Unemployment rate jumps

Lowndes County continued its streak of double-digit unemployment in June figures released Wednesday, while Oktibbeha, which typically enjoys a low unemployment rate compared to neighboring counties, inched closer to a double-digit rate.

Consumer Refunds from DISH Network

Attorney General Jim Hood announced today that DISH network, L.L.C., will pay $5,991,000 to settle consumer protection allegations with attorneys general in 46 states.

Funk hired to be head football coach at Marion County

When the South Lamar football team released its schedule for the upcoming season, the only significance of its game against Marion County was it was a matchup of region rivals.

But in June, the encounter between South Lamar and Marion County took on a much more significant meaning.

That’s because Marion County, which is located in Guin, Ala., hired Rusty Funk to be its head football coach.

Funk was South Lamar’s coach last season before being relieved of his duties and replaced by his assistant, Josh Harper.

Tadlock, new Miss Mississippi, stood out in Starkville

STARKVILLE — After receiving her bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University last year, Anna Tadlock was planning to come back for her master’s this fall.

‘$7 million fiasco’

Given the abundance of national news about health care reform, Mississippians may have failed to notice Governor Barbour’s “reform” in their own backyard. He vetoed $7 million that the state would normally provide to community mental health centers to match federal Medicaid funds.

Clarion-Ledger mails erroneous letters to Columbus residents

Direct-mail letters from The Clarion-Ledger to Columbus residents erroneously refer to “your local newspaper in Columbus” changing its format to “that of a weekly advertiser,” in an attempt by the Jackson paper to drum up its own circulation.

City school approve budget, more construction bonds

STARKVILLE — School board members approved the $57 million 2009-2010 budget for Starkville public schools in a meeting where they also voted to issue $8.575 million in bonds for continued construction.

The budget contains $18.26 million in state funding and will tax Starkville residents at 62.31 mills. The millage rate is just slightly less than what was taxed last year.

Starkville High’s schedule changed

The modified block system at Starkville High School is being modified once again in an attempt to better serve students and teachers.

Bureau considers exhibit to Disney artist from Columbus

Rufus Ward enticed members of the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau board Monday with the idea of a shrine to Columbus-born effects animator Joshua Meador.

EMCC reports summer enrollment boost

Summer enrollment at East Mississippi Community College is up by 33.5 percent — an increase of more than a third over last summer. Final registration numbers show a total of 2,310 students enrolled in one of two summer sessions, May 27 to June 26, and July 7 to Aug. 6.

United Way drive brings school supplies to needy

The Golden Triangle community is needed to help stuff a bus full of school supplies for local students on Friday and Saturday.

WCBI-TV, the United Way of Lowndes County, the Junior Auxiliary Starkville and West Point chapters and Wal-Mart are partnering in an effort to provide supplies for the upcoming school year.

Construction leads to road closures on campus

Ongoing construction at Mississippi State University has led to the closings of two sections of road on campus.

MSU professor wins statewide education award

Thirty years of acting on behalf of children has paid off for Cathy Grace.

Grace, the founding director of the Early Childhood Institute at Mississippi State University, has won this year’s Winter-Reed Partnership Award, a statewide honor from the Mississippi Association of Partners in Education.

Starkville to host TVA meeting

The Tennessee Valley Authority plans a public meeting in Starkville to help establish its goals for the next 20 years — goals that are likely to include more nuclear power generation and more energy conservation by consumers.

Roses and thorns 7-19-09

Columbus Federal Program and Inspections Director George Irby, person or persons who have been passing fake $100 bills throughout the Golden Triangle, Columbus Municipal School District, and organizers of the Columbus War Museum.

CAC receives Arts Commission grant

The Columbus Arts Council has been awarded a $21,750 operating grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission. This grant is a portion of the $1.5 million in grants the Commission will award in 2009-2010 and will be used to supplement funds for salaries, funding day-to-day operations, and funds for special event programming.

Crime Report 7-19-09

The following incidents were reported by the Columbus Police Department:

Friday accident kills 21-year-old

A Friday night car accident in Columbus left one passenger dead and five passengers injured, according to local law enforcement.

Tee ball players, supporters remember early days of the game

Jim McKell stood in one corner of the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum Thursday and surveyed remnants of the days when tee ball became king.

Officers seize four adult pit bulls, two puppies

Columbus-Lowndes County animal control officers Tuesday seized four adult pit bull dogs and two puppies from a residence on Pickensville Road after officers learned the dogs may have been used for fighting.