Chism wants superintendents appointed

Mississippi has more elected superintendents than the rest of the country combined. A measure Rep. Gary Chism introduced would change that, making the position appointed by each district’s school board.

Shannon Bardwell: When is enough, enough?

Seems like everyone I talk to is doing some form of “cutting back” on expenses. I am no exception. Over the years I’ve gotten the reputation for frugality. My mom said I acquired this attribute after leaving home because I certainly never had it while living with them. I say, “Better late than never.”

Roses and thorns 1-24-10

Roses to Oasis of Freedom and Justice Award recipients;Columbus Ward 2 Councilman Joseph Mickens; and the family and friends of four Mississippi University for Women students

Columbus man arrested for stabbing girlfriend

A Columbus resident was arrested early Thursday morning on a charge of with aggravated assault.

The flip side of the Starkville Tea Party

The Tea Party keynote speaker Angela McGlowan states that we should elect individuals who are great motivational speakers. George Bush was one of the best and look what he left us. Two wars, if you put them back to back, it would be a total of 16 years. The cost of these wars would have paid for the health care bill several times over.

MUW name change appears to be dead, at least for now

Say it ain’t so, Kelvin.

It appears that the chairman of the House Universities and Colleges Committee, Rep. Kelvin Buck, has decided to quash any bill recommending a name change for Mississippi University for Women — a school that has been admitting men since 1982 and sees the name as a hindrance to building enough enrollment to survive and thrive.

Pedestrian struck by car

A Starkville resident who was hit by a motorist near Zachary’s Thursday night has been treated and released this morning from Baptist Memorial Hospital –Golden Triangle.

Fatal Alabama motel fire likely caused by incense

HOOVER, Ala. — Investigators said Thursday a motel fire that killed four Mississippi college students, who made frantic phone calls while trapped inside, likely was caused by incense that a maintenance man left burning in another room.

Starkville Academy coach held on drug charges

Starkville Academy interim baseball coach and former Major League Baseball draftee Shane Bazzell was weeks away from being arrested on drug charges when he was picked up Jan. 15 by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.

Arrest Report 1-22-10

The following people were arrested on felony charges, according to reports released from the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office:

Columbus high principal faces sexual harassment suit

A hearing is scheduled for March 22 at the U.S. Federal Building in Aberdeen for a Columbus principal accused of sexual harassment.

Parker Furniture: Thanks to all who helped along the way

After 63 years of business, Parker Appliance and Furniture Co. has decided to close.

How the Veterans’ Bypass came about.

I asked Harry Sanders, president of the board of supervisors, to help me get a road named for the veterans. He said it would be too much for 911 to change all the addresses, and we would need to wait till the county put in a new road. Then he said for me to talk to John Holliman, because he builds subdivisions, and to get him to name a street for the veterans. I thought that would be an insult to the veterans of our country,

Andrew C. Hamlin sworn as chief assistant district attorney

On Dec. 1, 2009, Andrew C. Hamlin was officially sworn in as chief assistant district attorney for the 24th Judicial Circuit, comprised of Fayette, Lamar and Pickens Counties in Alabama.

4-County receives accreditation

Dedication, hard work and preparation are a winning combination for any organization. 4-County Electric Power Association mixed those ingredients in a successful recipe for achievement as the cooperative recently received high marks for excellence from safety accreditation site visitors.

Lamar County teams will vie for supremacy

The Sulligent High School girls basketball team expects to be well rested when it plays host to the Lamar County Tournament.

Sulligent hasn’t played since Friday and doesn’t take the court again until it plays in the championship game of the tournament Saturday.

New restaurant taking over Santa Fe Cattle Co. location

A new restaurant chain promising “good Southern food at great prices” is on its way to Columbus, taking over the building along Highway 82 vacated late last year by Santa Fe Cattle Co.

Fire tragedies offer painful lessons for the rest of us

The community has not had time to recover from the loss of nine people — six of them small children — in an apartment fire in Starkville.

Civil Service Commission: Firefighter termination stands

The Columbus Civil Service Commission unanimously voted Monday to affirm a decision by the Columbus Mayor and City Council to terminate firefighter Mitchell Banks.

Investigators: No signs motel blaze was arson

As the Mississippi University for Women family prepared today to mourn four students lost in a Birmingham, Ala.-area hotel fire, state and federal investigators said that there was no evidence that the blaze was intentionally set.