“Miss Martha Ann Smith thanked the Columbia Rotary Club at its Tuesday noon, meeting for having sponsored her for a Rotary Foundation award. She applied for the award on November 15 and was interviewed on December 27 in New Orleans. She was notified in March that she would be one of the 110 students from 29 countries who will be studying in 20 different countries.”

Jail Docket: August 13, 2020

READ MORE > 561 views
On Wed, 08/12/2020 - 10:51 AM

Editor’s Note: The following people were booked into the Marion County Jail from Aug. 3 to Aug. 9. The C-P will correct any errors. Call 736-2611 for corrections.

Gerrod Ball, 41, Columbia, arrested by MCSO, charged with burglary of inner door; murder.

Shannon Womack Burch, 51, Columbia, arrested by MCSO, charged with larceny of an individual, property valued more than $1,000-pocket picking.

Tony J. Caruana, 37, Foxworth, arrested by MCSO, charged with false pretenses.

Columbia High School graduate McKinley Newcomer signs a scholarship to play softball at Mississippi Delta Community College July 24. She is joined by, standing, from left, CHS head coach Greg Arnold and her parents, Joe and Victoria Newcomer.

CHS catcher signs with Mississippi Delta CC

By Joshua Campbell, READ MORE > 17714 views
On Fri, 08/07/2020 - 09:49 AM

Although she only got to play eight games her senior year, Columbia High School graduate McKinley Newcomer impressed Mississippi Delta Community College enough over the past several years to earn a scholarship.

The catcher and third baseman signed with the Moorhead college July 24 and said she’s very grateful for the opportunity to play college softball, especially considering that the coronavirus pandemic took her senior year away from her.

Columbia School District began their school year on Thursday. Starting the day off was a parade of seniors. The seniors traveled along Main Street to Broad Street to Columbia High School.

School is back at Columbia

By Susan Amundson, READ MORE > 807 views
On Fri, 08/07/2020 - 09:21 AM

Kelsey Robbins is set to begin her first year teaching at Columbia High School after previously working at East Marion. She said she’s excited to work at Columbia because of the school’s advanced technology.

Professional Profile: Kelsey Robbins

By Joshua Campbell, READ MORE > 472 views
On Fri, 08/07/2020 - 08:36 AM

(This week The Columbian-Progress spotlights Columbia High School teacher Kelsey Robbins.)

Q: When and where were you born?

A: I was born in Redding, Calif., Feb. 19, 1986.

Q: Where did you attend school?

A: I attended school in California until eighth grade, then eighth grade through my senior year I attended East Marion. Then I went to USM and got my bachelor’s and master’s there.

Q: Where do you work? Tell us about your job/company.

Sarah Torres of ER Assist discusses coronavirus expenses potentially being reimbursed.

County discusses loan for tornado cleanup

By Joshua Campbell, READ MORE > 631 views
On Fri, 08/07/2020 - 09:13 AM

The Marion County Board of Supervisors is stuck between a rock and a hard place trying to figure out how to pay for damages from the April 19 EF-4 tornado and is considering a tax increase if it doesn’t get declared a natural disaster by FEMA.

The county was a couple of days late submitting its request to FEMA for the tornado to be declared a natural disaster, which would allow for 87.5% of repairs and cleanup to be paid with federal and state funds. Because of that, FEMA has not declared it a disaster for Marion County to date.

Obituaries: Marilyn Ann Simmons

READ MORE > 320 views
On Wed, 08/12/2020 - 09:45 AM

Marilyn Ann Simmons

71, Columbia

A graveside service was held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2020, in Woodlawn Cemetery for Marilyn Ann Simmons, 71, of Columbia, who died on Aug. 8.

Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia was in charge of the services.

Obituaries: Virgil Carlos Stringer

READ MORE > 390 views
On Fri, 08/07/2020 - 08:43 AM

Virgil Carlos Stringer

83, Foxworth

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 7, 2020, at Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia for Virgil Carlos Stringer, 83, of Foxworth, who passed away Monday, Aug. 3 in Hattiesburg. Burial followed in Lott Cemetery. Bro. Evan Sheridan officiated at the services. Visitation was held from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 6 at Hathorn Funeral Home.

