Articles by Jan Swoope
30 minute meals: Pressed for time? These quick fixes can help save the day and the dinner
OK, so school’s back in swing. And football, soccer, volleyball, cheer and dance team practices have parents running to and fro. So who has time to get dinner on the table? Well, you do, with some help from these 30-minutes-or-less recipes.
Lights, camera, action in Canton again — this time for Faulkner
After almost six years in the planning stages, James Franco’s “As I Lay Dying,” based on William Faulkner’s 1930 novel of the same name, will begin filming in Canton in September.
MUW to highlight permanent art collection, host gallery talk
While most area art aficionados are aware Mississippi University for Women hosts exhibitions in the Eugenia Summer Art Gallery in the Art and Design Building on campus, some may not know the university holds an extensive and diverse permanent art collection.
A Columbus congregation gets hands-on for Mission Fest Week
Dehydrated rice was flowing Aug. 5 at First United Methodist Church in Columbus, as about 250 volunteers donned hairnets and plastic gloves. The goal? To package 30,000 nutrient-fortified meals for Stop Hunger Now, an international relief agency that distributes food and other lifesaving aid to children and families around the world.
Get fired up: Roast-n-Boast preps for new format, new energy
There are some changes coming to the annual Roast-n-Boast barbecue cooking state championship, and organizers anticipate a fired-up showdown Aug. 24-25 at the Columbus Fairgrounds. Teams will vie for titles, bragging rights and cash awards totaling $11,000.
As the world’s best compete in London, a former Olympian among us recalls his own journey
Plenty of Golden Triangle porches sport decorative flags that proclaim collegiate allegiances, whether they be Bulldog maroon and white, Rebel red and blue or any other team’s colors. But, from one porch in a quiet, well-manicured West Point neighborhood, don’t be surprised to see the Olympic rings flying proudly, at least through the Aug. 12 closing ceremonies of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. Until then, Tony Rosetti’s team is Team USA.
Historic Columbus church plans restoration, with community support
Almost 150 years after the cornerstone of Annunciation Catholic Church was laid in Columbus on May 4, 1863, its congregation and community are coming together to ensure the historic landmark is here for generations to come.
Sweet stuff: A Brooksville baker sweetens up Columbus’ farmers’ market
Sunshine bathed the Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market Saturday morning as a friendly crowd under the market’s shaded canopy checked out everything from peas to peaches, squash to sunflowers. A steady stream of shoppers flowed to vendor Starla Strait’s table, which was laden with flaky-crust pies, golden dinner rolls and moist breads and cookies. Strait baked them all in the kitchen of her Brooksville home, just for the occasion.
Compassionate Friends help families cope with the unthinkable
On July 20, 12 families in Colorado and around the country were stricken with the worst reality a parent can be called on to endure — the loss of a son or daughter. These families abruptly lost their children, who ranged in age from 6 to 51, to a criminal attack that will never make sense.
CONTACT to host Back 2 School Bash, community outreach
For 37 years, CONTACT has provided a 24-hour helpline for those in crisis situations, in need of information referral, or simply hoping for a caring, nonjudgmental ear. As a new school year gets underway, the nonprofit agency wants to remind youth and teens that this community resource is not only for adults.
The classroom calls: Spark some excitement with a Back to School party
Wasn’t it only yesterday children were giddy at the thought of getting out of school for summer break? And now, the calendar beckons them back.
Have you taken a look at the Boys & Girls Clubs lately? Good things are going on.
The brightly-lit gymnasium of the Boys & Girls Club in Columbus reverberated with laughter Wednesday afternoon. The song “Ice Cream Freeze,” by Hannah Montana, began on a laptop in one corner of the cavernous space, cueing a dance team to begin its routine.
CAC invites public to join in logo makeover
The Columbus Arts Council is considering a logo redesign and is looking to the talented public for ideas.
‘Casserole Patrol’: CCT serves up laughs (and dinner theater) when one small town’s single women go after the same fellow
If the way to a man’s heart isn’t actually through his stomach, the women of the “Casserole Patrol” will be sorely disappointed. Food is the heavy artillery in their quest to win the affections of the recently-widowed “Colonel,” the newest eligible man in their little town.
Glorious glass: This Columbus artisan never tires of pursuing her passion
Even as a child, enchanted by the luminous stained glass windows in Laurel’s First Baptist Church, Jane Crawford was captivated by the jewel-like beauty.
Former Columbian explores church’s Jewish roots
Jewish Roots Journey: Memoirs of a Mizpah” is a chronicle of Nancy Petrey’s exploration of the Jewish roots of the church, and the deeper understanding she came to of scripture, church history and the history of modern Israel through intensive study and travel.
Come one, come all: Tabernacle Camp Meeting set to celebrate 184 years
Since 1828, the faithful have gathered at Tabernacle Campground near Ethelsville, Ala., for an annual retreat of worship, fellowship and play. This summer is no exception.
Make a splash: While summer lasts, celebrate the ocean blue (and poolside, too) with themed cakes
Did you notice? By July 5, many big box stores had replaced their festive red, white and blue displays with reams of back-to-school supply lists. Don’t let bins of notebooks, pencils and glue psych you out of celebrating the weeks of summer break remaining. Even if you don’t have an actual trip to the beach to look forward to, that’s no reason not to pull out the tiki torches, bake a themed cake and make some waves right at home.
Junior Auxiliary teams with library to inspire early literacy skills
I got it!” beamed Delaney Shedd, touching small fingers to the screen of an Early Literacy Station to make an image of a flower, a train or an animal appear. At just 22 months old, her consonants may not be quite crisp, but her understanding that she was making things happen definitely computed.
Noxubee band reunites, welcomes special guest
The boys are back in town. Or soon will be, when original members Clyde Lindley and Billy Watkins join with Taylor Watkins, Jonathan Scarborogh, Mike Dawson, W.G. Watkins and Todd Watkins for a reunion performance of the 21st Street Band
Deputies searching for two suspects in Sunday double homicide
June 29, 2025
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