More than $1.9M in stimulus checks still unclaimed Nov 1, 2008
-In Oktibbeha County, Brenda K. and Derrick Anderson, Jessica M. Ayers, Larry W. and Mary S. Bell, Tameka Brown, Bryan K. and Heather B. Butler, Arthur L. Chandler, Rodriques L. Clark, Shannon Dale Cummings, Tiffany S. Estes, Joseph D. Gibson, Donice Graham, David A. Hargreaves, J.B. Harris, Maurice Harris, Brian K. and Kathyrn E. Hoffman, Miriam Holmes, Jerry C. and Audie B. Hunt, Tom W. and Carrie W. Jackson, Clarence A. Johnson, James Jones, Willie J. Kennedy, John E. King, Orsoly A.K.... (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Edmonds could take stand today in murder trial Oct 31, 2008
She came into the Oktibbeha County courtroom amid a flurry of her attorneys and corrections officers. In the 90 seconds in which she was in the courtroom, she took the oath and then promptly took her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Reporters View: Crunch time for Tyler Edmonds defense Oct 31, 2008
His conviction was thrown out and a new trial ordered by the Mississippi Supreme Court some 2 1/2 years after his initial trial in Oktibbeha County. Reason. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
DA: ‘Kristi Fulgham is the one who thought of this plan’ Oct 30, 2008
STARKVILLE Tyler Edmonds sat quietly at the defense table Tuesday in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court with one lawyer to his left and one to his right ... Edmonds second round in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court began Tuesday with both the defense and the prosecution aiming to prove how manipulative Kristi Fulgham could be, and how her actions pulled Edmonds into the cold-blooded murder of her estranged husband. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Confession tape makes harder case for Edmonds Oct 30, 2008
Compounding that admission to Oktibbeha County Sheriff's investigators was the testimony of Edmonds' neighbor, Marcus Sullivan, who said he spoke with Edmonds by phone two days after the youth was arrested and jailed. "Did you do it?" Sullivan said he asked Edmonds. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Historic election garners record absentee ballots Oct 29, 2008
The Oktibbeha County Circuit Clerk s Office also reported a higher than normal number of absentee voters because of the presidential election, noting about 650 absentee ballots already have been received. Reader Comments. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Jury selection begins in Edmonds murder trial Oct 29, 2008
According to court records, Edmonds confession came after the Oktibbeha County sheriff barred Edmonds mother, Sharon Clay, from the room while her son was questioned. Also, the sheriff brought Kristi Fulgham, who is Edmonds sister and Joey Fulgham s wife, into the room to help persuade Edmonds to admit to participating in the murder. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Elderly Starkville man found dead in parking lot Oct 29, 2008
Starkville police are continuing the investigation with the assistance of the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and the Oktibbeha County Coroner s Office. Reader Comments. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Fulgham at center stage in Edmonds murder trial Oct 29, 2008
Whether Edmonds, who then was 13, helped her or just said he did because she convinced him to do so will be the bottom line with the jury, which was selected from Attala County because the court feared Kristi and Tylers trials between 2004 and 2006 had biased too many potential jurors in Oktibbeha County ... The trial resumes at 9:30 a.m. today in the Oktibbeha County Circuit Court facility downtown. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Click here for a reporters view from Patsy Brumfield. Oct 29, 2008
STARKVILLE Tyler Edmonds murder trial enters its second full day Wednesday in the Oktibbeha County Circuit Court facility its second day in his second trial. I didnt cover his first trial, but I did cover the late 2006 trial of this trials black widow, Kristi Fulgham. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Mistrial declared in troopers molestation trial Oct 29, 2008
Oktibbeha County Circuit Clerk Angie McGinnis confirmed the mistrial, which came after the jury heard some testimony on Tuesday. Patrolman Richard Dane Davenport was accused of fondling or touching a child under the age of 16 in Oktibbeha County. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Click here for a reporter's view from Patsy Brumfield. Oct 28, 2008
The court went to Attala County for jurors because, the judge said, they were concerned it would be difficult to find a fair jury in Oktibbeha County, where the murdered occurred, and where a lot of people know the people involved or followed the two much publicized murder trials ... The trial gets going at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the Oktibbeha County justice center in downtown Starkville. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Jury ready to hear Edmonds second trial in 03 killing Oct 28, 2008
Twelve jurors and two alternates will take their seats in the Circuit Court of Oktibbeha County today as Edmonds trial gets under way before Judge Lee J. Howard ... The trial is set to begin at 9 a.m. today at the Oktibbeha County justice center with Assistant District Attorney Frank Clark the prosecutor. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Practice makes ... not perfect, but prepared Oct 24, 2008
