Daily Times Leader
‘Follow your passion’
Louie Gallo is the Managing Editor at the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library and Museum at Mississippi State, a job many may not think about but one he finds great joy in. History was always in the cards for Gallo who began his fascination at a...
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“CAN’T LOSE MY SOUL”
visited the Black Prairie Blues Museum on Saturday. The Caldwell family performed and spent time with family as they met fans, signed autographs, and sold records.
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‘COME WITH US AND WE WILL DO THEE GOOD’ 138
St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church celebrated its 138th anniversary Sunday, March 15, a milestone that caps a journey from Sunday school gatherings in a private home to a thriving congregation that has shaped generations of local residents. Reverend...
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Learning Mahjong workshop set for tomorrow
Frances Smith will be at the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts tomorrow to help those who want to learn Mahjong. Classes are $50 per person and all materials needed to learn the game will be provided. Two time slots are available, one from 2 to...
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‘Take me to church’
The Black Prairie Blues Museum will celebrate the homegrown soul of Annie & the Caldwells with a free afternoon blending live music, student art, and performances, honoring the Caldwell family band whose disco soul rhythms have carried real-life...
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MIDTERM PRIMARIES HELD
“Not at all,” Clay Circuit Clerk Kim Brown Hood said when asked if officials expected a 27.17% turnout in Tuesday's primaries. The turnout was unusually high for a mid-term primary. The high turnout did not translate to close races. Neither the...
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“They get to go home”
Twenty-eight puppies left the West Point-Clay County Animal Shelter Thursday for rescue organizations across the region. Sabrina Franks with The Grit Factor Rescue coordinated the transport, securing placement for all 28 puppies with partner rescue...
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Inmates speak gritty truth to Clay County youth at first-ever violence prevention rally
The steel doors had opened. Six inmates stepped onto Mary Holmes Field to speak to a modest crowd gathered for a rally to end youth violence. Those six men had come to help. The first event of its kind in Clay County, the Sheriff's Office brought...
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‘Everything fell into place’
As Black History Month comes to a close so too has the 100th Black History Month celebration at the Black Prairie Blues Museum. The celebration, which ran on Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the month, officially ended on Sunday and what had started...
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Accenting Dr. John A. Peoples
Approaching one hundred years young, Dr. John A. Peoples continue to enjoy quality of lifestyle. A native of Starkville, his birthplace was the residence located at the entrance to Henderson Middle School off highway 82. His father owned and operated a...
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Building legacy, one brick at a time
The fifth Black Wall Street Expo, set for March 14 at the West Point Civic Center, promises a day of commerce, education, and unity drawn from the legacies of both Tulsa's Greenwood district (Okla.) and West Point's own Cottrell Street. LaThomas...
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Starkville High School hires Morgan as head football coach
Brett Morgan spent the last two football seasons maintaining a championship mentality for the West Point Green Grave. Now he is take that successful mindset a short stop down the road. Multiple sources confirmed Starkville High School's official...
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“We are the village”
Pastor Eddie Longstreet opened Thursday night's community town hall by inviting a song from Towanda Williams. “You’re the fire and light When lights are alone and cold In darkness you are the laughter That shatters all my fears, When I’m all...
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“Grateful for lessons learned” Stokes bids farewell to Dixie Nationals after decade of triumphs
After 10 years of stepping into the show ring at the Dixie National Livestock Show & Rodeo, Conner Stokes walked out for the final time, capping a remarkable run that turned a young boy into a confident young man and earned him a shelf full of top...
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Campbell Center mural draws submissions from across continent
Artists from across the United States and Canada want to paint a tribute to Louise Campbell on the walls of downtown West Point. The West Point-Clay County Arts Council received 122 submissions for the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts mural. The...
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‘We shouldn’t run from our past.’ Lawmakers are concerned Mississippi children aren’t learning their history
A long-told family story, passed down through generations, took on new meaning when Rep. Bryant Clark learned the history behind it in school. Clark's ancestor, William Henry Clark, was born enslaved in Hinds County two centuries ago. During...
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EMCC FALL 2025 HONORS
PRESIDENT’S LIST Isaac Adams (Mathiston) Korey Adams (West Point) Jackson Aldridge (Houston) Barrett Allen (Cedar Bluff) Katherine Allen (West Point) Kilee Allen (Maben) Logan Andrews (West Point) Christopher Argo (Starkville) Jeilyn Arterberry...
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“I believe the good men do will live long after they’re gone”
95-year-old West Point local and nationally beloved conservationist and hunter Mr. Fox Haas passed away this past Saturday night comfortably at home, surrounded by his wife and three children. When you think about West Point, you might think about Mr....
