Articles by Brian Jones
Lowndes woman killed in Monday accident
A Lowndes County woman was killed in a wreck Monday afternoon, according to Lowndes County Coroner Greg Merchant.
‘It sounded like a tornado siren’: Columbus woman recounts Jerusalem rocket attack, escape from embattled nation
When the sirens started blaring Oct. 7, Melissa Kendrick wasn’t sure what was happening.
Historic marker unveiled honoring MUW’s integration
Important figures in history aren’t always who or what you expect. For every big name there are scores of people who slip through the cracks.
Zachary’s, Courthouse intersection to be closed next week
Downtown Columbus will be a little harder to navigate next week while Columbus Light and Water works to repair pedestrian signals at Fifth Street North and Second Avenue North.
Policy sought to keep homeless out of soccer complex building
The Lowndes County Board of Supervisors on Monday discussed a policy banning loitering or living at one of the concession stands at the Roger Short Soccer Complex, as well as approved purchasing two dogs for the sheriff’s office.
Bulldog Bash, all your questions answered
Planning on going to the Bulldog Bash next weekend? Starkville Police Department suggests showing up early, and maybe leaving the sledgehammer at home.
Expert: Park bond interest rate ‘very strong’
The interest rate on $3 million in revenue bonds for the city park renovation plan is “a very strong rate,” according to a source within the municipal bond business.
Park bonds accepted after Mickens flips in council revote
The bonds are back in town after Vice Mayor Joseph Mickens was true to his word.
Saturday’s partial solar eclipse to peak around noon
The moon will take a bite out of the sun Saturday, and at least one local library is organizing a viewing party to celebrate.
Sheriff spends $45K in reelection campaign
The sheriff’s race continues to be the big-money race in Lowndes County, with incumbent Republican Eddie Hawkins raising $13,298 over the reporting period, compared to $3,500 raised by his opponent, Democrat Willie Jones.
Park bonds ‘not dead’; may be on work session agenda
“The (park renovation bond) is not dead,” Vice Mayor and Ward 2 Councilman Joseph Mickens told The Dispatch Tuesday afternoon. “I see it coming back up for another vote, and when it does I’m on board with it.”
Hyde-Smith asks for $2.2 million in appropriations bill for Burns Bottom
U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith told the Columbus Rotary Club Tuesday afternoon that she had included a little more than $2 million in federal appropriations for the Columbus Redevelopment Authority’s Burns Bottom project.
Mayor breaks tie to kill $3 million parks bond issue
Mayor Keith Gaskin broke a tie during a Friday morning special call meeting to kill an effort to sell about $3 million in revenue bonds intended for a $4.4 million parks renovation plan that would have mostly focused on improving Propst Park.
Colom: Guns, grudges lead young people to ‘terrible decisions’
If there was one word on the lips of Columbus Exchange Club members Thursday afternoon, it was “gangs.”
City pursuing federal grant to upgrade ditches near Moss Street
“It’s been flooding since forever,” said Ward 4 Councilman Pierre Beard. “My constituents have been screaming and preaching that they wanted concrete-lined ditches and their ditches cleaned, and now we can give them some relief.”
Suspect sought in Evergreen Cove shooting
Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office is looking for a motive in a Monday night shooting in Caledonia, according to Sheriff Eddie Hawkins.
155 blighted lots won’t face code enforcement if owners sell to city
Columbus City Council voted Tuesday night to tap the brakes on its code enforcement remediation efforts while it sorts out which properties might fall under the auspices of its federally funded blight elimination program.
Man missing after one-car wreck Friday
Columbus Police Department is asking for the public’s help finding a man who is missing after apparently having a wreck over the weekend.
One-day tourney this month could serve as soft opening for sportsplex
The Lowndes County Sportsplex is largely complete and will likely be handed over to the county by the end of next week, according to County Administrator Jay Fisher.
Metal detectors installed at Baptist ER entrance
Metal detectors have been installed at the entrance to the emergency department at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle, according to a press release the hospital issued Monday.
