Articles by Tyler B. Jones
Starkville ARPA plan criticized for lack of support for homeless, infrastructureBeatty hopes to have parks-heavy funding strategy rescinded
The city’s decision to dedicate $5.5 million of its American Rescue Plan Act funds to parks and recreation did not sit well with many citizens.
New tech installed at SOCSD helps with teaching through masks
Starkville High School student Peyton Willoughby sat in his 10th grade English class Thursday not worried about struggling to hear his teacher because of new technology installed in the classroom.
COVID, virtual learning blamed for dramatically lower test scores
State test scores across the Golden Triangle decreased overall in 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and virtual learning.
Vast majority of Starkville ARPA funds dedicated to parks
Starkville resident Kristin Fuhrmann lives in the Northgate subdivision on the north side of town and said she has murky, brown water flow out of her faucets a few times a month.
Starkville moves forward with ordinance to allow golf carts on streets
Starkville residents may soon be allowed to drive golf carts throughout the city.
Oktibbeha supervisors look to hire consultant for ARPA
The Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors is considering negotiating a contract with a government-project consultant agency to help efficiently manage the county’s American Rescue Plan Act funds.
SOCSD passes virtual learning day policy
The Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District now has an option for virtual learning if unforeseen circumstances occur due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking spots in Starkville may soon be paid
Starkville may soon turn free parking spots into paid parking.
COVID aid could give more money to Cornerstone, other parks
The board of aldermen is considering spending COVID-19 relief dollars to further expand Cornerstone Park.
Alderman wants to raise money for unvaccinated city employees
An alderman has stoked controversy on social media this week after he announced starting a GoFundMe page to help unvaccinated city employees and later liked a social media status that implied desired violence against Mayor Lynn Spruill.
Brookville Garden owner sues Starkville and Spruill
The city of Starkville and Brookville Garden Apartments remain in legal negotiations after a judge last week issued a temporary restraining order barring the city from demolishing certain buildings which have been deemed a “menace.”
Oktibbeha County will have no tax increase for 2022
Oktibbeha County will officially have no tax increases for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.
RURAL study hopes to improve health outcomes in Mississippi
One in six Americans live in rural areas, including residents of Oktibbeha County.
Monday Profile: Starkville woman starts nonprofit to deliver ‘fairytale moments’ to young girls
Before women pick out their wedding dresses, they first pick out their prom dresses.
City employees to receive pay raise based on merit and tenure
After an hour of discussion over employee pay raises, a budget committee for the city of Columbus agreed to move forward with a plan to allocate funds in the upcoming fiscal year budget for salary increases among city employees.
Starkville to outsource park management
The city of Starkville will soon negotiate a contract with private company Sports Facilities Management to manage all city parks.
Catherine Street apartment tenants get extensions on evictions
Vashante Gray has nine days to find somewhere to live before being forced out of her home.
Longview Road construction delayed until at least 2022
For Joseph and Priscilla Ammerman, inconvenience comes standard with living on Longview Road.
Aldermen require masks, hike insurance premiums for unvaccinated employees
As nearly 100 citizens filled the City Hall courtyard Tuesday evening, chants of “my body, my choice” rang out.
A longtime slogan typical of the abortion rights movement, however, had found favor with a different group entirely — those protesting mandates for COVID-19 vaccines.
No tax increase in proposed Starkville budget
The city of Starkville’s proposed budget will not require any tax increases for the upcoming year.