Meanwhile, medical assistance is provided to the injured passengers from the downed plane from Baptist Memorial Hospital Golden Triangle, Oktibbeha County Hospital and North Mississippi Medical Center in West Point. The passengers are quickly whisked away to the respective hospitals where they will receive treatment for their wounds. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Examiner’s office makes strides after Hayne debacle Oct 24, 2008
The state Supreme Court ruled last year he was wrongfully convicted of murder in Oktibbeha County based partly on bogus evidence provided by Hayne. Edmonds retrial begins Monday. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Starkville officer spared jail time on drug charge Oct 23, 2008
He ll instead spend the next five years on probation after he pleaded guilty in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court to possession of a controlled substance ... Oktibbeha County Assistant District Attorney Frank Clark also couldn t provide any additional information, saying the Narcotics Bureau handled the investigation ... An officer with the Oktibbeha County Sheriff s Department was attempting to pull Antonio Brownlee over for a busted taillight last November in Maben when Brownlee refused to stop... (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Watson: Shame to MSU unintentional Oct 23, 2008
Pickering turned evidence over to Oktibbeha County District Attorney Forrest Allgood to determine if criminal prosecution is warranted. Allgood has said a grand jury would hear the case. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Meredith retiring amid controversy Oct 23, 2008
The auditor's report has been turned over to an Oktibbeha County grand jury, the state Ethics Commission and the U.S. Inspector General's Office for further review. "I'm sad for both (Meredith) and his family," Delta State University President John Hilpert said. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Waide: Kristi’s testimonycrucial in brother’s murder trial Oct 22, 2008
STARKVILLE In what could serve as a preview of the drama to come, 19-year-old Tyler Edmonds was in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court Monday while attorneys representing all parties in his upcoming murder trial haggled over next week s main event ... Because Fulgham s case is under appeal, she could receive another trial in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Interim MSU president resigns Oct 21, 2008
The auditor's report has been turned over to the Oktibbeha County district attorney's office, the state Ethics Commission and the U.S. Inspector General's Office for review. It's against state law to use tax-funded resources for personal gain. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Scandalous landscaping: Uncertain how scandal will affect Watson’s bid for MSU presidency Oct 18, 2008
JACKSON It s uncertain what the state college board and an Oktibbeha County grand jury will do in response to the state auditor s charges that Mississippi State University interim President Vance Watson improperly directed public employees and funds be used to plant trees in state Higher Education Commissioner Tom Meredith s yard ... Pickering is giving his findings to Oktibbeha County District Attorney Forrest Allgood to determine if criminal prosecution is warranted ... The auditor s evidence... (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Report brings calls to resign Oct 18, 2008
The auditor's report has been turned over to the Oktibbeha County district attorney's office, the U.S. Inspector General's Office and the state Ethics Commission for review. Tom Hood, director of the Ethics Commission, said he had not yet received the report and, by law, couldn't comment on whether the commission has received a complaint. (The Clarion-Ledger)
The saga continues: Tyler Edmonds trial Oct. 27 Oct 17, 2008
STARKVILLE The latest chapter in the Tyler Edmonds saga is set to begin in less than two weeks in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court ... Once a jury is selected, the sequestered panel will be transported to Oktibbeha County ... The remainder of the trial will be conducted in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court with Judge Lee Howard presiding. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
MSU's Watson pays $12K for commissioner's landscaping Oct 17, 2008
Pickering said his findings will be turned over the the Oktibbeha County District Attorney's office to determine whether to pursue criminal charges. Watson attended the College Board meeting Thursday. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
MSU-watchers wonder what's next in IHL scandal Oct 17, 2008
- What more may surface when an Oktibbeha County grand jury looks at what Pickering's investigators discovered ... Pickering turned his report and evidence over to District Attorney Forrest Allgood of Columbus, who said Wednesday an Oktibbeha County grand jury will sort through "the whole ball of mess" in January. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
EDITORIAL:IHL, MSU tangles Oct 17, 2008
Results and evidence gathered in an investigation by the office of State Auditor Stacey Pickering properly have been turned over to District Attorney Forrest Allgood, the state's prosecutor in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court. Watson paid the demand from Pickering's office on Wednesday. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
New trial set to begin this month for Tyler Edmonds Oct 17, 2008
After a jury is seated, the trial will move to Oktibbeha County. Edmonds, now 18, was released on bond in 2007 after the Mississippi Supreme Court ordered a new trial. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Groundbreaking Thurs. for $8M office building Oct 16, 2008
