Articles by Brian Jones
City abandons tax hike; raises stay in place
The city of Columbus is dropping its plans to raise taxes by 1 mill but is staying the course on planned raises.
Third suspect arrested in Hemlock Street shooting
The “very dangerous” teenager wanted for a Columbus shooting is in custody.
County may increase fee for housing city prisoners
Lowndes County needs to raise the rate it charges to house city prisoners, and county officials have suggested setting up a meeting with Columbus mayor and city council to talk about it.
Fifth applicant enters fray for CRA
A fifth man has applied for the opening on the Columbus Redevelopment Authority board.
City considers raises, smaller police, fire depts
The city of Columbus is looking at raises for both employees and elected officials as part of its Fiscal Year 2023 budget as well as shrinking the police department.
Drunk driver kills two motorcyclists on Hwy 82
A Columbus man is behind bars after allegedly hitting and killing two people on a motorcycle in an accident early Sunday morning.
Man convicted, gets life for 2020 murder
A Columbus man was sentenced to life in prison Friday after a Lowndes County Circuit Court jury found him guilty of first-degree murder.
Chism calls for more scrutiny of public funds
Republican District 37 House of Representatives candidate David Chism intends to get tough on what he sees as waste and misuse of government money. Chism,
Matt Bogue joins field seeking CRA board spot
And then there were four.
Businessman Matt Bogue has joined the field of applicants for the vacancy on the Columbus Redevelopment Authority board.
Field for CRA board vacancy grows to three
Three people are now in the running for the open slot on the Columbus Redevelopment Authority board.
County wrestling with retention, pay, inflation
Lowndes County is like any other employer, Board of Supervisors President Trip Hairston told the Rotary Club of Columbus on Tuesday afternoon. It’s struggling to find people to fill vacant positions and feeling the bite of higher prices for just about everything.
Man arrested for sexual battery of 16-year-old
A 21-year-old Caledonia man was arrested Monday after he allegedly had sex with a 16-year-old girl, according to Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins.
Monday Profile: Fields’ many paths in life keep leading him back to Columbus area
Teacher, pastor, singer. At one point in his life, Milton Fields has been all of those things, often at once.
1,500 Lowndes homes could see wastewater bill double
An out-of-state utility who recently acquired wastewater customers scattered throughout Lowndes County is asking the Public Service Commission to allow them to more than double the average monthly sewer bill.
Search committee named for police chief hire
Columbus City Council officially began the search for a new police chief Tuesday night, approving a search committee, a job description and a salary range.
$10K reward offered for missing man’s remains
The family of a missing Columbus man is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of his remains.
Carpenter out as Heritage Foundation director; future with CVB uncertain
Nancy Carpenter will not lead the Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation after Sept 30. Her future as executive director for the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau is still up in the air.
Lowndes employees to receive one-time premium pay
The Lowndes County Board of Supervisors is giving its employees a financial shot in the arm, thanks to the American Rescue Plan Act.
City has been mowing Hwy 82 without pay for 4-plus years
Mayor Keith Gaskin has some questions about whose responsibility it is to mow right-of-ways along the Highway 82 corridor.
Council mulls tax increase for pay raises
The city of Columbus is looking at raising its ad valorem tax levy by at least 1 mill for the next fiscal year, according to Chief Financial Officer James Brigham.
Slimantics: Robotaxis beware: NYC eats hesitation for breakfast
June 24, 2025
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