Nearly 10 years ago, Debbie Putt and Janis Kertsetter were working at The Purple Elephant.
Last Friday, they became the new owners and reopened the previously closed Columbus gift shop on Wilkins Wise Road.
“We hated to see another store close in Columbus,” Putt said. “We just felt like jumping in and doing it. Everything comes full circle.”
Putt said she is hoping to add some new lines and products in the future, but everything else will remain the same. She added that each employee has stayed on staff since former owner Marca Glenn announced her retirement. The gift shop is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Elsewhere in Columbus, a frozen yogurt shop closed its doors.
After six years of business in Columbus, Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt, 507-1 18th Ave. N., announced its closure on Facebook.
Over in Starkville, Grand Junction has finished its foundation and has officially started the construction process.
The first phase of the Grand Junction condos, 509 University Dr., are slated to open in late August.
Kay Regimbal, vice president of development for Tabor Development, said 1/3 of condos have been purchased already since construction began last September. Grand Junction will offer one-to-three bedroom condos, 750 to 1,500 square feet, from $200,000 to $445,000. Regimbal said these condos are ideally family’s second homes for baseball or football season.
She added the condos offer “smart technology,” where homeowners can control their locks, lighting and air conditioning from their phone. Homeowners will also have access to a health and wellness center once construction is complete.
Regimbal said an on-site manger and cleaning services can be hired to help maintain each condo while not in use.
Once completed, Grand Junction will offer three phases, with 22 residential condos in phase one and 16 in both phase two and three.
Moving to campus, Mississippi State University Colvard Student Union had a couple of changes this past month.
State Fountain Bakery, which moved across the union, is ready for Valentine’s Day business with cookies, cakes, chocolate covered strawberries and petit fours.
Adding a new flair for MSU students, Olilo by Cat Cora has officially opened in the student union. The restaurant offers a flair of Mediterranean dishes including falafel and salmon flat breads. Olilo is a restaurant designed by Jackson native and Iron Chef Cat Cora.
Meanwhile, downtown, a popular yoga studio has temporarily closed its doors. Firefly, 102 S. Lafayette St., looks to have posted its building and studio for sale.
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