‘Support,’ but no city funds, for West Point shelter

WEST POINT — The West Point Board of Selectmen’s unwillingness to appropriate $25,000 to the West Point-Clay County Animal Shelter again stole the show Tuesday at the board’s monthly meeting.

Students, teachers lauded for good work

Several students drew praise for their national and local achievements Monday at the September Columbus Municipal School District board meeting.

MONDAY PROFILE: Starkville High’s Mitchell finds a way to win

The Starkville High School Yellowjackets finished 4-9 last year and began this season with consecutive losses. The West Point High School Green Wave claimed the 5A state title last year, and was riding a 16-game win streak. There wasn’t much reason to expect an upset when the two teams met Friday night in West Point. But that’s exactly what happened.

MONDAY PROFILE: Starkville High’s Mitchell finds a way to win

The Starkville High School Yellowjackets finished 4-9 last year and began this season with consecutive losses. The West Point High School Green Wave claimed the 5A state title last year, and was riding a 16-game win streak. There wasn’t much reason to expect an upset when the two teams met Friday night in West Point. But that’s exactly what happened.

Problems at Columbus bars slowing, chief says

Violent crime has been under a microscope in Columbus since a pair of murders in April and May shook the community. City officials hope to crack down on violence in all forms, but the type of business where one of those murders and several recent violent encounters occurred is of particular concern.

Columbus bar owner says he’s been a good downtown neighbor

Fuhgetaboutit owner Freddie Fields is willing to pit his word against anyone’s that he’s been a good neighbor downtown.

Dispute threatens Starkville curbside recycling

A contract dispute could spell the end for Starkville’s year-long curbside pickup recycling service.

Soccer park plan moving forward with public meeting Sept. 23

The public will get its first glimpse of the latest vision for Columbus’ long-awaited soccer complex at Burns Bottom later this month.

Burglary inspires MUW student to campaign for better security

A burglary on the campus of Mississippi University for Women has one student campaigning for better security measures.

State poised for fast rebound, lt. gov. says (video)

Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant believes Mississippi is positioned to bounce back faster than any state in the country once the recession loosens its grip. He explained why during a Tuesday stop in Columbus.

Clay County supes spar over insurance provider

WEST POINT — Loyalty was the issue Monday as the Clay County Board of Supervisors struggled to choose an insurance provider for the county. On one side were those loyal to the county’s longtime insurance carrier. On the other were those loyal to saving tax dollars.

Plan to withhold Medicaid funds could cause education cuts

Gov. Haley Barbour announced Tuesday $82 million slated for public K-12 schools would instead be placed in the state’s rainy day fund.

Library funding cuts could mean job losses

A $25,000 cut in city funding to the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library in 2011 could cost an additional $100,000 and two to four lost jobs years down the line.

Ex-addict rails on drugs’ impact in community

Lee Garner checked in at the Pines Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Center in Columbus and changed forever.

Body Walk: Students take a trip through the mind … and the stomach, heart and skin

Could there be a more appropriate field trip for a medical science magnet school than a journey through the human body?

MUW doesn’t plan to lay off faculty

Mississippi University for Women’s tenured professors’ jobs aren’t in danger for fiscal 2012.

Congressional review: Arts school gets A-plus (video)

Students at Cook Elementary Fine Arts Magnet School are less than a month into the school year and already have performed for a U.S. congressman.

Storm anniversary: Transplants long for home, embrace new city

On Monday, Aug. 29, 2005, Patricia Jordan and her son, Teche, watched the waters outside their Ocean Springs home, which was four blocks from the beach, rise until their mailbox was under water. Then they watched their car float down the street like a boat. When water began pouring through the electrical outlets of their one-story home and waves started buckling the walls, Jordan knew it was time to get out.

West Lowndes beats East Oktibbeha in game turned ugly

CRAWFORD — A traditional rivalry turned ugly Friday night as the West Lowndes High School football team topped East Oktibbeha 20-12 on the Titans’ home field, but it wasn’t due to a lack of sportsmanship.

The teams totaled 21 penalties in a stop-and-go game punctuated by offsides calls, delays, and illegal procedures, as both teams continue to shake off the summer rust.

Libraries, though more vital, struggling with cuts

An unfortunate correlation occurs at public libraries when the economy turns sour: Budgets and services are cut just as the public’s need for access to those resources peaks.