Neal Wagner is a graduate of the Auburn University School of Communication and Journalism, and has been working at the Commercial Dispatch for more than one year. Prior to moving to Columbus, Neal worked in the Alabama Gas Company's communications department and wrote for the Auburn Plainsman student newspaper. His beats include Columbus and Lowndes County government and Golden Triangle economic development.
Recent Stories & Articles Christian supply store celebrates third anniversary9/8/2009 9:19:00 AM Cheri Smith has been working to help Columbus and Lowndes County residents grow in their spiritual lives for the past 12 years. City begins signup for curbside recycling9/3/2009 10:48:00 AM STARKVILLE — Thousands of Starkville residents soon will have a convenient method of disposing of household garbage while helping to save the environment, according to Ward 3 Alderman Eric Parker. Columbus officials eye Starkville controversy9/3/2009 10:48:00 AM As reports swirled that the state had rejected Starkville’s petition for Sunday liquor sales, Columbus City Council members on both sides of the issue said they were surprised by the ABC decision, and were unsure how it would affect the Friendly City. ‘Preserved forever’: Students encouraged to participate in Veterans History Project9/3/2009 10:48:00 AM Columbus High School students soon will have an opportunity to take part in a national program aimed at helping preserve veterans’ legacies. Columbus approves Sunday alcohol sales9/2/2009 10:56:00 AM Extended weekday alcoholic beverage sale hours and Sunday liquor sales soon could be coming to Columbus, as the City Council Tuesday night agreed to send a petition on the matter to the Mississippi Tax Commission.
The council agreed to mail the petition after Columbus Mayor Robert Smith voted in favor of the resolution to extend on-premises alcohol sales hours in the city. Columbus approves Sunday alcohol sales, extends bar hours9/2/2009 8:19:00 AM Extended weekday alcoholic beverage sale hours and Sunday liquor sales soon could be coming to Columbus, as the City Council Tuesday night agreed to send a petition on the matter to the Mississippi Tax Commission. Council set to vote on Sunday alcohol9/1/2009 10:34:00 AM It could aid Columbus’ economy or destroy the city’s future, nearly 40 speakers said Monday night of a proposed plan to extend the Friendly City’s alcoholic beverage sale hours. Sports project's future up to property owners9/1/2009 10:34:00 AM Lowndes County economic officials this week likely will learn if 31 property owners in Columbus’ Burns Bottom area will be willing to sell their land to use for a proposed six-field soccer complex. Archivist: MUW case set the tone for gender integration8/28/2009 11:24:00 AM COLUMBUS — Although relatively unknown outside the area, a 1980 Mississippi University for Women gender integration lawsuit has heavily impacted higher education across the country, according to Columbus-Lowndes Public Library Archivist Mona Vance. Golden Triangle dealers continue to benefit from clunkers program8/27/2009 11:00:00 AM A recently completed federal government program has left higher-than-normal customer traffic, back lots full of heavily used cars and patient dealership owners at several Golden Triangle car lots, according to area car dealers. Officials say they have handle on dog attacks8/27/2009 10:33:00 AM COLUMBUS — Despite a recent spike in local vicious dog reports, dangerous animal incidents typically are uncommon, according to area animal control officers and humane societies. ‘My son, my soldier, my hero’8/26/2009 10:58:00 AM Hugs, smiles and many tears filled the air Tuesday morning at the Golden Triangle Regional Airport as several area soldiers departed Lowndes County en route to Iraq. City sets hearing on Sunday alcohol8/25/2009 10:54:00 AM Columbus residents looking to voice opinions on a proposed plan to increase alcoholic beverage sale hours in the city will get their chance Aug. 31, members of the City Council announced during a Monday work session. Expansion continues at GTRA8/22/2009 10:48:00 PM Work on a 6,000-square-foot terminal expansion at Golden Triangle Regional Airport has been progressing slightly slower than expected, airport Executive Director Mike Hainsey said during a Friday GTRA board of directors meeting. School officials to combat low test scores8/22/2009 10:48:00 PM Administrators in the Columbus Municipal School District this school year will be taking steps to combat below-average test scores, CMSD officials announced during a Saturday morning conference. CL&W customers face 9 percent rate increase8/21/2009 12:18:00 PM A recent announcement by the Tennessee Valley Authority could lead to a nearly double-digit rate increase for Columbus Light and Water Department customers. Hood: Remember lessons of Great Depression8/21/2009 12:18:00 PM Ignorance of past mistakes may have led the nation into its current economic crisis, Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood told a group of about 100 members of the Lowndes County Federation of Democratic Women. A new face for marketing8/20/2009 10:11:00 AM Online friend requests and news feeds increasingly are working alongside sales brochures and phone book listings, as area business owners have been adding social networking to their marketing tools. Money approved for 18th Ave. development8/19/2009 10:30:00 AM Columbus officials later this year may use a state transportation improvement grant to aid a local developer working to construct two hotels near the intersection of Highway 82 and 18th Avenue North. Hotels, restaurant plan hinged on $2.5M bond8/18/2009 10:44:00 AM Columbus officials tonight may take a step towards solidifying a funding instrument to aid a proposed two-hotel development near the intersection of Highway 82 and 18th Avenue North. Local vets find friend in Richardson8/17/2009 10:38:00 AM Lowndes County Veterans’ Service Officer Jim Richardson has been aiding local veterans of all service branches for more than 12 years.
