Why start school later? Tourism? Heat?
The starting date for public schools has been moving up closer and closer to the first of August in recent years, but a measure going through the state Legislature would push it back to the third week in August. Editor Don Whitten looks at the pros and cons of going back to a later starting date. (April 13, 2012, Page 4A)
Bicyclists, motorists must learn to share the road
Several months after new laws were passed to promote cyclist safety, some bikers still do not feel safe on many of the area’s roadways. (April 6, 2012, Page 1A)
Let’s take a look at an Arkansas charter school
Only time will tell which, if any, legislation we get about charter schools in Mississippi. While lawmakers are debating the subject, Editor Don Whitten passes along some of the information he’s gathered about the KIPP Delta Schools, a charter school program in Helena/West Helena, Ark. (March 1, 2012, Page 4)
Taking a look at AG, charter schools in state
Local columnist T.J. Ray writes about the state’s attorney general and public education and looks at changes being made by the state Legislature. (February 27, 2012, Page 4A)
Home help the key to any school’s success
Charter schools tops conversation these days at most water coolers and coffee shops in Mississippi so Editor Don Whitten takes a closer look at the issue and says there’s more to helping Johnny learn to read than different kinds of schools. (February 24, 2012, Page 4A)
Letters to the Editor
Jim Shollenberger writes to remind us that the first goal of most charter schools is to make a profit, and says that should be kept in mind when coming up with legislation allowing them in Mississippi. (February 22, 2012, Page 4)
State lawmakers: Jobs top priority
As they head down to Jackson next week, Lafayette County representatives expect to deal with issues concerning the budget, the state retirement system and redistricting. (December 28, 2011, Page 8)
Drug dealers face longer sentences
Mississippi judges are giving longer prison sentences to convicted drug dealers in hopes of keeping them off the streets longer after budget cuts have caused the Mississippi Department of Corrections to allow more drug offenders to be released before completing their entire sentences. (September 29, 2011, Page 1)
Animals recognized, finally
It appears Mississippi is catching up to the rest of the country when it comes to protecting our pets and punishing those who mistreat them. Staff Writer Melanie Addington takes a closer look at some of the bills dealing with the issue that are moving through the Legislature. (February 25, 2011, Page 4A)
Letters to the Editor
Gail Brown writes to make the case for and to urge support for Senate Bill 2127, which would make deliberate, malicious torture of a domesticated dog or cat a first-offense felony in Mississippi. (January 26, 2011, Page 4)
