County schools OK $11.6 million budget

The Oktibbeha County School District officially adopted its budget for the current school year in a brief meting Monday night.

Reneau University

The saga to find a new name for Mississippi University for Women enters a new phase today. With this morning’s announcement by MUW President Claudia Limbert that the campus choice is Reneau University, the rough and tumble business of selling it to the IHL Board, Legislature and alumni begins.

‘Men with ballast and women whose hair is not blue …’

One of the first steps in promoting unity and harmony where differences and controversy exists is to find “common ground.” Something that both sides can agree to. In the MUW name change conflict, there is one element that most thinking, caring friends of The W should be able to endorse. That is: We all want to see the university survive and once again thrive.

Roses and thorns 8/9/09

A rose to the town of Caledonia, which rebounded from a devastating tornado in January 2008 in a big way this week: Students returning to classes found themselves inside a new gym and Allied Health and Trades building.

‘Limbert’s folly’

What’s in a name? A lot. It is who and what you are. When Claudia Limbert became President of Mississippi University for Women, it was a vibrant, cutting edge, small state supported school for both men and women.

A heavy heart

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A new identity: School’s president to reveal choice for new name

Wesley Ellis is a professional photographer, husband, dad and all-around nice guy. No one would mistake him for a female, yet his 1998 diploma is from Mississippi University for Women.

“Being a male grad from the W, it has never hindered my ability to get a job,” Ellis, 35, said last week from his photography studio in Forest.

Muslims celebrate traditions at Starkville mosque

STARKVILLE — One by one, or two or three at a time, they trickled in, barefoot or in socks, on the plush green carpet, to the main room of the Islamic Center of Mississippi.

Betty Stone: Laurels for an athlete

Some people become legends in their own time. One of the neat things about going to a water exercise class for non-athletes like me is being among people who are athletes, some of them legendary. Jake Propst is one of those from Columbus.

Supervisor: Land deal on new health facility expected in weeks

Talk of county capital projects and school-related news ruled the evening Thursday as Lowndes County District 4 Supervisor Jeff Smith held his second community meeting of the year.

Districts report ‘productive’ first day

Local school districts reported a successful first day of school Thursday.

West Point man accused of growing marijuana

A West Point man who authorities say was growing marijuana behind his house was arrested Tuesday on drug and weapons charges.

Heritage softball team wins despite having run taken away

WEST POINT –– The Heritage Academy Lady Patriots had a run taken off the scoreboard Thursday afternoon, but didn’t need it to claim a 5-3 victory against Oak Hill Academy.

The Lady Patriots (2-1) scored three runs in the second inning and would have scored four if one hadn’t been taken away.

The Lady Patriots thought they tied the score 2-2 in the second when Logan Waggoner crossed the plate on a fielder’s choice and the home plate umpire extended his arms to signal safe.

Horror flick

Thanks again for your fair and balanced paper. I really enjoy it. I feel that the left-leaning columnists are balanced by the Web site e-mails and letters to the editor. Also, the mini news articles on the national and world scenes make for an excellent paper.

Ward 5 concerns

It has probably been puzzling to most people why there is a backlog of work in our city. For instance, why is it taking so long to fill pot holes in our streets? To name a few, 15th Avenue North, Eighth Street North and Eighth Avenue North.

Unhappy with cartoon

When I could believe what I saw first I was shocked, second I was angry, third I decided never to purchase your newspaper again and also stop shopping in Columbus.

Area arrests 8/6/09

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

EKA Chemicals received award for environment

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality began the enHance program, which recognizes companies that are committed to enhancing environmental issues beyond their legal requirements. EKA Chemicals of Columbus has been recognized in their successful participation in programs that resulted in the reduction of waste and the conservation of resources leading to long term economic benefits and continuous environmental enhancement for the community.

Pileup injures police officer

A four-car pileup at the Wal-Mart stoplight on Highway 45 Tuesday night sent a Columbus police officer to the hospital with injuries.

Smoking ban in the works for Caledonia skate park

CALEDONIA — After Leslie Webber told the Caledonia Board of Aldermen about some good news for the town Tuesday, she had a recommendation to make.