Marriages and divorces 8-2-12

Marriages July 23- 31 Jonathan Aubrey Hansen and Catherine Claire Cunningham Hector Olvera Escorcia and Phikulthong Chanachai Matthew Caleb Motes and Jessica Ann Caitlyn Andrews

Arrest report 8-1-12

The following arrests were reported by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and Columbus Police Department: Eric Brian Thorn, 27, of 305 Cheryl Drive, was arrested

Mississippi chefs in London for Olympic’s ‘Spirit of the Gulf’

While members of Team USA are in London for the Summer 2012 Olympic Games, chefs from the Gulf Coast states are gearing up as well — to host the “Spirit of the Gulf,” a showcase of Gulf Coast seafood and music. Mississippi is represented by Chef Chris Poplin of IP Casino and Chef Calvin Coleman of Naomi’s Catering.

Charges dismissed against Steve Wallace; son receives fine and probation

All charges against local attorney Steve Wallace Sr. were dismissed in justice court today. Steven “Colt” Wallace Jr. pled guilty to one count each of possession of beer with the intent to sell without a permit, possession of liquor with the intent to sell without a permit, minor in possession of beer and minor in possession of liquor in court today.

Letter to the editor: Miss. should weigh benefits of proposed health care reform

On almost any major economic development project the State considers, a cost-benefit analysis is customarily done to determine whether the proposal will create jobs and makes good economic sense.

Letter to the editor: Oh my, Cameron Triplett!

Your comment about the Colorado shooting, (The only thing that would have made a big difference is if one or more patrons would have been allowed, by the theater management, to carry legally concealed handguns into the theater.”) is absurd beyond belief.

United Way seeks data for needs assessment

The United Way of Lowndes County is continuing to seek public input, with a survey designed to ascertain community needs and prioritize the agency’s funding allotments.

Crime report 7-30-12

LaFredrick Jackson of 501 Brooks Road was arrested on Friday and charged with one count of possession of stolen property. Law enforcement officials discovered a

Air Force seeks “prior service” recruits

Enlisted veterans who have been honorably discharged over the past few years or are currently serving in the National Guard or the Air Force Reserves may be eligible to return to active duty.

Letter to the editor: Country needs to ‘man-up’

In Friday’s Opinion, Other Editors column, someone with the McComb, MS, Enterprise Journal weighed in proposing “middle ground” on the issue of “gun control.” They want a resurgence of the “assault weapons” ban and the high capacity magazine ban as a compromise. Neither would have made any difference in the theater massacre in Colo. a couple of weeks ago.

Black couple says racism forced wedding relocation

A Jackson couple says the church where they planned to get married turned them away because they are black.

More rain needed for Miss. soybeans

Agriculture experts at Mississippi State University say Mississippi’s soybean crop needs more moisture to complete what has at times been a dry season. Mississippi State’s University Extension Service says recent rains, along with irrigation, have helped after a dry spell in June.

Dispatch expands Starkville office

Sarah Fowler joins Micah Green in covering news for The Commercial Dispatch’s Starkville bureau.

“Meet The Rebels” set for Aug. 18

OXFORD — As preseason camp nears for the University of Mississippi’s fall sports, fans should make their plans for the University of Mississippi Athletic Association “Meet The Rebels Day”, presented By Baptist North Mississippi, on Aug. 18.

Festivities begin with the football team scrimmage at 9:30 a.m. at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Fans then will be able to make their way to the Indoor Practice Facility, which opens its doors at 11:30 a.m.

Nickoles Memorial event will return to Columbus

Columbus Speedway has seen a rebirth in many ways in its 50th year of operation.

From new grandstands to new promoters to other improvements, there have been a lot of changes at the facility. Some have involved new items, while others have involved the rejuvenation of events that haven’t been held in a few years.

One event, the James Nickoles Memorial, will return Saturday with Columbus Nissan as the title sponsor.

Tax-free weekend starts today

Back-to-school shoppers throughout the state will get a break this weekend, thanks to a Mississippi law that excludes many purchases from state sales tax.

Three arrests in armed burglary case

Three Columbus teenagers have been arrested in connection with a Tuesday night armed robbery.

Arrest report 7-27-12

The following arrests were reported by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and Columbus Police Department: Cameyer Sharrell Anderson, 30, of 63 Mason Drive, was arrested

Aberdeen closes deal on land for plant

Aberdeen officials have signed a sale option with SPW and Associates of Birmingham, Ala., in hopes of bringing in a biofuel plant.

Building permits 7-26-12

Columbus July 17- 23 Bluecutt Chapel; 3504 Bluecutt Road; Banner; Same Charlie Newell; 205 Jones Circle; Reroof; Same Jimmy & Debra Parker; 426 Summerhaven Drive;