Articles by Jan Swoope
CD release in Montgomery has local link
A CD release in Montgomery, Ala., Saturday boasted a local connection. Montgomery musician Terry Faust launched his CD, “The Grave Tender,” produced by Allen Delk of Allen Delk Management in Columbus.
CAC announces ambitious ‘Celebrate Mississippi’ season
As far as the Columbus Arts Council is concerned, the visual and performing arts rock. And soar, and rhyme, and tell stories, cure the blues, stir the senses and even send a thrilling chill down the spine. The CAC hopes to do that, and more, with one of its most active fall and winter seasons yet.
Local DAR chapters urge observance of Constitution Week
The words are familiar. “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union … “
The neighbors across the street: Students, nursing home residents make friends
To most, it will look like a simple doorknob decoration. But to a group of wide-eyed kindergarten students and their brand new acquaintances, it’s the start of something sweet.
An elegant luncheon takes on New Orleans style
When a special Tennessee Williams Tribute luncheon called for Southern elegance with a New Orleans twist, Chef Marty Wages of Columbus was ready with ideas.
Supes, DAR honor Lowndes’ first responders
The First Responders’ Day observance, presented by the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors and Shuk-ho-ta Tom-a-ha Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in front of the Lowndes County Courthouse, honored five departments of county responders: Emergency 911, Emergency Management Agency, Lowndes County Road Department, Lowndes County Volunteer Fire Departments, and the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.
Gourd Guru: For Missy Miles, a Valentine’s gift opened up a gourd-geous world
Thank goodness Missy Miles’ husband, Tommy, didn’t opt for red roses and chocolates when Valentine’s Day rolled around in 2005. Otherwise, the rest of us
As new coordinator, Peel re-energizes Volunteer Center outreach
Leslie Thomas Peel has only been on the job about seven weeks, but the new coordinator of the United Way Community Volunteer Center in Lowndes County is already playing matchmaker.
MSU community ‘adopts’ ladies of Safe Haven shelter
Safe Haven Inc. in Columbus is the recipient of a generous outpouring of support from the Mississippi State community.
Open for ‘business’: The Patriot Cafe begins a new chapter in food service at Heritage Academy
Visitors who haven’t been to Heritage Academy’s Student Activities Building for a while are in for quite a surprise. What used to be a gray, utilitarian corner of the auditorium and gym space at the Columbus school has been transformed into a contemporary cafe.
TWT Moon Lake Party to present Tony-nominated songstress
The upcoming 11th annual Tennessee Williams Tribute and Tour of Victorian Homes in Columbus Sept. 4-9 will take on a decidedly Broadway air at its Moon Lake Party Sept. 6 at the Columbus Country Club.
Damm’s African Musical Journey to celebrate world rhythms
Dr. Robert Damm’s musical travels have taken him to far corners — to Mali, Ghana and other distant locales, where he discovered new ways of making music through improvisation, indigenous rhythms and world tradition.
Herbal apps: Bug bites? Tummy ache? There’s an herb for that
With two active little boys to keep up with, Mandi and Will Sanders’ household is, in many ways, just like those of other young parents. There are always the inevitable skinned knees, sniffles, bug bites and earaches to contend with. But instead of turning to the medicine cabinet, Mandi Sanders often simply steps outside to her herb garden for a solution.
‘Food Network Star’ finalist and MUW alumna returns for visit to alma mater
As a 16-year-old moving from South Africa to Tupelo 12 years ago, Linkie Marais admits she was in for a huge culture shock.
‘The Rose Tattoo’: Tony Award-winning play opens 11th annual tribute to Tennessee Williams
“It’s like watching a plant grow,” said first-time thespian Holly Jeter Tuesday night at play rehearsal. He’d shed the starched shirt and suspenders he wears
Friday’s Howlin’ Wolf Festival: it’s all about the blues
Come rain or shine, West Point will honor its most famous son — the legendary Howlin’ Wolf — at the 17th annual Howlin’ Wolf Memorial Blues Festival Friday, Aug. 31. It’s part of West Point’s one-two punch for Labor Day weekend: The Clay County city will host its 34th annual Prairie Arts Festival the following day.
Anticipation builds for 34th annual Prairie Arts Festival
The annual Prairie Arts Festival held in downtown West Point is more than a Labor Day weekend tradition — it’s a showcase of creativity and a hometown reunion, rolled into one.
Melon mania: Jazz up Labor Day with watermelon, outside the box
What summer superstar is green and oval, weighs an average of 15 to 30 pounds and is harvested in quantity on more than 2,400 acres in Mississippi? Watermelon, of course.
With metals as a medium, an inspired couple creates beauty and function
One day we just said, ‘Let’s heat up some metal and have a good time with it,'” smiled Don Coulson, in the Aberdeen studio where he and his wife, Louise, spend much of their time these days.
Lowndes group to help Smithville elementary libraries rebuild
As the wounds left by tornadoes that tore through Smithville in April 2011 continue to heal, teachers and children at Smithville Elementary School will get a helping hand from the Lowndes County Republican Women.




















