Houlka News

By REGINA BUTLER Progress Staff Writer Realization of a rail corridor turned to a historic trail is one step closer thanks to an announcement by Northern District Transportation Commissioner Bill Minor.

Five people in Mississippi have faced minimal jail time and fines within the past year for a misdemeanor crime authorities say costs the state millions in lost liquor tax revenues and threatens public health.

All three public schools in Chickasaw County held commencement exercises last weekend with over 160 local students entering the world of adulthood as new graduates.

The Mississippi Supreme Court declined Thursday to hear an appeal from a Houlka woman sentenced to life without parole in the death of her 2-year-old niece. via Memphis Commercial Appeal

April Sykes scored 18 points to lead East Oktibbeha to a 52-21 win over Houlka on Tuesday in the Class 1A girls high school playoffs. via The South Mississippi Sun Herald

“What excites me is feeling like you're giving your loyalty to a company that's here for the long term. It seems a lot of companies are just looking for the short-term.”

Toyota site work on schedule By Dennis Seid Daily Journal If you think the changes at the Toyota site have been dramatic in the past year, just wait. via Djournal.com

JPH publishes the Chickasaw Journal, based in Houston along with The Monitor-Herald, based in Calhoun City. via Times-Post

“This is a community effort to enhance what we are doing in the schools”

Plan for progress By Lisa Voyles Chickasaw Journal CHICKASAW COUNTY - Although Chickasaw County has three separate school districts, the administrators of each have very similar goals in the quest for academic ... via Times-Post

“Any time I go into the classrooms, the kids all tell me how much they like reading the paper”

Chickasaw Journal GM, Lisa Voyles , said that the enthusiasm of the students and teachers is the key that makes the program successful. via Times-Post

“Mr. Patterson over at Quality Cleaners brought a dryer over”

Correction In last week's edition of the Chickasaw Journal, a story about a local fire at Aaron's Cleaners was incomplete. via Times-Post

The general election will be be held on the state-wide level next Tuesday, with four local races for the Supervisor posititon in the mix. via Times-Post

“I think it is extremely important to have a Veteran's Day program at the school every year so that students do not forget it”

Veteran's Day programs are being planned in county. From staff reports CHICKASAW COUNTY - On Monday, November 12, Houston High School will hold its annual Veteran's Day program in the high school gym. via Times-Post

Last Sunday morning I rose early, broke a promise to a friend, and after "Googling" the address, programmed my GPS for an oddly named church - way off the beaten path - in the woods of Pontotoc County. via Djournal.com

“Are my constituents (the voters) better off from my actions than they were before I entered the government!”

Secretary of State Democrat Name: Robert H. 'Rob' Smith Age: 56 Hometown: Richland Party: Democrat Occupation: Realtor/business broker Web site: www.voterobsmith.com Political experience: Senator for 20 ... via Hattiesburg American

Attorney General Democrat Name: Jim Hood Age: 45 Hometown: Houston Party: Democrat Occupation: Attorney general; career prosecutor, Former District Attorney of 3rd Circuit Court District. via Hattiesburg American

By Mack Spencer Monitor-Herald Woodland's sales tax returns continue to fall short as demand for furniture remains soft in the area. via The Monitor-Herald

“Basically, just being responsible.”

Chickasaw Journal HOULKA - Local students at Houlka Attendance Center received some tips on identity theft and how to prevent it from students from Itawamba Community College last week. via Times-Post

Local students serve on Youth Foundation Six high school students from Chickasaw and Calhoun Counties are members of the Northeast Mississippi Youth Foundation, a project of the Tupelo-based CREATE Foundation. via Times-Post

By Mack Spencer Monitor-Herald Few surprises appeared on the state's release of school accreditation levels last week. via The Monitor-Herald

Flywheel coming soon The fall Flywheel Festival will be held Sept. 27-29 in Joe Brigance Park on Starkville Road in Houston. via Times-Post