Born in Lamar County, Ala., Richardson crossed the state line on his way to New Hope “about two weeks” into his life, the longtime county official explained. Work set to begin on new health facility8/15/2009 7:13:00 PM COLUMBUS — Construction on a new, larger Lowndes County Health Department likely will begin within the next few months, JBHM Architect Joey Henderson announced Friday. Clunkers waiting on death row8/14/2009 10:08:00 AM What began as a birth at a high-tech vehicle manufacturing plant is ending with a bottle of sodium silicate for dozens of area automobiles traded in through the federal government’s cash for clunkers program. Waste not: Local schools partner with waste management company for recycling project8/13/2009 10:51:00 AM Some area schools this fall are teaming up with a local waste management company to help recycle hundreds of pounds of residential, classroom and cafeteria waste. Country club offers land for soccer complex8/13/2009 10:51:00 AM A Tuesday decision by Columbus Country Club stockholders may lead to a fourth property option for Columbus and Lowndes County officials looking to construct a six-field soccer complex. Cochran: Reform needs ‘close scrutiny’8/12/2009 11:45:00 AM A recent hotly debated national health care program could lead to an overabundance of government involvement in the medical industry, a longtime U.S. Senator told the Columbus Rotary Club Tuesday. Smith decries portions of reform8/12/2009 11:45:00 AM Talks of cap-and-trade economics, health care reform, voter identification and federal government power limits dominated a Tuesday night Taxed Enough Already party meeting at Columbus’ Holiday Inn. Amid opposition, commission denies counseling program8/11/2009 10:23:00 AM A heated public debate Monday night preceded a Columbus Planning Commission decision to prevent a New Orleans-based counseling program from coming to the Friendly City. Chief: CPD starting ‘from beginning’8/11/2009 10:23:00 AM Several recent staffing rotations at the Columbus Police Department may bring the station one step closer to receiving state accreditation, according to CPD Chief Joseph St. John. Students split over need for new name8/8/2009 9:41:00 PM Students moving in to the Mississippi University for Women on Saturday afternoon, readying for the new school year, seemed to be split along gender lines as they shared their thoughts on a name change. City applies for grant to help land two hotels8/7/2009 12:06:00 PM Columbus officials Thursday night moved one step closer to securing a nearly 200-room hotel development near the intersection of Highway 82 and 18th Avenue North. In sign of recession, customers hitting grocery stores8/6/2009 10:45:00 AM Grocery stores and discount markets across the Golden Triangle and the country recently have been seeing a dramatic increase in customer traffic and sales, as consumers seek to trim costs amid the recession. Church pastor asks city to investigate soil contamination8/5/2009 11:00:00 AM Columbus officials during the next few weeks will consider working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to determine if a black substance discovered near a local church is a toxic industrial byproduct. GOP officials seeking voter ID support8/5/2009 10:53:00 AM Fairness, not partisanship, is the driving force behind a statewide push to bring voter identification laws to Mississippi, area Republican officials said during a Tuesday afternoon rally at the Lowndes County Courthouse. Majority of Burns Bottom landowners open to selling property to county8/4/2009 10:36:00 AM Lowndes County officials during the next few weeks will move closer to securing land for the proposed soccer complex project in Columbus’ Burns Bottom area, amid unanswered questions of how the project would be funded. Supervisors clash over choice for clerk8/4/2009 10:36:00 AM The hiring of a Lowndes County purchasing clerk Monday led to a brief verbal skirmish between two county officials during a county Board of Supervisors meeting. Shoppers celebrate no-tax holiday8/1/2009 10:36:00 PM Each July, Linda Rogers and her daughters, Jessica, Danielle and Samantha, make a pilgrimage to Leigh Mall and other area retailers in search of the perfect back-to-school bargain. Columbus sales tax revenue lagging7/31/2009 11:00:00 AM A nearly half-million-dollar deficit in Columbus’ sales tax collections during the first nine months of the 2009 fiscal year has city officials struggling to determine figures for the Friendly City’s upcoming budget. Wal-Mart buoys tax revenue in West Point7/31/2009 11:00:00 AM WEST POINT — A handful of retail developments in the Clay County seat during the past fiscal year drove a five-digit growth in the city’s sales tax revenue. Annexation, flooding on minds of Ward 3 residents7/31/2009 11:00:00 AM Discussions of everything from Lowndes County’s proposed soccer complex to Columbus’ annexation plans ruled the evening Thursday as Ward 3 City Councilman Charlie Box held his first community meeting. Retailers compare weekend’s potential to Black Friday7/30/2009 10:43:00 AM Several Columbus retailers this week are preparing for a shopping event some store owners are comparing to the Friday after Thanksgiving. City gets funds to improve drainage along Seventh Avenue North7/28/2009 10:12:00 AM Columbus officials likely will use a recently awarded $125,000 grant to complete drainage improvements along Seventh Avenue North near Propst Park, according to Mayor Robert Smith. Clunkers program drives up local sales7/28/2009 10:12:00 AM A federal government program aimed at helping citizens purchase more fuel-efficient vehicles is driving a business surge at auto dealerships across the Golden Triangle.
