‘I’m there for them’: Heritage’s Murphy named state Teacher of the Year

It was 11 years ago when Sarah Jo Murphy stopped by the principal’s office at Heritage Academy’s elementary school. After 33 years of teaching at New Hope Elementary School, Murphy had put in her time. Starting her teaching career anew wasn’t on the agenda. But before she knew it, she was back in the classroom and loving every minute of it.

‘Mother Goose,’ MUW professor awarded for community service

Call her a philanthropist, a “cultural icon” or even eccentric. But children, throughout the years, have known her simply as Mother Goose.

Area educators honored as Master Teachers

Entering her first year of school in Durham, N.C., Cindi Rigsbee was unsure of herself. She felt shy and awkward; a mop of dark, unmanageable hair only compounded the problem.

Smaller airports avoid security hassles

New security screenings implemented Nov. 1 seem to have travelers across the country in a frenzy. But locally, the changes have been quiet. And officials expect it to remain so.

Police: Alleged rape ‘black eye’ on law enforcement

A reported rapist’s recent use of blue lights to pull over and attack a woman adds another layer of distrust between the public and police, local lawmen say.

UMMC visitors prescribe new opportunities to Franklin students

Keara Williams and Brianna O’Neal want to be pediatric nurses when they grow up. Tristian Moody wants to be a cardiologist.

Lowndes: Dismiss lawsuit brought by coach, principal

Lowndes County School District has asked a judge to dismiss lawsuits brought against it by former New Hope High School principal Lynn Wright and longtime baseball coach Stacy Hester.

Some Omnova strikers finding other jobs to make ends meet

As a flurry of shoppers made the rounds at local retailers for the biggest shopping day of the year, Ed Clemons sat outside Omnova, battling the cold with a small propane heater.

Sheriff: Alleged rapist posed as cop to stop victim

Authorities are looking for a rape suspect, who posed as a police officer to attack his victim, the Pickens County, Ala., Sheriff’s Department reported this morning.

For many locals, fresh Christmas trees make the cut

In anticipation of Christmas Day, families across the country will continue the evergreen tradition, decorating with live trees. And area residents have no shortage of places to find the centerpiece of their holiday decor.

Floating museums: Replicas of Christopher Columbus’ ships docked at local marina

Christopher Columbus sailed 25,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to the New World on a 65-foot ship, accompanied by nearly 30 other sailors. With little space, food stored in the gunnels and livestock kept below, sailors slept on deck and got to know each other very well.

Floating museums: Replicas of Christopher Columbus’ ships docked at local marina

Christopher Columbus sailed 25,000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean to the New World on a 65-foot ship, accompanied by nearly 30 other sailors. With little space, food stored in the gunnels and livestock kept below, sailors slept on deck and got to know each other very well.

Big spenders: Golden Triangle donors give more than $300,000 to candidates for congressional, other races

Residents in the Golden Triangle gave $309,676 to national campaign efforts this election season, according to statistics from The Huffington Post’s Fundrace website.

Local taxpayers due unclaimed refunds

More than 1,000 taxpayers in Mississippi and 2,000 in Alabama have unclaimed tax returns.

Nationwide, the IRS is looking to deliver $164 million in refund checks to 111,893 people because of mailing address errors, the IRS reported this week.

Columbus Boys and Girls Club focuses on helping kids graduate

The Columbus Kiwanis Club is reaching out to the Columbus Boys and Girls Club, in light of its international organization partnering with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Wednesday, Columbus Boys and Girls director Steve Moody talked to Kiwanians at the Country Club about the youth center’s offerings.

Hundreds of Lowndes teachers brought together for thank-you program

Hundreds of teachers left the Mississippi University for Women campus rejuvenated Wednesday afternoon, after the Columbus-Lowndes Development Link’s Educators are Essential program.

New facility at Columbus Air Force Base meets gold standard for energy efficiency

Martha Mann has been director of Columbus Air Force Base’s Child Development Center for the past 16 years, working through a time when child care was more like baby-sitting.

County schools move forward with office improvements

Lowndes County School District is moving forward on plans to improve its central office on Highway 45 South.

Program brings business, community leaders into classroom

Students in Lowndes County schools will be better prepared to enter the workforce with the help of the Mississippi Scholars program.

West Point school superintendent to retire

After a career spanning three decades, Steve Montgomery wants to stay in education, but he’s not sure what capacity. Only one thing is certain: He won’t return to the West Point School District as superintendent.