Jenkins, Vanderbilt send Ole Miss home

NEW ORLEANS — Vanderbilt University’s John Jenkins has a philosophy on 3-point shooting that doesn’t require much of a conscience.

It does require confidence. And the Commodores’ most prolific long-range bomber isn’t lacking it, which is the main reason Vanderbilt rallied to beat the University of Mississippi 65-53 and advance to the program’s first Southeastern Conference tournament final in more than 60 years.

Columbus United teams win titles

Two Columbus United Soccer Club teams won championships and another placed second at the Frostbite Tournament on Feb. 25-26 in Starkville.

Ladd Chain earns runner-up High Point Award

BILOXI — Ladd Chain finished second individually in the 13- to 14-year-old age group and helped lead Swim Columbus to a seventh-place finish last month at the Mississippi State Short Course Championships.

Alabama anglers win semi-pro division of Crappie USA event

Crappie USA held a two-day super tournament that featured amateur and semi-pro divisions that competed Friday and Saturday in Columbus.

Teams as far away as Arkansas and Kentucky came to the area in hopes of cashing in on cash and prizes.

Snider’s changes help anglers

Anglers, like any sports enthusiasts, like to try new things.

In our area, it’s a challenge to find businesses that offer a huge selection of lures and fishing equipment.

Mamrack named Dispatch News Editor

A veteran journalist has rejoined the Dispatch staff. Kristin Mamrack assumed the role of news editor Monday, replacing former news editor Nerissa Young.

Local Sears store to close next month

Columbus’ Sears store will close April 29. In December, Sears Holding Corp. announced the Columbus store is one of three in the state to be closed, due to poor profit performance. Stores in Jackson and McComb, as well as 100 to 120 Sears and Kmart stores across the country, were also announced for closure.

City Council expected to name new CMSD board member March 20

The following is a brief profile of the applicants for the available seat on the Columbus School Board. Bruce Hanson’s term ended earlier this month; he withdrew his application for reappointment.

Ole Miss beats Tennessee to reach semifinals

NEW ORLEANS — Terrance Henry scored 19 points, Jarvis Summers added 17 and the University of Mississippi men’s basketball team beat the University of Tennessee 77-72 in overtime in the Southeastern Conference tournament quarterfinals on Friday night.

Henry hit two free throws with 9.1 seconds left in regulation to give Ole Miss a 61-58 lead, but Tennessee’s Skylar McBee banked in a 3-pointer with 2.1 seconds left to tie the game and send it into overtime.

Florida outlasts Alabam in SEC tournament

NEW ORLEANS — The University of Alabama’s JaMychal Green was terrific Friday, finishing in the paint, grabbing rebounds, dishing out assists, and being a huge pain for the University of Florida.

There’s just one free-throw attempt he’d like to have back.

The Crimson Tide lost 66-63 to the Gators in the Southeastern Conference tournament quarterfinals, failing to convert two chances to tie the game in the final seconds.

Alabama’s Jones shifts to center

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — University of Alabama Outland Trophy winner Barrett Jones opened spring practice at a new position — one of many new looks for the defending national champions next season.

Coach Nick Saban stressed Friday that it’s a new team with several job openings. Alabama lost a group of stars that includes at least four projected first-round NFL draft picks.

Severstal seeking Summer interns

Recruitment has begun for Severstal North America’s popular summer internship program, which pairs student interns with mentors to give the students meaningful, real-world experience.

New hospital officers announced for OCH

The Oktibbeha County Hospital Regional Medical Center Thursday announced a change in hospital leadership.

Local airman promoted

Airman 1st Class Gio’Vonnie Ellis, left, a Columbus native, was recently promoted.

Miss. Supreme Court rules Barbour pardons valid

The Mississippi Supreme Court Thursday upheld the pardons issued by former Gov. Haley Barbour, during his final days in office, including several convicted in Lowndes and Okitbbeha counties.

MSU student entrepreneur enjoys worldwide storytelling audience

Looking at Brad Overbey with his gorilla costume and his pet dog dressed like Batman, it’s easy to think the Mississippi State student is just goofing around.

Marriages and Divorces 3-8-12

COLUMBUS Marriages Feb. 25- March 7 Christopher Hicks and Naksia Shmtell Fisher Divorces Feb. 25- March 7 Gary A. Smith and Abigail M. Smith Kristopher

Building Permits 3-8-12

Columbus Feb. 28 – March 5 Doug & Hazel’s; 224 Tuscaloosa Road; Gas Inspection; Jeff Swedenburg Brooks Properties; 304 Chubby Drive; Gas Inspection; Dale Nelson

Miss. lawmakers meet 1st big deadline of session

JACKSON — Mississippi lawmakers scrambled Tuesday to meet their first major deadline of the 2012 session, thinning out the list of bills and constitutional amendments

Miss. voter ID not in use for March 13 primaries

Mississippi voters won’t have to show a driver’s license or other photo identification to cast ballots in the March 13 presidential and congressional primaries, Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said Monday.