Articles by Carmen K. Sisson
Spring Pilgrimage begins Monday
For many visitors, Spring Pilgrimage is their first glimpse of Columbus, and organizers are hoping this year’s 72nd annual event will inspire newcomers to fall in love with the city and remind residents of the rich heritage and historic charm with which the community is graced.
United Way celebrates past year, looks to next
Last year was difficult for many people across Lowndes County as unemployment soared and prices for basic necessities sky-rocketed. At times, the agencies trying to help those in need found themselves in need as well.
Brigham, Hainsey join military council
Two local leaders have been tasked with representing the community on the newly-established Mississippi Military Communities Council, which was re-established by Gov. Phil Bryant last week to help promote and protect the state’s military interests and advise him on issues impacting the state’s nine military bases.
Columbus schools move to implement bomb threat response teams
City school officials have had enough.
LINK: Development plan in works for area
Higgins discusses West Point agreement, development updates
West Point schools consider abstinence-only sex education
The West Point School District is considering an abstinence-only program for its students, in compliance with a state-mandated directive for all school districts to offer sex education.
Starkville aldermen set limits for temp positions
The Starkville Board of Aldermen voted unanimously Tuesday night to advertise for a temporary, full-time worker to fill City Building Inspector Ken Honeycutt’s position while he is on a leave of absence.
Columbus school receives second bomb threat in two weeks
Ongoing efforts to end the bomb threats plaguing the Columbus Municipal School District have been increased, with a public school safety meeting slated Thursday at 4 p.m. at Brandon Central Services.
Classes resume at Fairview after second bomb threat
Classes have resumed at Fairview Elementary following the ninth bomb threat of the year for the city and county school systems. Students were taken to Fairview Baptist Church, where they waited while the premises were searched.
Merchants prep for spring, upcoming open house
Maybe it’s the extra hour of sunlight, slipping through office window blinds and begging workers to come out and play. Maybe it’s the sight of wisteria running tangled and wild, knock-kneed calves in the fields, early flowers poking defiant heads above the earth and declaring spring officially sprung. Maybe it’s the sneeze-inducing pollen, blowing through the air like Southern pixie dust, speaking of life, growth and Faulkneresque “wet seeds wild in the hot blind earth.”
Air traffic up at GTRA
The parking lot expansion is finally complete at Golden Triangle Regional Airport, and if the latest passenger traffic data is any indication, those 50 extra parking spaces will be quickly put to use.
Brigham touts county’s accomplishments at Exchange Club
The newness of the job — and his enthusiasm for it — was foremost on Lowndes County District 2 Supervisor Bill Brigham’s mind Thursday, as he spoke to the Columbus Exchange Club.
More than 1,000 Mennonites gather at Trotter for North American convention
They came from as close as Macon and Brooksville and as far away as Canada. By Thursday afternoon, nearly 1,000 people — mostly men — had converged upon Trotter Convention Center, and as many as 1,600 are expected today and Saturday.
Growth Alliance names new director, plans for Link partnership
The West Point-Clay County Growth Alliance has suffered its share of growing pains over the past few months, with staff changes, a new partnership and a new direction.
Clean Sweep Columbus planned for March 24
Clean Sweep Columbus organizers are recruiting volunteers for their fourth annual community cleanup, which will kick off March 24 at 9 a.m. at the Hitching Lot Farmer’s Market.
Leigh Mall owners mum on new tenants for Sears space
An anchor since Leigh Mall’s inception nearly four decades ago, Columbus’ Sears store permanently will close April 29, as part of a nationwide corporate restructuring in response to sluggish sales, amid a still-shaky economy.
Seventy Years of Wings Over Columbus
On an ordinary night, the aircraft hangar would have been filled with student pilots and their instructors carrying out the Columbus Air Force Base mission of producing pilots, advancing airmen and “feeding the fight” by preparing airmen for eventual deployment. But Friday, the hangar was the setting for a dignitary-studded soirée that carried on well into the night as the base celebrated the 70th anniversary of its first graduating pilot class.
A Family Affair: Columbus native brings national chain back home
Part-time greeter and marketer and full-time helpmate, silver-haired Waylon Kyle stood next to a black-and-white cow, doling out red balloons and hearty helpings of goodwill, while his wife, Freda Kyle, flitted between filling lemonade orders and keeping a watchful eye on her employees. The Kyles and their six children are an example of what happens when corporate philosophy becomes a family commitment, forging a successful business model and multi-generational bond.
Calling all heroes: Red Cross kicks off fundraising campaign
The local chapter of the American Red Cross kicked off its annual Heroes campaign Thursday, with participants gathering for an appreciation luncheon at Mississippi University for Women.
Lowndes School Board supports prayer proposal
The Lowndes County School Board Friday voted 4 – 0 to support a school prayer proposal wending its way through the state legislature.
Deputies searching for two suspects in Sunday double homicide
June 29, 2025
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