Follow the money?

I have been reading the comments regarding the Burns Bottom “sportsplex” with interest, some amusement, and much aggravation. I am reminded of a tale I heard/read many years ago regarding an influential and wealthy State Senator from Columbus. I hope my memory serves me well here.

David Owen: Stupid is as stupid does

I read in the Friday, June 19 paper that Coach Stacy Hester is going to appeal the County School Board’s decision to not renew his baseball contract (The headline incorrectly stated: “Hester to appeal firing”—he was not fired). I do not know Coach Hester, but judging from his win-loss record, we are indeed losing a talent. I hope he will chase his dream in the college or professional ranks to do there what he has done for New Hope.

Volunteers needed for Fireworks on the Water

The mouthwatering smell of the slow-smoking grill, the familiar feel of the Tombigbee River and fireworks dancing in the sky will help us celebrate our nation’s birthday this Fourth of July, and organizers are asking for the community’s help.

Columbus superintendent considering state’s top post

JACKSON — Columbus Municipal School District Superintendent Del Phillips is interested in becoming Mississippi’s chief education policymaker.

MUW: Name change ‘nearing completion;’ Welty officially out

The new name of the Mississippi University for Women will be either Reneau University or Waverley University, the school announced today in a statement that the name-change process “is nearing an end.”

The university also released a statement from the family of Eudora Welty, announcing the Southern writer’s name wouldn’t be considered after the family “declined to agree to the use of her name by MUW.”

The release didn’t state when MUW President Claudia Limbert would announce her final choice, which must then be approved by the state College Board and the Legislature.

Starkville schools ask for $3M federal loan

STARKVILLE — It took less than three minutes for the Starkville school board to pass a resolution that may save them almost $1 million on an interest-free $3 million loan.

Miss. shrimper to embark for Columbus

After an unexpected delay, Long Beach shrimper Tim Harrison plans to head north to dock in Columbus for three months as early as this Saturday.

While here, he and his crew will promote Mississippi seafood — and sell some, too — aboard his 35-ton, 62-foot shrimp boat, the Bella Mia.

Effects of higher-than-normal temperatures are being felt across Golden Triangle

The heat wave hovering over the Golden Triangle may not let up for a while.

Rain is forecast for the weekend, but it may only chip a few degrees off temperatures on sunny days thereafter.

Oktibbeha schools transfer funds to cover expenses

STARKVILLE — Officials for the Oktibbeha County School District transferred funds Monday night to cover a budget shortfall caused by emergency roof repairs and the funding cut from the state earlier this year.

Barbour shoots down budget deal

JACKSON — Gov. Haley Barbour scuttled a budget deal between legislative leaders and refused Monday to call the House and Senate back into session until Democrats agree to preserve his power to cut the state’s deficit-plagued Medicaid program.

Starkville Community Market grows; farmers try to keep up

STARKVILLE – Greg Sharp woke up in his house here at 4 a.m. on Saturday. He drove to his farm in Bradley and washed the fruits and vegetables he had set aside to sell at the Starkville Community Market.

Legislators reach a budget agreement

JACKSON — Legislative leaders tentatively reached an agreement Sunday on the state budget, but they still had details to work out for Mississippi’s Medicaid program, said Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant.

Steve Rogers: Vicksburg Four: Returning to work with lessons learned

The late Robert Rice, a California artist who died last year, once said, “A lack of solemnity is not necessarily a lack of seriousness.”

Wade Beard may not fully understand what Rice meant, but he said basically the same thing Wednesday during his testimony before the Columbus Civil Service Commission.

Dispatch named among top mid-sized dailies at ceremony

BILOXI — The Dispatch was honored as one of the top three mid-sized daily newspapers in the state by the Mississippi Press Association during an awards ceremony Saturday.

Columbus Police Department investigating 18th Street shooting

Officers with the Columbus Police Department are investigating a Friday night shooting on 18th Street North.

A mayor 15 years in the making

STARKVILLE — Parker Wiseman’s political career officially began when he was a seventh grader at Paul D. Armstrong Middle School. He ran for vice-president of the student body.

Barbour: State can function without budget

Gov. Haley Barbour said state government could operate and spend money without the Legislature approving a budget when the fiscal year ends in nine days.

U.S. consumers could get up to $4,500 toward new vehicle

WASHINGTON — Car shoppers could take advantage of government incentives worth up to $4,500 this summer to send their old gas guzzler to the scrap heap in favor of a more fuel-efficient new vehicle.

Local Red Cross, EMA help prep for disasters

With hurricane season upon us, Mississippi�s American Red Cross chapters, in conjunction with Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, local emergency management and response officials and local businesses Saturday will participate in Disaster Preparedness Day. In Columbus, events will take place under a tent in front of Wal-Mart, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

No limits for Freeman scholarship winner

CALEDONIA — As Maggie Wester read her essay aloud for Glen and Pat Freeman in their living room, they sat transfixed.

“For decades,” said Maggie, 18, “our country has been watched over and protected by the most chivalrous and admirable soldiers. These soldiers, both men and women, serve our country with a noble and selfless attitude.”