Burns house, Hunt school up for landmark status

A home in Burns Bottom the city once slated to tear down and a school campus a recent tornado badly damaged are now being considered for state landmark status.

Weather damage to city property estimated at $9.3M

Mississippi Emergency Management Agency damage assessors have determined Columbus incurred roughly $9.3 million in damages as a result of the Feb. 23 tornado that came amid a week of flooding.

Public officials urge patience for those awaiting storm assistance

The theme of Monday night’s town hall meeting at the Columbus Municipal Complex could be summarized with one word: patience.

“That’s what we need y’all to have,” Columbus Mayor Robert Smith, who led the meeting, told about 100 attendees whose homes or businesses are still in shambles after an EF-3 tornado ripped through northeast Columbus on Feb. 23.

Community Counseling seeks to treat underlying causes of addiction

Keenyn Wald, director of Alcohol and Drug Services at Community Counseling Center in Columbus, believes it takes more than quitting “cold-turkey” to overcome addiction.

Community-Based Recovery Committee forming in Columbus

Volunteer coordinators, religious leaders and other community leaders will soon have the opportunity to join a local committee directing recovery efforts in the wake of the Feb. 23 tornado and subsequent flooding.

Lawrence: Weather damage assessments to be completed Friday

Just how much monetary damage a Feb. 23 tornado and days of flooding caused is still being determined as city, county and state officials continue to coordinate recovery and assessment efforts.

Supes consider abandoning section of overgrown road in New Hope

The Lowndes County Board of Supervisors voted during its regular meeting Monday to hold a public hearing about abandoning a section of Old Yorkville Road South that hasn’t been maintained for years.

Volunteer firefighters needed in Lowndes County

At 22, Joseph Stoll, a senior at Mississippi State University, is the youngest fire chief in Lowndes County.

Four candidates make up final sheriff’s field

The final field of candidates for Lowndes County sheriff stands at four following Friday’s qualifying deadline for county races.

Main Street Columbus honors 13 businesses, developers

Main Street Columbus presented awards to 13 local businesses and developers during its annual awards program at Events Off 5th Thursday.

City opens storm relief command center

Before Wednesday, Marianne Wright had never volunteered. It was something she genuinely wanted to do, but she could never think of something to do that would make her feel like she was making a difference.

After Saturday’s tornado in Columbus, that changed.

Volunteer firefighter running for Dist. 1 supervisor

Businessman and volunteer firefighter Steve Pyle is challenging Harry Sanders in the race for District 1 county supervisor.

10-foot washout blocks Plymouth Road

When Charlie Sanders left his home on Plymouth Road Saturday morning, he thought he’d be back that night.

Extensive flooding from Moore’s Creek that created a 10-foot-long road washout derailed that plan.

Public officials expect minimal damage from ‘rare’ flooding

After heavy rains much of last week and into the weekend, three publicly owned properties are under water.

IRS: Crawford owes federal government $30K

The town of Crawford owes more than $30,000 to the Internal Revenue Service from improperly managing employee retirement fund matches.

Arts gala perseveres through storm, power outage

As strong winds and heavy rains passed over downtown Columbus Saturday night, streetlights went dark, homes lost power and businesses closed their doors.

At the Columbus Arts Council’s annual fundraiser gala in Trotter Convention Center, the band played on.

Heard challenges Holliman for District 3 supervisor

Golden Triangle Planning and Development District computer analyst Tim Heard, a Democrat, has qualified to run for District 3 supervisor against incumbent Republican John Holliman.

Petition push: Local Libertarians rallying support for restaurant tax referendum

As a first- and second-grade teacher, Frieda Hallman doesn’t have much time to cook. She eats out pretty much every day, a habit that she believes could cost her more than she’s willing to pay when the 2-percent restaurant sales tax takes effect March 1.

Council votes to hire new Trotter manager

The city of Columbus plans to hire Rogena Bonner as the new director for Trotter Convention Center following current director Mike Anderson’s retirement.

Rawle resigns as Columbus CFO

Columbus Chief Financial Officer Milton Rawle resigned Tuesday night, a week after he returned from an unpaid suspension for failing to comply with job performance standards.