Articles by Carmen K. Sisson
Rawle settling in as new city chief financial officer
You could say that Milton Rawle had to go around the world before he found his way to Mississippi.
The city’s new chief financial officer is soft-spoken and polite, still in the “getting to know you” phase with both his new position as well as Columbus. So far, he says, he likes both.
Sales tax data may force cuts to city budget
Columbus sales tax collections continue to lag behind last year’s revenue, prompting some to question whether the city will have to amend its Fiscal Year 2012-2013 budget or dip into reserves to make up the difference.
Unemployment rates drop from January
Unemployment rates are beginning to inch downward from the January highs, according to data released by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security Wednesday.
Columbus is 24th in latest economic strength rating
As the spirit of regional cooperation continues to take root, Columbus has new reason to tout itself as the standard-bearer for economic strength within the Golden Triangle.
City expands summer jobs program
The City of Columbus is once again partnering with the Mississippi Department of Transportation to offer area youth summer jobs in a paid, 10-week program aimed at putting cash in their pockets while instilling work ethics and beautifying the city.
Columbus Air Force Base will bring back July 4th fireworks
Columbus Air Force Base officials are planning a Fourth of July fireworks show after a four-year hiatus.
Col. Jim Sears, commander of the 14th Flying Training Wing, made the announcement amid a spate of fanfare Monday at the overlook on the east bank of the John C. Stennis Lock and Dam in Columbus.
Keeping the faith: As Jewish population in the South declines, local Jews bond to maintain traditions
Sunday afternoon, Dr. Seth Oppenheimer drove from his home in Starkville to Tuscaloosa, armed with a very special grocery list — the items he will need for tonight’s Passover meal.
The hour-long trek is not unusual. It is an undertaking Jews in small communities across Mississippi will make as they prepare for the holiday, which begins tonight at sundown.
Mayoral hopefuls make their pitches at Exchange Club
The city’s three mayoral candidates spoke Thursday at Lion Hills Golf Club, outlining their campaign platforms and visions for the city of Columbus. Incumbent mayor Robert Smith is being challenged by Republican Glenn Lautzenhiser and Independent Bo Jarrett in the June 4 municipal election.
Fire consumes Corps of Engineers’ facility
They came from church, from work, from supper with their families. One by one, they spilled out into the chill night air, silhouettes back-lit by the raging inferno as they put on their turnout gear and faced the fire.
Bigelow hits ground running as Main Street director
Barbara Bigelow absolutely exudes high energy, from her bright eyes and quick smile to the hands that can’t help but get involved in the conversation when she gets excited and wants to emphasize her point.
Council considers dispute over gas tanks
A currently defunct gas station is at the center of a dispute between the City of Columbus and the station operator, who contends he is not responsible for removing four free-standing fuel tanks which city fire officials have declared a hazard.
Trotter Center ready for her facelift
Trotter Convention Center’s long-awaited renovations will soon be underway, with $2 million in improvements planned for the aging facility.
Noon Tunes ‘springs’ into action with Thursday concert
Today marks the advent of spring, ushering in warmer temperatures and a growing Columbus tradition.
Noon Tunes kicks off Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Trotter Convention Center courtyard, with live music from light rock favorite Paul Brady.
CVB reaches no decision on Juneteenth grant
Juneteenth festival organizers will have to wait another month to find out if they will receive their request for an $8,000 quality of life grant from the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Caledonia to begin Youth Council program
Caledonia High School students with political aspirations — or just a desire to understand the underpinnings of government — will soon have an outlet for their interests.
CVB not likely to change festival guidelines for 2013
Festival grants will again be a topic of discussion at tonight’s Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau board meeting.
The festival grants committee met last week and is expected to recommend that the board make no changes at this time, executive director Nancy Carpenter said Sunday afternoon.
Aldermen briefly discuss harassment complaint
The Town of Caledonia Board of Aldermen held a brief, special-called meeting Saturday morning to discuss a town employee’s harassment complaint against a former political candidate, but the topic was only briefly touched upon in what turned out to be a fairly routine agenda.
Cadence Bank robber apprehended in parking lot
You couldn’t have picked a worse place — or a worse time — to commit a crime, as a bank robber discovered Friday afternoon in downtown Columbus.
Link to apply for training school grant
As Lowndes County continues to solidify its presence in the South as an aerospace powerhouse, local leaders have their sights set on the future, looking for ways to ensure a skilled workforce prepared for jobs in aviation.
Mayor Smith, local leaders encouraged by Washington reception
Mayor Robert Smith returned from Washington, D.C. Wednesday with good news — state senators and representatives were “receptive and sympathetic” to his attempt to secure federal funding for the Highway 45 bypass and a 14th Avenue drainage ditch project.