Former New Hope principal takes lead at Aberdeen schools

ABERDEEN — Former Lowndes County administrator Bobby Eiland was named interim superintendent of Aberdeen schools at a school board meeting Wednesday.

Court blocks inmates’ release

JACKSON — A Mississippi judge has temporarily blocked the release of 21 inmates who’d been given pardons or medical release by Republican Haley Barbour in one of his final acts as governor.

Circuit Judge Tomie Green issued an injunction late Wednesday at the request of Democratic Attorney General Jim Hood.

Planting decisions weighed by state farmers

GREENWOOD — The lower input costs of corn give it some advantages for Mississippi Delta farmers choosing between corn and cotton for 2012.

Oxford has bright idea for Square

OXFORD — The city of Oxford intends to brighten the area around the downtown Square by adding new lighting to nearby parking areas.

Whelan to lead O’Keefe Cultural Center

OCEAN SPRINGS — Bryant Whelan has been named the new executive director of the Mary C. O’Keefe Cultural Center for Arts and Education in Ocean Springs.

New Mississippi governor says he’s ‘ready to work’

JACKSON — The inauguration of Republican Gov. Phil Bryant on Tuesday capped a week of ceremony in Mississippi state government, as leadership changed hands in the House, then the Senate, and finally in the governor’s office.

Study: Mississippi River channel woes huge for economy

NEW ORLEANS — The U.S. economy faces losing billions of dollars in trade unless the Army Corps of Engineers’ budget for dredging the Mississippi River is increased to prevent the river from silting in, according to a new study commissioned by businesses that rely on the river.

Wild hogs unwelcome guests at Miss. Civil War site

Last year’s frightening flooding of the Mississippi River didn’t do any direct damage to the site of one of the pivotal battles of the Civil War. It did bring in some undesirable new neighbors.

Lamar officials get pay boost

PURVIS — Two key Lamar County administrators received significant raises this year, thanks to provisions provide by state statute.

State drops drug charges against doctor

ESCATAWPA — Prosecutors have dropped all charges against former heart surgeon, who in 2009 was accused of growing marijuana on his 50-acre property in Jackson County.

Union County rejects liquor sale

NEW ALBANY — For the second time in three years, Union County residents have rejected the sale of hard liquor and wine in the county.

Navistar to provide $880M in upgrades for military vehicles

WEST POINT — Navistar Defense, LLC received a $880 million delivery order Tuesday to upgrade 2,717 International MaxxPro Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles.

Recreation authority parks projects nearly complete

The Columbus Lowndes Recreation Authority is two community centers away from finishing its neighborhood parks projects.

Saban: This Alabama team is special

NEW ORLEANS — Nick Saban rolled out of bed without time even for his daily dose of The Weather Channel with wife Terry.

The business of celebrating Alabama’s second national championship in three years disrupted the morning routine for a coach who makes a habit of, well, habits. He didn’t seem to mind.

New NOAA study mirrors spill rate from BP well

NEW ORLEANS — Federal scientists say a new chemistry-based analysis of the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico closely matches official estimates released at the time of the spill.

Bryant’s road to the mansion started with a defeat

JACKSON — Phil Bryant has won seven straight elections, beginning with a race for state House in 1991. But he lost his first run for public office, a bid to become a Rankin County supervisor in 1988.

Bryant appoints several state agency directors

JACKSON — Phil Bryant’s administration is going to look at least a little like outgoing Gov. Haley Barbour’s administration.

Defense wants delay in cancer clinic fraud case

JACKSON — Defense lawyers want a federal judge to give them more time to prepare for trial in the case of a cancer clinic accused of using old syringes and watered-down chemotherapy drugs.

Outgoing Mississippi Gov. Barbour pardons four killers

JACKSON — Outgoing Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour has pardoned at least four convicted killers who worked as inmate trusties at the Governor’s Mansion, including a man who was denied parole less than two weeks ago.

City-owned utility out $350K after under billing

GREENWOOD — Greenwood Utilities has taken a $350,000 hit after under-billing a local furniture factory for 15 years before the mistake was caught.