A good feeling

Who said we do not have good race relations in this section of the country? Let me tell everyone we do.

Peas and carrots, religion and politics

My hero, Forrest Gump, liked to say that some things go together like “peas and carrots.” Now of course some persons like peas mixed with carrots and some do not. Politics and religion go together like peas and carrots. Some claim that they are separate and some do not.

A captive audience

What choice do we have? All residents of Columbus have to budget in these trying times. Do we need to drive to West Point, Starkville, Tupelo, or Tuscaloosa to purchase cheaper gas?

Shining a new light on tanning

Robin Jones is going to be strict. Jones, the owner of Columbus’ two Sun Struck tanning salons, said she’d posted signs in every room three or four months ago about the new teen tanning law — as soon as she got word of news the Legislature had begun working on one.

Authorities search for clues in death of Pickensville man

PICKENSVILLE, Ala. — Pickens County, Ala., authorities are attempting to learn the cause of death of a 97-year-old Pickensville resident found dead near his home.

Two new swine flu cases reported in Oktibbeha

STARKVILLE — Two new cases of the H1N1 virus were reported Tuesday in Oktibbeha County, which brings the total to three after another was reported June 26.

Lawmakers finish most of budget by midnight deadline

JACKSON — The state Legislature toiled until midnight to pass budget bills to ensure state government began the new fiscal year today with money.

“We shouldn’t be here at the last minute, but we were able to patch it all together,” said House Education Chairman Cecil Brown, D-Jackson.

City leaders to be sworn in during Thursday ceremony

Columbus officials are encouraging local residents to attend the swearing-in ceremony for the recently elected mayor and City Council Thursday at the Trotter Convention Center.

MUW sets date to release new name

A new name for the Mississippi University for Women will be announced in August.

Monroe man charged with double shooting

ABERDEEN — A 23-year-old Monroe County man Monday was arrested and charged with a June 26 double shooting on Old Columbus Road in Aberdeen.

Alabama man takes deal, pleads to manslaughter

CARROLLTON, Ala. — An Alabama man June 9 was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter charges in the Pickens County, Ala., Circuit Court.

DOWN TO THE WIRE: Dems say they have Medicaid deal; Barbour still must sign bills before deadline

JACKSON — Legislative leaders expressed confidence the House and Senate today will finalize the state budget just hours before the new fiscal year begins at midnight.

A Christian nation

Was Barrack H. Obama bragging about one of his changes when he told the world that we are no longer a Christian nation? Sounded that way to me. Don’t you think he was speaking mainly for himself, his administration and most of the Dems who have been in control of our Congress and Senate since 2006? Surely not speaking about the hard working taxpayers of our country.

Columbus nurse’s assistant pleads guilty to abusing patient

Columbus nurse’s assistant Janice Lovelace, 40, admitted Friday she abused a patient at the Windsor Place Nursing and Rehab Center.

Starkville to swear in new mayor, aldermen

STARKVILLE — The city of Starkville will swear in its new mayor and Board of Aldermen Thursday morning in front of City Hall.

Incoming Mayor Parker Wiseman will join Ward 1 Alderman Ben Carver, Ward 2 Alderman Sandra Sistrunk, Ward 3 Alderman Eric Parker, Ward 4 Alderman Richard Corey, Ward 5 Alderman Jeremiah Dumas, Ward 6 Alderman Roy A. Perkins, and Ward 7 Alderman Henry Vaughn Sr.

The ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m., followed by refreshments inside the City Hall courtroom.

Summer camp encourages success

Lacy Cattledge, 9, learned to make sushi this month. She also learned to make candy sushi, out of Fruit Roll-Ups and Twinkies.

“I prefer the candy,” she said. “It tastes good.”

Lawmakers rush to pass spending bills

JACKSON — Mississippi’s long-stalled Legislature today is hurrying to have more than 100 budget bills passed so state government can begin the new fiscal year Wednesday with the money needed to operate.

Betty Stone: Read any good books lately?

From time to time I hear a teacher or professor lament, “Students just don’t read anymore.” What a pity! I know that the printed page has to vie for popularity with all sorts of high tech entertainment, but I grieve for anyone who misses the pleasure of reading a book.

Roses and thorns 6/28/09

A rose to Ruth Rast, honored by the Red Cross’ Tenn-Tom Chapter this week as its Volunteer of the Year. Rast was honored for doing everything from working in the chapter’s office to managing an evacuation shelter during Hurricane Gustav. Rast’s volunteering doesn’t end with the Red Cross — she also reads to residents at Trinity Healthcare Center and participates in Angel Food Ministries through Wesley United Methodist Church. We commend Rast for making the Friendly City a much friendlier place.

Barbour calls special session with no budget deal

JACKSON — Gov. Haley Barbour has summoned Mississippi lawmakers back to the Capitol for a special budget session starting at 2 p.m. Sunday, just three days before the state’s new fiscal year begins.