Tombigbee Tales

Thomas Edward Duckworth - The Battle of Coral Sea

In the heart of World War II, a young man named Thomas Edward Duckworth embarked on a journey that would lead him to the Pacific theater, where bravery and sacrifice would define his fate. Born on October 15, 1920, in Columbus, Mississippi, Thomas was raised in a family that valued service and commitment. His father, a veteran of World War I, instilled in him a sense of duty and patriotism from a young age. After graduating from S. D. Lee High School in May 1941, he enlisted in the United States Navy that October, ready to defend his country aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Sims (DD-409).

Sin City South and Murder at the Red Horse

The Red Horse was a hole-in-the-wall bar on the south side of Columbus in the mid-1970s. The bar was often filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and the occasional country ballad drifting from the jukebox. Nestled near gravel pits and garment factories, it provided a refuge for those seeking solace in the bottom of a glass. The walls were adorned with memorabilia from local sports teams, creating a sense of community pride, while the smell of fried food lingered in the air, making it a comforting space for many. And it was the site of a gruesome murder. 

Sin City South: The Dixie Mafia Bars in Columbus, MS

While most of these clubs are now gone, their legacy lives on in the stories and memories of Columbus residents. The era of "Sin City " serves as a reminder of how even the most unassuming places can harbor deep, dark secrets. It also raises important questions about the nature of community, law enforcement, and the sometimes-blurry line between right and wrong.

Tennessee Williams - Accountability Issues and A Statue Installation

Today we're diving into a local controversy that has been brewing in Columbus, Mississippi, surrounding the Tennessee Williams Welcome Center. This story involves questions about funding, transparency, and a promised statue installation honoring the famous playwright. Let's break down the situation and explore its various facets.

Heritage Academy and Powerschool Data Breach Update

This episode could be titled "Tech in Education, everything Heritage Academy is NOT telling parents about the data breach". I'm your host, and today we're diving into a major cybersecurity incident that affects millions of students across North America. Let's discuss the PowerSchool data breach and how it impacts your and your student’s information.

The PowerSchool Data Breach: What Students Need to Know

This episode could be titled "Tech in Education, everything Heritage Academy is NOT telling parents about the data breach". I'm your host, and today we're diving into a major cybersecurity incident that affects millions of students across North America. Let's talk about the PowerSchool data breach and how it impacts your and your student’s information.

Sin City South: The Go Go Beach Mystery

But Go-Go Beach would become one of Alfred Wright's most infamous ventures. Located across the Tombigbee River, this segregated African American club opened in the 1950s or '60s and quickly became a popular destination. The beach drew visitors with its crystal-clear waters, remnants of a former sand pit.
Go-Go Beach offered more than just swimming and sunbathing. It featured a juke joint that played the latest R&B hits, a barbecue pit that served up mouthwatering ribs and pulled pork, and, if rumors were to be believed, a thriving numbers racket, slots, and casino tables. On weekends, the beach would come alive with the sound of laughter and music and the roll of dice.
However, the allure of Go-Go Beach would soon be overshadowed by tragedy and whispered conspiracies.

Sin City South: The Dark Underbelly of Columbus, Mississippi

Welcome to "Sin City South," a Tombigbee Tales series that delves into the shadowy past of Columbus, Mississippi, and its surrounding areas. I'm your host, [Name], and in this expose series, we'll explore how this seemingly conservative Southern town earned its notorious nickname in the mid-20th century. Get ready to have your perceptions challenged as we uncover a story that's been hiding in plain sight for decades.

Heritage Academy Episode 23 Rigging the Review

While rigging the Beauty Review is quite obvious, what is most disheartening is that these kids pour their hearts into this event. How disappointing that the adults in charge have little oversight and allegedly manipulate the outcome each year to benefit certain children more than others who are equally as invested in the event. It would seem that this is one more space where Heritage should look more carefully into the less-than-transparent processes and events that negatively impact the students. If the school motto includes high moral standards perhaps they should start with the moral turpitude of the adults who are teaching and guiding and supporting the children.
According to multiple parents who messaged me, after beauty review was over, several participants went to the office to check their beauty review ballot scores. It was obvious to each of the participants, numbers had been erased and replaced with lower numbers. Why? Because this is Heritage where some are more equal than others.

Heritage Academy Part 22 Where The Kids Lose and the School Benefits

The Heritage Academy athletic director Moe Reed has to be more nervous than a nine-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Her varsity girls' basketball team is now 0-10. They lost to a big rival by 29 points. Yikes. Then, they made the parents drive their kids on a workday across the state to Magnolia Heights for them to lose there too.