City to Harry Sanders: We want an apology

Members of the Columbus City Council retaliated Tuesday night against recent remarks made by a county supervisor. During the general comments section of the meeting, Ward 6 Councilman Kabir Karriem called for Lowndes County Board of Supervisors President Harry Sanders to publicly apologize for comments made during a speech at a local civic club.

Police push for internal promotions

An ongoing debate within the Columbus Police Department continued Tuesday during the meeting of the mayor and City Council. Police Chief Selvain McQueen appeared before the board seeking approval for updated policies regarding lateral hiring and departmental promotions.

Fans vote on MSU men’s basketball team’s top five players, games

STARKVILLE — The fans have spoken to complete the biggest component of Mississippi State University’s 100 Years of Basketball celebration.

On Tuesday, the final tabulations for the “Starting 5” and “Top 5 Games” as voted on by the fans were compiled, and it’s an all-star cast with countless achievements and accolades that received the most votes.

Green, Alabama rout Auburn

AUBURN, Ala. — The shorthanded University of Alabama men’s basketball team made a little history against Auburn University.

JaMychal Green scored 19 points, Trevor Releford added 15 to help Alabama race to a 68-50 win on Tuesday night.

Columbus concerned about development

The Columbus City Council met this morning in a special meeting to discuss economic development, retail development and regional economic development. The council called the special meeting at City Hall to question Joe Higgins, CEO of the Columbus-Lowndes Development Link, about the issues.

Soccer park on track for September opening

Construction on a water well for the downtown soccer complex will be under way soon. The Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority approved the water project at its meeting Monday night. The board awarded the project to the Donald Smith Co. of Headland, Ala. for $203,000.

Alabama will take on Auburn without Mtchell

AUBURN, Ala. — Auburn University men’s basketball coach Tony Barbee insists the absence of University of Alabama standout Tony Mitchell won’t have a big impact on tonight’s rivalry game.

Dispatch brings home advertising awards

The Dispatch advertising staff won multiple awards in the Mississippi Press Association’s 2011 Better Newspaper Contest for Advertising. The awards ceremony was this past Saturday in Jackson. The paper competed with other newspapers with a circulation between 9,000 and 15,000.

4-H Shooting Sports program fired up

Sixty-two youth have already signed up for the Lowndes County 4-H shooting sports program, which began with safety classes Jan. 28. Dozens of children and their parents attended the sign-up event hosted by 4-H Agent Sharon Patrick at 4-H headquarters on Seventh Street North in Columbus Jan. 19.

The shooting sports program has consistently been 4-H’s most popular program in recent years. Much of its success is attributed to the efforts of long-time instructor Ben Kilgore, who retired last year.

Juried arts contest invites artists, photographers to submit work

Columbus’ 17th annual Market Street Festival may be three months off, but preparations are well underway. The festival and the Columbus Arts Council are partnering again this year to offer the Juried Arts Competition and Exhibit. The contest and show will celebrate some of the best original paintings, drawings, photography and 3D work done by area artists.

Develop that green thumb with Master Gardener course

If you are looking to get involved and volunteer in the community, the Master Gardener Program may be right for you. The program, which began in Mississippi in 1991, is designed to enhance public education in consumer horticulture. It provides educational assistance to any citizen in the area of horticulture through the use of trained volunteers.

Columbus girl receives top honors in art competition

Avery Dennison, who is from Columbus, was among Mississippi School of the Arts Visual Arts students who recently received a cumulative total of 85 awards in the Regional Scholastic Art Competition.

The contest is hosted by the Mississippi Museum of Art. Students from the School of Arts took home three of the five American Vision Awards (for best in show), 19 Gold Keys, 15 Silver Keys and 48 Honorable Mentions.

Star-struck: When Hollywood went to war and came to Columbus

You might remember Clark Gable for his portrayal of Rhett Butler in “Gone With the Wind,” or as one of the great legends of the silver screen, but almost 70 years ago, he was a real American hero, both on screen and off, when he flew real combat missions during World War II.

SHS students strike gold in Scholastic Art Competition

STARKVILLE — Upon arriving at the campus of Starkville High School, one thing leaps out to a first-time visitor — between the school and the football field stands an old, white, worn house.

“The white house,” as it’s known to students and faculty, serves as a haven and classroom to the art students of Andrew Lark.

Interfaith conversation to bring together local leaders

In celebration of World Interfaith Harmony Week, an interfaith conversation between five local religious leaders will be held Monday, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. in Nissan Auditorium on the Mississippi University for Women campus. The event is free and open to the public.

McLemore: Identity theft on the rise

Lt. Wayne McLemore has been on the Columbus police force for 24 years.

Over the years, he has worked in drug- and gang-resistance education, criminal investigations, the SWAT team and public relations.

Dudy Gras celebration ushers in Bulldog baseball season

STARKVILLE — If residents hear a commotion around 4:30 p.m. in downtown Starkville today, there’s no need for concern. It’s Dudy Gras 6.5, the seventh annual parade and celebration signifying the start of Mississippi State University’s baseball season.

Columbus mum on settlement in police shooting

Details of a settlement agreement between the city of Columbus and the mother of a young man who was fatally shot by police in 2008 will remain confidential even when the paperwork is finalized, City Attorney Jeff Turnage said Thursday.

Child porn case moves to grand jury

A Columbus man charged with exploitation of children had his initial appearance in municipal court Thursday.

Georgia women hand MSU its third straight loss

ATHENS, Ga. — Khaalidah Miller shook off a two-game shooting slump as she and teammate Jasmine Hassell scored 16 points each to lead the No. 21 University of Georgia women’s basketball team to a 70-60 victory against Mississippi State 70-60 on Thursday night, ending a two-game losing streak.