Aldermen vote down Carver drainage proposal

In voicing her opposition to a proposal to seek a grant for repairing the drainage ditch along Carver Drive, Ward 2 Alderwoman Sandra Sistrunk was blunt.

Unmanned aircraft expected to soar beyond military applications

With two Columbus companies heavily involved in what Dr. Jon Waldrop calls an industry in its infancy, Columbus is establishing a reputation in the market of unmanned aircraft.

Superintendent candidate withdraws name

A candidate has dropped out of consideration for the Columbus Municipal School District superintendent position.

2 Miss. road shootings raise worry about fake police officer

Two shooting victims along Mississippi highways may have been killed by someone who posed as law enforcement and pulled them over late at night, authorities said Monday.

Area arrests 5-14-12

The following arrests were reported by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and Columbus Police Department.

Man found guilty of weapon possession at MSU

District Attorney Forrest Allgood said the decision to prosecute former Mississippi State University student Jeffrey Hill for possession of a weapon by a student on educational property should not be perceived as an “anti-gun” prosecution.

Markeeta Outlaw leaving clerk’s office after eight years

Starkville City Clerk Markeeta Outlaw will retire on June 1.

Zunino, Gators outlast Bulldogs

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The No. 5 University of Florida baseball team had just three hits Sunday afternoon against Mississippi State University, but one was all it needed.

New Hope baseball drops North State title match

HERNANDO — The ending was not kind for the New Hope High School baseball team.

Ward 1 expected to lose 1,200 residents in redistricting

If ever a man needed to do his work in pencil, it is Toby Sanford.

Sanford is Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Manager for the Golden Triangle Planning and Development Partnership (GTPDP) in Starkville.

Columbus schools to hire 49 teachers

Two months after informing 68 teachers their contracts would not be renewed, Columbus Municipal School District Interim Superintendent Dr. Martha Liddell announced Friday that 49 vacancies will be filled, with impacted teachers having first priority to reapply for their jobs.

East Mississippi Community College graduates more than 900

East Mississippi Community College students have graduated and they’re ready to take their next step toward excellence, whether it’s transferring to a four-year college or university or entering the job market.

Mabus and Jones encourage service during MSU’s graduation ceremonies

Service was the theme of Mississippi State’s Spring commencement exercises as a pair of military leaders with deep Mississippi roots stressed the virtues of “giving back” to more than 2,400 degree candidates during the university’s split ceremonies on Friday and Saturday.

Rescued girl tells sister: ‘Now we can go home’

Days of grueling searches for two young girls and the kidnapper who killed their mother and sister led to the kind of terrain that favors the hunted — high hardwoods and deep ravines near a red-brick church perched on a hill.

Seattle songwriter, Texas-style fiddler combine talents Wednesday

The Columbus Arts Council hosts Seattle singer/songwriter Ian McFeron and fiddler Alisa Milner in concert Wednesday, May 16, in the Omnova Theater of the Rosenzweig Arts Center in downtown Columbus.

Beautiful botanicals and the arts blend in ‘Art in the Garden’

If gardening is your passion, or if you just want to spend a leisurely morning listening to good music or watching an artisan at work, the Starkville Area Arts Council (SAAC) suggests Art in the Garden Saturday, May 19.

Jolly-Smith, Sherman recognized by Alumni Association

Dr. Sue Jolly-Smith and Dr. Harry Sherman, both of Columbus, were honored by Mississippi University for Women’s Alumni Association at the association’s annual membership meeting during Homecoming at MUW in late April.

Births: Barrett Jay Mordecai

Jay and Dana Mordecai of Columbus announce the birth of their son, Barrett Jay Mordecai, on April 21, 2012, at the Clay County Medical Center.

Military notes: Adair graduates

Air Force Airman 1st Class Jennifer N. Adair graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.

NC gov wrong to speak ill of Miss., Bryant says

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant said Friday it was “petty” for North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue to insult Mississippi while bemoaning that voters in her state approved a ballot measure banning same-sex marriage.