Monday Profile: Birthday surprise helps Italian exchange student enjoy time in Starkville during pandemic

Carlotta Tenore had plenty of concerns before she came to Starkville from Milan, Italy, on Aug. 1, 2019, as part of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program.

LCSD will not renew business manager’s contract

The Lowndes County School District board decided not to renew the contract of Business Manager Kenneth Hughes as the district remains caught up in the middle of a third-party audit of its finances.

MAIS Fortnite tournament offers local athletes alternative outlet for fun, competition

Players from Heritage Academy, Starkville Academy, Hebron Christian School and Oak Hill Academy all said they were happy for the MAIS’ foray into Fortnite.

Mississippi State softball lands former UCLA catcher/infielder Shea Moreno

Moreno redshirted at UCLA and transferred to the College of San Mateo, where she put up gaudy numbers in a shortened 2020 season.

West Lowndes boys basketball coach Donta Yates won’t return next season

The Lowndes County School District will not renew Yates’ contract, which is set to expire May 22.

MAIS still exploring options for resuming spring sports

A resumption in play would affect Heritage Academy, Columbus Christian Academy, Starkville Academy, Starkville Christian School, Oak Hill Academy and Hebron Christian School.

CLW deals with mounting delinquencies

Columbus Light and Water leaders already are forming plans to return to normal after the COVID-19 pandemic.

For New Hope softball, heartbreaking end to ‘dream season’ is still sinking in

On Wednesday, when the MHSAA announced the cancellation of all spring sports and activities due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, the Trojans had to come to terms with the fact that their standout season was over for good.

EMCC guard Donte Powers signs to play basketball at Sam Houston State

The Starkville High School product picked the Bearkats over Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Texas State on Wednesday.

MHSAA officially cancels spring sports

The decision came a day after Gov. Tate Reeves announced that all Mississippi public schools would be closed for the rest of the school year.

Catching up with Mississippi State softball signee Taylor Middlebrook

The slick-fielding, versatile infielder will need to prove herself to earn early playing time on a skilled — and crowded — Bulldogs roster.

Caledonia searching for new basketball coach after retirement of Gary Griffin

Griffin, who took over the boys and girls programs at Caledonia in May 2017, retired in March.

Catching up with Mississippi State softball signee Addison Purvis

Purvis, a two-way star at Sullivan High School in Missouri, is rehabbing from ACL surgery in November as she prepares to join the Bulldogs.

Catching up with Mississippi State softball signee Kylie Taylor

The two-way star never got to play her senior season for George County High School after her fourth leg surgery in December, but she plans to be ready by the fall and is excited to join the Bulldogs then.

Columbus Lowe’s reopens after brief COVID-19 closure

Lowe’s Home Improvement off Military Road in Columbus reopened at 6 a.m. today after an employee tested positive earlier this week for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

EMCC basketball coaches navigating ‘holding pattern’ in recruiting due to virus

“Everybody’s trying to figure out how to survive this thing and keep our head above water and just recruit within the guidelines and the rules and regulations that we have,” women’s basketball coach Sharon Thompson said.

Caledonia Middle School baseball team gives back with letters to local hospital, assisted living facility

“We just thought it would be a nice thing to do: give these people some hope and happiness and put a smile on their face,” eighth grader Shep Donald said.

Virtual tours could be next on the horizon as MUW’s recruiting efforts take new shape

A planned video tour that will show high school players the Owls’ campus is one of the tools The W has at its disposal amid recruiting restrictions caused by the coronavirus.

Cohen ‘very hopeful’ college football season will happen

When they held the athletic director position at Mississippi State, Larry Templeton, Scott Stricklin and Greg Byrne never hesitated to salt away money for a “rainy day” when the athletic department might sorely need it.

Now, as the storm clouds have begun to darken the horizon, John Cohen is thankful for the wisdom of his predecessors.

Mississippi State softball’s Class of 2021 commits are staying close despite the distance

Riley Hull wanted to get closer to her future teammates.