17 counties under tornado watch until 11 a.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch until 11 a.m. for 17 counties in Mississippi, including Lowndes, Oktibbeha, Noxubee and Clay. Other counties included in the watch are Bolivar, Choctaw, Clarke, Forrest, Jasper, Jones, Kemper, Lamar, Lauderdale, Neshoba, Newton, Webster, and Winston.

Columbus author’s book acquired by Simon & Schuster

Pushcart Prize nominee Michael F. Smith’s debut novel “Rivers” has been acquired by Simon & Schuster in a World English rights deal and is scheduled for release in the summer of 2013.

MUW investment club wins latest TVA Investment Challenge

For the past few years Mississippi University for Women students have participated in managing stock portfolios for the Tennessee Valley Authority as part of its TVA Investment Challenge.

Attorney Steve Wallace charged in connection with Caledonia prom party

A local attorney, who also is a former district attorney candidate, was charged with the sale of beer without a permit, possession of alcoholic beverages with the intent to sell without a permit and 10 counts of violation of the Social Host law, after an early Sunday morning raid on his Caledonia home.

Starkville schools celebrate year with music, food, fun

“Jacket Jam” was billed as a celebration of the 2011-12 school year, but in truth, you could pick just about any year in the Starkville School District’s long history and find a reminder of it sitting in folding chairs in front of the Greensboro Center on Monday evening.

Dreams, hard work helped Kelly reach NFL

ABERDEEN — Former Mississippi State University and current NFL standout tight end Reggie Kelly shared the secrets of his success Monday with a packed audience at the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce’s annual banquet.

Market Street Festival headliner on Letterman tonight

Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real will be musical guests tonight on CBS’ “Late Show with David Letterman.”

Columbus Police respond to multiple weekend burglaries

The Columbus Police Department is investigating a number of weekend burglaries.

Noxubee special election held today for school superintendent

A special election for Noxubee County superintendent of education will proceed as scheduled, Tuesday.

Monday profile: Miss Effie gives students a home away

On a typical day, Hopkins, 56, makes her circuit from the Colvard Student Union to the Research Park, a 30-minute trip she repeats continuously, from 7 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.

MSU doctors prescribe exercise along with traditional medicine

When acid reflux problems led Mississippi State junior Sherika Wheeler to visit her campus physician, she didn’t anticipate medical advice that involved tractor-tire flipping and jumping rope.

Police investigating four Friday burglaries

The Columbus Police Department is investigating a series of Friday burglaries.

Third MSU shooting suspect expected in court

One of three suspects in the shooting death of a Mississippi State University student is expected to make his initial court appearance today.

Vernon woman arrested for murder

A Vernon, Ala. woman was arrested Thursday in connection with the death of a Beaverton, Ala. man.

Charity Ball honorees recognized for community service

At its 62nd annual Charity Ball Saturday evening, Junior Auxiliary of Columbus honored the 2012 ball king and queen and celebrated volunteerism and community service.

Art professor takes on ‘wild women’ in art at Monday talk

The Mississippi University for Women Department of Art and Design Speaker Series presents Dr. Michelle Moseley-Christian, who will speak on “The Transformation of the ‘Wild Woman’ in the Visual Arts” Monday, April 2.

The lecture will begin at 7:15 p.m. in the Mary Evelyn Stringer Auditorium in the Art and Design Building on campus.

Decorated veteran to address ‘Poltics of Command’ Thursday

On Thursday, April 5, the Gordy Honors Forum Speakers Series will play host to Lt. Col. Michael J. “Gibbo” Gibbons, USAFR, ret. The 6 p.m. presentation will be in Nissan Auditorium in Parkinson Hall, on the campus of Mississippi University for Women. The program is free and open to the public.

Shooting sports medal count is high for Lowndes 4-H youth

Lowndes County 4-H youth recently competed in the Golden Triangle 4-H Shooting Sports competition held in West Point March 10, with other youth from Clay, Oktibbeha and Monroe Counties.

Lowndes County youth competed in air rifle, air pistol, .22 rifle, shotgun, archery and black powder. Lowndes participants won 33 first place medals, 17 second place medals and 10 third place medals.

‘Friends’ welcome Salter to kick off April Table Talk

The Friends of the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library launches its April Table Talk series with a presentation by Sidney L. “Sid” Salter, journalist in residence at the Mississippi State University Libraries. Salter will discuss his recent work, “Jack Cristil: Voice of the MSU Bulldogs,” the 2011 biography of the longtime dean of Southeastern Conference sports radio broadcasters.

United for Israel to host Tuesday program

Christians United for Israel (CUFI), a recently formed organization on the campus of Mississippi University for Women, will host a program on the university campus.