Back to learning

READ MORE > 269 views
On Wed, 08/12/2020 - 11:03 AM

Columbia Academy teacher Kerry Jones guides her class on an assignment Tuesday afternoon. The Marion County private school returned to school for the first time since March last week. Although students in the classrooms aren’t required to wear masks, they are being worn in the halls. CA staff is also monitoring everyone’s temperature as they enter the school.

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Kiara Foxworth wears a mask while shopping Thursday at Walmart. A reporter observed 50 people entering the store Thursday and 68% were donning masks.

Marion County starting to mask up

By Joshua Campbell, READ MORE > 18954 views
On Fri, 07/17/2020 - 11:19 AM

Although there are still people who choose to shop freely without a mask, more and more people in Marion County are coming around to the concept and choosing to wear masks in public.

The amount of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 reached a new high Tuesday, and Gov. Tate Reeves pleaded with the Mississippi people to wear masks as much as possible and said the virus is real and deadly. However, he stopped short of issuing a statewide mask order despite the Mississippi State Medical Association calling for one.

Columbia police officers are seen at a roadblock July 17. City officials discussed reasons for the practice Tuesday after resident Aric Newson voiced concerns.

Roadblocks in Columbia discussed

By Susan Amundson, READ MORE > 15140 views
On Fri, 07/24/2020 - 09:06 AM

A Columbia man who helped lead Black Lives Matter protests in June addressed the Board of Aldermen Tuesday to discuss police roadblocks.

Aric Newson said people are still concerned about the roadblocks and wanted to know if the Columbia Police Department is going to continue doing them.

“They really do feel like it is excessive. They feel like everything is going back to pre-pandemic,” Newson said.

Newson said it appeared there are roadblocks three to four times a day going on and people are concerned.

City referendum is Monday

READ MORE > 13745 views
On Fri, 07/31/2020 - 11:49 AM

Columbia’s special election on the franchise agreement with Mississippi Power will be on Monday, Aug. 3. A story in Thursday's edition had an incorrect date for the election.

Former Columbia High and Jones College star linebacker leaves for Louisville this weekend.

CHS star heads to Louisville

By Joshua Campbell, READ MORE > 10220 views
On Wed, 07/29/2020 - 10:20 AM

Former Columbia High School star linebacker Kevon “KJ” Cloyd is leaving Jones College early to suit up for the Louisville Cardinals this fall.

The rising sophomore was planning on returning to Jones, but with the National Junior College Athletic Association pushing football back to the spring he chose to jump to a Division I school a year early. The 6-foot-2, 218-pound outside linebacker will be leaving Saturday for Kentucky to join the Cardinals in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

Deadly COVID-19 day in Marion County

By Susan Amundson, READ MORE > 8608 views
On Wed, 07/22/2020 - 03:24 PM

When the numbers were released today from the Mississippi Health Department, Marion County received a blow when it was announced three Marion countians lost to their lives to the coronavirus.

These losses bring the total number of deaths to 15 since the first death was reported on April 19. From July 14 until July 22 there has been a total of 100 new cases in Marion County.

New Marion County school board member Eric Hutto discusses the reopening of schools with concerned citizens after the board voted this evening to push back the starting date to Aug. 10. Photo by Susan Amundson.

Marion County schools push back start to Aug. 10

By Susan Amundson, READ MORE > 7880 views
On Mon, 07/27/2020 - 07:15 PM

At a standing room only special meeting this evening, the Marion County School Board voted to delay the start of the beginning of school until Aug. 10.

Parents and citizens expressed concerns about schools starting in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

Schools were set to start on Aug. 6 with teachers reporting Aug. 3. Teachers are still expected to begin on Aug. 3.