When complete, the structure will feature 24,000 square feet of leasable office space, Oktibbeha County Economic Development Authority board of directors president Jack Wallace said ... Because of the much needed office space this brings to Oktibbeha County, we re excited to be a partner with the Research and Technology Corporation. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
MSU search: Auditor to report today on investigation Oct 16, 2008
State auditor's spokeswoman Lisa Shoemaker told the Daily Journal on Wednesday that while evidence gathered from their investigation will not be made public, it will be turned over to the district attorney in Oktibbeha County, home to the land-grant university ... The next Oktibbeha County grand jury is scheduled to convene in January. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Like most of state, Oktibbeha students so-so on MCT2 Oct 15, 2008
STARKVILLE Oktibbeha County school officials were not satisfied with their students Mississippi Curriculum Test 2 scores from last year, and in the meeting where they discussed just what they mean, they voted to purchase some expensive software to address a significant area of weakness ... A full breakdown of the state test data for Oktibbeha County schools, or any other public school district in the state, is available online at under the Assessment Accountability Reporting System. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Two out on bond, MSU student still in custody after Wednesday shootout Oct 11, 2008
All three suspects were transported to Oktibbeha County Jail in the hours following the shootout. Jeffries and Allen were released on bond Wednesday afternoon while Oden remains in custody under a hold order from the Mississippi Department of Corrections. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
MSU suspends student in shooting incident Oct 10, 2008
He remains in the Oktibbeha County Jail under a hold order from the Mississippi Department of Corrections. Oden is charged with possession of a deadly weapon on educational property by a student and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection with a Wednesday incident at a student apartment complex. (WREG.com, TN)
Brand glad to be back home Oct 7, 2008
After a whirlwind spring and summer that took Brand to Maryland and nearly took him to Texas, the Starkville High School senior center is enjoying life in Oktibbeha County. Today, the 6-foot-10, 230-pound standout and the rest of the area's boys basketball players begin practice in preparation for the 2008-09 season. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
One year until Paccar starts making engines Sep 25, 2008
This will help not only Starkville, but Oktibbeha County and the surrounding region. The relationship the type of company like Paccar brings to the community will be long-reaching. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Chandler, Easley race gets personal Sep 16, 2008
The case had to be resolved in Oktibbeha County Chancery Court in 1989. If there was any problem in that divorce and in the child support and the child custody, it was my fault, he said. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Discord over gospel tracts ends peacefully; controversy overblown Sep 12, 2008
STURGIS While thousands of bikers from around the U.S. converge on Oktibbeha County every year for the Sturgis South Motorcycle Rally, a group of local churchgoers takes the opportunity to spread the word of God. The Sturgis Biker Mission, which represents a partnership of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board, the Golden Triangle Baptist Association and several local churches, has handed out gospel tracts and literature at the rally throughout the past few years. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
One woman’s quest: Bishop unrelenting in her efforts for a civil rights memorial Sep 10, 2008
STARKVILLE Dorothy Bishop sat in a wheelchair in front of the Oktibbeha County Courthouse Friday afternoon with tears in her eyes ... At this point, in my opinion, and I don t speak for the whole board, I wouldn t obligate Oktibbeha County taxpayers to pay for this, but there are some creative minds here and I think the community will rally around to help pay for this, Howard said. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Elementary band on horizon Sep 10, 2008
STARKVILLE Oktibbeha County school board members heard a progress report on the elementary and high school bands in their Monday night meeting and learned of a Kiwanis Club donation of life-saving equipment. Superintendent James Covington told the board that 58 students at East Oktibbeha Elementary and 42 at West Oktibbeha Elementary schools came to the interest session at each school. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Judge won’t block Barbour’s ‘dressed up’ Medicaid plan Aug 30, 2008
This is the latest round in litigation filed in 2006 by about 40 hospitals, including Baptist Memorial Hospital Golden Triangle and Oktibbeha County Hospital. Singletary in July agreed with the hospitals that Barbour was trying to unlawfully impose a tax on them without the Legislature s consent. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Bradley on schedule to provide own water Aug 28, 2008
Within the next several months, Oktibbeha County s Bradley Water Association will be able to use its own well to provide water to residents in the area. The water association last week was presented a check for 787,000, a grant-loan combination from USDA Rural Development to improve their water service; 209,000 is the loan portion. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Four 'deadbeat dads' in custody, owe more than $100,000 Aug 27, 2008