The national Car Allowance Rebate System, also known as the cash for clunkers program, during the past few days has been drawing a “tremendous amount” of customer traffic to the region’s car lots, several auto dealers agreed Monday afternoon. Living on the edge: Dozens of properties in Columbus are split between city, Lowndes County7/25/2009 8:50:00 PM When local attorney Aubrey Nichols and his wife, Joy, moved into their home off Greenbriar Drive more than 10 years ago, the entirety of their heavily wooded lot laid slightly northeast of the Columbus city limits. Local reps file ethics reports late7/25/2009 8:41:00 PM It’s better to be late than to not file at all, a pair of local state representatives said of their previously delinquent ethics reports. Road concerns dominate Ward 6 community meeting7/24/2009 12:04:00 PM Drainage issues, road concerns, crime and garbage collection issues dominated discussion Thursday night during Columbus Ward 6 Councilman Bill Gavin’s first ward meeting. Columbus drug court judge faces misdemeanor charge7/24/2009 12:04:00 PM A prominent local attorney and Columbus drug court judge is facing an Aug. 26 court date after she was arrested last month on a misdemeanor charge. Alabama town tours Columbus for pointers7/23/2009 10:32:00 AM Columbus and Lowndes County may be a vision of things to come in Guntersville, Ala., several representatives from the northeastern Alabama city said Wednesday. Soccer field project moves slowly forward7/22/2009 11:00:00 AM The future of the project, not the location, seems to be the most important issue facing the proposed soccer complex tentatively slated to be constructed in Columbus’ Burns Bottom area, said members of the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors. Chief: System would improve crime fighting7/22/2009 10:37:00 AM The Columbus Police Department will be using an increase in traffic and parking fines to fund a software-based crime information program for officers and city residents, CPD Chief Joseph St. John announced during a Tuesday City Council meeting. Kidd keeps it between the ditches7/20/2009 Lowndes County Assistant Road Manager Tommy Kidd has been working to better the county’s roads for more than 26 years.
Kidd, a husband and father of two sons, has lived in Lowndes County his entire life, and has worked his way nearly to the top of the department throughout the years. GTR Airport expansion under way7/18/2009 Visitors to the Golden Triangle Regional Airport during the next several months will notice several changes and construction areas throughout the terminal, as crews July 13 began work on the airport’s new terminal wing. County school board passes budgets7/18/2009 The Lowndes County School District Friday approved 2009-2010 expenditure and revenue budgets nearly identical to the budgets approved by the district one year ago. CL&W earns high marks7/18/2009 The Columbus Light and Water Department recently was named one of the top government entities in the state by the Standard and Poor’s rating agency, members of the CL&W board of directors announced during a Thursday meeting. Columbus Municipal School District gets EPA grant for new buses7/17/2009 COLUMBUS — Newer, more fuel efficient yellow buses soon could be rolling through the streets of Columbus, officials with the Columbus Municipal School District announced Thursday. City studying annexation of land to south, east7/17/2009 The Columbus Light and Water Department during the next few months will be attempting to determine the cost of annexing more than 1,000 homes and buildings south and east of the city limits. New steel firm coming to Lowndes7/16/2009 The industrial giant neighborhood surrounding the Golden Triangle Regional Airport Wednesday received its second new tenant in less than a month, economic development officials announced during a Wednesday Lowndes County Board of Supervisors meeting. Supes vote to keep industrial board pick7/16/2009 COLUMBUS — The Lowndes County Board of Supervisors Wednesday voted to retain a controversial board appointee one week after the topic sparked a lengthy verbal clash between two of the county’s government officials. Hotels check in to Golden Triangle7/16/2009 Although a nationwide economic slowdown during the past year has ransacked several industries across the area and country, Golden Triangle hotel and resort developments seem to be charging forward.
Developers in Columbus, Starkville and West Point are working to bring a total of more than 370 new hotel rooms to the Golden Triangle. July’s new, less taxing holiday7/15/2009 Columbus retailers are banking on a state sales tax holiday July 31-Aug. 1 to bring a needed boost to their yearly revenues.
Storeowners across the area are optimistic the state’s first sales tax holiday will bring with it a flood of customers looking for back-to-school and work-related bargains. Lightning strike prompts move to fortify E-911 center against future damage7/15/2009 The Columbus-Lowndes E-911 board of commissioners soon may be seeking outside help to fortify the county’s E-911 call center against lightning damage, board members said during a Tuesday night meeting. Foreign pilots no strangers to area’s skies7/15/2009 From Uganda to Peru, pilots from nearly 50 countries during the past several decades have streaked across the skies of the Golden Triangle as part of American and foreign-funded aviation training programs. Columbus restaurant owner dies in crash7/14/2009 A 45-year-old Sulligent, Ala., resident and Columbus restaurant owner died Monday morning after a vehicle she was driving collided with an 18-wheeler logging truck. School wants new location7/14/2009 A longtime Columbus education center wants to move to a new more visible location across town, the school's owner said during a Columbus Planning Commission meeting Monday. West Point braces for 'big impact' of Navistar losses7/14/2009 WEST POINT - With Navistar's loss of a major military contract, resulting in the loss of 275 jobs at its plant here, Clay County officials and business owners are bracing for a wave of economic consequences. Shooting suspect behind bars7/10/2009 A Columbus man is behind bars today after he was arrested Tuesday in connection with a June 19 shooting on 18th Street North. Port authority exploring TIGER grant options7/9/2009 Members of the Lowndes County Port Authority soon may be seeking part of a large federal grant to aid the agency in constructing a nearly $6 million rail spur near the county’s West Bank Port. LCSO Deputy involved in vicksburg incident reprimanded7/9/2009 The May 6 incident at the Vicksburg National Military Park, which resulted in the unpaid 15-day suspension of four Columbus police officers, resulted in a letter of reprimand for the lone Lowndes County deputy who was also involved. Under par: Membership, usage down at Golden Triangle golf courses7/9/2009 Business for several Golden Triangle golf courses and pro shops has been at a slow putt during the past year, as area greenskeepers have been struggling to deal with a rough national economy. Ruling: DePriest owes business partner $9.1 million7/8/2009 A lengthy legal matter between Columbus businessman Donald DePriest and his former associate Oliver Phillips has ended, with Lowndes County Chancery Court Judge Kenneth Burns ruling in favor of Phillips to the tune of $9.1 million. Brooks, Sanders clash over board pick7/8/2009 The appointment of a former Columbus City Council candidate to the Lowndes County Industrial Development Board sparked a heated argument Monday during a county Board of Supervisors meeting. Board votes to hire appraiser for Burns Bottom land7/8/2009 Lowndes County economic development officials may be nearing an end to their search for property options from more than 30 landowners in the city’s Burns Bottom area. New council names Gavin vice mayor7/8/2009 New faces during a Tuesday night Columbus City Council meeting brought a pair of new members to city posts and area committees, as a newly elected council breezed through a relatively brief session. Columbus, Lowndes County open designated animal control office7/2/2009 While a neighbor’s endlessly barking dog or a neighborhood cat destroying an entire row of freshly planted flowers may be a nuisance to many area residents, most animal reports do not belong on 911 call lines, said Columbus Police Chief Joseph St. John. New steel plant headed for Lowndes7/1/2009 About 65 jobs and a $25 million investment soon could be on its way to the Golden Triangle Industrial Park, members of the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors announced during a Tuesday meeting.
