Magnolia Banner News

Former CCSO investigator arrested for firearm theft appears in court; attorney maintains client’s innocence Koby W. Schmittou, the former Columbia County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) criminal investigator arrested last week for alleged firearm theft, attended a first appearance proceeding Thursday in local circuit court. by J.D. Bailey 1 day ago

Lake Columbia boaters asked to be cautious in possible transport of Giant Salvinia With the invasive plant species Giant Salvinia discovered at Lafayette County’s Lake Erling in December, Lake Columbia boaters have been asked to take caution anytime they venture onto the Magnolia-are water body. by J.D. Bailey 22 hrs. ago

Panthers playing again at 8:30 tonight Top-seed Magnolia (19-4) will play in next week’s Class 4A State Tournament at Panther Arena after winning in the first round of regional play Wednesday night. by CHRIS GILLIAM, Sports Editor 10 hrs. ago

Sprinkler test at Walmart causes fire department response MFD firefighters walk with a Magnolia Walmart Supercenter assistant manager (middle) Wednesday afternoon after the department was called to the Hwy. 79 store in response to a sprinkler alarm call. by J.D. Bailey, Banner-News 10 hrs. ago

Property damage at Barlow Cemetery Rain and wind howled through Columbia County Thursday and brought damage along with it at Barlow Cemetery, Columbia Road 27, in Magnolia. by Alix Tiegs, Editor 23 hrs. ago

Latest News

After agreeing to $5M penalty over phony, paid supporters at public hearings, Entergy allowed to build Louisiana plant NEW ORLEANS — A utility giant will pay a $5 million penalty in the wake of a scandal over the use of paid, phony supporters for a new $210 million gas fired power plant, but it will also be allowed to go ahead with construction of the plant, the New Orleans City Council unanimously decided Thursday. by The Associated Press

Alabama woman who joined Islamic State sues to return to US WASHINGTON — The father of an Alabama woman who joined the Islamic State in Syria filed suit against the Trump administration Thursday in an effort to allow her return to the United States. by The Associated Press

Local News

Rainy conditions uproot Gean Street pine An onslaught of wet weather and extra spongy ground conditions uprooted an adult pine tree Friday afternoon near the corner of Gean Street and S. Lakewood in Magnolia. by J.D. Bailey 1 hr. ago

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African-American History Event

Sports

Police: Patriots owner Robert Kraft solicited prostitute JUPITER, Fla. — Police in Florida have charged New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft with misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution, saying they have videotape of him paying for a sex act inside an illicit massage parlor. by The Associated Press

Viewpoints

EDITORIAL Of the occasions we’ve seen with a need to apply the “if ain’t broke, don’t fix it” rule, a bill proposed in the Arkansas Legislature severely needs to have the rule applied.

State Capitol Week in Review The governor, legislators and private business groups joined to propose a highway program that would add $300 million a year in revenue for the state Transportation Department.

Lifestyle

Beech Creek Tuesday, Patricia Clark was in El Dorado and saw her cousin, Jan and her mother, Christine, from Bearden. They had a short visit. by Patricia Clark

Bailey-Barney Steve and Joy Barney announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Bethany Brooke Barney, to Craig Ryan Bailey, son of David and Barbie Bailey.

National News

Mueller report looming, new attorney general in hot seat WASHINGTON -- William Barr has been attorney general for just one week but is on the cusp of staring down what will almost certainly be the most consequential decision of his long career: how much of the special counsel's findings to make public.

Obituaries

JOHNNIE WILLIAMS Funeral services for Deacon Johnnie Williams, aged 101, of Magnolia, will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 23, 2019...

NATHANIEL CALDWELL Nathaniel, affectionately known as “Nay,” Caldwell was born October 9, 1953, to the late Joe and Myrtle Caldwell in Falcon, AR.