Locals join Black Friday frenzy; stores report strong shopping crowds

Full parking lots and long lines at the register. It’s all a part of the traditional big shopping day known as Black Friday. And many Columbus stores were chock full of people looking for good buys this morning.

Capital murder suspect found competent to stand trial

A Lowndes County murder suspect will continue treatment at Mississippi State Hospital until his February 2010 trial.

Art that sells: MUW student earns $300 for winning Market Street festival poster

Mississippi University for Women student Michael Booth is $300 richer today thanks to winning the Market Street Festival art contest for 2010.

Caledonia marshal ready to rebuild after arson

Larry Swearingen was celebrating his birthday last Friday with family in Thomaston, Ala., when he found out his home was on fire.

County sets aside $850K for park upgrades

Lowndes County has pledged $850,000 toward a plan for upgrading and improving neighborhood parks. And the city of Columbus plans to look for “creative ways” to fund the project.

Officers in Vicksburg incident delay appeal

The appeal case of four Columbus police officers who lost a month’s salary after a May 5 incident at the Vicksburg National Military Park has been continued until the February term of Lowndes County Circuit Court.

Columbus Main Street semifinalist for national award

Main Street Columbus has been selected as a semifinalist for the Great American Main Street Awards, an award presented through the National Trust of Historic Preservation.

Library cracks down on fees

As of last month, a total of $72,000 in overdue fines is owed to libraries in the Columbus-Lowndes County Library System, according to Christy Burks, a library system staff member.

And the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library has recruited the help of a collection agency to encourage customers with overdue materials to return them to the library.

Starkville motorcycle group hosting fundraiser for Columbus teen

A fundraiser for Columbus resident Danielle “Danie” Nowland is scheduled for Saturday in Starkville on the day she turns 18.

Bedding can add a unique touch to a bedroom

Making your bedroom more attractive takes more than just good furniture. Bedding items such as comforters, sheets and pillows help add that special touch.

Baptist nurse clears the air on swine flu

Johnnie Judson, an employee health nurse at Baptist Memorial Hospital–Golden Triangle, spoke about H1N1 flu, also known as swine flu, and other health issues at Wednesday’s Columbus Kiwanis Club meeting.

Restaurant owner wants Caledonia to reconsider decades-old beer ordinance

CALEDONIA — It was the early ’80s when longtime Caledonia grocery store, Killebrew’s, began selling beer from its coolers.

Killebrew’s was located on Main Street right across from Town Hall and within a hundred feet of Caledonia United Methodist Church.

Proposed bill would improve 911 services

The Columbus-Lowndes E-911 board of commissioners Tuesday was presented with proposed legislation to help counties improve collection of E-911 fees.

Lauderdale County Supervisor Craig Hitt met with commissioners at their regular meeting. Sen. Terry Brown, R-Columbus, Rep. Gary Chism, R-Columbus, County Administrator Ralph Billingsley and Columbus’ chief operations officer, David Armstrong, also were on hand for the meeting.

Felony car theft, DUI case sent to grand jury

The case of Tiffany Craven has been bound over to the February term of the Lowndes County grand jury.

Antiques show kicks off with gala, honors for local preservation efforts

When Keith and Chrissy Heard first saw Bryn Bella during a drive through Columbus, they decided the antebellum home on Stinson Creek Road was the place for them.

More than three years later, that decision came to fruition as the couple was named honorary chair of the 2009 Columbus Arts and Preservation Forum Antiques Show and Sale. The annual event began Thursday at the Trotter Convention Center.

Expo teaches Golden Triangle about energy efficiency

Those looking for ways to conserve energy and money during these tough economic times didn’t have to go far for advice on making their homes more energy efficient.

Caledonia considers Sunday beer sales

CALEDONIA — Caledonia aldermen are taking a request for a local restaurant to sell beer on Sundays under advisement.

At Tuesday’s board meeting, board members heard from Leslie Carnathan, owner of Mi Toro Restaurant.

Swine flu Vaccine available at local health departments

Area residents were in health departments early this morning to get vaccinated against the H1N1 swine flu.