Weekend sting net multiple arrests

By Susan Amundson, READ MORE > 6904 views
On Wed, 08/05/2020 - 09:40 AM

A joint collaboration between the Columbia Police Department and several non-governmental organizations netted four arrests and the issuance of citations last weekend in a child exploitation/human trafficking sting, known as Operation Dollhouse.

Kendrick Latiker, 24, of Kosciusko was arrested and charged with enticement of a child to meet for sexual purposes and sexually oriented materials: dissemination to persons under 18. He is currently being held in the Marion County Jail with a $71,000 bond.

Ted Carley, Kit Marable and Lanny Arinder await voters today at the Columbia-Marion County Public Library on Broad Street. City voters are voting today to decide whether or not to accept the franchise agreement with Mississippi Power.

Voting on franchise agreement today

By Susan Amundson, READ MORE > 6428 views
On Mon, 08/03/2020 - 04:50 PM

Voters in Columbia are going to polls today to vote on the franchise agreement with Mississippi Power. If it passes, the power company will pay the city 3% of its revenue collected in the city. The agreement is for 25 years.

Moonshiners are still at it

READ MORE > 5709 views
On Thu, 07/16/2020 - 08:15 AM

Mississippi recently became the last state in America to officially end Prohibition — 87 years after the approval of the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

As if to mark the occasion, the U.S. Attorney for the southern district of Mississippi this week noted the guilty plea of a 77-year-old Hancock County man who was running an illegal liquor production operation so grand that it made all those good-ole-boy moonshiners of decades past look tame by comparison.

Columbia Superintendent Jason Harris speaks at a school board meeting on Tuesday, July 28, 2020.

Columbia schools push back start 2 days

By Susan Amundson, READ MORE > 4589 views
On Tue, 07/28/2020 - 06:26 PM

At the Columbia School District board meeting tonight the board voted to change the start date for students from Aug. 4 to Aug. 6 after Superintendent Jason Harris expressed concerns about a delay in receiving supplies.

Harris said while he felt everything would be delivered in time, he did not want to take the risk.

Harris indicated at the meeting that the district is firm in the Aug. 6 start date and does not anticipate further delays.

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School board chief returns after strokes

By Susan Amundson, READ MORE > 132884 views
On Wed, 01/15/2020 - 09:54 AM

After a four-month absence, Marion County School Board President Keith Stuckey was able to attend the meeting Monday.

Stuckey suffered two strokes and has been going through rehabilitation. Before he opened the meeting with prayer, he addressed the audience.

“I just want to thank everyone for the monetary donations, the love, the hugs and prayers we have received. You just wouldn’t believe the support you receive out of a group of people in a situation like I have been in. There are no words to describe it. Continue to pray for me,” he said.

Board raises not unreasonable

READ MORE > 43135 views
On Wed, 01/08/2020 - 08:19 AM

Many county officials in Mississippi received raises in a 2019 bill passed by the Legislature. That included 5% more for chancery and circuit clerks, plus additional fees for constables and coroners.

The Legislature also gave approval for Boards of Supervisors to get a 3% raise, but the supervisors in each county were required to vote to accept the raises.

Obituary: Patricia Carruth Sanders

By Staff Reports, READ MORE > 22815 views
On Wed, 10/30/2019 - 02:12 PM

Patricia Carruth Sanders

89, Greensboro, N.C.

A private celebration of life was held for Patricia Carruth Sanders, 89, of Greensboro, N.C., who died on Saturday, Oct. 26 in Greensboro, N.C.

She was born in Kokomo to the late Hoyt Sparks and Hoyte Rowley Carruth. She attended Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., and the University of Mississippi. Most of her adult life, she lived between Mississippi and Greensboro, where she worked and raised her family.

Jerry “Wine Dogg” Polk

By Staff, READ MORE > 19951 views
On Sat, 08/17/2019 - 12:00 AM

Jerry “Wine Dogg” Polk

65, Tulsa, Okla.

