What a crock!: Move over pot roast — just look what a slow cooker can do

Ever since the Rival Company bought Naxon Utilities 39 years ago and reintroduced its “all-purpose cooker” under the Crock-Pot name in 1971, Americans have carried on a love affair with their slow cookers.

Flenorl to speak at Growth Alliance’s annual banquet

The West Point/Clay County Growth Alliance will hold its 84th annual banquet Thursday at the West Point Civic Center, 130 Sixth St., at 6 p.m.

Changing landscapes: This farmers’ friend has witnessed an evolution, now wages his toughest battle

Cecil Robertson may have stopped picking cotton at 18, but that didn’t stop him from becoming the go-to guy local farmers and gardeners still call up at home a half-century later for answers to their questions.

Jr. Miss contestants vie for scholarships

They come from different backgrounds and different schools, but they all have a common characteristic — the desire to succeed.

OCC figures in: Area center has highest growth

Operation Christmas Child figures are in, and they show the Columbus Collection Center experienced the highest growth in boxes collected in the state of Mississippi, according to area coordinator Nelda Brown.

Mm. Mm soup: National Soup Month celebrates America’s comfort food

From rich cream soups like bisques and chowders, to lower-calorie broth-based consommés, wonderful soups are a great way to warm up through the long, cold days of winter. So it’s no wonder the soup industry taps January as National Soup Month.

Unity breakfast, procession help mark King celebrations in Golden Triangle

While Martin Luther King Jr. will be honored with a four-day Dream 365 celebration in Columbus, events are also planned in Starkville and West Point.

MUW, CAC join in ceramics, pottery exhibits

Form and function may never have blended so well. Those who appreciate ceramics and pottery will revel in two exhibits taking place simultaneously in Columbus — at Mississippi University for Women’s Eugenia Summer Art Gallery on the MUW campus and at the Columbus Arts Council’s Rosenzweig Arts Center downtown.

101 years young, ‘Sweet Essie’ still enjoys every minute

Essie Mathews was born in Columbus 101 years ago, and never left. On Jan. 7, the joyful resident the staff at Vineyard Court Nursing Center calls “Sweet Essie” celebrated her birthday by indulging in one of her favorite desserts — pound cake and ice cream.

Special events mark four-day MLK weekend celebration

As the national observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day nears, area volunteers are fine-tuning plans for Dream 365, a four-day celebration in Columbus honoring the life and legacy of the civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jan. 15-18.

Still in the building: As Elvis’ 75th birthday nears, Jennifer Brady of Columbus remembers Graceland

While birthday celebrations are about to commence in Memphis, here in Columbus, former Graceland tour guide Jennifer Brady refuses to take down her Christmas decorations … because Elvis wouldn’t approve.

E ’magnifico: Innovation leads to MUW degree in Italy

A new Master of Fine Arts program offered at Accademia dell’Arte in Arezzo, Italy, in partnership with Mississippi University for Women, brings to fruition a goal William “Peppy” Biddy and many others have worked toward for several years.

Community art project is just a Chip Off the Old Block

The Columbus Arts Council’s second annual Chip Off the Old Block community art project gives everyone the chance to set imaginations free by turning ordinary 5 1/2-by-6-inch blocks of wood into original works of art.

Get ‘All Shook Up’ at the RAC Friday

In honor of Elvis Presley’s 75th birthday Friday, the Columbus Arts Council will host an Elvis open mic in the intimate Omnova Theater.

Fine fiddling: Home for the holidays, Ruby Jane Smith talks about an amazing couple of years

When you’re 15 years old and your MySpace friends include Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris and Dolly Parton, it’s a good sign you’re leading a rather extraordinary life. For Ruby Jane Smith, however, it all feels quite normal.

An old movie sees new light

When Terry Swindol of Tupelo set out to make a documentary about the 1957 MGM film “Raintree County,” he called on Dr. Van Roberts of Mississippi University for Women to add his expertise.

Tasty turkey: Chef Vicki Leach shares turkey tips for your Christmas feast

Traditional turkey with all the trimmings is a popular choice for the holiday table, with the added bonus of leftover turkey for sandwiches, soups and casseroles.

Gingerbread man: This skateboarding, guitar-picking deacon takes the gingerbread house to a new level

Shane Tubbs would be the first to tell you he’s still got a big dose of kid in him. And Shane Tubbs loves Christmas. It’s one of the reasons the irrepressible skateboarding, singing deacon — and can we add actor? — easily sheds any ribbing he gets from the guys for turning into the gingerbread man every December.

How did it all get started?

Chrismon tradition: Decorated in white and gold symbols, this tree has a deeper meaning

While trees festooned in red and green and hung with shiny Santas and are what most people associate with Christmas, the serenely beautiful Chrismon tree glows with a special and sacred significance in many churches, and even some homes.

Historic images fill fundraising calendars

President Howard Taft speaks on Main Street Columbus in 1902. Men in fedoras and suits study the rubble of First Columbus National Bank after a devastating fire in March 1919. The 1927 Stephen D. Lee High School state football champions pose on modest wooden bleachers in their dirt-stained uniforms.