Texas-based New Process Steel, which has plants in Birmingham, Ala., Dallas and Mexico, this week signed a memorandum of understanding with Lowndes County outlining plans to locate a 100,000-square-foot flat rolled steel manufacturing plant next to the Severstal steel mill off Airport Road in western Lowndes County. Crime, quality of life on minds of Ward 5 residents6/30/2009 City appearance, crime and talk of the area’s upcoming sportsplex project dominated discussions Monday night during Ward 5 Columbus City Councilman-elect Kabir Karriem’s first community meeting.
During the nearly hour-and-a-half meeting, which drew about 20 Ward 5 residents to the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, several area citizens shared their concerns on many issues they believe are plaguing the central-city ward. New steel facility to locate in Lowndes County6/30/2009 About 65 jobs and a $25 million investment soon could be on its way to the Golden Triangle Industrial Park, members of the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors said this morning. Mayor top fund-raiser in city races6/27/2009 Columbus Mayor Robert Smith significantly outraised and outspent independent opponent Tom Geiger during the mayoral campaign, with a host of contributions including $500 from a Washington-based lobbying firm, reports show. Paccar plant delays opening a year6/26/2009 Adverse economic conditions and a decrease in demand have delayed the expected opening date of the more than 400,000-square-foot Paccar engine plant near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport, according to company officials. Downtown Columbus still shines6/25/2009 Though the country’s economic climate may have had a negative effect on some downtown Columbus businesses, the Friendly City’s center during the last year seems to have bucked a national trend of economic uncertainty. Local auto sales outlook brightens6/25/2009 Though the nation’s economy may not be “out of the woods just yet,” several Columbus automobile dealers are beginning to see a jump start in their car sales. Weapons training preps local law for high-stress, realistic scenarios6/24/2009 A Columbus police officer slams on the brakes in his patrol car as he hurriedly disconnects his seat belt, throws open the driver’s side door and leaps from the siren-wailing vehicle. West Point man arrested in more than five-year-old murder case6/23/2009 WEST POINT — After more than five years, a Clay County murder once thought to be a cold case may have been solved, according to a report released Monday by the Clay County Sheriff’s Department. Couple shares homemade goodness by side of the road6/22/2009 For dozens of locals and out-of-town visitors each week, Crawford resident Viola Miller is the face of delicious, home-baked goods of all kinds. Officers in Vicksburg flap lose appeal6/18/2009 Four Columbus police officers suspended last month for their involvement in an incident in the Vicksburg Military Park will return to work Friday and Saturday after the officers’ Wednesday appeal to the Columbus Civil Service Commission was unsuccessful. CPD: Summertime breeds rash of burglaries6/18/2009 Each year, summer brings more free time for Columbus’ youth, more outdoor activities for area residents and a substantial increase in the city’s burglary rate. Link’s Higgins details dreams for GTRA6/18/2009 As a driver traveling west on Highway 82 exits onto Airport Road near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport, he immediately encounters miles of professionally manicured trees, shrubs and flowers lining the four-lane road. Injured wagon driver back in the saddle6/18/2009 Months after an 18-wheeler tanker truck catapulted New Hampshire resident Bob Skelding and pieces of his homemade, horse-drawn carriage several hundred feet along the side of Highway 45 South, Skelding is ready to try again. Local auto sales outlook brightens6/18/2009 Though the nation’s economy may not be “out of the woods just yet,” several Columbus automobile dealers are beginning to see a jump start in their car sales. Council votes to support county’s sportsplex land quest6/17/2009 Columbus officials are “on board” with the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors’ Monday decision to seek property options from landowners in the 71-acre plot of land in the city’s Burns Bottom area being considered for the county’s sportsplex project. Disgraced supervisor loses appeal6/17/2009 The Mississippi Court of Appeals Tuesday denied former Lowndes County District 4 Supervisor Jim Terry’s appeal of a 2007 prison sentence imposed on him by the Lowndes County Circuit Court. New air terminal funded by grant6/17/2009 The Golden Triangle Regional Airport Tuesday received a “huge help” from the Federal Aviation Administration, as the national agency awarded the airport a $1.4 million grant. County supports new EMCC nursing school6/16/2009 Lowndes and its surrounding counties soon may be partnering to help fund the construction of a nursing school facility at East Mississippi Community College, members of the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors announced during a Monday meeting. Supervisors move to acquire Burns Bottom land for sportsplex6/16/2009 Lowndes County government and economic development officials during the next few months will seek property options from 31 landowners in Columbus’ Burns Bottom area. In Columbus, a mayor with a full plate6/13/2009 From the city’s drainage issues to annexing portions of Lowndes County, newly re-elected Columbus Mayor Robert Smith has “a lot on his plate” for the upcoming term. Identity theft cases on rise, Columbus police warn6/12/2009 Tough economic times breed desperation, and desperation frequently leads to crime, according to Columbus Police Department Capt. Fred Shelton. Summer heat means big dividends for some local businesses6/11/2009 Longer days and higher temperatures are bringing heavy traffic to a few Lowndes County businesses. City, county leaders throw support behind Burns Bottom sportsplex site6/11/2009 County and local officials likely will purchase a nearly 71-acre piece of land near Columbus’ Hitching Lot Farmer’s Market to use for the county’s proposed sportsplex project, members of the Columbus City Council, Lowndes County Board of Supervisors and the Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority said during a Wednesday meeting. East Columbus land tapped for new health department6/5/2009 Lowndes County Health Department employees and patients Thursday morning moved one step closer to acquiring a new facility, as the county Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to purchase a more than 3-acre plot of land for the project. Council, supervisors to review potential sportsplex land studies next week6/5/2009 