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WEATHER READY Shelter races to protect puppies ahead of ice storm
With an ice storm sweeping the Southeast this weekend the West PointClay County Animal Shelter turned frantic days into a community rescue mission, placing dozens of vulnerable puppies and small dogs into foster homes to shield them from the freezing...
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Community program celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. Day
West Point celebrated Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a community program Monday at 9:45 a.m. at Sage Gymnasium on the Community Counseling Services Administrative Campus. The theme for this year's celebration was Building Bridges, Not...
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‘eVerYOne In THIS rOOM FeeLS SOMeTHInG’
The Clay County Justice Center courtroom fell quiet Wednesday night as Reverend Eddie Longstreet stood before hundreds who had come to mourn. “I want to thank you all for coming and we wanna be on time,” he said. The courtroom had become a sanctuary....
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Fundraisers announced for families of Cedar Bluff victims
Three fundraisers have been organized to aid the families of the six victims slain in Cedar Bluff on Friday Rene Guines-McMillian put together a GoFundMe to benefit Leshanna Guines, whose 7-year-old daughter Mikylia was killed Friday night....
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‘I wanted to be part of something that makes a difference every day’
Many people that grow up in small towns can't wait to experience a bigger city once they are old enough, but others like Alma Morton find their purpose right at home. As a lifelong West Point resident Morton has seen first hand what makes West Point...
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SWORN IN
The West Point Police Department and Chief Michael Edwards, left, introduced two officers, Corporal Quentin Carter and Corporal Quevandas Smith. (Courtesy photo, WPPD)
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Adopt-a-Family marks a successful year
The 2025 Adopt-a-Family program served 85 Clay County families this Christmas season, the most since 2020, according to program coordinator Morgan Garcia, Branch Manager of Renasant Bank. "We would like to thank everyone that helped make this year's...
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“Cash Jam”
Igot to the Black Prairie Blues Museum a while before the Blues Festival began. The Old Memphis Kings and Macon, Ga.'s Cash's Juke Joint were already there, right inside the door. Angel Ocasio Jr. is frontman and guitarist of Cash's Juke Joint. Ocasio...
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Row crops posted large decline in 2025 on prices
STARKVILLE – Most row crop farmers battled elevated production costs which, when coupled with low commodity prices, made profitability challenging in 2025. Will Maples, agricultural economist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service,...
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YOKOHAMA, STRONG HILL GIVE BACK
Yokohama Tire and Strong Hill Missionary Baptist Church both engaged in community service to help Sally Kate Winters Community Services this holiday season. Yokohama held a hygiene drive in partnership with SKW. Strong Hill’s WNL Youth Group collected...
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LIBRARY FUN
Guest reader Kimbry Wedel and the Junior Auxiliary of West Point on Monday helped local children bring snowmen to life through arts and crafts. (Courtesy photos)
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Legislators discuss increasing numbers of Mississippians attaining jobs and education beyond high school
State lawmakers and leaders of Mississippi's public colleges and universities are examining ways to increase the number of adults who complete some form of education after high school, land a job, and earn a living wage. The initial conversations,...
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From local kid to award finalist
If you've been around Starkville long enough there is a good chance you've heard of Danny Smith. You may have even read his name right as you catch up on the latest in local sports. After all, he's been writing in Oktibbeha County for 40 years. Danny...
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Adopted by FUMC
28 year old mom with children ages 21, 17, & 1. The baby needs diapers and the other girls need clothes & bedding
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Third quarter dooms Green Wave in loss to Panthers
STARKVILLE – All season long,West Point has been the dominant team on Friday nights and the Green Wave was feeling right at home at another state championship. As the Green Wave prepared for an unprecedented 10th-straight state championship...
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Community remembers WPPD Lt. Bob Moore
The West Point community is mourning the loss of Lt. Bob Moore, a longtime officer with the West Point Police Department who died over the weekend. The West Point Police Department held a prayer session yesterday morning at the police department in...
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Adopt A FAmily
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Adopted Anonymously Adopted in memory of Willie H Watson and Sally Watson 50 year old male in need of clothes, bedding, and shoes Adopted by FUMC Adopted by FUMC Adopted Anonymously Adopted Anonymously 65 year old...
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THANKFUL HEARTS
The following members of the community extend their deepest gratitude to our community. “Happy Thanksgiving to all and have Bless holidays season from Selectman Binder.” - William Binder - Ward 2 Selectman (West Point) “To the incredible people of...
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‘Participating in your community just makes you a better person’
“Some of my favorite memories include participating in parades my mom planned while she was the Director of the Chamber of Commerce,” said Gray, “We were always a part of all of them.” It was her mother, Louise Campbell, that not only showed her how...
