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3 months 2 weeks ago
Debut Picture Book “Adventures with Joy and Hope” by Marla Pittman Echols Offers a Heartfelt Journey Through Friendship, Resilience, and Positivity
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3 months 2 weeks ago
Three students from Marion County Career and Technology Center's automotive technology program, Will Thomas, Brydon Walley and Braylen Prejean, achieved a major milestone this semester by passing their ASE G1 Maintenance and Light Repair Certification exam. The ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) certification is recognized nationwide and serves as a benchmark of professional skills and knowledge in the automotive industry.
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3 months 2 weeks ago
Roeland Tobin Bell
85, Vicksburg
A celebration of life was held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in Vicksburg for Roeland Tobin Bell, 85, of Vicksburg, who passed away on Friday, Dec. 5, in Jackson following a sudden illness. Burial followed in Lynn Cemetery in Archibald, La. Rev. Tim Brown officiated at the celebration of life. Visitation was held from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at Glenwood Funeral Home.
By staff reports on
3 months 2 weeks ago
Pamela Sue
Harlan Bowman
81, Columbia
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, at Hathorn Funeral Home for Pamela Sue Bowman (née Harlan), 81, of Columbia, who passed away peacefully on Monday, Dec. 8, at home.
Bro. Josh Spiers officiated at the services. Kathy Kemerer provided special music. Visitation was held from noon until the time of the services on Thursday, Dec. 11, at Hathorn Funeral Home.
By staff reports on
3 months 2 weeks ago
Duane Edward Bates, 37, Foxworth, arrested by Drug Court, charged with drug court.
Juawan Montrell Bolton, 27, Columbia, arrested by MCSO, bench warrant.
James Derek Bracey, 41, Foxworth, arrested by MCSO, charged with DUI 1st offense-(1)(b) under the influence of any substance that would impair.
By staff reports on
3 months 2 weeks ago
A Columbia man is behind bars after showing up to his parole meeting at the Mississippi Department of Corrections office allegedly under the influence of methamphetamine as well as possessing a pipe and two grams of methamphetamine.
When Michael Jenkins, 47, arrived at his meeting, his parole officer noticed that he might be under the influence. He allegedly admitted to being under the influence and consented to a search of his person.
By Joshua Campbell on
3 months 2 weeks ago
Downtown Columbia was transformed the Sunday before Labor Day for a Dinner in White party. Guests dressed in all white, brought their own food and enjoyed great company.
A sea of white filled downtown Columbia the Sunday before Labor Day as more than 150 people gathered for an elegant outdoor “Dinner in White” that organizers hope will become a late-summer staple — and grow to twice its size next year.
By staff reports on
3 months 2 weeks ago
Pictured from left, Haven Ryals and Dakota Schiren of Marion County.
On Saturday, November 15, two Marion County firefighters attended a CO₂ training program at the Mississippi State Fire Academy. The program, which was sponsored by ExxonMobil, trains firefighters to respond to incidents related to carbon dioxide, a common, naturally occurring molecule that is increasingly important to industrial and economic activity.
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3 months 2 weeks ago
Members of the VFW were honored in November at the Village of Grace gala held at The Klassy Venue in Columbia.
Columbia, MS — Village of Grace, a care-centered nonprofit serving elders and veterans in Marion County, hosted its inaugural gala in November, bringing together community leaders, families and supporters for an evening of celebration, remembrance, and Southern hospitality.
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3 months 2 weeks ago
Hilton and Ruby Holmes stand with a "then" and "now" photo for their 68th wedding anniversary, which they celebrated in December of 2024.
The Columbian-Progress extends its heartfelt condolences to the Holmes family and all of Hilton Holmes' relatives. Holmes, who died at the age of 91 on Dec. 11, was a great friend to the C-P and to all of Marion County. Together with Paul Pounds, Holmes started the Marion County Football Championship and Most Valuable Player award. West Marion High School's softball field is named in his and his wife's honor — Hilton and Ruby Holmes Field.
By staff reports on
3 months 3 weeks ago
Columbia Academy juniors Trent Buckley and Bentley Myers represented the Cougars in the MAIS Futures All-Star Game.
Columbia Academy juniors Trent Buckley and Bentley Myers represented the Cougars in the MAIS Futures All-Star Game.
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3 months 3 weeks ago
Bradley Dale Beach, 52, Columbia, arrested by MCSO, charged with tampering with physical evidence.
Michael D. Buckles, 41, Columbia, arrested by MCSO, charged with DUI 4th or subsequent offense, Section 63-11-30(1)(D) & (2)(D), MISS. Code of 1972 as amended; SEC. 63-11-40 driving while driving license or privilege cancelled, suspended or revoked.
Forrest Dixon, 33, Columbia, arrested by MCSO, charged with public drunkenness.
