Judge allows suit over lesbian’s annual photo to proceed

A Mississippi federal judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit brought by gay teenager Ceara Sturgis over the Copiah County School Districts refusal to include a picture of her in a tuxedo in the high school yearbook’s senior section.

MSU men’s basketball faces challenging schedule; Time changes for Ole Miss

STARKVILLE — A school-record seven of the Mississippi State men’s basketball team’s non-conference games will be televised this season, including three of the first five outings on the ESPN family of networks.

Recruiting classes for Ole Miss, MSU baseball ranked

STARKVILLE — The University of Mississippi and the Mississippi State baseball programs had recruiting classes ranked in the top 20 nationally according to the annual survey by Collegiate Baseball newspaper.

Magnolia State 100 will kick off at Columbus Speedway

The waiting is almost over.

In a little more than 24 hours the 22nd Annual Magnolia State 100 will kick off at Columbus Speedway.

The event, which will begin Thursday and run through Saturday, will feature the top Super Late Model drivers in the region and in the nation. The competitors will battle for a record purse, including a $20,011 winner’s share of more than $70,000 in Super Late Model purse money for the 100-lap affair.

Columbus hires company to collect fines on outstanding warrants

The Columbus City Council Tuesday unanimously voted to enter into an agreement with American Municipal Services, a Texas-based company, to collect money on outstanding warrants.

Cadence Bank gives $60,000 to Lowndes Habitat for Humanity

Cadence Bank has announced it is investing $60,000 during the next three years in Columbus Lowndes Habitat for Humanity. Cadence Bank will contribute $20,000 per year to help eliminate poverty housing in Lowndes County.

Columbus Y to host health fair

Battling childhood obesity and diabetes starts with education, according to the Y. And the Y is trying to educate the public to reduce those rates locally.

Airport celebrates 40 years; passenger volume up

The Golden Triangle Regional Airport celebrated its 40th anniversary on Friday. On hand to celebrate the landmark was previous Executive Director Nick Ardillo, who helped current Executive Director Mike Hainsey give out cake to commemorate the event.

McQueen would have violated Hatch Act, Special Counsel says

According to the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, there is a good chance Interim Columbus Police Chief Selvain McQueen would have been in violation of the Hatch Act had he stayed in the Lowndes County sheriff’s race.

‘Clearly frustrated’: Ole Miss vows to do better after loss to Vanderbilt

OXFORD — University of Mississippi Athletic Director Pete Boone said Monday “everyone who loves Ole Miss is clearly frustrated” about the progress of the football program.

Coach Houston Nutt said the blame starts with him.

Arkansas, Alabama prepared for SEC West battle

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Bobby Petrino’s sideline theatrics were a good barometer of how he felt Saturday night.

The University of Arkansas coach took out his frustration in numerous ways during the first half — primarily on his headset (thrown to the ground), paper cup (also thrown in disgust) and Razorbacks quarterback Tyler Wilson.

And that was with No. 14 Arkansas up 24-0 in an eventual 38-28 win against Troy.

Miss. budget hearings on tap this week in Jackson

Top lawmakers meet this week to start planning how Mississippi will spend tax dollars during the budget year that begins next July 1.

Disappointing domination: Vanderbilt rolls past Ole Miss

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Houston Nutt put his arms on his hips, crossed them, and went back and forth. While assistant coaches yelled at players, the University of Mississippi coach had a frown on his face.

East Oktibbeha runs past Ethel

ETHEL — The East Oktibbeha County High School football team rushed for 327 yards Friday night and blew past homestanding Ethel 46-14 in a Class 1A, Region 3 game.

With the victory, the Titans improved to 4-1 and 2-0 in region play.

Richardson, Lacy propel Alabama past North Texas

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy each had two long touchdown runs and career rushing highs Saturday night to lead the No. 2 University of Alabama football team to a 41-0 victory against North Texas.

International Series to focus on world religions

Focusing on world religions and interfaith dialogue, the 2011-2012 International Series at Mississippi University for Women will include presentations on specific religions, films about religious conflict and cooperation, and an interfaith dialogue between local religious leaders.

Wednesday’s Table Talk to preview Welty Symposium

The Friends of the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library and Mississippi University for Women join forces on Sept. 21 to preview MUW’s upcoming Eudora Welty Writers’ Symposium. The theme of the 2011 symposium, “Crossing Cultures in the South: ‘into the lovely room full of strangers,'” is inspired by Eudora Welty’s short story “The Bride of Innisfallen.”

Lowndes public libraries receive Libri Foundation grant

The Artesia Public Library, Caledonia Public Library and Crawford Public Library, all branches of the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System, recently received more than 80 books each from the Libri Foundation.

West Bolivar edges Aberdeen in OT

ABERDEEN — Long-time friends who played together at Delta State and then coached together following graduation, Aberdeen High School’s Chris Duncan and West Bolivar’s Henry Johnson would have been happy to settle for a 22-22 tie in regulation.

Starkville Academy improves to 5-0

JACKSON — The Starkville Academy football team’s hot streak continued Friday with a 42-8 win against Hillcrest Christian School.

Ryan Mann ran for more than 100 yards for the second straight game, posting 139 yards on 19 carries. The senior fullback scored three touchdowns that helped the Volunteers build a 28-0 lead in the third quarter.