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HONORING HEROES West Point honors four veterans at Tuesday ceremony
West Point honored four local veterans and heard from a decorated military leader during a Veterans Day ceremony Tuesday at City Hall, recognizing decades of service spanning the Cold War through Operation Iraqi Freedom. Maj. Gen. John M. Rhodes,...
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A servant’s heart
Dee Echols may have not been born in West Point, but after 30 years it's safe to say she is a certified local. Echols' path to West Point was really quite simple, she found love. “I worked in Arkansas for 20 years as the executive officer of the Home...
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Gibbs unopposed, District 22 race uncalled
Clay County residents living in House District 22 went to the polls to decide between incumbent Republican Jon Lancaster and challenger Democrat Justin Crosby. A panel of judges ruled earlier this year that five Mississippi House districts violated...
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‘Love builds up’
Chad Bowen may still be fairly new to West Point, but he has already established himself within the community. The Bowen family has been in West Point for just over a year and the community instantly made an impact on them. “We moved here in June...
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Blues Museum to host fifth annual Festival of Trees
The Black Prairie Blues Museum will host its fifth annual Festival of Trees from Nov. 1-6, inviting individuals, businesses and organizations to decorate holiday trees throughout the museum's event space. The festival, which began after COVID-19 as a...
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‘You can be what you want to be’
Dr. Shecoya White is an associate professor at Mississippi State, but she chose West Point as her home. White moved to West Point in August of 2017 and quickly fell in love with not just the people, but the city itself too. “I really enjoy West...
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TWICE AS NICE
West Point High School swimmer Caston McKellar captured the state championship in two events on Saturday. He placed first in the 50 freestyle and the 100 freestyle. McKellar broke the state record in the 100 freestyle. With his performance, McKellar...
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A caring heart in West Point
Mrytle Robinson was born and raised in West Point and continues to serve the community today. Robinson is an Activity Director at West Point Community Living Center. Her job can entail a lot of hard work but she does it out of love for her fellow...
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New twists, community flair draw crowd to Una Pink Out
PRAIRIE – Community awareness and support filled the District 4 Park and Rec facility Saturday as the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk drew participants looking to show support for the cause. The free event kicked off at 8 a.m. at the facility,...
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‘Step out on faith’
Dr. Leigh Hawkins is one of West Point's newer residents, but is a lifelong Mississippian. Originally from Natchez, Hawkins has lived all over the state and outside it. She received her bachelors degree from Tougaloo College then went to nearby...
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“Cash Jam”
Igot to the Black Prairie Blues Museum a while before the Blues Festival began. The Old Memphis Kings and Macon, Ga.'s Cash's Juke Joint were already there, right inside the door. Angel Ocasio Jr. is frontman and guitarist of Cash's Juke Joint. Ocasio...
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Bringing vision to life
A campaign is underway to fund a mural on the south wall of the Louise Campbell Arts Center, a project intended to fulfill a longtime dream of the late Campbell, the center's namesake. The West Point Clay County Arts Council (WPCCAC) is currently...
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BURGER MAN SERVES SCHOOL FACULTY
Malik Thomas (The Burger Man) cooked hamburgers for the faculty and staff on Friday during an appreciation luncheon organized by the school’s PTO, Dr. Oswalt, and Ms. Jai Walker. Teachers and staff lined up for the meal, which featured burgers and...
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‘It’s felt like a magnet my whole life’
Rachel Wood is a Staff Accompanist at the Mississippi State University Department of Music but her journey with music started well before her time at MSU. Her love music started at an early age with family members who played instruments followed by...
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Royal Wave The
The West Point Consolidated School District Homecoming Court will be presented on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at Hamblin Stadium. The 7th Grade Queen and 9th Grade Princess will be announced before the 7th grade kickoff at 4 p.m. The school community...
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Avent finds joy in family, faith, and “grandma hobbies”
Amber Avent is a Clay County native who grew up in Pheba, MS. She attended Hebron Christian School and got a business degree at Mississippi State University following graduation. She is currently working in a human resources role in Starkville. Amber...
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A look back
The following is a reprint of Kelly Burns’s article printed on September 12, 2001. It details local reactions to the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City. Citizens across West Point reacted with disgust towards the...
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Every Great Team Starts with a
West Point head football coach Brett Morgan flashes a signal to his team during Friday night’s 48-15 win over Starkville. For more on the game, see sports page 6. (Photo by Jeremy Miller, for Daily Times Leader)
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Best series in the Golden trianGle
The West Point Green Wave hosted the Starkville Yellow Jackets in a rain storm during the 2023 season. (Photo by Jason Cleveland, DTL file) This year marks the 100th meeting in the high school football series between Starkville and West Point. The...