By staff reports on
3 months 3 weeks ago
Senior Cougars playing in the MAIS All-Star Game were, from left, Logan Buckley, Noah Fortenberry and Carson Daniels. They were joined by Columbia Academy Athletic Director Keith Stanley. At right, Carson Daniels was awarded Most Valuable Defensive Player.
Senior Cougars playing in the MAIS All-Star Game were, from left, Logan Buckley, Noah Fortenberry and Carson Daniels. They were joined by Columbia Academy Athletic Director Keith Stanley.
Columbia Academy senior linebacker Carson Daniels was awarded Most Valuable Defensive Player in the AA-AAA All-Star Game.
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3 months 3 weeks ago
Photo by Joshua Campbell, © 2025 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.
The Players of the Week for Week 14 are pictured with Citizens Bank Assistant Vice President and Loan Officer Kelvin Bishop. They are, from left, Columbia’s Tyson Thompson, Clydarrien Peters and Junior Curney. Not pictured is Tra Lewis.
The Players of the Week for Week 14 are pictured with Citizens Bank Assistant Vice President and Loan Officer Kelvin Bishop. They are, from left, Columbia’s Tyson Thompson, Clydarrien Peters and Junior Curney. Not pictured is Tra Lewis.
Players of the Week are sponsored by First Southern Bank, Marion General Hospital and Citizens Bank.
By Joshua Campbell - Publisher on
3 months 3 weeks ago
A Foxworth man who is a registered sex offender is behind bars at the Marion County Regional Correctional Facility for failing to register as a sex offender for a second time.
David Magnusen, 54, was convicted in the 1990s for rape, robbery, aggravated assault and burglary of an occupied dwelling in Harrison County and moved to Foxworth following his release from prison.
By Joshua Campbell - Publisher on
3 months 3 weeks ago
Editor’s Note: Several businesses throughout Columbia and Marion County have recently raised concerns on social media about the future of their operations due to an increase in property taxes. Marion County Tax Assessor/Collector Stephanie Buhrer wrote an open letter in response to address the concerns that is published below in its entirety. Following the letter, Mayor Justin McKenzie and CSD Superintendent Jason Harris discuss the taxes through interviews with Publisher Joshua Campbell.
By Joshua Campbell - Publisher on
3 months 3 weeks ago
Photo by Joshua Campbell, © 2025 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.
The Wildcats are ready to get their state championship rings after beating Kosciusko for the Class 4A title.
Columbia knew going into the Class 4A State Championship its hands were going to be full with Kosciusko. But the Wildcats also knew Kosciusko was going to have its hands full facing Columbia.
Both proved to be true Friday evening in Starkville as the top two teams in 4A battled it out for nearly 48 minutes before either team managed to score. It wasn’t until there were only 15 seconds remaining when Tra Lewis, who was battling a severe injury, bulled his way into the end zone to secure a 6-0 win for the Wildcats and a state championship.
By Joshua Campbell - Publisher on
3 months 3 weeks ago
Photo by Joshua Campbell, © 2025 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.
Columbia Fire Chief Lyle Berard has been named the state’s Fire Chief of the Year.
On Dec. 2, Columbia Fire Chief Lyle Berard was recognized by the Mississippi Fire Chiefs Association as the Fire Chief of the Year, an honor he said he was humbled to receive.
“It means a lot,” Berard said. “I’m thankful and grateful to receive such a big award.”
While it meant a lot to him to be recognized by his peers throughout the state, Berard said the award is more indicative of his crew.
“It’s a reflection of how hard these guys work here and what they’ve been able to do for the department,” he said.
By Joshua Campbell - Publisher on
3 months 3 weeks ago
Photo by Joshua Campbell, © 2025 Emmerich Newspapers, Inc.
Senior quarterback Clydarrien Peters leads the Wildcats in finishing the Class 4A Playoff Bracket with the Columbia logo in the “champion” spot.
For the second time in five years, and third time overall, the Columbia Wildcats are the Class 4A State Champions on the gridiron after beating Kosciusko 6-0 Friday at Mississippi State in dramatic fashion.
The game remained scoreless until the final minute of the game when Columbia running back Tra Lewis found the end zone on a 6-yard run with 15 seconds left. Outside linebacker Tyson Brown intercepted a pass in the final seconds to secure the win, capping off Columbia’s perfect 15-0 season.
By Joshua Campbell on
3 months 3 weeks ago
Get festive this holiday season with free photos at 1600 Ridgewood Dr.
A group of Marion Countians have come together to offer families Christmas photos with their children free of cost through Dec. 31. Families can bring their children to 1600 Ridgewood Dr. beginning at 3 p.m. each day to take pictures. There is also a drop box for children’s letters to Santa, and any letter with a return address will receive a personalized letter back from Santa himself.
On Dec. 21, Santa will be visiting and there will be live music and more for families to enjoy.
By Submitted to C-P on
