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2 months 1 week ago
Chad Crowe
Chad Crowe, a veteran of more two decades in the Midsouth Association of Independent Schools as a teacher, coach and administrator, was named the new Head of School for Kirk Academy Tuesday afternoon, according to Board President Chuck Rose.
Crowe takes over for Rob Shillito, who resigned in October 2025 to take the Head of School position at Starkville Academy.
By Chuck Hathcock - Sports Editor on
2 months 1 week ago
Mississippi’s rural health care system is preparing for a mix of new funding and new challenges as the federal “Big Beautiful Bill” — officially the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) — begins reshaping how small-town hospitals and clinics survive.
The OBBBA seeks to reduce federal health spending through deep cuts and stricter Medicaid rules. The law adds new work requirements, tightens eligibility and raises copays, while letting enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies expire — changes that could raise costs for many Mississippians.
By Adam Prestridge - Publisher on
2 months 1 week ago
“Mississippi believes that parents – not government – know what’s best for their children’s education,” said Governor Tate Reeves.
Governor Tate Reeves (R) announced Monday that he has opted Mississippi into the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program to promote school choice in the state.
By Frank Corder - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 1 week ago
Important state and national stories, market and business news, sports and entertainment, delivered in quick-hit fashion
In Mississippi
1. South Mississippi Toy Fest set for February 7 in Hattiesburg
The South Mississippi Toy Fest returns on Saturday, February 7th from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at its new location – the Hattiesburg Lake Terrace Convention Center.
By Magnolia Tribune Staff on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Laura Gale Smith
Missing
, Laura Gale Smith’s gray 2005 Toyota Corolla
A Spring Hill community woman has been found safe in the town of Oakland.
Tallahatchie County Sheriff Jimmy Fly said Laura Gale Smith, 58, was found on Spruce Street in the Yalobusha County town after having been reported missing some seven hours earlier with concerns about the threat of self-harm.
"She is safe and an ambulance was called to check her out," Fly noted in a message just before 1 a.m. Friday.
The sheriff said Smith was found about 12:15 a.m. in a house that had been checked earlier Thursday evening.
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By Clay McFerrin on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Photo by Adam Prestridge, © 2026 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.
Grenada High School junior Kalysia Tedford goes after the loose ball durring a November 2025 home game against Amanda Elzy.
One that got away and two blowout wins. That was the week for the Lady Chargers, which improved their overall record to 14-3.
The week opened last Tuesday with a 50-47 Class 6A, Region 1 loss at Lake Cormorant.
It was another big night for senior Carlei Brown, who had 20 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks. Junior Addyson White added 12 points and classmate August Hardiman chipped in 6 points and 6 rebounds.
By Chuck Hathcock - Sports Editor on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Photo by Adam Prestridge, © 2026 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.
Former Grenada High School football coach Michael Fair gives the Chargers' offense instruction from the sideline during a home game last season.
In three years, Michael Fair compiled a 32-9 record as head football coach at Grenada High School. Thursday, the veteran coach made it official that he is taking over at perennial power South Panola.
Fair replaces Brooks Oakley, who resigned in November 2025, following the Tigers’ 28-27 playoff loss to Neshoba Central.
It was a decision that didn’t come easy for the Carroll County native.
By Chuck Hathcock - Sports Editor on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Photo by Chuck Hathcock, © 2026 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.
Kirk Academy freshman Joleigh Sultan, left, and sister, senior Charlee Grace, try to steal the ball away from a Delta Academy player during last Thursday’s home game.
What a difference a month makes.Then, Kirk Academy Raiderettes had an 8-7 record.That last loss took place on Dec. 12, 2025, a 48-47 nailbiter at North Delta School. The Raiderettes came back with a 30-point win at West Memphis, Ark., which began what is now a nine-game win streak following wins last week over Lee Academy, Delta Academy and Marshall Academy to improve their overall record to 17-7 and 6-1 mark in Class AAA, District 1.
Marshall Academy
The Raiderettes swept the season series with the Lady Patriots in Holly Springs last Friday with a 52-30 victory.
By Chuck Hathcock - Sports Editor on
2 months 2 weeks ago
After finishing the first half of the soccer season at 8-6-1 and 2-3 inside Class 6A, Region 1, the Grenada Lady Chargers took to the road last week for a pair of region matches.
Last Tuesday, GHS traveled to Olive Branch and won a 4-3 decision.
Eighth-grader Catelyn Neathery scored two goals and junior Taylor Swinford added a goal. The fourth goal was an on goal by Olive Branch.
Senior Julez Moore, junior Ava Moorman and sophomore Teryn Kent each scored a goal in a 3-2 win over South Panola last Thursday.
