Articles by Garthia Elena Burnett
Lowndes County school board going paperless
The Lowndes County school board is going paperless. School board members now can access electronic school board agenda’s at the Lowndes County School District website — lowndes.k12.ms.us. By April, the electronic agendas will be available to the general public, said Tina Younger, assistant to the LCSD superintendent.
War of the roses: This Valentine’s Day, flower shops fight to stay competitive despite higher costs
It may cost a little more this year to say it with flowers.
Florists expect to pay more for roses this time of year; growers hold back a portion of their fields to meet the demands of Valentine’s Day. But this year’s costs have been driven up even more, due to rising fuel costs and a rainy growing season.
A snow day for working parents, too
It was another snow day for Columbus and Lowndes County Thursday. And that meant many working parents were forced to take a snow day as well, or head into work with children in tow.
Officials: School bus drivers undergo rigorous training
As the Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol continues to investigate a fatal accident involving a Choctaw County school bus and an 18-wheeler, Columbus and Starkville officials said they haven’t dealt with major bus accidents in recent years — due in equal parts to training and good fortune.
West Lowndes student, deft at ‘karate,’ wins spelling bee
For Alexia Morton, the past two years in countywide spelling bees were practice rounds. Tuesday, she took home the top prize, as the winner of the 2011 Columbus-Lowndes County Spelling Bee.
190 years and counting: Franklin Academy celebrates anniversary Thursday
How does the oldest public school in the state celebrate 190 years of educating children? With birthday cake.
MONDAY PROFILE: Post Office’s Pope delivers on friendliness
When Donald Pope started working for the U.S. Postal Service 14 years ago, he thought it would be an easy, relaxing job. “I thought, ‘Selling stamps and money orders — I can do that all day, no problem,'” said Pope, who is known simply as DP. But Pope is used to work.
Have fun, but don’t overindulge on Super Bowl Sunday, dietitians say
Today marks more than the start of the most-anticipated football game of the year. It’s also a time for calorie-laden snack attacks — the breaking point for many weight-loss resolutions, punctuated by hot wings, nachos and pizza.
Respecting diversity: Town and Tower event energizes community members
As about 75 community members from various walks of life gathered this morning for the Town and Tower Community Prayer Breakfast, they were representative of the theme: There is strength in diversity.
Hotels attract interest of restaurant chains
As one new hotel approaches its grand opening and Castle Properties prepares to break ground on another, local developer Mark Castleberry predicts more hotel projects on the horizon. And hotel projects are attracting the interest of chain restaurants potentially locating in Columbus.
SHOOTING UPDATE: Man who admits killing friend was ‘unstable,’ loved guns, neighbors say
A Steens man in custody for shooting another man to death was described by neighbors as “unstable” and a gun lover.
Search for permanent MUW president remains at standstill
When the state College Board tapped Allegra Brigham as the Mississippi University for Women’s interim president in May, the MUW alumnus said she was prepared to stay indefinitely. And it appears she will do just that, as the College Board appears in no rush to find her permanent replacement.
Columbus Middle School’s Allen named Teacher of the Year
After 38 years, Frances Allen’s love for teaching continues to grow. She never fails to seek out and respond to students who need one-on-one help, even if it means cutting into her personal time.
Garthia Elena Burnett: Band memories, old and new
I had my first day of rehearsal with the Starkville/MSU community band on Monday. As a disclosure in my own defense, picking up a clarinet after six years is not like riding a bike.
Columbus High showcases ‘champion’ spirit
Columbus High introduced the community, last night, to the talents of its students and the vast array of programs offered at the school. And community members attending the inaugural Falcon Showcase were pleasantly surprised.
Amid teams’ success, New Hope plans upgrades to soccer field
On the heels of exciting wins, the New Hope soccer teams could have more to celebrate. Deteriorating 30-year-old bleachers are on tap for replacement.
Absentee voting under way for transportation commissioner runoff
Absentee ballots now are available at circuit clerks’ offices for the Feb. 1 Northern District transportation commissioner runoff election.
Columbus High’s Falcon Showcase puts students’ talents on display
Where can you go for a night of fine dining, artwork, a silent auction and live musical performances? Columbus High School.
In wake of Ariz. shooting, local colleges work to flag problem students
Officials at local colleges agree with how a Tucson, Ariz., community college handled disturbed student Jared Loughner, saying they have similar rules in place to identify, counsel or expel troubled students.