During a special meeting, the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors discussed plans for the county’s upcoming sportsplex project and possible construction of a new Justice Court building. Athletes issued Chief’s coins for Special Olympics performance6/4/2009 Bravery, strength and selflessness led to one of Columbus’ highest awards for several local citizens during a Tuesday night meeting of the Columbus City Council. Council newcomers ready to tackle issues6/4/2009 Newly elected members of the Columbus City Council are making plans to “tackle the city’s issues head-on” after they are sworn into office early next month. Woody’s revamps, reopens6/4/2009 A local businessman is hoping a new menu and lower prices will spell success for a recently reopened Columbus restaurant. Century-old Propst Park train one day could be part of a local museum6/3/2009 A more than 100-year-old train currently resting in Propst Park may one day have a new home, a local volunteer announced during a Tuesday meeting of the Columbus City Council. Space Shuttle Atlantis makes a pit stop at CAFB6/3/2009 Columbus Air Force Base Tuesday afternoon played host to a cosmic visitor, as the space shuttle Atlantis roared into town atop a modified Boeing 747 aircraft. Incumbents ousted in City Council elections6/3/2009 Columbus voters Tuesday ousted a pair of Republican incumbents during the city’s municipal general election, solidifying what will be a 2009-2013 Columbus City Council with four of its six seats filled with newcomers. Cooking in camo: National Guard members hone skills in the kitchen6/3/2009 The sweet smell of pastries and soothing aroma of tomato soup filled the air last week at the Mississippi University for Women’s Shattuck Hall as camouflage-clad members of the Mississippi National Guard scrambled to hone their culinary skills. County bangs out details on new offices, health dept.6/2/2009 Several Lowndes County administrative offices soon may have a new home, members of the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors announced during a Monday meeting.
During the meeting, the board voted to make a $950,000 offer to Cadence Bank to purchase the former First Federal bank building near the intersection of Main Street and 12th Street North. Possible voter fraud in Columbus, Macon6/2/2009 Whether a case of voter fraud or a side effect of poor voter turnout, state and local election officials are concerned about the number of absentee ballots cast in Columbus during the city’s May 5 primary elections. Columbus candidates hope for strong turnout Tuesday5/31/2009 Personal campaigning seems to have taken a back seat to an issue many local political candidates have described as “imperative” to Columbus’ Tuesday municipal general election. Columbus in top 17 percent for micropolitans5/29/2009 A recent surge of industries and jobs in Lowndes County during the past year has rocketed Columbus near the top of a list of nationwide economic strength ratings for micropolitan statistical areas. Sportsplex land studies to be unveiled soon5/29/2009 Members of the Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority within the next few weeks will present the results of a battery of studies conducted on a trio of properties being considered for the county’s upcoming sportsplex project. WINning program offers help for job seekers5/28/2009 Striving to keep unemployment down in the Golden Triangle and working to make area employees better at their jobs — it’s all in a day’s work for employees at the WIN Job Center on North Frontage Road, alongside Highway 82 in Lowndes County. Hospital: It’s tough to recruit new docs5/27/2009 North Mississippi hospitals and health care providers will not be “left out of the mix” in future federal health care reform talks, according to First District U.S. Rep. Travis Childers. Suspect in late-night wreck on Main Street still at large5/27/2009 One man was arrested and another is being sought by police after an early morning Saturday wreck sent three people to the hospital, according to reports released Tuesday by the Columbus Police Department. ‘When you lose a friend, it’s really hard’: For William Roberts, Memorial Day holds special significance5/24/2009 Memorial Day holds a special significance for Columbus resident William Roberts.
Roberts, who served as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War for 18 months in 1968 and 1969 with the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, takes time each Memorial Day to remember his fallen friends and his family’s lengthy military history. Columbus Drug Court changing lives5/23/2009 Although it is still “getting off the ground,” the Columbus Drug Court has been making a significant positive impact in the lives of several area drug offenders, according to court officials. Puttin’ on the Ritz: West Point landmark restored to former glory as meeting place5/22/2009 WEST POINT — A once “vacant, run-down” piece of Clay County history now serves as an image of West Point as it existed more than 75 years ago. Man dies in search for teen missing in river5/21/2009 A 44-year-old Itawamba County Dive Team member lost his life Wednesday during the search for a missing 15-year-old in the Buttahatchie River in Monroe County. Alabama city seeking answers in Columbus5/21/2009 Upon first glance, Columbus and Guntersville, Ala., may seem to have little in common.
But upon further examination, the pair of cities may appear similar in many aspects, said Melissa Cook, vice president of the Chamber division of the Columbus-Lowndes Development Link. On location: Production company transforms Columbus into Hollywood5/20/2009 More than a dozen members of the Black Butterfly production company Tuesday rushed around The Attic vintage clothing store as they briefly transformed the Columbus business into a snapshot of Hollywood. Officers in Vicksburg flap suspended5/20/2009 Four Columbus police officers will miss nearly a month of work without pay after a Columbus Police Department investigation found the officers guilty of misconduct in the Vicksburg National Military Park. Officers’ fate to be decided at council meeting5/19/2009 The Columbus City Council tonight is expected to take action on an internal Columbus Police Department investigation of four officers involved in an incident at the Vicksburg National Military Park. Supes weigh land options for health department5/16/2009 The Lowndes County Board of Supervisors next month will make what may be the final decision on land for its upcoming new health department, board members said at a Friday meeting. Despite losing Chrysler, ‘we’re not closing,’ local dealer vows5/15/2009 Thursday’s announcement from Chrysler that it will eliminate 789 dealerships soon will have an impact on a longtime local company.
