Alabama spends second day in pads

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama football team continued its spring practice schedule Saturday with a two-hour workout in full pads at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility in front of an estimated 1,200 coaches from around the region who are attending the 2012 Alabama Coaching Clinic.

Good, bad about Alabama rigs

There is a hot new bait out on the market in bass fishing.

The Alabama rig, an umbrella rig that has five wires with swivels attached, allows an angler to attach five baits to the rig and to fish on a single cast. Designed and sold by Andy Poss, he took the idea from the saltwater fishermen who use umbrella rigs to run teaser lures behind the boat while trolling to get the attention of saltwater fish such as marlin and tuna.

Freeze, Ole Miss begin spring practice

OXFORD — Much has changed since Hugh Freeze was around the University of Mississippi’s football team on a regular basis.

Not all of it is good.

Bjork introduced as Ole Miss’ new AD

OXFORD — New University of Mississippi Athletic Director Ross Bjork spoke with a steady and steely resolve, detailing every step on how he planned to lead the Rebels in the ultra-competitive Southeastern Conference.

“I like to have fun, but I’m serious,” Bjork said Thursday. “I take this very seriously.”

Starkville to install new signs

On a typical football Saturday, as many as 50,000 visitors meander through Starkville, many of whom don’t know where they are going or how to get there.

EMCC’s Pine Grove Festival shows off artists, music and more

East Mississippi Community College’s annual celebration of all things artsy returns March 26-29 with the Pine Grove Arts Festival.

Furniture summit addresses industry challenges

Nothing brings competitors together like the threat of even bigger competition.

Among the crowd of different furniture manufacturing representatives at Mississippi State University’s Franklin Furniture Institute on Wednesday, that seemed to be the sentiment. About 75 people from furniture companies, suppliers and industry trade organizations from Mississippi and seven other states met to discuss current challenges.

Bean awarded Exchange Club’s ‘Golden Book of Deeds’

Local restaurateur John Bean Thursday was recognized for his contributions to the community when he was awarded the Columbus Exchange Club’s highest honor, the Golden Book of Deeds.

Hood seeks review of Barbour pardons ruling

Attorney General Jim Hood has asked the Mississippi Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling that former Gov. Haley Barbour’s late-term pardons were valid.

Police investigating Thursday shooting

Investigators with the Columbus Police Department are searching for leads in a Thursday night shooting.

Arrest report 3-22-12

Arrests for the week of March 19, 2012.

Business brief: Prudential agents receive awards

Prudential Starkville Properties is pleased to announce several awards for outstanding achievement.

Business brief: RE/MAX Partners agents recognized

The following associates from RE/MAX Partners were recently recognized at a statewide awards luncheon held in Jackson.

Business brief: Laws receives award

Dr. Henry L. Laws II, a Columbus native, has been awarded the Distinguished Service Award of The Southeastern Surgical Congress.

Business brief: Romans named marketing director

Ceco Building Systems President Roger Burlingame announces that Shawnna Romans has joined the Ceco Building Systems division staff as marketing director.

Business brief: Law firm recognized

Brunini Grantham Grower & Hewes PLLC has been named as the Benchmark Southern Regional Appellate Law Firm of the Year 2012.

Business brief: Arellano Promoted

Pryor & Morrow Architects and Engineers, P.A. has announced the promotion of Jose Guadalupe Arellano, AIA as a principal in the Columbus office.

Building permits 3-22-12

Columbus March 15- 21 Weltraud Shephard; 101 Crepe Myrtle Drive; Electrical Inspection; Vertis Lee Coleman Realty; 300 Chubby Drive; Electrical Inspection; Danny Wofford Deep South

Marriages and Divorces 3-22-12

COLUMBUS Marriages March 15- 21 Not available at press time Divorces March 15- 21 Not available at press time STARKVILLE Marriages March 15- 21 Not

WKU’s Bjork named Ole Miss’ new AD

Ross Bjork has developed a reputation as an up-and-comer in college athletics who specializes in fund raising and isn’t afraid to make bold moves with his coaching staff.

That’s exactly what the University of Mississippi wanted.