Articles by Carmen K. Sisson
Lowndes schools: Pre-K program needed
A pre-kindergarten program is needed in the county, Lowndes County School District board members agreed Friday, but questions remain about issues like transportation and the total cost of implementation.
Columbus High School students shine at second Falcon Showcase
It was a night to flaunt Columbus High School talent, and senior Trenton Brown, already a showman at age 17, couldn’t hide his grin, as he stepped behind the drums to pound out a duet with his older brother, CHS Band Instructor Sammy Brown Jr., during the second annual Falcon Showcase Thursday.
Voter ID law not expected by November elections
A controversial bill, which would require photo identification in order to vote, passed the state Senate 34-14 Tuesday, but local opponents say the fight is far from over.
CMSD hires additional security after bomb threats, fights
It started with the bomb threats. As the Columbus Municipal School District fought to get a grip on an escalating situation — six threats within a six-week time span — school officials learned an awful truth: Two of the nine threats against city and county schools this year were placed by a Columbus High student, from a school bathroom.
Eurocopter GM speaks on success of Columbus operations
When people think of American Eurocopter, they often think of military aircraft, but the company’s Columbus facility manufactures helicopters which are used every day for a wide range of purposes, from law enforcement to corporate, commercial and business use.
MUW Homecoming begins next week
Mississippi University for Women is gearing up for homecoming next weekend, celebrating its 128th year of educating women, as the state’s first public college for women, and its 30th year of educating men. Campus organizers have planned a jam-packed calendar of events April 20-22, encompassing a wide gamut of interests, ranging from music to sports.
Church brings Easter story to life
As Christians around the world observe Easter today, the congregation of one local church took time to reflect on not only what it means to be a believer, but also on the way an annual tradition has deepened their spiritual journey.
Farmer’s Market draws big crowd for opening day
You couldn’t have ordered a more perfect Saturday to kick off this year’s Hitching Lot Farmer’s Market. Though the morning started off chilly, temperatures warmed quickly, drawing veggie lovers and bargain hunters out in droves to shop and visit with old friends.
MUW construction continues
Construction and renovation projects, totaling more than $23 million, are underway at Mississippi University for Women as the college works through the midpoint of its 20-year master plan.
Local agencies welcome GED student to new home
he little apartment on Southside’s Avenue B was packed with people Thursday afternoon.
Area universities rely on technology to alert students, staff in emergencies
The power of Mississippi University for Women’s campus alert system became clear to President Dr. Jim Borsig when he saw a text message tapped out on an iPad and sent as a test alert to more than 3,000 students, faculty and staff — all within a matter of seconds.
New law allows schools to waive out-of-state tuition
As the costs of higher education escalate, budget conscious parents and students often feel forced to choose between the college they want and the one they can afford. It’s not easy on the institutional side either. Competition for student dollars is fierce, and a college in today’s market needs every competitive advantage it can get.
Cal-City owner: no beer, no store
A banner on the window at Cal-City Grocery announced the longtime Caledonia landmark’s impending reopening, but those plans were dashed during Tuesday night’s Board of Aldermen meeting, when the store’s new owner announced he would not be coming to town after all.
From at-risk to high-performing, West Lowndes Elementary beats the odds
Two years ago, 158 Mississippi schools were at risk of failing. West Lowndes Elementary was one of them. As Principal Robert Sanders stared at the 2007-2008 state test scores, he knew the odds were stacked against his students. He also knew he wasn’t going to give up. And so he set about an ambitious plan to revamp not only a school but a community.
Girl Scouts troop spreads the love at Loaves and Fishes
It was a rainy, dreary afternoon, but the members of Girl Scout Troop 20253 charmed the crowd Friday, serving up megawatt smiles and steaming pans of baked ziti at Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen.
Gunn, Harris to resign from Heritage at end of year
Heritage Academy will lose two of its top administrators at the end of the school year, with Headmaster Tommy Gunn and Heritage Elementary Principal Yandell Harris leaving for headmaster positions elsewhere.
Fruth outlines plans for continued growth
Economically, Columbus is poised to become a “shining star of the South,” said economic development expert Bill Fruth, who noted a few caveats, some which didn’t sit well with a group assembled Wednesday at Mississippi University for Women’s Nissan Auditorium to hear him speak.
Online group raises funds to rebuild barn destroyed by fire
Little remains now. Just a simple white house, some charred timbers, and Jimmy Craddieth on the front porch, watching the sun slide behind the trees on Sand Road, just as his father used to do.
‘Stand Up, Speak Out’ youth rally aims to address bullying
Bullying. Gang violence. Domestic violence. Drug abuse. Depression. Teen suicide. The issues grab the national spotlight after a tragedy, but the problems facing today’s youth remain, long after the media glare has dimmed.
Consultant to present economic development roadmap Wednesday
Lowndes County has all the ingredients to achieve “dynamic growth,” according to economic development expert Bill Fruth, who spent much of Monday touring the Golden Triangle and talking with officials at the Columbus-Lowndes Development Link.
Deputies searching for two suspects in Sunday double homicide
June 29, 2025
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