Articles by Jan Swoope
Black Prairie Blues Fest returns to West Point Friday
Big George Brock is one of the last musicians living to have played with the legendary Howlin’ Wolf, so it’s appropriate that Brock returns to West Point — where Wolf was born in 1910 — for the 22nd annual Black Prairie Blues Festival Friday.
Countdown is on to Saturday’s 39th Prairie Arts Festival
Lisa Klutts is already tracking the extended weather forecast, encouraged by what she’s seeing.
Cook Elementary celebrates ‘Model School’ designation
When students returned to Cook Elementary Fine Arts Magnet School earlier this month, they learned of something new to celebrate.
Give summer a cool send-off this Labor Day
Any bona fide Mississippian knows toasty temperatures will last around here well into autumn.
New guidelines in place now for Operation Christmas Child boxes
As summer fades and social media announces how many weeks remaining until Dec. 25, thoughts begin turning to Operation Christmas Child (OCC).
A caring thread: Volunteers are needed as Angel Gowns honor the smallest souls among us
Only a few years ago, Sandra Corbett couldn’t sew a straight line. Now every stitch she makes comes from the heart. Corbett helps transform donated wedding, prom and formal dresses into “angel” gowns.
Polk represents state at DAR Congress in Washington
Hellen Polk of Starkville spent the days just before July 4 last month immersed in patriotism in Washington, D.C.
Free Job Corps training for women open for registration
For women who are unemployed or underemployed, Christian Women’s Job Corps (CWJC) offers a path to improved job and life skills.
Game on: Geek is chic and fun ramps up as GT Comic Con expands
Lily Dunn is planning it all out — the ’50s greaser-look costumes she and her friends are thinking about for Saturday at Trotter Convention Center. The 15-year-old from New Hope thinks she’ll go as a roller skating waitress.
Six decades later, a veteran gratefully receives medals
Sixty-two years after Aaron Harcrow Sr. served his last day in the United States Army, the 84-year-old received four medals for his honorable service.
High profile historian-turned-writer makes Columbus visit Thursday
Before long, Katy Simpson Smith will travel to Rome, a land of ancient cultures, divine art and inspiration.
Area songwriter, performer is recipient of MAC grant
Blues musician Big Joe Shelton of Macon has been awarded a $5,000 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC).
Worth the drive: Mississippi’s ‘literary lawn party’ set for Aug. 19 in Jackson
Visiting authors, panel discussions, book signings, booksellers, live music, tours, food and more promise to make the third annual Mississippi Book Festival Saturday, Aug. 19 a book lover’s playground.
Toy stories: In Erik Studdard’s ‘small world,’ little toys can tell epic tales
Erik Studdard scrabbled around in the drawer of a plastic storage bin. It’s a repository for superheroes, warriors and villains, even a fierce black steed, nostrils flared.
Artists call: Designs invited for bicentennial postcards
Mississippi’s bicentennial is the theme of a postcard project organized by the Columbus Arts Council.
Art, awareness are focus of Saturday’s ‘Art for EB’
Oil paintings by noted Mississippi artist Lee Gibson are not the only focus of an art show and sale from 4-7 p.m. Saturday at Ole Homestead, the Columbus home of Rufus and Karen Ward at 302 College St.
‘What I did this summer’: A new ‘real world’ initiative motivates teens toward college, career
“Hanging out” … “video games” … “seeing friends” — that’s how some local teenagers say they probably would have spent the past couple of months if the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Golden Triangle had not offered a very different experience.
Flowers to back-to-school: Quick Bites offers free programs
As the calendar turns to August and school bells, Quick Bites programs offered through the Mississippi State University Extension Service once again are geared toward providing useful information on a variety to topics.
Outside the box: Local market boasts Filipino veggies and tasty treats
Farmers’ market fans are accustomed to seeking out fresh tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, peas and peaches, but community markets often offer our palates an adventure outside the proverbial box as well.
Deputies searching for two suspects in Sunday double homicide
June 29, 2025
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