Unique, savory and sweet breads

The aroma of just-baked bread is a delight for the senses at any time of year. But there’s something extra special about opening the oven door on a batch of fresh, hot rolls or a homemade loaf during the winter months.

Area thespians off to state competition

When the 2012 Mississippi Theatre Association Festival opens Jan. 12 in Gulfport, Golden Triangle thespians will be ready for their cues. Acting enthusiasts from Columbus and Starkville will compete in the four-day event, and local audiences are being offered some sneak previews.

Louisville native Carl Jackson honored with marker

From the time he was 14, playing banjo with Jim and Jesse McReynolds on the Grand Ole Opry stage, Carl Jackson has been turning heads in the music industry.

Dream 365: Annual MLK commemoration expands to five days

“It just seems to keep growing,” said co-organizer Learnard Dickerson, about Dream 365. What began in 2005 as a single-day commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day has grown from its 2011 four-day format to a five-day celebration of the life and legacy of the civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Columbus cellist comes home for Sunday concert

When Elizabeth Crowder left her home in Columbus almost four years ago to attend Davidson College near Charlotte, N.C., it didn’t cross her mind she may one day return on a tour stop, with 50 or so of her closest musical friends in Davidson’s symphony orchestra.

Countdown to taste: Ring in the new year with new ideas

New Year’s Eve — that night when anything seems possible for 2012. The new year, soon to arrive fresh and unsullied, is filled with visions of pounds lost, salaries raised or “that room” finally repainted. What a shame to waste such an occasion by falling asleep in front of the TV before the traditional midnight ball-drop.

After carjacking, Columbus fiddler and mom find comfort back home

Just when it’s needed most, there’s no place like home — at least for 17-year-old Ruby Jane Smith and her mother, JoBelle Smith. Two weeks after being carjacked and robbed at gunpoint in Houston, Texas, the Columbus natives are home for Christmas.

After carjacking, Columbus fiddler and mom find comfort back home

Just when it’s needed most, there’s no place like home — at least for 17-year-old Ruby Jane Smith and her mother, JoBelle Smith. Two weeks after being carjacked and robbed at gunpoint in Houston, Texas, the Columbus natives are home for Christmas.

Santa’s visit: Kris Kringle makes some special stops before his night out

It’s no secret St. Nicholas has his hands full this time of year, what with checking lists twice and headlining tonight’s worldwide tour. In spite of those hectic demands, there are a few pre-Christmas visits he refuses to miss. They’re that important to him.

Last minute food gifts

‘Twas four days before Christmas and all through the house, mama was worrying, “Who did I leave out?”

Sound familiar? Between work, shopping and family commitments, many of us may be feeling a bit rough around the edges about now. But if you’ve suddenly realized you forgot to get a little something for a kind co-worker or the neighbor who feeds the dog when you’re away, try not to stress out.

Prep underway for area New Year’s Eve ball drop

While all eyes are on Christmas, the staff of Main Street Columbus is busy finalizing details for the fourth annual New Year’s Eve Block Party and Ball Drop, presented this year by title sponsor Stark Aerospace with Main Street Columbus and other community sponsors.

Mississippi’s ‘brag book’ carries CVB message

The Columbus Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau has added “Mississippians” to its growing book offerings available at the Tennessee Williams Home Welcome Center and Museum at 300 Main St.

Our traditions: What holiday customs make your family unique?

Traditions. They bind us together, knitting one generation to the next. Year after year — creating a bridge between past and present, between young and old. Our traditions make us unique to other families, especially at this time of year.

Antebellum homes open doors for holiday tour

Garlands and greenery, themed trees and period decor will greet visitors touring five antebellum landmarks during Saturday’s Holiday Home Tour presented by the Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation.

Antebellum homes open doors for holiday tour

Garlands and greenery, themed trees and period decor will greet visitors touring five antebellum landmarks during Saturday’s Holiday Home Tour presented by the Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation.

Columbus fiddler Ruby Jane Smith, mother rattled by carjacking in Houston, Texas

In a frightening scenario, Columbus native and teen fiddle phenom Ruby Jane Smith and her mother, JoBelle Smith, were carjacked and held at gunpoint near midnight Thursday in Houston, Texas, following a show at the Dosey Doe with Paul Thorn.

Pearl Harbor survivor’s family helps battleship commemorate 70th anniversary of fateful day

“There are only a few events in our history that all Americans remember with vivid clarity,” said Shea McLean, curator of the USS Alabama, anchored permanently in Battleship Memorial Park in Mobile, Ala.

Native American song and dance centerstage Friday

Music and dance are intricately interwoven into the story of the American Indian. Tribal histories are told and retold through vocalization and the percussive heartbeat of the drum. Dancers in regalia evoke traditions and ceremonies rooted deep in the past.

Choir and orchestra continue ‘Messiah’ tradition

One of the most-anticipated Christmas traditions in the Golden Triangle returns Tuesday, Dec. 13, when an area-wide choir of approximately 125 voices and a professional orchestra present George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.”

Tabernacle’s ‘Christmas Memories’ set for Dec. 10-11

There is something sweet to be savored in Christmas memories of old. Life was simpler and commercialism far less rampant.