Articles by Brian Jones
Mistrial declared in murder case after new evidence presented
A Starkville man’s murder trial has ended in a mistrial, according to Assistant District Attorney Trina Brooks-Davidson.
Doran Johnson named interim police chief
The Columbus City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to appoint Doran Johnson as interim police chief effective Aug. 16.
McLean: State must do more for women, children
If District 39 Rep. Dana McLean leaned into one message Tuesday at the Columbus Rotary Club, it was doing more for women.
DHS, supes negotiating decade-long building dispute
A long-simmering dispute between the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors and the Mississippi Department of Human Services is one step closer to being resolved.
Heat scorches corn; cotton and soybeans still ‘good to fair’
“My oldest son was born on the Fourth of July 39 years ago, and it was too wet to plow, and cool,” remembered farmer Charles Speed. “This year, it was all over by the Fourth of July.”
Jealous girlfriend runs over boyfriend with car
A Columbus woman was arrested Wednesday night after she used a Nissan Altima to solve a domestic dispute.
MHP program focuses on officer wellness, resilience
Major John Poulos wants you to know that a career in law enforcement is tough.
Company contractor sought in ‘Pay Site’ kiosk burglaries
The Columbus Police Department is asking for the public’s help in finding a West Point man who is a person of interest in burglarizing “Pay Site” kiosks at area convenience stores.
Police chief chooses retirement over termination
Chief Fred Shelton announced his retirement Monday, after about four years at the top at the Columbus Police Department and more than three decades on the force. He claims that he retired to avoid being terminated.
CPD Chief Fred Shelton to retire
Columbus Police Chief Fred Shelton is retiring, effective Aug. 15. Shelton, who has been chief since 2018, submitted his notice of retirement this morning, according
Photo: Apartment demolition
Workers demolish the Chanticleer Apartments on Seventh Street North near Lee Park late last week. Fire destroyed one of the buildings at the complex in January, displacing approximately 20 people.
Two qualify for Lynn Wright’s House seat
Two people have qualified so far for the special election to fill the late Lynn Wright’s seat in the legislature as of Friday.
Drug raid yields meth, child endangerment charges
Two people have been arrested and charged with child endangerment alongside several drug charges after a Wednesday morning drug raid on South Pickensville Road, according to Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins.
Tax exemption aids $3.3M renovation of old Stone Hotel
The Stone Hotel development on Fifth Street South got a 10-year tax exemption Tuesday night, courtesy of Columbus City Council.
Culvert replacement to relieve flooding near Housing Authority
Columbus City Council on Tuesday approved spending about $408,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding to replace a troublesome culvert on Southside.
Sheriff, bailiffs get pay increase
Lowndes County Sheriff Eddie Hawkins and bailiffs who work in the courtroom are getting a pay bump thanks to recent legislative action.
CLW gets $1 million to replace aging wastewater infrastructure
It was all about the Columbus Light and Water Department at Tuesday’s Columbus City Council meeting, with the utility receiving about $1 million for wastewater upgrades and also getting a new board member.
CVB board renegotiating director’s contract
Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Nancy Carpenter’s contract is being renegotiated. The term may be reduced from three years to one, and at least some board members are reportedly exploring putting someone else in charge of the Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation.
Lowndes explores grant option to fund sportsplex gym, storm shelter
Uncle Sam may pick up the tab for a planned multi-purpose building and storm shelter at the Lowndes County sports complex site, according to County Administrator Jay Fisher.
Out with the old: CPD signs fleet management plan
It’s been a long time coming, but Columbus Police Department is finally getting new vehicles.