By Chuck Hathcock - Sports Editor on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Photo special to the Pine Belt News from Southern Miss Athletics
In an indictment obtained by Pine Belt News, former Southern Miss men’s basketball player Arlando "Mo" Arnold was charged in a point-shaving scheme, according to a federal indictment unsealed Thursday in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Arnold has been charged with three counts of wire fraud, two counts of aiding and abetting, and a count each for bribery in sporting contests, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
By DIMA MIXON on
2 months 2 weeks ago
I am a Hoosier. I was raised on Indiana athletics, and like most Hoosiers, I am first and foremost a basketball fan. It is in my blood. My grandfather was an Indiana University Academic All-American and my father became the team doctor, which meant long periods of my childhood were spent in the stands of Assembly Hall.
We went to football games too. However, Indiana was known as one of the worst programs in the country. We showed up anyway. We were always expected to respect the athletes, remain humble, and demonstrate character in victory or defeat.
By Stephanie Garriga on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Last week felt like I should have been working in the garden, flying a kite, or wade fishing for crappie. Other than the two weeks of “seasonal” cold weather we experienced, it has been one of the mildest winters on record. Doves are already cooing, frogs are croaking, and turtles are sunning themselves on logs in ponds and creeks. I have noticed daffodils and jonquils emerging from their short winter nap, ready to show off to the world blazing white and yellow petals. In fact, trees are on the verge of bud break with some species already leafing out.
By Jeff North on
2 months 2 weeks ago
The Trump administration might be disturbed by the welfare scandal in Minnesota, but it is also using it as an excuse to make political hay against Democratic opponents and bolster its immigration crackdown.
Welfare fraud, as Mississippi demonstrates, is bipartisan, as likely to be practiced by multigenerational Americans as relative newcomers to this nation, and more likely to be committed on a massive scale by those who are supposed to be helping the poor than the poor themselves.
Published on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Photo by Adam Prestridge, © 2026 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.
Crews with Murphree Paving of Tupelo begin using an asphalt roller to repair the Family Dollar parking lot Wednesday morning.
Despite cold, rainy conditions, crews with Murphree Paving out of Tupelo could be seen Wednesday morning repairing a portion of the Family Dollar Parking lot located at the corner of Commerce and E. Monroe St.
By Adam Prestridge - Publisher on
2 months 2 weeks ago
In a state known for storytelling, it feels fitting that one of Mississippi’s most meaningful businesses isn’t about writing new stories—but about making sure the old ones are never lost.
There are places in Mississippi where time doesn’t rush you. Where history isn’t tucked behind glass or sealed away in archives, but still shows up every morning for work. Where stories aren’t just told—they’re repaired, rebound, and sent back into the world to keep living.
By Meredith Biesinger - Magnolia Tribune on
2 months 2 weeks ago
One of the Southeast's top economic development executives will take the reins of the Tate County Economic Development Foundation.
The Tate County Board of Supervisors and the Tate County Economic Development Foundation have announced the hiring of Joe Max Higgins to fill the vacancy in the community’s community’s economic and industrial development organization.
The announcement was made Monday night following a meeting of the EDF Board and community stakeholders.
By Floyd Ingram on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Average gasoline prices in Mississippi have fallen 2.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.35/g today, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 2,014 stations in Mississippi. Prices in Mississippi are 11.6 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 21.8 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has decreased 2.3 cents compared to a week ago and stands at $3.475 per gallon.
By Special to The Star on
2 months 2 weeks ago
The Grenada City Council voted during a special-called meeting on Dec. 18, 2025, to move its regularly scheduled January 2026 meeting to a later date so members could attend the Mississippi Municipal League’s Mid-Winter Legislative Conference in Jackson.
The council voted to reschedule the meeting from 5 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 12, to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15. The change will allow city officials to participate in the statewide municipal event, which runs from Jan. 13 through 15 in downtown Jackson.
By Adam Prestridge - Publisher on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Photo by Adam Prestridge, © 2026 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.
Motorists are advised to use extreme caution in this area of Commerce and Van Dorn streets until utility work concludes.
Utility work at the corner of Commerce and Van Dorn streets continued Monday morning as crews with Entergy worked to secure the power pole located at the intersection. Orange traffic cones were used to slow and merge traffic traveling north on Commerce Street into one lane until work was completed. Crews also worked late into the night last Thursday evening digging around the site seeking solutions.
By Adam Prestridge - Publisher on
2 months 2 weeks ago
Robert St. John talks Carnival. He says king cakes are subjective. Everyone has an opinion. He has several strong ones.
Most people who aren’t from around here don’t realize how much Mardi Gras matters in my hometown of Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
By Robert St. John on
