Subscribe to Weekly Local Best Of COP feed
3 months ago
Automotive students were able to get hands-on experience this semester by assembling and disassembling cars.
This semester, students in the Automotive Technology program at MCCTC have been hard at work in the shop, gaining real-world experience on a variety of vehicle projects. From diagnosing engine problems to replacing critical components, the class has spent countless hours under the hood learning what it takes to keep vehicles running smoothly.
By Submitted to C-P on
3 months ago
Cody James Alford, 36, Kokomo, arrested by MCSO, charged with bench warrant-possession of controlled substance; possession of drug paraphernalia-warrant.
Ladarrus Tavoah Carter, 36, Franklinton, La., arrested by MCSO, charged with bench warrant; GJI-possession of controlled substance.
Ronald Doward Clark, 45, Columbia, arrested by CPD, charged with assault, aggravated: use of deadly weapon; disorderly conduct: failure to comply with command of law enforcement; eluding law officer.
By staff reports on
3 months ago
Jack Toney
88, Kokomo
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025, at Kokomo Chapel for the uniquely charismatic “Mayor of Kokomo,” Jack Toney, 88, of Kokomo, who passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 10, in Hattiesburg. Burial followed in Kokomo Community Cemetery. Rev. Darrin Powell officiated at the services. Visitation was held from 1 p.m. until the time of the services on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Kokomo Chapel.
By staff reports on
3 months ago
Photo by Submitted, © 2026 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.
Students Jabyrus Thomas, Shayla Lewis, Yasmine Magee, Noah Hutto, Aaron Thomas and Bryan Dickinson search for the magnetic strips in the bills
On Dec. 11, Donna Stringer, Vice President of Trustmark Bank’s Broad Street Branch in Columbia, visited the Work-Based Learning (WBL) class at the Marion County Carl Loftin Career and Technology Center. Stringer shared her 46 years of banking experience and expertise, highlighting how the banking industry has evolved over the years. She discussed how Trustmark uses technology to enhance financial literacy and support customers as they start their path toward financial responsibility.
By Submitted to C-P on
3 months ago
Photo by Joshua Campbell, © 2026 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.
Lady Wildcats point guard Jamryah Rawls scans the defense in the East Marion Holiday Classic.
The Columbia Lady Wildcats earned a 48-41 win over Bogue Chitto Dec. 23 to guarantee at least a .500 record ahead of district play in the new year.
The Lady Wildcats (8-7) controlled the outcome through steady effort across four quarters at home. Defense played a central role in the victory as Columbia limited second chances and forced contested attempts. The Lady Wildcats secured rebounds and transitioned into offense with purpose.
By Nichlos Cutrell - Reporter on
3 months ago
Photo by Joshua Campbell, © 2026 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.
Despite missing the start of the season because of football, Christain Expose has wasted no time assuming a lead role within Columbia’s offense.
The Columbia Wildcats are continuing to find their identity as they near district play with a near .500 record.
The Wildcats (7-8), fresh off a loss in the championship game of the East Marion Holiday Classic, bounced back Dec. 22, earning a 62-56 victory over the Enterprise Yellowjackets.
By Nichlos Cutrell - Reporter on
3 months ago
The Marion County Sheriff's Office arrested a pair of Hattiesburg women early Sunday morning who stole more than $1,000 of merchandise from a local Dollar General back in October.
At the Dollar General in Foxworth Oct. 24, employees noticed that their back door was open when it is never left open. Suspecting that something may have happened with the alarm going off, the employees contacted the Marion County Sheriff's Office.
By Joshua Campbell - Publisher on
3 months ago
Ronald Clark
A man was stabbed in the back multiple times Sunday on Carolyn Avenue, leading to a police chase that included the suspect barricading himself inside a residence. Despite being stabbed multiple times, the victim has reportedly been released from the hospital, while the suspect is behind bars at the Marion County Regional Correctional Facility.
By Joshua Campbell - Publisher on
3 months ago
Photo by File photo, © 2026 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.
Amir Habray Carter only coached nine games for the Trojans before being relieved of his duties as the head basketball coach for West Marion’s boys. He said he believes he was let go because he would not conform.
Amir Habray Carter, who spent six months as the boys basketball coach at West Marion before being relieved of his duties Dec. 12, claims that he was discriminated against throughout his tenure and believes he was let go because he refused to go against his faith and “kiss the ring.”
