The Hitching Lot Farmer’s Market: It’s not just for Saturdays

Saturday mornings from 7 to 10 a.m. at the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market in Columbus are lively affairs, with not only fresh-picked produce from local growers, and crafts, but festivities that range from live music to cooking demonstrations and corn shucking contests.

Smith’s ‘The Hands of Strangers’ to release on ebook Tuesday

On Tuesday, July 8 Michael Farris Smith’s gripping 2011 novella, “The Hands of Strangers,” will experience its second release — this time by Simon & Schuster, in ebook form.

A cultural exchange: Melted artillery and water buffalo horn link a local ‘ambassador’ to global artisans

Sara Gallman lives in Caledonia at the end of a winding gravel drive, and next to a field of beautiful corn growing tall and straight. She goes to work every weekday at the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park at Mississippi State University, then comes home to her husband, Tony, and three lively children — JW, Michael and Katie Beth. A “typical” mom, doing what millions of other moms do.

Lethal Beauty: Samurai come to Birmingham Museum of Art

Tales of the samurai have captivated imaginations since the 12th century. In Lethal Beauty: Samurai Weapons and Armor, a glimpse into the lives of these warriors who served Japan through times of intense warfare, as well as peace, is available to the public through Sept. 21 at the Birmingham Museum of Art.

Delizioso! W Culinary Camp wraps up with a taste of ‘Little Italy’ (and a patriotic flair)

There was a bit of Italia in the air Friday at Mississippi University for Women’s Culinary Arts Institute. On the final day of this summer’s MUW Culinary Camp for Kids, participants in the seventh through 12th grades prepared an Italian-themed luncheon for parents and friends, presenting demos of each course.

True Colors

Fifty stars, 13 stripes.

Together, they can rally a nation and bring strong men to tears. They can be taken for granted and even abused. But everything the American flag stands for is indelibly written in time, by great and ordinary people.

It’s hot! Lowndes summer fan drive underway

Temperatures are on the rise in Northeast Mississippi. Most people simply adjust the thermostat, but others don’t have that luxury.

Carnegie Hall is lifetime experience for local singers

Lois Boggess remembers Sunday afternoons in front of her parents’ first television set, enthralled by Leonard Bernstein and the New York Philharmonic’s Young People’s Concerts from Carnegie Hall.

CAC’s ‘double-header’ serves up bluegrass and ballads

Two revered sons of the South return to the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center in downtown Columbus this week, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.

Rebecca’s Rooms continues mission, one bedroom at a time

Kristopher Meaders loves cartoons. The 13-year-old who attends New Hope Middle School is often happiest sitting on the floor watching his favorite characters on TV.

Shop Crawford’s yard sale: build a town pavilion

The Town of Crawford has a goal in mind — a pretty big one — and its citizens could use the help of surrounding communities this Saturday to accomplish it.

Former Columbus teacher returns for book signing Saturday

When Carroll and Mark Uithoven began traveling from Columbus to Dauphin Island, Alabama, for the occasional getaway years ago, Carroll could not have foreseen that the small, picturesque barrier island in Mobile Bay would become her home one day, or that she would pen a book about it.

Savory & Sweet swaps: Table Talk hosts a neighborly recipe swap and indoor picnic June 25

Let’s confess. It can be boring cooking the same old thing time after time. We could use some inspiration.

Eat with Contact Helpline Saturday — help keep the phones ringing

Contact Helpline presents its annual catfish (and pulled pork and grilled chicken) fundraiser June 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Kroger parking lot on Highway 45 North in Columbus.

The Dad Zone: Three girls, one guy — this single dad is making it all work

With three beguiling females under his roof, Carmine Muscarella concedes he’s outnumbered and, at times, outmaneuvered. But this single dad in Caledonia wouldn’t trade the equation for anything.

Columbus hostess makes unique Tenn-Tom centerpiece

When it comes to centerpieces, Joy Phillips knows how to make an impression. Instead of the usual floral arrangement for a reception in her home for the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority Board of Directors June 6, the Columbus hostess chose a more personalized approach.

Partnership warns ‘trying it once’ could be one time too many

The Lowndes County Prevention Partnership is out to help teens understand just how costly and devastating alcohol and drug abuse can be.

Reading, writing and … recipes? McKellar program turns out food-savvy teens — and can inspire careers

Training in the culinary arts has come a long way from the home economics classes of yesteryear. And no wonder: More than 13 million people now work in the restaurant industry, the National Restaurant Association cites.

Sharon Dickerson has a feel for the blues — and a passion that transcends sight

It only takes a few minutes’ conversation with Sharon McConnell Dickerson, even on the phone, to suspect that she is an extraordinary soul.

Ducks in a row? Habitat duck race is Saturday

In just a few days, an enormous flock of ducks will hit the water at the Columbus Riverwalk. But these benign birds are of the rubber duck variety, and in town for a worthy cause.