The Columbus Motor Co. on Highway 182 near Propst Park is losing its support from the nation’s third largest automaker. The local company has been in Columbus for more than 45 years, and has been an authorized Chrysler dealer for nearly 33 years, said dealership owner Tom Younger. Budget delay puts port projects on hold5/14/2009 Possible funding for a pair of projects near the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway may be on hold until the Mississippi Legislature passes a state budget, members of the Lowndes County Port Authority announced during a Wednesday meeting. Home-based businesses offer array of advantages5/14/2009 Though local businesses along Columbus’ major highways may seem to be the retail epicenter of the Friendly City, Lowndes County’s seat also boasts a network of somewhat less visible business offerings. Celebrate safely during graduation, police warn5/13/2009 While violence at graduation parties is rare, police are warning parents and students throwing parties to plan ahead and have adequate supervision. ‘Year-round’ class schedule approved for only two city elementary schools5/12/2009 Students at two of the eight schools in the Columbus Municipal School District next year will be operating under an 11-month calendar, members of the district board of trustees announced during a Monday meeting. Speaker salutes mentors during scholarship banquet5/9/2009 Andre Lewis stood quiet and motionless for a moment Friday night as he gazed out over the crowd of more than 150 people gathered in Mississippi University for Women’s Hogarth Dining Hall. GTRA celebrates opening day of Memphis flights5/7/2009 Golden Triangle air passengers traveling to the Western United States and overseas destinations received a more direct route Monday as the Golden Triangle Regional Airport expanded its service to include Memphis, Tenn. Drainage, crime, taxes among top priorities for councilmen seated in Tuesday’s primary5/7/2009 Preparing to take office, “working for a better Columbus” and preparing a list of city projects are among the items filling the agendas of three local men elected to serve the next four years on the Columbus City Council. Voters oust two council members5/6/2009 A familiar face and two newcomers Tuesday night were elected to serve the next four years on the Columbus City Council. Lowndes to repair $1.7M, 16 miles of county roads5/5/2009 Crews within the next several weeks will begin making several Lowndes County roads smoother for traveling motorists, members of the county Board of Supervisors announced during a Monday meeting. Rec board awaits financial studies on proposed sportsplex sites5/5/2009 The Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority this week likely will receive results from the final study to be completed before the agency seeks funding for its multi-purpose sportsplex project, board members announced during a Monday meeting. Candidates get final chance to square off before election5/1/2009 Three of the six positions on the Columbus City Council will be decided in the May 5 primary, so some candidates used a Thursday night forum as a final chance to address voters before election day.
Nearly 45 local voters were at the Municipal Complex for the debate to hear from 12 of the 15 candidates for the Columbus municipal elections. Fans bemoan loss of venerable Pontiac line4/30/2009 Since the 1920s, millions of drivers across the world have celebrated, raced and collected a slew of cars from one of the oldest automotive brands in the United States. Official: All sportsplex sites have pros, cons4/29/2009 Whether it’s visibility, accessibility or proximity to retail and restaurant centers, each of the three properties being considered for Lowndes County’s proposed sportsplex bring “different advantages to the table,” according to Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority Executive Director Roger Short. East county residents plead for help with flooding4/28/2009 Drainage concerns along roads throughout eastern Lowndes County dominated discussions during a Monday night community meeting called by District 4 Supervisor Jeff Smith. Shelton polices both city, world4/27/2009 Columbus Police Department Capt. Fred Shelton has worked double duty to keep streets safe in Columbus and across the world for nearly three decades. Relay for Life draws thousands4/25/2009 Before Friday, Columbus residents Pam Lewis and Cheryl Weichmann had not seen each other since they were high school classmates several years ago. O’Neal giving someone else a turn4/25/2009 The Crawford town hall soon will lose a familiar face, as a longtime community leader will be stepping down following this year’s municipal elections. Building steam: Candidates talk politics to dozens at second debate4/24/2009 More than 40 Friendly City residents Thursday night crowded into the Columbus Municipal Complex as 12 of the 15 candidates for the upcoming municipal elections took turns discussing a wide range of issues. City to update traffic lights on Highwwys 182, 694/22/2009 Drivers in east and north Columbus soon may notice changes at a couple of the city’s intersections, according to City Engineer Kevin Stafford. With studies in hand, officials step closer to sportsplex choice4/21/2009 The Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority has received environmental studies for the three proposed sportsplex sites, a key hurdle toward choosing a final location. Light turnout for Columbus candidate debate4/21/2009 Thirteen of the 15 candidates for city elections discussed their qualifications and stances on a variety of issues Monday night at the Columbus Municipal Complex. And only about 30 residents were seated in the Municipal Complex Court — about .16 percent of the city’s 18,497 registered voters. Work on new GTRA air terminal to start in July4/18/2009 Airline passengers traveling out of the Golden Triangle Regional Airport soon may notice the grind of construction equipment accompanying the roaring sounds of taxiing jets. Lawmakers plan to put ‘Band-Aid’ on local flood woes4/17/2009 East Columbus residents “living in fear” of flood waters soon may have national legislation to help remedy their concerns, a group of congressmen, Columbus and Lowndes County officials said after a Thursday afternoon tour of the area. Plant Adds 26 jobs, $3 million to Macon4/16/2009 MACON — Noxubee County this week received an “economic boost” from the opening of a large wood products company, according to Brian Wilson, executive director of the Noxubee Economic and Community Development Alliance. Supes vote to close stretch of raymond road4/16/2009 Members of the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors Tuesday moved a step closer to fulfilling their “promises to Stark Aerospace” by closing a portion of Raymond Road near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport. Protesters: We’re ‘taxed enough already’4/16/2009 As millions across the country rushed Wednesday afternoon to file their taxes before the deadline, hundreds of area residents filed around the front steps of the Lowndes County courthouse in an attempt to “make their voices heard.” City elections: Fewer candidates qualify; low voter turnout expected4/15/2009 Motorists and pedestrians traveling along Columbus’ streets and highways likely have noticed fewer signs advertising candidates for the city’s upcoming municipal elections than usual. Union Academy potential site for job ‘re-tooling’ program for unemployed4/14/2009 The now-vacant former Union Academy building on 10th Avenue North soon may have a new tenant, members of the Columbus Municipal School District board of trustees announced during a Monday meeting. Storm downs trees across county; minor damage, no injuries reported4/13/2009 Despite howling winds, heavy rainfall and frequent lightning battering Lowndes County and the Friendly City Sunday night, no serious injuries were reported, according to city and county emergency personnel. Furniture maker sees boom amid downturn4/10/2009 With frequent reports of large layoffs, decreased salaries and plant closings, area economic news lately has been less than stellar.
