Hospital trust fund ‘in good shape’ despite rocky October

Typically, the financial advisers entrusted with managing Lowndes County’s hospital trust fund present their findings in a clear, dispassionate manner during their semi-annual reports to the county supervisors.

Now serving women too, Last House on the Block kicks off fundraiser

Over the last few years, Last House on the Block has become something of a misnomer.

Since relocating to the former Masonic Lodge building in east Columbus in 2013, the faith-based, sober-living residential treatment center has expanded to four houses.

Saying goodbye to VISTAs: Federal program, which helped multiple area nonprofits, set to end locally next month

Sonya Hill and Latoshia Frierson will both end their work as AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers in November, but the circumstances of their departure are quite different.

Slimantics: Fitzgerald vindicated by win against Texas A&M

With 2:17 left in the game, Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald coasted the final 10 yards into the end zone to complete a clinching 76-yard touchdown, dropped the ball as he crossed the goal line, then thrust his arms wide open, nodding his head in satisfaction.

Call him ‘Big Monty’: New children’s book series created to tackle lack of African-American lead characters in genre

For the past five years, the Homestead Education Center in Starkville has raised money for community initiatives through its Holiday Helping Hands Project — everything from helping a child with cancer to saving a family’s home to putting a roof on a community center.

But this year’s project is, quite literally, the most creative project yet for Homestead director Alison Buehler.

Stock volatility could affect county projects

Lowndes County supervisors are keeping a careful eye on the stock market after a volatile October threatens to wipe out the profits gained earlier this year in the county’s $32.5-million hospital trust fund.

Unemployment rate remains steady in Golden Triangle

As employment continues to move toward what is considered full employment, unemployment rates are beginning to show less change in the year-over-year comparison on the local, state and national level.

Slimantics: America’s best-loved books aren’t always the best books

On Tuesday, PBS aired a special to announce the results of its six-month contest to identify America’s 100 best-loved novels called The Great American Read.

City hopes to complete amphitheater by spring 2020

At roughly 9:30 Tuesday morning, Dorothy McClung Lewis moved to the center of the stage at the Terry Brown Amphitheater and belted out of a few lines of a song.

Vehicle title delays affect 100 in Lowndes County this year

A change in a state computer system has meant delays in processing vehicle titles continue even though it’s been more than a year since the change, according to county tax collectors.

‘How ordinary people change the world’: New York Times bestselling author reflects on his career, legacy at annual Welty Gala

Brad Meltzer is a bestselling author whose work spans genres from nonfiction to mystery, comic books, television and children’s books.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: A pioneer in cancer treatment

On Monday, OCH Regional Medical Center opened its new Breast Health and Imaging Center near the hospital with a ceremony dedicating the facility to a doctor who hasn’t seen a patient in almost seven years.

Preparing for winter: Local companies push pre-winter heat system checks, weatherization

It may be early fall, but those in the business of providing heating to homes are already thinking winter.

Killing it with kindness: How a consultant found success in business by being kind, establishing boundaries

When Jennifer Spaulding began her consulting career more than 25 years ago, she had a pretty good idea of what she needed to get ahead in the world of business.

Slimantics: At long last, I’m a quitter

Not that I am counting the days or anything, but I walked away from one of my oldest relationships 142 days ago. While my friends can’t stop slapping me on the back for the break-up — they said they knew all along ours was a toxic relationship – I confess that I’m feeling a bit guilty about it and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss it.

Lowndes County sportsplex gets green light

Lowndes County supervisors voted unanimously to proceed with the purchase of 89 acres in the western part of the county to build a sports complex after receiving clearance from the Federal Aviation Authority.

An unfair tax?: Drivers take issue with hybrid/electric car fees; lawmakers claim they are reasonable in face of road, bridge crisis

When Mike Buehler received a notice from the Mississippi Department of Revenue a week ago that he would be required to pay a fee for driving his 2014 Tesla each year, he bit his lip and did a little research before forming an opinion.

The verdict?

“It’s unfair,” the Starkville radiologist said.

Weeks: CAFB’s mission more than just training pilots

JoAnn Ferguson has seen at least 14 commanders at Columbus Air Force Base since joining the Base Community Council’s Military Affairs Committee.

Caledonia Days offers more events, high-profile concerts

Although she is in just her second year as Caledonia Days chairman, Amanda Boltwood knows every year has its unique challenges and opportunities.

Going to Disney World: Heritage seniors helping fulfill New Hope child’s wish

When the senior class at Heritage Academy learned the identity of the child who was going to be the centerpiece of their community service project last week, its members decided to have a pep rally to mark the occasion.