By Joshua Campbell - Publisher on
3 months ago
A warm and simple Thanksgiving celebration brought students together in Willie Smith’s Culinary Arts classroom for a meaningful day of food, friendship and
By Submitted to C-P on
3 months 1 week ago
Jace Allen Anthony, 38, Foxworth, arrested by MCSO, charged with bench warrant; contempt of court-concealed weapon; contempt of court-disorderly conduct; contempt of court-resisting arrest.
Sandra Renee Atkins, 56, Columbia, arrested by MCSO, charged with contempt for possession of drug paraphernalia x2.
By staff reports on
3 months 1 week ago
Marilyn Louise Gibbs
70, Foxworth
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at Hathorn Funeral Home for Marilyn Louise Gibbs, 70, of Foxworth, who passed away on Monday, Nov. 17, at her residence.
Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.hathornfuneralhome.com. Hathorn Funeral Home in Columbia was in charge of arrangements.
By staff reports on
3 months 1 week ago
Freddie S. Green
75, Bassfield
By staff reports on
3 months 1 week ago
Allen “Sonny” McKenzie
76, Hurricane Creek Community
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025, at Colonial Funeral Home for Allen "Sonny" McKenzie, 76, of the Hurricane Creek Community, who peacefully passed from this life into God's presence on Tuesday, Dec. 16. Burial followed in Hurricane Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Rev. Cory Odom officiated at the services. Visitation was held from noon until the time of the services on Thursday, Dec. 18, at Colonial Funeral Home.
By staff reports on
3 months 1 week ago
Photo by Joshua Campbell, © 2025 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.
The West Marion Trojans and Lady Trojans had quite the night Saturday as they both won the East Marion Holiday Classic. James Stampley and Neliyaha Smith were named the Most Valuable Players for their respective tournaments.
It has been a whirlwind season for the West Marion Trojans amidst their best start in a decade. Through the chaos, though, interim head coach Donald Aaron steadied the ship and helped lift the Trojans to the East Marion Holiday Classic championship Saturday night with a 68-56 victory over rival Columbia.
By Joshua Campbell - Publisher on
3 months 1 week ago
Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff's Office were busy chasing suspects Friday as they were led on a high-speed chase that reached 120 miles per hour and had to chase down another individual who attempted to while handcuffed.
Just before midnight Friday, a deputy attempted to make a traffic stop on Tanler Dixon, 19, of Bassfield, but he sped off rather than yield. Dixon allegedly accelerated to speeds as high as 120 miles per hour and threw illegal narcotics as well as a firearm out the window during the pursuit.
By Joshua Campbell - Publisher on
3 months 1 week ago
Columbia High School alum Jason Mikell, left, who is a meteorologist for WBZ TV in Boston, conducted “Sleigh Ride” for the Boston Pops orchestra Dec. 16 as part of a CBS campaign. His former band director at Columbia High, Reuben McDowell, flew to Boston take in the historical moment.
Too often when we hear it’s “never too late,” we get a temporary boost then let the idea fade away almost as if it was never there in the first place. But for Columbia native Jason Mikell, a meteorologist for a TV station in Boston, he lived his “never too late” moment Dec. 16 when he got the opportunity to conduct a song for the world-famous Boston Pops orchestra.
By Joshua Campbell - Publisher on
3 months 1 week ago
Loredana Gianina Sava
(Jackson, Mississippi) Today, Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced the sentencing in federal court of Romanian national Loredana Gianina Sava, 36, on one count of Wire Fraud. This case was investigated by the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office with assistance from the United States Secret Service. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi. The Attorney General’s Cyber Fraud Task Force is responsible for recovering $2.6 million in victim funds for Mississippi citizens.
By Attorney General Lynn Fitch on
3 months 1 week ago
First Baptist Preschool
Christi K-3
Dear Santa,
I am 4 years old and I live in Columbia. For Christmas, please bring me: Spiderman Monster truck, monster truck. I will leave you cookies and milk for a snack.
Love, Malakye McNeese
Dear Santa,
I am 3 years old and I live in Mississippi. For Christmas, please bring me: Spiderman. I will leave you Spiderman cookies and Spiderman juice for a snack.
Love, Brady Duplantis
By staff reports on
3 months 1 week ago
By Submitted to C-P on