Across the country, news of large companies outsourcing jobs and terminating longtime employees during the past few years provides an even bleaker economic outlook for many. Property owner compares Seventh Avenue North to ‘Bourbon Street’4/8/2009 Sections of the Friendly City may be drawing the “wrong kind of attention,” according to a Columbus resident and apartment owner.
“I never thought I would hear people saying that Columbus is getting to be like Jackson or Memphis, but that’s what we’re getting,” Dennis Long, owner of an apartment complex near the intersection of Seventh Avenue and 16th Street North, said during a Tuesday night Columbus City Council meeting. Antebellum history has youthful face4/3/2009 Whether greeting guests, conducting tours or explaining the history behind some of Columbus’ oldest structures, children have played a prominent role in the city’s Pilgrimage since it began 69 years ago. Sanders decries requests for funds, labor4/1/2009 Across the country, news of a struggling national economy has been dominating headlines and news shows for several months. Resurrecting Columbus’ storied past3/31/2009 As a cool breeze swept across Columbus’ Friendship Cemetery Monday night, voices, laughter and applause echoed against the hundreds of tombstones scattered throughout the normally quiet grounds. High winds, Rain expected to hit area tonight3/27/2009 Golden Triangle residents tonight and Saturday may be facing heavy rains, frequent lightning and high winds as a powerful storm system is expected to cross the area, according to Lowndes County Emergency Management Agency Director Cindy Lawrence. Will it be Waverley? Or Welty?3/25/2009 In a poll battle of potential new names for Mississippi University for Women, Waverley University has edged above the rest. But a surprise contender may be considered as a finalist: Welty University. Downturn makes a soft landing at airport3/22/2009 Hundreds take the 'cue, head to Grilling on the River for family fun3/21/2009 Local teams brace for hot competition at annual event3/20/2009 The aroma of barbecue sauce and slow-cooked pork filled the air near Reuben’s restaurant this morning, as grilling teams made early preparations for this weekend’s Grilling on the River competition. MSU Prez: Future bright for dawgs3/18/2009 Big plans and a “bright future” are in store for Mississippi State University, MSU President Mark Keenum told the Columbus Rotary Club Tuesday afternoon. Columbus traffic cam to be taken offline3/18/2009 A traffic camera at the intersection of 14th Avenue North and Waterworks Road soon will snap its final photo of passing motorists, the Columbus City Council decided Tuesday. Wagon driver back in the saddle after cross-country trek landed him in hospital3/17/2009 A New Hampshire man injured Feb. 10 when an 18-wheeler struck his horse-drawn recreational vehicle on Highway 45 South near Shuqualak is out of a Meridian hospital and is making plans to continue his journey across America, according to the man’s online blog. County to repair, not replace faulty generator3/14/2009 Lowndes County officials will be taking “strict measures” to ensure the county’s E-911 emergency generator remains in working order, members of the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors announced during a Friday morning meeting. Sign of the economy? Consignment sales see record numbers of both buyers, sellers3/13/2009 Whether bargain hunting or attempting to cope with a sour national economy, shoppers and consignors are turning out in record numbers at local consignment sales. Three locations in running for city sportsplex3/13/2009 Leaders to choose three candidates for sportsplex site3/12/2009 Leaders tonight will chose the “best three of the lot” from a pool of 11 properties submitted by local landowners for the multi-purpose sportsplex project. Local supporters proud of their ‘Idol’3/11/2009 Whether she places first or 13th, local supporters will be proud of Jasmine Murray, many said after an “American Idol” watching party Tuesday night at Cook Elementary Fine Arts Magnet School. Republican hopefuls tout infrastructure plans, goals3/11/2009 Annexation, infrastructure improvements and financial efficiency — several goals are being pursued by the Republican candidates for the Columbus City Council. In the cards: Entrepreneur turns hobby into career3/9/2009 Foreclosures rise statewide; Lowndes sees 'slight uptick'3/6/2009 Although Mississippi mortgage brokers during the past several months have seen a rise in the number of homeowners delinquent on their mortgage payments, Lowndes County brokers are reporting a different story. Retired banker humbled, honored by Golden Deeds award3/6/2009 Burns Bottom presents unique challenge as sportsplex site3/5/2009 With 31 different parcels and at least one landowner unwilling to sell, the Burns Bottom land proposed as a home for a future sportsplex would offer unique challenges, if selected from 11 sites under consideration. Cement plant to shut doors, idle 113 workers3/4/2009 A large cement manufacturing plant that has operated in Artesia for more than 25 years will be closed indefinitely, terminating about 113 positions at the facility, the company said. Council suspends city administrator for computer misuse3/4/2009 David Armstrong, who has been the city’s chief operating officer for more than two years, was suspended, retroactively, Tuesday for violating the city’s computer ordinance by using city computers to converse with people he met on Internet dating sites, like Yahoo Personals. Officials detail 11 sportsplex land options3/3/2009 Recreation leaders are considering 11 properties as a location for a new Columbus sportsplex, and soon will narrow their choices to two or three properties. The list will be narrowed during a March 12 meeting. Wounded officer: "It was almost like a movie"3/3/2009 Supervisor apologizes for 'shoving match' over flyer3/3/2009 Discussions of a Thursday “shoving match” fueled a verbal dispute between Lowndes County District 1 Supervisor and Board President Harry Sanders and District 5 Supervisor Leroy Brooks during a Monday board meeting.