He was transported to the Oktibbeha County Jail. Linston owes over $12,000. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Accident sends several to hospital Aug 21, 2008
Whitlock and Williams were first sent to Oktibbeha County Hospital and later transported to UMC by land ambulance. Whitlock was released from the hospital Monday and Williams was expected to be released Monday. (Louisville Winston County Journal, MS)
Illness sidelines three MSU players Aug 20, 2008
Polk, now a UAB volunteer assistant, said he plans to build a 5,100-square foot house at Browning Creek, the rural Oktibbeha County subdivision thats home to Croom and MSU basketball coach Rick Stansbury. McCorvey prognosis. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Five candidates remain in search for new Partnership president Aug 17, 2008
He has been instrumental in the success of the Oktibbeha County Leadership Development Forum, where four classes have graduated 70 alumni, and ideas such as Jazz Night, Boardtown Ball, Johnny Cash Festival, as well as improvement at Moncrief Park. It s been a pleasure to serve the Starkville and Oktibbeha County community, McDavid said. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Rally revelers roar through Starkville Aug 17, 2008
More than 400 bikers in formation, commanding attention wherever they went, roared along the roads of Oktibbeha County ... They came as part of the Sturgis South Motorcycle Rally, which brought thousands of riders from all over the U.S. to rural Oktibbeha County. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Starkville hospital now welcomes choppers Aug 16, 2008
STARKVILLE Until Thursday, patients at Oktibbeha County Hospital had to take an ambulance to George M. Bryan Airfield if they needed helicopter transport to another hospital ... Patients who need neurosurgery, cardiovascular treatment or neonatal pediatric care, none of which are offered at Oktibbeha County Hospital, also will take advantage of the front door pickup service, Hunt said. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Starkville hospital gets a helipad Aug 16, 2008
The Oktibbeha County Hospital got its own helipad this week, so helicopters can land or take off directly from there. Until now, patients had to be driven to the George M. Bryan Airfield to be flown out of town. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Former MSU widereceiver pleads guilty for role in burglary Aug 9, 2008
STARKVILLE A former Mississippi State University football player was sentenced Thursday in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court to serve 20 years in prison for his role in a home invasion last year in Starkville ... First of all, I d like to say to the court I apologize for my appearance here today, he said, donned in a bright orange Oktibbeha County Jail jumpsuit. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Medicaid proposal attracts lawsuit Aug 9, 2008
Oktibbeha County Hospital in Starkville is the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit. Other hospitals involved include North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo and other facilities owned by the same company that owns NMMC, such as in Pontotoc, West Point and Iuka, and Baptist Memorial Hospital/Booneville. (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Two Starkville men sentenced on drug charges Aug 8, 2008
STARKVILLE A 38-year-old Starkville man was sentenced Wednesday in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court to serve nine years in the Mississippi Department of Corrections on drug charges ... Miller had two prior felony convictions in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Mississippi to stop using part-time medical examiner Hayne Aug 7, 2008
In its request for revoking Hayne s medical license, the Innocence Project also pointed to the case of teenager Tyler Edmonds, who the state Supreme Court ruled last year was wrongfully convicted of murder in Oktibbeha County based partly on bogus evidence provided by Hayne. The high court said Oktibbeha County Circuit Judge Jim Kitchens should not have allowed Hayne to testify about his scientifically unfounded theory that both Edmonds and sister Kristi Fulgham pulled the trigger of the pistol... (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Oktibbeha school board looks at ways to help struggling students Aug 6, 2008
STARKVILLE Two items on Monday night s agenda had the Oktibbeha County school board looking at ways to help students who need an extra hand with academics ... The board tabled a request from East Oktibbeha County High School to make an after-school program mandatory for students who score 74 or below in core classes. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Jones' relatives: Family feared victim Aug 6, 2008
"- Failed to call witnesses whose testimony could have been favorable to him.- Wrongfully advised him the case would not go to trial, thus not preparing him mentally for a trial.Owen contends evidence exists that was not presented at trial that could change his conviction or sentence, and that he was denied a fair trial when two jurors failed to disclose a relationship with a family member.Owen also contends Brett's privilege against self incrimination was denied when investigators refused to... (Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal)
Judge sentences Starkville man to 25 years for kidnapping, car jacking Aug 5, 2008