A memorial service will be held from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019, at the home of Noah and Barbara Dement, 61 Pine Burr Road in Lumberton, for Jerry “Wine Dogg” Polk, 65, of Tulsa, Okla., formerly of Columbia, who died on Wednesday, Aug. 7 at his residence.

George Phillip Smith

READ MORE > 19406 views
On Fri, 10/11/2019 - 08:26 AM

George Phillip Smith

60, Lumberton

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2019, at Hathorn Funeral Home for George Phillip Smith, 60, of Lumberton, who died on Tuesday, Oct. 8 at his residence. Burial followed in Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Yancy Magee officiated at the services. Visitation was held from 4:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Hathorn Funeral Home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Buel Smith.

Kiara Foxworth wears a mask while shopping Thursday at Walmart. A reporter observed 50 people entering the store Thursday and 68% were donning masks.

Marion County starting to mask up

By Joshua Campbell, READ MORE > 18955 views
On Fri, 07/17/2020 - 11:19 AM

Although there are still people who choose to shop freely without a mask, more and more people in Marion County are coming around to the concept and choosing to wear masks in public.

Jury finds Mitchell guilty, gives life sentence

By Susan Amundson, READ MORE > 16934 views
On Thu, 09/26/2019 - 02:35 PM

A jury returned a guilty verdict on all four counts against Victor Mitchell this afternoon and sentenced him to life in prison.

The 45-year-old was convicted following a four-day trial at the Pearl River County Courthouse in Poplarville related to a plot to kidnap businessman Tommy Duff.

Jurors deliberated for just over two hours before reaching their decision. Mitchell showed no emotion as the verdict was announced. He will serve life on an attempted kidnapping conviction and will be sentenced on three other counts Oct. 11.

Ballerinas enter international competition

By Susan Amundson, READ MORE > 16100 views
On Fri, 01/31/2020 - 08:43 AM

Three young ballerinas from Marion County have a chance to take their dreams a step further when they compete in the International Ballet Competition Youth America Grand Prix Semi-Finals in Dallas this weekend.

Scarlett Smith, 10, Cooper Smith, 12, and Laura Wascomb, 15, are all members of South Mississippi Ballet Theatre in Oak Grove.

Columbia police officers are seen at a roadblock July 17. City officials discussed reasons for the practice Tuesday after resident Aric Newson voiced concerns.

Roadblocks in Columbia discussed

By Susan Amundson, READ MORE > 15141 views
On Fri, 07/24/2020 - 09:06 AM

A Columbia man who helped lead Black Lives Matter protests in June addressed the Board of Aldermen Tuesday to discuss police roadblocks.

Aric Newson said people are still concerned about the roadblocks and wanted to know if the Columbia Police Department is going to continue doing them.

“They really do feel like it is excessive. They feel like everything is going back to pre-pandemic,” Newson said.

Newson said it appeared there are roadblocks three to four times a day going on and people are concerned.

Gayle Reid

READ MORE > 14998 views
On Wed, 10/09/2019 - 08:37 AM

Gayle Reid

78, Columbia

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2019, at Hathorn Funeral Home for Gayle Reid, 78, of Columbia, who died on Saturday, Oct. 5 in Hattiesburg. Burial followed in Society Hill Cemetery. Dr. Bryant Barnes officiated at the services. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. until the time of services on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at Hathorn Funeral Home.

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Board smart on sales tax

READ MORE > 16355478 views
On Wed, 07/11/2018 - 08:56 AM

For too long the state and federal governments have either cut spending to local governments or required new spending without allocating any funds for it. That allows politicians at those higher-up levels to brag on themselves without having to bite the bullet and face the on-the-ground consequences.

Aldermen make school board pick

By Mark Rogers, READ MORE > 14561354 views
On Thu, 08/02/2018 - 12:00 AM

During a special meeting Tuesday afternoon, the Columbia Board of Aldermen appointed Eric Lucas to serve on the Columbia School District Board of Trustees.

The 39-year-old is a Columbia High School graduate and works for Jones Companies.