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City welcomes another year of PAF
Prairie Arts is here. The Festival is held each year on Labor Day weekend. “We've been working hard this year and can't wait,” Lisa Klutts of the Growth Alliance said. “Prairie Arts brings such a joy to the community and brings us all...
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The show will go on thanks to grant
The Mississippi State University (MSU) Summer Scholars on Stage 2025 program received a grant worth over $4,800 from the 4-County Foundation over the summer to help keep the program and students. The program is held each summer in June and offers a...
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“Through pure and goodly deeds”
Cally Rose Baucom has always called West Point home. She was home educated all the way through school age and started working at a young age. Cally is now a devoted wife and mother to two wonderful boys, who are 2 and under. She is very active in the...
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Starkville native with West Point connection honored with Man of the Year award
Being recognized by the community you've lived in your entire life is a special occasion reserved for very few and one Johnny Blair will never forget. At 90 years old he has been recognized with the “man of the year” award from Blackjack Missionary...
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Local As It Gets: Danny P. Smith
If you've been around Starkville long enough there is a good chance you've heard of Danny P. Smith. You may have even read his name right as you catch up on the latest in local sports. After all, he's been writing in Oktibbeha County for 40...
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Brownlee catches preseason touchdown
It didn't take former West Point High School and East Mississippi Community College football player Jason Brownlee long to show what he could do for the Kansas City Chiefs. In last Saturday's 20-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in the first preseason...
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Mckee: A Story of Hope and Redemption
Preston McKee was born and raised in Pheba, MS and has now called West Point home for almost a year. He attended Hebron growing up and like most kids in Pheba, relished the country life. He and his wife Kristin share three children, two girls and a...
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A LEGENDARY BIRTHDAY
On Monday, the Black Prairie Blues Museum wished a happy birthday to Jimmy “Duck” Holmes. Holmes is a Bluesman born in Betonia known for music described as “gritty,” “hypnotizing,” and “dark.” Holmes is the proprietor of the Blue Front Café in Betonia....
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From our house to yours. Small town man, big time personality
Evan Bailey is a small town man with a big personality. He grew up in Columbus and now calls West Point home. He has been working at Philips Hardware since coming to town, and will soon start with Lewis Electric as an electrician. He went to EMCC to...
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Ex-corrections official alleges widespread medical neglect and mismanagement in Mississippi’s prison system
On an August afternoon in 2023, three inmates at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility evaded the notice of guards and slipped away from their housing unit. They weren't plotting to escape the Rankin County prison. Instead, they were on a...
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H.R. 1 updates farm policy programs
Changes to farm policy programs through an omnibus bill passed by Congress and signed into law July 4 will improve growers' safety nets and increase row crop reference prices. The tax and spending cut legislation H.R. 1 includes updates to the Price...
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The W launches Mississippi’s first graduate program in Culinary and Hospitality Education
Mississippi University for Women will launch a Master of Science in Culinary and Hospitality Education in fall 2025, making it one of the few such programs in the nation and the only one in Mississippi. “This new graduate program reflects The W’s...
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Clay County native finds joy, purpose in service industry
Carley Doss, a Clay County native, spent the last several years making a name for herself in Starkville's restaurant scene with her warm demeanor, strong work ethic and genuine passion for people. Now living in Texas, she carries those same values with...
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University to develop autonomous soaring for federal DARPA Albatross program
The federal Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, has selected Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory to be a prime performer for its groundbreaking Albatross program. The Albatross program seeks to...
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Steven Adams builds legal career and life in the Golden Triangle
Attorney Steven Adams didn't grow up in the Golden Triangle, but over the last decade, he's chosen to build both his professional career and personal life right in the heart of it. Adams, originally from Grenada, came to the region in 2012 to attend...
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WPHS educator participates in Economic Education Summer Institute
Ms. Bush of West Point High School South Campus participated in the Georgia Council on Economic Education Summer Institute, sponsored by Georgia-Pacific, June 23-27. She learned from entrepreneurs with Café Momentum, Waffle House, Georgia Film Academy,...
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Paityn Fulgham: Small town girl who is giving back
Paityn Fulgham grew up in West Point. As a graduate of Hebron Christian School and EMCC, Paityn has retained her love for the West Point Community and its small town vibe. As the daughter of a teacher, she has found great joy in assistant teaching at...
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MSU, Rome’s Pontifical University Antonianum sign MOU as Keenum, university leaders visit Italy
Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum and Pontifical University Antonianum Professor Agustin Hernández Vidales, Rector of the university in Rome, Italy, formalized a partnership June 23 establishing the framework for joint academic,...
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Millwood sets sights on exotic animal care
Callie Millwood, a Mississippi Delta native, recently graduated from the Mississippi State University Veterinary Technology Program — one of the most competitive fields within the already rigorous curriculum. “Everything there is competitive,”...
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