Roses and thorns

A rose to Alma Turner as the longtime educator opens a new chapter in her life. After heading the Golden Triangle chapter of the Institute of Community Services HeadStart program for nearly a decade, Turner is leaving the post to spend time with her family.

‘Welty University’ gets ok from family

As the debate continues to over what Mississippi University for Women eventually will call itself, one person, whose opinion might matter greatly down the road, has weighed in.

Betty Stone: Another take on the point of view

In my last column I passed along a story of Tom Hardy illustrating how an incident can be seen from two points of view. Coincidentally, about the same time Linda Lodato shared with me an illustration of how time can produce two different points of view.

Flood of applicants for empty Starkville school admin seats

STARKVILLE — The process is under way to find new principals for the middle and high schools in Starkville as both top positions are open for the coming school year. Superintendent Judy Couey said there have been “quite a lot of applicants” for the positions. She said many apply for both, and applicants bring a wide range of experience.

OMG! New state law bans texting while driving

JACKSON — Gov. Haley Barbour this week approved a bill to make Mississippi one of at least 10 states banning young drivers from text-messaging.

White off to fast start with Pickens Academy baseball

Once upon a time, Brach White didn’t like it when Central Academy lost a baseball game.

It was a different story Tuesday.

White didn’t mind when Central Academy lost to Pickens Academy (Ala.) 12-1.

Many MUW students disagree with claims choices evoke racism

While the NAACP and Ward take exception to two of the three names, the choices don’t seem to bother those who will be most affected by the change — current MUW students.

NAACP disputes MUW name choices

The NAACP has come out against two of the new names the Mississippi University for Women is considering.

Starkville to explore school uniforms

STARKVILLE — Starkville school officials are considering requiring uniforms for students, but they want to get some clear input from parents before they take action.

Alternative school faces $385K shortfall

STARKVILLE — Quad County Alternative School in Starkville is facing a $385,000 budget shortfall, as Lowndes County School District has withdrawn from the program.

Supreme Court questions Death Row inmate’s mental claims

 JACKSON — State Supreme Court justices Wednesday questioned Lowndes County murderer Mack Arthur King’s arguments that he’s mentally retarded and shouldn’t be executed for murdering Lela Patterson 29 years ago.

Barbour signs sweeping school bill

JACKSON — Gov. Haley Barbour on Wednesday signed into law a bill lauded by the Department of Education as “the state’s most sweeping education reform in more than a decade.”

Anne Freeze: Spring memories … of coconut?

For the past week or two coconut cake has been on my mind, and I’m not quite sure why. Not just any old generic coconut cake, but my mother’s. She did not bake cakes often, just the rum cakes for Christmas presents and a cake for birthdays.

Just do it: Cigarette tax increase would offer much needed revenue; would offset car tag increase

The state Legislature shouldn’t be faulted for delaying adoption of the state budget as it awaits more information about how to spend the federal economic stimulus money Mississippi is getting. But, to say the least, it’s alarming the House and Senate have been unable to agree on how much to raise the cigarette tax.

Larkin makes most of second chance

As a sophomore on the East Mississippi Community College golf team, Hal Larkin is making the most of a second chance.

Larkin has the second lowest average on EMCC’s team after being academically ineligible to play as a freshman.

Larkin, a 2007 graduate of Caledonia High School, has made the most of his last chance to play at EMCC by earning second-team all-state honors. He earned the honor based on being 10th in the state with a 76.7 stroke average.

Nuclear power could be part of the solution to growing energy demands

If the demand for electrical service continues to climb, utility customers can expect steady increases in their bills over the next 20 years.

MUW wants Welty considered for new name

Mississippi University for Women is asking the Cirlot Agency to vet a new potential name for the university.

Work along Highway 45 gets funding

JACKSON — Work may soon begin on improvements to Highway 45 in Lowndes and Noxubee counties, as the state contracts with road builders to start highway projects being paid for by federal economic stimulus funds.

This too shall pass

My name is Mary. I first would like to say hello. I would like to share my testimony with you and pray that it helps and encourages you. I am a dialysis patient. I started dialysis in July 1982. I am 46 years old. I have seen many come and go, and the Lord has blessed me these many years to be here through much suffering and pain.

Lowndes United Way announces new board of directors

The famous Girl Scout song “Make New Friends” reminds us to “make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver, the other is gold.”

This tune rings true for United Way of Lowndes County as they bid farewell to outgoing board members Nick Ardillo of Ardillo, McCullough, and Taggart; Dr. Claudia Limbert, Mississippi University for Women president; Alma Turner, ICS Head Start; Yvonne Sanders, Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau; and community volunteer Sandra Stone.