Lucas replaces David McCance, who resigned in June after serving on the school board since 2012. The position is one that is appointed by the mayor and board of aldermen.

Town hall meeting set to discuss drugs, addiction

By Mark Rogers, READ MORE > 14547955 views
On Sat, 07/21/2018 - 12:00 AM

The drug problem is everywhere, tearing families apart and contributing to crime.

It hasn’t escaped the notice of officials from the Columbia Police Department, who have planned a town hall meeting titled Addiction, Hope and Recovery for 6 p.m. on Aug. 6 at the Marion County Development Partnership’s Community Room in downtown Columbia.

Senate candidates enter stretch run

By Sid Salter, READ MORE > 14378002 views
On Thu, 08/09/2018 - 09:03 AM

STARKVILLE — The major contenders in the 2018 Class II U.S. Senate nonpartisan special election on Nov. 6 left the state’s premier political stump with very different kinds of momentum.

Rubbish pit relocation discussions continue

By Mark Rogers, READ MORE > 13231049 views
On Sat, 01/06/2018 - 12:00 AM

With the Columbia-Marion County Airport’s runway expansion nearing, city officials must make a decision soon about where to relocate the rubbish pit next to the airport.

During Tuesday’s Board of Aldermen meeting, City Engineer Sean Burns recommended a temporary location at the county’s transfer facility, which is on Mississippi 586 on 16th Section land leased from the county school district.

Board gives superintendent high marks

By Mark Rogers, READ MORE > 13199924 views
On Thu, 01/25/2018 - 12:00 AM

Columbia School District Trustees say they are pleased with the work of new Superintendent Jason Harris.

The Board completed an evaluation of Harris before the Jan. 11 meeting and talked about Harris and the projects that he has begun since taking the helm on July 1, 2017.

Basketball scoreboard: Nov. 12-17

By Staff, READ MORE > 1662677 views
On Wed, 11/21/2018 - 09:52 AM

Columbia Academy

Nov. 13 CA (Boys) 57 Sumrall 30

Nov. 17 CA (Boys) 56 Central Private 26

Nov. 13 CA (Girls) 58 Sumrall 38

Nov. 17 CA (Girls) 59 Central Private 15

West Marion

Nov. 13 WM (Boys) 45 Loyd Star 74

Nov. 16 WM (Boys) 43 Purvis 50

Nov. 13 WM (Girls) 38 Loyd Star 66

Nov. 16 WM (Girls) 37 Purvis 49

Columbia High School

Nov. 13 CHS (Boys) 51 South Pike 60

Nov. 15 CHS (Boys) 60 Hazlehurst 40

Lucas takes seat on board, school year begins

By Mark Rogers, READ MORE > 1430712 views
On Thu, 08/16/2018 - 12:00 AM

Eric Lucas was sworn in as a member of the Columbia School District Board of Trustees Aug. 9, and the board wasted no time getting down to business with the beginning of the school year.

Superintendent Jason Harris began the meeting by honoring members of the district’s technology department for implementing the new one-to-one program, which provides computers to each student.

County schools discuss scores

By Mark Rogers, READ MORE > 778763 views
On Thu, 11/22/2018 - 12:00 AM

The Marion County school board received a report last week outlining the district’s accomplishments and its struggles from the state achievement results released in October.

The district earned a C ranking, earning 573 points, a drop of 22 from last year. To earn a B, the district would have needed to hit the 599 mark this year. An A district needs a 668 on the scale. Only 14 districts in the state earned an A.

In 2015 and 2016 the district had earned an overall B grade.

Good timing by Entergy

By Jack Ryan, READ MORE > 515448 views
On Sat, 07/08/2017 - 12:00 AM

Whether it was a press release by Entergy Corp. or an answer to a question from an inquisitive reporter, the utility’s announcement of large savings from its membership in a regional grid is very well-timed.

For Entergy customers in the western half of Mississippi, it’s good news that the company’s participation in the Midcontinent Independent Transmission System has resulted in savings of $118 million over the past three years.