STARKVILLE A 19-year-old Starkville man accused of car jacking his friend and stuffing him in the trunk of his car last summer was sentenced Friday in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court to serve 25 years in prison. Jermarrio Robinson pleaded guilty to one count of car jacking and one count of kidnapping. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Crawford man gets 30 years for attack, robbery Aug 3, 2008
STARKVILLE A tale of robbery, drugs and violence played out Friday in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court, and in the end, a 24-year-old Crawford man was sentenced to 30 years in prison ... Wilson s family wept in the courthouse lobby after the sentencing while Saleh was escorted to his vehicle by an Oktibbeha County sheriff s deputy ... Tyrone Ellis, who has known the Wilson family for decades, Oktibbeha County school Superintendent James Covington spoke on Wilson s behalf. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Oktibbeha teachers gather for academic celebration Aug 2, 2008
STARKVILLE The entire staff of the Oktibbeha County School District met Friday morning to prepare themselves for the start of the 2008-2009 school year ... It s sort of a pep rally to set the tone for the new school year, said Oktibbeha County School District Superintendent James Covington ... Enrollment is expected to remain at 875, the number of students enrolled last year in the Oktibbeha County School District. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
MSU doesn’t have to release animal testing records Aug 2, 2008
Overturning a decision by Oktibbeha County Chancery Judge Dorothy Colom, the high court said Thursday that this information can be secret. Colom had ruled in 2006 that certain research documents were public records and had to be given as requested to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Student pleads not guilty in death of roommate Aug 2, 2008
STARKVILLE A Mississippi State University student accused in the March death of his roommate pleaded not guilty Thursday in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court to a charge of capital murder while in the commission of a robbery. Bobby Batiste, 28, of Preston, was arraigned and denied guilt in the March 7 homicide of Andreas Galanis, 28, of Biloxi, in their apartment near the MSU campus. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Barbour to propose less severe Medicaid cutbacks Aug 2, 2008
Nothing is predictable anymore, said Oktibbeha County Hospital Chief Financial Officer Richard Hilton. OCH and about 35 other hospitals in July had sued the governor s Division of Medicaid to stall the cuts, which Barbour announced he would make after the House rejected his hospital tax bill. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Louisville man arraigned on hit-and-run charges Aug 1, 2008
STARKVILLE A state game warden accused of driving under the influence and leaving the scene of a fatal accident last winter was arraigned Wednesday in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court ... At the time, the police didn t really know who had done it, Oktibbeha County assistant district attorney Charlie Hedgepeth said Wednesday during Gore s plea hearing ... Spears did all the negotiations, but he had no way of getting over here from Greenwood, Oktibbeha County District Attorney Forrest Allgood said. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Red Cross outlines plans for satellite office at event Aug 1, 2008
Red Cross services currently are handled at offices in Oktibbeha County that is headed up by Becky Wilkes ... Wilkes noted that the volunteer would be able to arrange help for victims of house fires and other disasters without the victim needing to travel to the Starkville office in Oktibbeha County. (Louisville Winston County Journal, MS)
Let's be Neighbors Aug 1, 2008
The doctor who treated Austin in Oktibbeha County Hospital would like to warn people against riding 4-wheelers with no running boards. They are the cause of most of the accidents that occur on this vehicle. (Louisville Winston County Journal, MS)
Facing retirement, longtime county extension agent looks back on career Jul 29, 2008
STARKVILLE Former Oktibbeha County Extension Director Ed Williams has helped many people do many different things during his 31-year career with the Arkansas and Mississippi county extension offices ... he spent the majority of his 31-year career in the Oktibbeha County extension office ... I am certainly going to stay here in Oktibbeha County now that I ve retired, said Williams. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Appeals court overturns local judges’ decisions Jul 25, 2008
In the Oktibbeha County case, the 10-member court determined Circuit Judge James Kitchens dismissed for invalid reasons an assault-and-battery case pitting Jake Statham against Eric Miller. Kitchens violated court rules by sending the lawsuit back to Oktibbeha County Justice Court ... In the Oktibbeha County case, the Court of Appeals said Kitchens failed to follow jurisdictional rules and dismissed Statham s assault-and-battery suit from circuit court for no valid reason. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
Oktibbeha hospital gets $1.4M in Medicaid funds Jul 25, 2008
JACKSON Oktibbeha County Hospital is among 28 Mississippi medical centers sharing 88 million in Medicaid funds for the costs of uncompensated care ... The 88 million coming today for Oktibbeha County Hospital and other public hospitals is part of the normal budgeting process and not an unexpected windfall, said OCH Chief Financial Officer Richard Hilton. (Columbus Commercial Dispatch, MS)
