Man sought for kidnapping found dead in Hamilton

According to Monroe County Coroner Alan Gurley, an autopsy confirmed that Stephen Lynn Cronk’s death was due to complications from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Columbus man charged with assault

The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office arrested Derrick Ross Williams, 38, of 912 Oswalt Road in Columbus Sunday and charged him with four counts of aggravated assault with a weapon.

Salazar, Shelton stump at Exchange Club meeting

On one side stands experience and tenure. On the other stands youth and energy. Independent Haley Salazar, the incumbent, and Republican Justin Shelton will face off Nov. 8 in the Lowndes County Circuit Clerk election. They spoke at the Columbus Exchange Club Thursday, pitching a portion of their campaign platforms and hoping it will stick with those in attendance.

Columbus officers encourage community policing

Columbus police are asking residents for one thing: If you see something, say something. A handful of residents attended the Ward 3 community meeting Thursday night at First Christian Church in East Columbus and discussed concerns within their neighborhoods.

Police investigating third fatal shooting in a week

Columbus police are investigating another possible homicide that occurred late Thursday night on the 500 block of 27th St. N.

Columbus Police make arrests in felony shoplifting case

Columbus police arrested three people Wednesday afternoon for two separate crimes, one a felony shoplifting charge and the other an auto burglary charge.

Meetings to inform residents of crime-prevention strategies

Throughout the next few weeks, Columbus residents will get the chance to offer suggestions and opinions about local law enforcement.

LCSO deputies respond to fights in Artesia

What started as an argument between two women ended with numerous fist fights in the middle of Front Street in Artesia and two men arrested.

Police chief pool narrowed to 25 applicants

Only 25 names remain in the running for the Columbus police chief position. After receiving 82 applications, Columbus Mayor Robert Smith, Chief Operations Officer David Armstrong and Human Resources Director Pat Mitchell spent Thursday afternoon dwindling the pool to 25 qualified applicants.

No suspects in weekend homicides

A Columbus man was found dead at the 300 block of Eighth Street North early Sunday morning after witnesses reported hearing gunshots.

Man arrested in knife assault

Columbus police arrested Leonard Benard Cureton, 46, of 313 1/2 13th Ave. S. in Columbus, Monday for allegedly attacking a man with a knife Friday night at M and M Grocery.

Columbus police investigating second possible homicide

A man was found dead at the 300 block of Eighth Street North in Columbus early Sunday morning after witnesses reported hearing gun shots.

Canton Academy’s running game too much for Immanuel Christian

STEENS — The Canton Academy football team used more than 250 yards rushing and a timely turnover Friday night to earn a 25-14 victory against Immanuel Christian.

LCSO Chief Deputy: Arrests made in school bomb threats

According to Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Greg Wright, three juveniles were taken into custody in connection to the two bomb threats at local schools.

Former councilman remembered as a ‘friendly, funny guy’

In the words of Ward 4 City Councilman Fred Stewart, you never had a dull day with William “Billy” James. “He was a friendly, funny guy. He kept you laughing,” Stewart said.

Board explores ways to keep storms from disrupting 911 computer system

One of the towers at the Lowndes County Courthouse may be taken down. The E911 board of commissioners met Tuesday and discussed ways to keep lightning from striking towers at the courthouse and disrupting the Columbus-Lowndes County E911 emergency computer system.

Lowndes County arrest report

The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office reported the following felony arrests:

Half of Lowndes neighborhood parks projects complete

The Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority moves closer and closer to completing its neighborhood parks project.

Columbus finalizes tax hike for city schools

The Columbus City Council finalized a $22.98 million budget for fiscal year 2012 on Wednesday.

The budget matches expected revenue, and no funds are expected to be pulled from available cash, Chief Financial Officer Mike Bernsen said.

Committee takes center stage in chief search

A group of 18 people share the same task: Help find a new leader for Columbus police.

The search committee appointed by the mayor and City Council will meet to choose a select few applicants worthy of serious consideration for the permanent police chief position.