Schools taking different approaches to drop-out problem

Local school districts are implementing new programs in hopes of encouraging students to complete their high school educations.

Teen charged after crashing stolen car into house

A Columbus teen was charged with felony fleeing of a motor vehicle after he crashed a stolen vehicle into a home Thursday morning.

Starkville man in custody after brawl

A Starkville man is in custody and other arrests are expected after a Tuesday night fight at a Starkville apartment complex sent two to the hospital and left several others injured.

To chase or not to chase? Incident raises questions about police pursuits

A Columbus man was arrested and faces 12 charges after he failed to yield to an officer’s blue lights Tuesday afternoon.

Relay for Life: For Ellis, fight against cancer is a calling

With the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life fast approaching, local volunteers are furiously working to pull off the fund-raiser. At the center of all the hustle and bustle is Mott Ellis.

Two schools locked down after man enters Heritage

Two neighboring Columbus schools were on lockdown Monday morning after they reported a suspicious person in the area.

Project Blast targets struggling students

Two new after-school tutoring programs will focus on helping under-performing elementary students. Project Boost and Project Blast began last week within the Columbus Municipal School District and are being offered at four of the district’s elementary schools.

Monday profile: ‘Superhero’ Weeks lauded as Parent of the Year

For Roberta Weeks, volunteering is not some great philosophical issue. Instead, it’s pretty simple: Find a need and fill it.

Despite challenges, MUW shows growth

While enrollment is down nationwide, enrollment at Mississippi University for Women is up more than two percent, university president Dr. Jim Borsig said Friday.

Two killed in Thursday night crash

Two women were killed on Highway 82 in Columbus Thursday night after their stalled vehicle was struck by an 18-wheeler.

A father’s mission: Son’s suicide prompts Halligan to warn parents of dangers of bullying

The words remain fresh and painful in John Halligan’s mind:

“I hate that school, I hate that school. I never want to go back there again. Can you home-school me? Can we move?”

Monday profile: Wells hits the road in new role with FCA

Jason Wells views each day as an opportunity to make a difference. As the new area administrator for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Wells travels to 57 schools throughout northern Mississippi, ministering to middle school and high school students.

County considers Lee Middle for Vo-Tech Center

In a new twist to the city school district’s continuing Lee Middle School sale saga, another interested buyer has emerged — the Lowndes County School District.

Lowndes schools approve mandatory uniforms

Students in the Lowndes County School District will begin wearing uniforms district-wide next year, following a 3-1 vote by the board during Friday’s meeting.

Lowndes County man dies in Saturday wreck

An early morning wreck claimed the life of a Lowndes County man Saturday.

Tornado rips through Shuqualak: Homes destroyed, 2 seriously injured in Noxubee storm

A few hours after a tornado ripped through the small Noxubee town of Shuqualak early Thursday afternoon, LeMerrick Hill was on his hands and knees, picking up loose change and carefully placing the nickels, dimes and the occasional quarter into a mason jar.

Proposed Magnolia Bowl demolition invites speculation

The future of the historic Magnolia Bowl remains uncertain but the Columbus Municipal School District is exploring its options.

During Monday night’s school board meeting, city engineer Kevin Stafford informed the board of an offer from the Columbus Light and Water Department to remove the concrete bleachers and the wall that surrounds the 80-year-old stadium.

Starkville man dies in Tuesday wreck

A Starkville man died Tuesday afternoon after a fatal motorcycle accident.

Jackson police shooting puts emphasis on training

When it comes to a day in the life of a law enforcement officer, every encounter could be a potential life or death situation.

Given the recent shooting death of a detective inside a police station in Jackson, local law enforcement officials said training and proper equipment are keys to ensuring officer safety.

CMSD considers Lee sale, impact of charter school law

The Columbus Municipal School District has yet to reach a decision on the sale of the Lee Middle School property. After meeting for nearly three-and-a-half hours Monday, the CMSD Board of Trustees entered into an hour-long executive session to discuss potential litigation and the sale of district-owned property.