Aldermen could discuss public-private proposal Tuesday

STARKVILLE — Mayor Parker Wiseman hopes to officially begin the search for a tax-neutral financing for the the ongoing municipal facilities plan Tuesday.

Wiseman said Friday that the Board of Aldermen could discuss a request for project proposal to test the market for companies interested in striking a public-private partnership. Wiseman believes a renovated and remodeled City Hall could be an attractive space for urban development, with the possibility of leasing newly created office space to help offset the project’s price tag.

Renter, property managers at odds over safety at Brookville Gardens

Samantha Peterson had just watched her children board the bus for school Monday morning when she noticed flames in the corner of a room in her Brookville Gardens apartment.

City officials make capital-projects wish list

It all comes down to taxes. The city’s work with consultant Demery Grubbs will yield a five-year plan for capital improvements and funding strategies for each of the roughly 40 projects that will make the cut by the beginning of February.

Starkville artists challenge each other

They’ve been competing against each other since elementary school.

Artists Maggie George and George Bennett have developed their talents by trying to one-up the other’s latest gem.

Women leave class with class

STARKVILLE — Shirley Ross was mired in debt from high-interest payday loans and rent-to-own appliances. She felt like she had no other option. As a waitress at Starkville Cafe and part-time custodian, Ross was living paycheck to paycheck.

Lt. Gov.-elect: State must improve college graduation rates

STARKVILLE — Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves said the state’s economic future hinges on making college more affordable. “In the long term, if core inflation is at 2 or 3 percent, our universities can’t be at 7 percent each year,” Reeves said Tuesday at Mississippi State University.

Bazaar vendors expect big sales

STARKVILLE — Shoppers, keep swiping cards and passing bills. Following positive retail reports on Black Friday and during the Thanksgiving weekend, area vendors are hopeful the trend will continue during the 39th Annual Starkville Holiday Bazaar today and Thursday at the Starkville Sportsplex. The bazaar is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Admission is free.

Bazaar vendors expect big sales

STARKVILLE — Shoppers, keep swiping cards and passing bills. Following positive retail reports on Black Friday and during the Thanksgiving weekend, area vendors are hopeful the trend will continue during the 39th Annual Starkville Holiday Bazaar today and Thursday at the Starkville Sportsplex. The bazaar is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. Admission is free.

Apartment building fire displaces 16 residents; no injuries

STARKVILLE — Sixteen people safely evacuated an apartment fire at Brookville Gardens on Monday morning. Starkville Fire Department reached the scene at 7:34 a.m.; firefighters found two of four apartments in building No. 25 engulfed by flames and smoke.

WOBV to stream parade for first time

STARKVILLE — Today, soldiers deployed overseas and Starkville natives living across the country can experience a little piece of home.

The 2011 Starkville Christmas parade, annually recorded by WOBV and aired throughout December, will be streamed live on the internet for the first time.

As crimes increase, police offer deterrent measures

Hide your goods. Leave on your lights. That’s the message Starkville police have for residents during the holidays.

De la Cruz family, First United continue annual holiday dinner

STARKVILLE — A city couple who recall their lonely holidays as international students now open their home to make sure international students have a holiday home.

Starkville building plans may rise again

The city of Starkville is looking for a solution that doesn’t involve raising taxes after the failed municipal facilities bond referendum in September.

Long-term projects on the agenda for aldermen tonight

STARKVILLE — The Starkville Board of Aldermen tonight will hold its first work session to discuss its capital improvement program. The board will meet with financial consultant Demery Grubbs, of the Jackson-based firm Government Consultants Inc., whom the city contracted earlier this year to help craft its five-year master list and provide financial guidance.

Oktibbeha passes vicious dog ordinance

STARKVILLE — As expected Monday, the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors adopted its vicious animal ordinance, which will go into effect 30 days after publication. Still unclear, however, is how the county will compensate the city for use of its animal control officers and the Oktibbeha County Humane Society for housing and vaccinating dogs that are picked up.

Oktibbeha County denies woman’s requested tax break for past three years

STARKVILLE — An Oktibbeha County woman’s request for a refund to adjust her property tax bill was denied Monday during the Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors meeting.

Starkville shopping center to get revamped

STARKVILLE — Some call it the old Kroger building. Others call it Dirt Cheap. Either way, the obscure shopping center on Louisville Street has an identity crisis. Soon, though, Chestnut Commons will be a recognizable shopping strip.

Keeper of artifacts: Joan Wilson works to raise profile of Oktibbeha County museum

STARKVILLE — Joan Wilson is so invested in Oktibbeha County history, you’d think she had roots four or five generations deep. Not quite.

Too many mistakes doom West Point

STARKVILLE — After a recent blowout win against New Hope High School, West Point High football coach Chris Chambless warned his team’s season would end in heartache if it played as sloppily as it did against the Trojans.

The Green Wave’s season did just that, coming to a screeching halt Friday night in a 20-14 loss at Starkville High.

Still recovering from accident, Jan Morgan will face driver for the first time

STARKVILLE — Jan Morgan has imagined how surreal the moment will be when she meets Robbie A. Norton.

The Starkville cyclist drew nationwide attention following her accident with Norton, who in May hit Morgan with her vehicle on Highway 50 in Clay County. Morgan spent nearly a month in a coma and had numerous medical procedures done since the accident. To this day, Morgan has never talked to or seen Norton.