Defendant’s ‘choice’ nets 20 years in prison2/27/2009 James Newell sat silent and motionless in the defendant’s chair as the jury returned its verdict — guilty of manslaughter. Murder suspect takes stand, admits to killing2/26/2009 The second day of hearings in the murder trial of a Vernon, Ala., man featured a somewhat rare occurrence as the defendant took the witness stand to testify on his behalf. A planned killing, or self-defense?2/25/2009 It may have been a case of a jealous lover or one man attempting to save his own life, defense and prosecuting attorneys said of an Alabama resident charged with shooting and killing 31-year-old Adrian Boyette. Survivor recalls childhood spent as a prisoner in Japanese concentration camp2/24/2009 Though it wasn’t a time of “horrible suffering,” it certainly wasn’t a luxurious vacation, former prisoner of war Diane Lindley said of her time spent in a Japanese concentration camp during World War II. Jury selection continues in fraud case2/23/2009 Youth Challenge founder faces charges of embezzling $1.1M Hearn sentencing delayed2/20/2009 Tax assessor may be under ethics probe for nepotism concerns2/19/2009 Lowndes County Tax Assessor Greg Andrews may be under investigation by the Mississippi Ethics Commission over concerns of his wife, Alicia, working at the county tax office.
Residents: Take care, slow down on Hwy. 452/18/2009 In the wake of an accident on Highway 45 last week that injured the driver of a horse-drawn wagon and killed two horses, nearby residents have one request of truckers and others using the four-lane roadway.
Slow down. National housing downturn hits home2/17/2009 The once-familiar sound of banging hammers and high-pitched power tools echoing throughout Lowndes County has all but ceased during the last several months. Macon shooting ruled murder- suicide2/17/2009 MACON — Noxubee County authorities have ruled a Feb. 13 shooting on Walnut Street a murder-suicide, and believe it may have been a result of a domestic dispute between a husband and wife. Waiting and hoping: Sportsplex land submissions deadline Friday2/16/2009 County and city officials will be keeping their fingers crossed this week as the deadline approaches for land proposals for a much discussed sportsplex. Brooksville man pleads guilty to ’08 triple shooting2/14/2009 A Brooksville man charged with shooting three people, stealing a police car and fleeing law enforcement officials last year pleaded guilty Friday afternoon to two counts of aggravated assault, four counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and one count of felony taking of a motor vehicle. Unexpected Valentine’s dinner guest; Ryan’s diners served a ‘shocking surprise’2/14/2009 Valentine’s Day diners at Ryan’s restaurant near the intersection of Highway 45 and Highway 82 Saturday night received a “very shocking” surprise.
Injured wagon driver gets ‘flood’ of support2/13/2009 Despite competition, family-owned Military Hardware remains Columbus mainstay2/13/2009 Customer service, a wide variety of products and a little bit of luck — many factors have played into the Military Hardware business plan during the past 50 years. Should horses have been on highway?2/12/2009 In aftermath of wreck, actions of injured wagon driver questioned Wreck ends man's trip across U.S.2/11/2009 Horse-drawn vehicle destroyed, two horses die on Noxubee County line Recreation debate2/11/2009 Residents agree on need for sportsplex, rec center 2 horses die, wagon destroyed in wreck with cross-country traveler2/10/2009 A man traveling across the country with a four-horse wagon team, who passed through Columbus on Saturday, was involved in a major accident on the Kemper-Noxubee county line today. Washington native serves as 'part of one unified community'2/9/2009 Monday Profile Dozens explore city’s black history2/7/2009 Caledonia wants stimulus money for wastewater plant2/7/2009 Cross country traveler visits Columbus2/7/2009 Brooksville man’s triple shooting trial starts Feb. 172/6/2009 Lennell Hearn led police on wild chase along Highway 45 before
being shot near the Best Western Economic decline prompts a local uptick in crime2/5/2009 As financial times get tighter and businesses reduce their workforces, some Lowndes County residents may be stepping out of their jobs and into illegal professions, according to city and county law enforcement officials. ‘Vandals’ hit Caledonia neighbors’ mailboxes1/30/2009 Though law enforcement officials have not seen widespread mailbox damage during the past few weeks, at least one Caledonia resident has had multiple boxes destroyed during the past few days. Public Service Commission pushes ratepayers’ bill of rights1/30/2009 The Public Service Commission may not be able to always guarantee low rates, but it can ensure consumers get a “fair deal” when dealing with large, regional utility companies, according to Commissioner Brandon Presley. Search our archives for older stories by Neal Wagner
