Locally-produced video preserves CAFB history

The Billups-Garth Archives at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library received a donation Tuesday of a video history chronicling part of Columbus Air Force Base’s history from

On the rise: A sea-faring stint was the starter for this bread-maker

Troy DeRego of Starkville had never given much serious thought to how bread ends up on the table — until he was responsible for getting it there. Oddly enough, the story begins at sea, during the New Hampshire native’s college years.

Rebecca’s Rooms — because every special needs child deserves a unique space to call their own

There were no chants of “move that bus.” “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” TV host Ty Pennington was nowhere in sight. There was, nevertheless, a joyous big reveal in Caledonia Aug. 10.

TWT’s ‘Autumn Song’: listen in on a lavish musical conversation

What would a meeting sound like between American playwright and poet Tennessee Williams and German poet Rainer Maria Rilke, if the two iconic writers had

State DAR leaders to address free genealogy workshop Saturday

A free workshop Aug. 17 at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library will focus on resources available to those who want to explore the branches of their family trees.

Pucker up: Thursday is national lemon meringue pie day

In case you hadn’t noticed, Americans are (ahem) gluttons for national food and drink holidays. Oatmeal, wheat bread, Irish coffee … you name it, and it’s got designated day. Lucky for us, tomorrow is National Lemon Meringue Pie Day.

Ready to howl: Howlin’ Wolf Blues Festival honors West Point’s most famous native son

Chester Arthur Burnett was born without fanfare in the rural reaches of West Point, Mississippi, one sultry June day in 1910. There was nothing to indicate the baby boy would someday earn induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, much less have a U.S. postage stamp issued in his honor.

Shelton’s diverse chops on display at CD release Friday

The music-loving public is invited to a CD release Friday, Aug. 16 for Big Joe Shelton and the Black Prairie Blues Ambassadors’ new recording, “I’d Never Let Her Down,” at the Rosenzweig Arts Center at 501 Main St. in downtown Columbus.

Make it yourself: An area chef demos a special dish and shares his recipe

When the Starkville Community Market opens bright and early on Saturday mornings, Chef Chris Pierce is usually resting up from a busy night in the commercial kitchen of Restaurant Tyler. But when the Market asked him to put on a culinary demonstration Aug. 3, Pierce was pleased to take advantage of the opportunity to get to know his new community a little better.

Little women: A unique day camp celebrates the art and independence of ‘becoming a lady’

When novelist Louisa May Alcott penned her classic novel, “Little Women,” in the late 1860s, she captured the imagination of readers everywhere with four young, genteel sisters who mature throughout its pages and sequels.

Almost 150 years later, 10 modern-day little women aged 7 through 12 celebrated the art of being lady-like this past week.

Research into runaway slave advertisements sheds light on history

Christian Friar has developed a close relationship with microfilm this summer. The senior history major at Mississippi University for Women has spent much of the

A back-to-school party can get kids excited for reading, writing and ‘rithmetic

Elmer’s glue, check. Backpack, check. Hand sanitizer, check. Yes, it’s that time of year, when the rustle and hustle of parents armed with school supply lists and uniform specifications crowd the stores, and kids can’t wait to see friends they waved goodbye to in May.

Oktibbeha museum gears up for a night of yee-haw and bling

Pull out the boots and shine up the jewelry because the Friends of the Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum are planning a night of sparkling, western-themed fun. Denin and Diamonds, a fundraiser to benefit the museum, is set for Friday, Aug. 9, at the Shrine Club in Starkville.

Art in the Alley: A window on the past augments Catfish Alley’s revitalization

There are kids in high school in Columbus right now who don’t have any idea about the history of Catfish Alley or what makes it special,” said Alex Stelioes-Wills.

The Mississippi University for Women associate professor of art would like to change that.

Comedy to reign at West Point’s madcap dinner theater

Old man Farnsworth’s millions are up for grabs in Judge Judy’s Peoples Night Court, where audience members become plaintiffs, defendants and jury in a comedic send-up of all those TV court shows.

Venues partner to offer blues week immersion

Blues music is one of Mississippi’s indigenous treasures — and one of its greatest exports. The Columbus Arts Council and area venues will partner July 23-27 for a five-day blues immersion that begins with a free seminar and ends with a diddley bow-making workshop.

Police Department’s ball to raise funds for Night Out and toy drive

In the normal course of things, officers of the Columbus Police Department would just as soon not encounter masked citizens at night. But Friday, July 26 will be an exception. In fact, they encourage it.

CAC presents Pierce Pettis in concert

When your finely-wrought songs have been recorded by the likes of Joan Baez, Art Garfunkel and Garth Brooks, it’s a fair bet you’re doing something right. Pierce Pettis has been doing it right for decades.

Empowerment: A two-week immersion in braille can open worlds of learning for children with low vision and blindness

“Look at you go, man. You’re doing great!” said Wingfield Bouchard, encouraging 11-year-old Kobi Cook. Kobi is blind, but his long, tapered fingers tapped rapidly across the seven keys of the Perkins Brailler. With each stroke, the typewriter-like machine transferred raised dots of the Braille alphabet to a sheet of white paper, creating a tactile document.

Just peachy: Oh, what you can do with this season’s fresh peaches

“Here, just taste this,” said Gordon Parker, holding out a fragrant peach Monday afternoon at the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market. “Really good, isn’t it?”

Parker is justifiably proud of the Early Haven peaches he’s hauling to the Columbus market these days (along with squash, bell peppers, tomatoes, sweet corn and blueberries).