Summer blood drive set for May 26

United Way of Lowndes County, WCBI, Main Street Columbus, the city of Columbus, Papa John’s and WLZA 96.1 will host a United Blood Service drive May 26 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Trotter Convention Center lower level.

Crime Report 5/19/09

The following incidents were reported by the Columbus Police Department:

Starkville, West Point runoff elections held today

Voters in Starkville and West Point are heading to the polls today to decide run-offs for mayor and council seats.

Comments on Catholic commentary

I read with great fascination and interest two recently excerpted articles in our Commercial Dispatch: one in Friday’s edition by Susan Jacoby, “an atheist and an ex-Catholic,” and one in Sunday’s edition by David Gibson “Is this the new Catholicism? Yes.”

Longtime Kroger cashier says she’s loved every minute of job

For almost 20 years, customers of the Columbus Kroger grocery store have been treated to a smile and a wink from Lillie Brown. A wife and mother of two, Brown has been bagging, checking, stocking, organizing and smiling for 19 years. During her time with the grocery store, she has never lost her positive attitude, which has made her a staple of Columbus residents looking for their staples.

Search continues in Buttahatchie River for missing teen

The search for the body of a Smithville teenager who is believed to have drowned in the Buttahatchie River Friday afternoon continues this morning.

Roses and thorns 5-17-09

Community members who contributed to last week’s National Association of Letter Carriers food drive, Sandfield Horizon Committee, Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science history teacher Chuck Yarborough and parents and teachers at Sale Elementary International Studies Magnet School and Stokes-Beard Communication and Technology Magnet School

Steve Rogers: Starkville candidates have abdicated responsibility, voters shouldn’t

In one narcissistic moment, Parker Wiseman may have given away a promising chance to be mayor of Starkville.

Meth cases dominate Circuit Court session

So far, drug offenders have made up the vast majority of the criminal cases coming before the Lowndes County Circuit Court, the majority of which are related to methamphetamine possession, sale or manufacturing.

On the fly: Fishermen treat Palmer Home kids

A few kids from the Palmer Home for Children got the chance to get out into the great outdoors and do a bit of angling Saturday in Columbus.

Crime Report 5-17

Two different Columbus stores were almost the victims of a counterfeiter this week.

West Point voters decide several selectmen’s seats

West Point citizens living in Wards 1, 3 and 4 will head back to the polls Tuesday to determine who will be occupying the selectmen’s seats in those areas for the next four years.

University buildings called ‘woefully underinsured’

JACKSON — The state College Board has decided to consolidate property insurance coverage for Mississippi universities with a plan that will take care of more buildings at a lower cost than the current approach.

Steve Rogers: Health department may divide traditional factions

Doubts about whether the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors is two factions or five individual members may be dispelled soon.

Earlier this week, the Columbus Planning Commission approved the Tommy Lott family’s request to rezone two acres on the northwest corner of Lehmberg and Warpath roads from residential to professional offices. The site is an alternative for a new Lowndes County Health Department.

‘Idol’ star coming to Columbus

Two nationally known musical artists will be performing in the Friendly City Memorial Day weekend.

“American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino and R&B artist Tank will headline a show May 24 at the Columbus Fairgrounds.

Dark days for GM, Chrysler dealers

DETROIT — A day after Chrysler LLC told a quarter of its dealers that it won’t renew their contracts, owners of General Motors Corp. dealerships are awaiting word on whether they will be next.

Suspect who eluded capture behind bars

A man who Columbus police say has eluded them for a month is now behind bars.

On April 14, CPD Officer Copey Grantham was involved in a high speed chase with an individual that spanned much of north Columbus.

Research study heralds economic impact of Tenn-Tom Waterway

The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway has an economic impact locally and nationally, a recent study shows.

The waterway serves Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi and Tennessee, connecting Mid-America and the Gulf of Mexico.

How will Chrysler closures affect me?

So your local Chrysler dealer is slated to close, and a nearby General Motors dealer could get the ax too. What happens if you need service on your car?

It’s a natural question in the changing automotive landscape, as those two U.S. automakers attempt to restructure in and out of bankruptcy court.

House, Senate far apart on budget

JACKSON — House-Senate negotiators remain deadlocked in passing the state’s $19 billion budget as they argue over whether to squirrel away $60 million for another year.