Alabama picked as favorite in SEC

HOOVER, Ala. — The University of Alabama football team is the favorite to win the Southeastern Conference title.

All-SEC Voting

A list of preseason All-Southeastern Conference teams as chosen by reporters covering SEC media days, with total votes received in parentheses

Action tonight at Columbus Speedway

Columbus Speedway will be back in action tonight with the Street Stock Survivor Championship.

The program will feature the Weekly Racing Series RockAuto.com Super Late Models, NeSmith Late Models, Street Stocks, and Mini Stocks.

Building Permits 7-21-11

Building permits July 12-19

Marriages and divorces 7-21-11

Marriages and divorces July 2-20

OCC brings Christmas in July to Columbus

Operation Christmas Child Regional Manager Gabe Walker, of Atlanta, will be in Columbus Saturday to share the mission behind the Samaritan’s Purse shoebox ministry.

Ford recalls Rangers for safety issue

Owners of 2004-2011 Ford Ranger pickup trucks should check with their dealer to see if their model is among approximately 26,715 vehicles being recalled across the nation due to a potential safety issue.

Former Rebel Warren will play in Australia

OXFORD — Throughout his exceptional high school and college career, Chris Warren dreamed of taking his basketball talents to the professional level.

On Wednesday, the former University of Mississippi point guard was earned that opportunity when he signed with the Adelaide 36ers of Australia’s National Basketball League.

Field grows in race for Mississippi House speaker

JACKSON — The race for Mississippi House speaker is attracting more candidates, with Democratic Rep. Cecil Brown becoming the latest lawmaker to say he wants to become presiding officer of the 122-member chamber.

Barbour says he’s pursuing Mississippi jobs in California

JACKSON — Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour says he’s spending several days in California “chasing jobs” and calling on companies that have investments in his home state.

Ole Miss Athletics assists Smithville

SMITHVILLE — After collecting household goods the past two weekends, University of Mississippi Athletics personnel delivered Tuesday a load of items to the Smithville community as part of the Rebel Relief Project.

Time for U.S. Soccer to change thinking

All is not lost.

Soccer will have life in this country after the United States’ women’s National Team lost to Japan in penalty kicks Sunday in the World Cup title game in Germany.

Mixing crankbaits, soft plastics will help ensure success

The hot days of summer tend to make fishing slow.

I look at summer bass fishing almost like winter time. Even though the water is warm and the metabolism of the fish is high, the fish don’t go chase food all day.

MSU architecture prof honored for Katrina recovery work

BILOXI — A Mississippi State University architecture professor who helped in the coastal rebuilding effort after Hurricane Katrina is being honored today at the White House.

Economist says Market Street Festival makes big impact on local economy; specifics to be released Tuesday

A Mississippi State University economist Tuesday will reveal the results of a study, looking at the economic impact of Columbus’ Market Street Festival.

Columbus police chief to face City Council with no shortage of supporters

Columbus Police Chief Joseph St. John is expected to appear before the City Council on Tuesday, to answer for events that led to his ongoing paid suspension.

Pote named head of MSU department

Jonathan Pote has been named head of the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Mississippi State University.

MUW Alumni Association announces new board

The Alumni Association of Mississippi University for Women announced its 2011-2012 Board of Directors, marking a pivotal moment in the history of the university with the first meeting of the unified alumni organization.

Coward is awarded MUW Medal of Excellence

Mississippi University for Women awarded a Medal of Excellence to alumna Dr. Bettye Rogers Coward (’65), president of Blue Mountain College. Awarded since 1979, the Medal of Excellence is the university’s highest non-degree honor.

Arkansas, Alabama lead preseason All-SEC picks

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The University of Arkansas led the way Thursday with 14 selections to the Southeastern Conference preseason coaches’ teams, while the University of Alabama had 13 and Mississippi State and the University of Mississippi had four apiece.