heart are the only things Miss Mississippi Volunteer Hannah Perrigin remembers as a crown was placed on her head July 9.
Summer Arts Academy fosters imagination
Columbus Arts Council’s true colors shine through its annual Summer Arts Academy program for kids. There, imagination comes to life as campers create a world of their own with nothing more than a crayon and blank piece of paper.
Library’s autism center serves as example for state
As children gather around the plush chairs on the second story of the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, Tori Hopper sits down to read “The Wide-Mouthed Frog” for their monthly sensory story time.
Community Profile: Man and his tractor keep each other going
At least twice a week, Donald Ward drives an old car the quarter-mile from his house into his pasture. There, sitting in the open, is a much older ride: a rusted, 72-year-old tractor held together by rolls of duct tape and heaps of wire.
A play on mythology: Curtain rises on another year of Summer Scholars camp
Picture this.
Coffee House on Fifth is booming with business on a Friday afternoon. A glance to the left gives a grand view of the street traffic. A glance to the right provides a shocking surprise.
Legendary makeup artist, designer sells his collection
For Billy Brasfield, the items and artifacts packed seemingly into every inch of the former B and B Furniture building in his native Aberdeen form a narrative of his life.
Photo: Arts Council celebration
Bonnie Renfroe, Jeffrey Rupp and Jerry Carnathan play Thursday night on Lafayette Street for donors and volunteers at the Starkville Area Arts Council 25th annual fundraising drive.
Columbus native organized rallies, travel for Trump
Perhaps the best day of William Russell’s career was the day he got down on one knee and proposed to his wife Sarah Russell on the south lawn of The White House.
The large impact of small encounters
Whether you are grabbing your morning coffee, checking out at the store or getting the room key at a hotel, you are actively engaging with an individual in customer service.
‘Representation’ the focus of LGBTQ library drive
For West Point native Michael Williams, finding representation of LGBTQ culture in his adolescence was a near impossible task.
Sun sets on another year of Camp Rising Sun
As the sun catches on the horizon of Camp Rising Sun, nine-year-old Sam Ottenhof awakens to another day of fun-filled activities at summer camp.
Acupuncturists aim to help relieve pain, treat various conditions
Just down the road from Mississippi State University, Dr. Jo Anne J. Turner spends her days treating patients out of the small oasis built in the back of her Starkville home.
Community bands together to help family in need
Down on Southside, a house of purple and yellow hues sits in disrepair.
Downtown developments bring apartment count to 205
Progress was the center of discussion at the Columbus Rotary Club’s weekly meeting Tuesday as Main Street Columbus Director Barabara Bigelow described the various businesses moving into empty spaces downtown.
Chisolm takes fifth seat on Caledonia aldermen board
June 3, 2025
By
