Slimantics: Looking for a campaign of hope, not despair

On Sunday, I wrote a story about the new political organization in Columbus, a group founded by Leslie Sorrell and her husband, Will Sanders, called “A Better Columbus.”

Happy Irby project distributes fruit baskets to elderly

Since the day in 1958 that bartender George “Happy” Irby set out a tip jar at the officer’s club bar on Columbus Air Force Base to provide children with warm clothing at Christmas time, the Happy Irby Christmas Fund has evolved and adapted.

Slimantics: The War on Christmas rages on

News from the front.

Today is Dec. 22 and the winter campaign in the War on Christmas is now headed for its climactic finish, although it may take years before total victory can be achieved.

COVID halts new 4-H director’s plans to increase hands-on activities for kids; club memberships have remained steady nonetheless

When Darrell Banks took over as Lowndes County 4-H Director, he had several new ideas he wanted to implement to grow programs and membership.

Nonprofit aims harsh criticism at city

Better or Bitter? Over the past several weeks, a new political action corporation has emerged as an unapologetic critic of city government, targeting both the mayor and the entire city council for mismanagement as well as leveling thinly-veiled accusations of corruption.

Homeless Coalition’s funds diminished during pandemic; need has not

When the subject of poverty and homelessness comes up, a popular saying is never far from the lips: “Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”

For all its merits, the old Chinese proverb diminishes the urgency of the immediate need. A hungry person needs food now.

Crime Stoppers founding member retires

On a typical board, there are those who sit and those who serve.

Chipotle to anchor new retail development

A Georgia developer has submitted site plans for a retail center project that would bring Chipotle Mexican Grill and as many as three other tenants to Starkville.

Supes appoint two new members of LCIDA board

The Lowndes County Board of Supervisors made two appointments to the Lowndes County Industrial Development Authority during Monday’s regular meeting.

COVID-19 amps up pressure on postal service

It doesn’t have a catchy name and you won’t see it in any advertising campaign, but Monday was an important day in the Christmas season.

It was the last day the United States Postal Service could guarantee delivery by Christmas Day, a fact not lost on Dante’ Davis of Columbus.

The Lost Child Club: Candlelight event set for tonight to honor the memories of departed children

Dwight and June Dempsey joined the club on Feb. 8. David and Pattie Little arrived on July 6, 2019. Betty Clyde Sharp has been in the club for 25 years now. (Full disclosure: the reporter joined this club on Aug. 2, 2019).

They are but a few of the untold thousands of people who have paid dues of unspeakable grief for a lifetime membership in a club no one ever wants to be a part of.

Clay supes respond to county being placed under state-issued mask mandate

For the first time since Sept. 30, Clay County residents outside West Point must wear face masks in public venues, something Clay County supervisors addressed during Thursday’s board meeting.

Columbus Municipal School District board prioritizes upgrading CHS intercom system

During Monday’s meeting of the Columbus Municipal School District Board of Trustees, district maintenance director Stephen Little provided updates on a list of capital projects — everything from concrete and wood work to playgrounds, lighting and pressure washing.

Almond finds mission behind sixth door: Bedz4Kidz program builds 118 beds and counting

With one ominous exception, the numeral 6 is not prominent in the Christian scriptures.

Even so, it is a number rich in meaning for John Almond and his faith-based ministry headquartered in Columbus.

Surprising Sonya: Customers provide Hardee’s employee with $1,900 ‘thank you’

By necessity, customers’ encounters with Sonya Baldwin are brief.

For 23 years, Baldwin has worked the drive-through window at Hardee’s Restaurant near Leigh Mall in Columbus. Although her interactions with drive-through customers last only seconds, her always-sunny disposition has left an enduring impression on them.

Utilities aid customers in freezing temps

When Brandon Presley was a kid growing up in Nettleton, he remembers days when he would come home from school to find the electricity shut off. There were times when his single mom just didn’t have the money to pay the bill.

Slimantics: STOP THE EGG BOWL STEAL!

Like most PATRIOTIC Mississippians, we awoke Sunday morning in great anticipation of reading about Mississippi State’s BIGLY win in the Egg Bowl on Saturday.

Warming Center will not open due to COVID concerns

A Monday afternoon phone call to Columbus Mayor Robert Smith confirmed what Glenda Richardson had already suspected: The city’s warming center will not be open this winter because of the threat of COVID-19.

Area universities plan no changes to COVID-19 protocols second semester

The extra weeks between the end of the fall term and the beginning of the spring term won’t be used to implement new COVID-19 protocols or policies, said representatives of Mississippi State University and Mississippi University for Women.

Slimantics: Don’t let Hallmark ruin your Christmas

The subject for today is the Christmas movie or, more specifically, the Hallmark Channel Christmas movie.