Articles by Jan Swoope
Laugh it up: Lab Rats ‘think less, talk more’ in a place where there are no dumb ideas
It’s a Wednesday night, something after 9 p.m., and the Lab Rats have reported for practice in Mississippi State’s Allen Hall. It’s a twice-weekly appointment they keep, one that hones their improv comedy chops for the monthly shows they put on for the public. Making an audience laugh isn’t a matter of luck or chance — it takes some skills.
October heralds My Book’s drive to boost Lowndes’ literacy
Local mailboxes will soon contain a letter My Book of Lowndes County volunteers hope recipients will not ignore. So do many children throughout the county, whether they know it or not.
Pumpkin time: Pumpkins are for more than just decorating
Few things convince us that autumn will eventually make an appearance more than pumpkins. Whatever color, shape or size they are, pumpkins put us in mind of crisper days ahead, leaves skittering across the road and holidays to soon celebrate.
Treasured threads: A locally historic ‘magic carpet’ gets a new home and welcome party
A “magic carpet” that once helped children take flights of imagination is about to be in the spotlight again.
Home again: painter returns to roots, inspiration in Columbus
Virginia Branch has come home again. Her art has been inspired by it.
Piney Grove Church to mark 190th anniversary Oct. 7
Earliest members of Piney Grove United Methodist Church in Steens were among some of Lowndes County’s first settlers.
Give a nod to coffee: From the bean to the cup — drink up for National Coffee Day
An amusing saying that’s shown up on everything from mugs to T-shirts to wall art is: “First I drink coffee, then I do things.” Hands up, all who can identify. National Coffee Day Saturday may be just for you.
Tell us a story: Master storytellers tickle funny bones and tug heartstrings
It was our own fault we were left standing outside the hallowed circle, on the fringes of the faithful packed in to hear Sheila Kay Adams at the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee.
Columbus Art Walk Downtown Thursday is Top 20 Event
Columbus’ annual Art Walk Downtown, set for Thursday from 5:30-7:30 p.m., has again earned recognition as a Top 20 Event in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society.
Bring a chair, and even dinner, for ‘Oedipus’ this week
A mythical Greek king will fulfill a tragic prophecy when the Shackouls Honors College presents “Oedipus,” by Sophocles, at 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday in the Griffis Hall Courtyard at Mississippi State.
Headed to the world: Golden Ticket fast forwards steak chef to world championship
Chris Lytle knows his way around a grill. Born and raised in Columbus, he’s been barbecuing competitively for years. In early 2018, however, he added another challenge to his plate — turning out perfect medium-rare rib-eyes at Steak Cookoff Association (SCA) contests.
‘This place matters’: A piece of history is getting a major makeover
“Watch it here,” cautioned Kathy Novotny, taking a sizable step up into the small wooden structure. Inside the dim exterior, beams thought to be more than 180 years old crossed the low ceiling typical in many buildings of the 1800s. Almost two centuries later, this one is undergoing extensive rehabilitation.
To everything, there is a season: Changing seasons usher in flavors, textures
For those who keep up with what changing seasons mean in the garden and on our plates, the advent of fall can sometimes seem a little bittersweet.
A joy and a service: This Scout project proves, ‘If you build it … ‘
When high school junior Noel Fisher visited the Boys & Girls Club in Columbus and saw the vacant field next to it, he thought his search for an Eagle Scout Service Project might be over.
Still firm friends, after all these years
Almost 13 years ago, on Feb. 6, 2006, Jason Nickles joined the staff of the Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society and pretty much made it his “home away from home.” One day later, Mama Dog showed up and made herself at home, too. The former stray and Nickles, who manages shelter operations, have been firm buddies ever since.
Talking tailgate
There was, no doubt, a time when tailgating meant showing up before the game with a sandwich and six-pack, but oh, how things have changed. Thousands of Bulldog fans proved that again Saturday in The Junction as Mississippi State opened its season at home with a win.
Famous types: Timeless typewriters, from Hemingway to Hanks
Sarah McCullough felt the impact as she helped carefully unpack them. Nine typewriters, all of great significance. Nine typewriters, mechanical memoirs, in their way, of literary giants and entertainment icons.
Tennessee’s Tribute returns: ‘Shouting,’ scholars, something for all
Tennessee Williams, Tallulah Bankhead and Truman Capote — the 17th annual Tennessee Williams Tribute Sept. 7-9 will “unite” all three.
Suicide bomber-detecting dogs are topic of Hazard Lecture
An innovative science for training dogs to detect body-worn explosives in moving crowds is the topic of the first Hazard Lecture Series of 2018.
A pinch will do: A Columbus cook makes a soul connection with spices
It was the common onion that set Lillian Murray on a quest several years ago.
MSU quarterback Shapen earns Philanthropic Spirit award
June 26, 2025
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