Alabama powers past Georgia Southern

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Nick Saban reminded the University of Alabama football players before the game what they had to lose, especially the seniors. They could leave as the program’s winningest class — or be remembered for falling to Georgia Southern in their home finale.

And everybody knows what the third-ranked Crimson Tide are really chasing: A national title shot that became significantly more realistic with No. 2 Oklahoma State’s loss the night before.

Oktibbeha to adopt dog ordinance Monday

STARKVILLE — The Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors will adopt a vicious dog ordinance Monday morning. They need citizens to weigh in one final time before making it official.

New microfilm machine enhances library services

The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library can now offer its patrons a new microfilm machine that boasts modern conveniences. The Canon Microfilm Scanner 300 II is connected to a computer that allows users to scan documents from the microfilm machine onto the desktop PC and either save the images to a flash drive or email them to another computer at no cost to the researcher.

Area artists included in Mississippi Invitational exhibit

Three area artists are among the 13 selected by The Mississippi Museum of Art for inclusion in the 2011 Mississippi Invitational biennial exhibition now open.

Mississippi State beats Arizona for title

NEW YORK — Arnett Moultrie had 19 points, 10 rebounds, three kinds of cookies, and an MVP trophy.

The 6-foot-11 junior forward celebrated his 21st birthday with the big outing to help the Mississippi State men’s basketball team beat No. 15 Arizona 67-57 on Friday night to win the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer at Madison Square Garden.

Library invites community to decorate trees

The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System invites clubs, businesses, organizations and individuals to decorate a tree for the Columbus Library Annual Festival of Trees. The trees will be seen by hundreds of library visitors during the month of December.

Starkville woman finds closure in verdict

STARKVILLE — Jan Morgan can move on. A Clay County judge Thursday found Robbie Norton, of Cedar Bluff, guilty of negligence and imposed a fine of $50 for running over Morgan with her vehicle on May 22.

MSU men start fast, hold on to beat Texas A&M

NEW YORK — The Mississippi State basketball team’s great start wasn’t fooling Rick Stansbury.

The Bulldogs hit 10 of their first 13 shots from the field in taking a 22-point lead and they hung on for a 69-60 victory against No. 19 Texas A&M on Thursday night in the semifinals of the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer.

Mitchell, Alabama beat Maryland

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — When JaMychal Green went to the bench with two quick fouls, Tony Mitchell stepped up for the No. 16 University of Alabama men’s basketball team.

Mitchell scored 15 of his 17 points in the first half and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead Alabama to a 62-42 win against Maryland on Thursday night in the opening round of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off.

Building permits 11-17-11

Building permits Nov. 8 – Nov. 16

Marriages and divorces 11-17-11

Marriages and divorces Nov. 2 – Nov. 16

Lowndes Arrest Report 11-17-11

The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office reports the following arrests:

Fifth suspect sought in home break-in

CEDAR BLUFF — One suspect remains at large, and four have been arrested in connection with a home burglary in the Clay County community of Cedar Bluff, Chief Deputy Eddie Scott reported in a press release.

Oktibbeha Arrest Report 11-17-11

The following people were arrested on felony charges from Nov. 8-13 According to Oktibbeha County Jail reports:

A new era: Tourism board works to overcome past controversy

With a full board of directors newly seated, the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau is moving past controversy to emerge as a strong agency with a clearly defined mission, board members said.

Mississippi County reports 15 hurt in storm

LAUREL — Fifteen people have been injured in a storm system that swept through parts of Jones County on Wednesday, causing damage to dozens of homes and buildings in an area north of Laurel. Only one person was taken to a hospital. No deaths have been reported.

South Starkville precinct key in county races

STARKVILLE — Starkville’s largest voting precinct was key in a pair of county races won by Republican candidates. Republican Glenn Hamilton won the circuit clerk race over Teresa Davis-Roberson by 1,062 votes.

Nutt tries for final signature win

OXFORD — It appears Houston Nutt has finally run out of magic.

The embattled 54-year-old coach has one last chance at a truly signature victory when Mississippi (2-8, 0-6 SEC) hosts No. 1 LSU (10-0, 6-0) on Saturday at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. But considering Nutt’s lame duck status and that the Rebels are coming off an embarrassing 27-7 loss to Louisiana Tech on homecoming, the odds are incredibly long.

Tax business denied for the second time

The Columbus Planning Commission Monday denied a request to operate a business out of a home.

Julia Burgin asked the commission to allow a tax service business in the rear portion of her home at 2006 Short Main St.

Republican representatives to support Gunn’s bid for speaker

BRANDON — State GOP representatives voted Monday to back Clinton lawyer Philip Gunn as their candidate for House speaker next year, putting him in line to become the first Republican to lead that chamber in 136 years.