Slimantics: Caledonia farmer ponders pumpkin potential

Fall has arrived and, for once, the weather around here seems to be in agreement — cool mornings and evenings and tolerable afternoons. The older and more sedentary I become, the better I like fall, especially when the calendar and the weather are in harmony.

New pumpkin patch prepares to open in Caledonia

In Caledonia, 2019 was known as “the year without a pumpkin patch,” something the town had not experienced in almost two decades.

It was no trivial matter in the community.

CHS committee hopes to register 125 eligible students for November election

Jake Bandock has been something of a political junkie since seventh grade.

Airline consultant predicts business travel will help GTRA rebound quickly from pandemic

It’s been a tough year for airlines, and the Golden Triangle Regional Airport is certainly no exception as the industry struggles with the continuing effects of COVID-19.

Slimantics: Mississippi hurricane damage confined to hurt feelings

For a day or so, it looked as though Hurricane Sally would touch down on the Mississippi Coast. By Monday, the storm had already entered the gulf and seemed to pause there as if deciding which direction to take.

Circuit clerks brace for high absentee turnout for general election

As is common with presidential elections, area circuit clerks expect a big turnout on Nov. 3.

It’s how those votes are cast that may set this year’s election apart.

4-County changes charter to offer broadband

As of this week, it is not a question of if 4-County Electric Power Association will offer broadband internet service, but when.

‘Lights at Lafayette’ aims to bring activity back to downtown Starkville

Weeks after a planned outdoor “streatery” in Starkville faded to black in the face of potential litigation, the lights are on for another outdoor venue downtown.

Slimantics: A killer in our midst?

There’s a killer on the loose, last seen in west Oktibbeha County. Details are few.

CMSD plans to reveal new logo, branding by year’s end

Last year, when Columbus Municipal School District began making plans for the 200th anniversary of Franklin Academy, the state’s first public school, $5,000 was set aside for a rebrand of the district to coincide with the anniversary.

Slimantics: Nostalgic for Levi vs. Lee politics

When people talk about today’s political environment, the words used most often to describe it are “polarized” or “tribal.”

Port Authority celebrates new $1.22M material handler

“Big” was the operative word Thursday at the east bank of the Lowndes County Port.

Slimantics: Magnolia Flag faces an uphill climb

On Wednesday, the state’s flag commission made its selection for a new state flag. With more than 3,000 flag submissions, the eight members narrowed the list to two finalists — the Great River Flag and the Magnolia Flag, the latter designed by Rocky Vaughn of Starkville.

Advocate: Medical marijuana initiative competing with ‘confusing’ alternative meant to ‘dilute vote’

By January, it appeared the time may have come for medical marijuana in Mississippi as the Secretary of State’s office certified petitions to permit a ballot initiative to amend the state’s constitution.

Former chief Gale remembered for steady leadership at fire department

Bobby Gale’s tenure as Columbus fire chief reflected his personality — quiet, unassuming, steady, devoted to his firefighters and their mission.

Gale, who died Saturday at age 81, provided steady leadership built on his through-the-rank ascension to the chief position.

CMSD bus drivers who walked off job Monday terminated

Columbus Municipal School District fired 21 bus drivers who walked off the job Monday over what the drivers said was an abrupt reduction of their hours.

Area Boys and Girls clubs see fewer kids, programming adjustments

Board games are out, outdoor activities are in.

The Columbus branch of the Boys and Girls Club of the Golden Triangle has resumed its after-school program, but the specter of COVID-19 has changed almost every aspect of the club’s operations.

CMSD bus drivers walk off job over pay, hours

A decision by about half of Columbus Municipal School District bus drivers to walk off the job over pay issues Monday afternoon had district officials scrambling to return schoolchildren to their homes and arrange for them to be returned to school this morning.

Monday Profile: From Greece to NASA to Columbus

“Just a minute,” Daisy Poros said as she answered the knock on her door, trying to turn off her alarm. When her efforts failed, the alarms began to sound, a series of loud beeps and sirens that had her frantically fiddling with the controller to no avail.

Slimantics: A roundabout way of driving

Columbus is getting its first taste of an innovation in traffic management. They are called “roundabouts.”