Stephen Jones: What has The Old Guard done for you lately?
There is a dark cloud over Columbus and it has been present for more than forty years. That dark cloud is the embodiment of the term “The Old Guard.”
Gail Thompson: Take the time now to be prepared
Due to the devastation resulting from Hurricane Helene across the US, I encourage everyone to do the following: 1. Ready yourself and your loved ones to withstand a disaster for one week; 2. Volunteer to respond in your community during a disaster; 3. Volunteer to respond across the nation during a disaster.
Sid Salter: Serving in all three government branches, Pittman changed as Mississippi changed
Former Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Edwin Lloyd Pittman was an effective, honorable and influential Mississippi public servant whose views and actions changed – particularly on the issue of race – as those of his constituents changed.
Possumhaw: Where has the meadow gone
One evening last week at the edge of twilight where the sun was sinking beyond the tree line Sam stepped out on the porch. He leaned back inside and whispered, “Come see the deer in silhouette at the edge of the lake.”
Thom Caraccio: Old stars is the new stars
Yeah, I’m old. But I have grown to accept it.
Ask Rufus: The hurricane of Sept. 27, 1906
When Hurricane Helene struck yesterday, I could not help but recall a column I wrote several years ago about the Alabama steamboat Mary and the Hurricane of Sept. 27, 1906. I found it interesting that 118 years to the day another hurricane had devastated the Gulf Coast and just last week I came across a circa 1905 postcard of the Mary.
Leroy Brooks: We deserve better
Seldom do I write letters to this newspaper or any print media. However, after pondering for a couple of weeks, I felt a moral conviction to express my thoughts.
Slimantics: Saying goodbye to family history
It’s not often that technology takes us backward, makes things more difficult or less accessible.
Slimantics: Data isn’t needed to prove Mississippi is the most corrupt state in the nation
Each year, there are several studies designed to identify the level of corruption in each state. Generally, Mississippi ranks among what is determined as most corrupt. But some things are hard to reduce to data points and sometimes the statistics don’t paint an accurate picture.
Sid Salter: Some 32 years after students’ murders, Manning’s Death Row sojourn may be ending
Mississippi’s Supreme Court on a 5-4 vote denied yet another appeal from the Death Row inmate convicted of brutally murdering Mississippi State University students Jon Stephen Steckler and Pamela Tiffany Miller on the night of Dec. 11, 1992.
Possumhaw: A view from the window
Outside the window three bluebirds are splashing in the “water feature.” There are three bird baths, and each one will be dry by the end of the day.
Ask Rufus: The flight of the USS Shenandoah
This weekend will be filled with awe and thrills and heritage as Columbus Air Force Base hosts a spectacular air show on Saturday and Sunday. It is a world class event that is free, open to the public and not to be missed.
Thom Caraccio: Mississippi’s own Forrest Gump
I am NOT a famous person, but I play one on TV.
Sid Salter: State’s incarceration rate tops nation and exceeds most nations
The Mississippi Fiscal Year 2025 appropriations for the State Department of Corrections – the state’s prison system – included $424.3 million from the General Fund, State Support Special Funds of $7.5 million, $19.5 million in federal funds, and other special funds of $27.07 million for a total of $458.9 million.
Thom Caraccio: Tales from the Pink Pussycat: Part One
Most people have stories about their “wild younger days.” Mine fall into the category of “barely survived by the skin of my teeth” days. This is one.
Slimantics: The not-so-good old days are here again
When I was kid, I dreaded returning to school after the Thanksgiving break.
Jiben Roy: High and low
What an achievement! The first commercial spacewalk by a daring billionaire tech CEO Jared Isaacman, who funded this program which was operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX.
Possumhaw: Hurricanes & History
Last Thursday we stayed home, watched the weatherman, filled jugs of water in case we needed water, checked flashlights, and hoped we could rely on the generator if need be.
Bobby Harrison: Will Trump or Harris match record-setting voter turnout of 2020?
One of Vice President Kamala Harris’ most devastating zingers in last week’s debate with former President Donald Trump was when she looked at him and said he “was fired by 81 million people … Clearly he is having a difficult time processing that.”
Ask Rufus: A weekend of blues and Thunderbirds
The weekend of Sept. 20-22 will be a world class weekend in West Point and Columbus.