Articles by Garthia Elena Burnett
Parents, students sick of bomb threats
After two false alarms this year, Columbus High students and family members are tired of bomb threats.
Dozens of people were outside of Fairview Baptist Church in Columbus Thursday morning, waiting — parents waiting for children to arrive on buses, students waiting for a ride home.
Saying goodbye to the queen of police vehicles
Fred Shelton was heading into Alabama in hot pursuit of a suspect.
“We had good sights on the suspect vehicle,” said Shelton, a captain with the Columbus Police Department.
A Warm Welcome: MUW puts down the mat for new president
Dozens gathered in the Cochran Ballroom Wednesday to hear the announcement.
Mississippi University for Women had been waiting for this moment for 18 months.
They had time to prepare: A flurry of bright blue balloons flew into the room; the startling sound of noisemakers came with them.
A group of MUW staff had been waiting in the wings holding dozens of strings of light blue and royal blue balloons.
‘A perfect fit’: Columbus Red Cross office names Evans new coordinator
When Perneatha Evans moved back to the Golden Triangle from Las Vegas, she knew she wanted to make a difference in the community. What better way to do that than to volunteer with the American Red Cross, she thought.
Hatch Act continues to raise questions in sheriff’s race
The Hatch Act is rearing its head again the Lowndes County sheriff’s election, as officials question whether or not Anthony Nelson is eligible to run under the stipulations of the federal law. Democratic sheriff candidate Selvain McQueen withdrew from the election when the Hatch Act Unit began investigating allegations he might have been in violation of the law.
Lowndes passes $38M budget; property taxes remain the same
Residents of Lowndes County who live outside of municipality limits will not see a tax increase this-coming fiscal year.
Omnova labor dispute continues
Though the ballots are in, it could be weeks before it is decided whether Omnova Solutions in Columbus will become a non-union plant or continue to be bound to Local 748-L.
Sept. 11, 2001 at Golden Triangle Regional Airport
Nick Ardillo was at his second-floor office at the Golden Triangle Regional Airport. Airport employees were rushing up the stairs to give him the news.
Fighting for freedom: Columbus native saw 9/11 as a call to defend the country
Jesse Havard was a sophomore at New Hope High School, making his way from P.E. to English class.
As students settled into their desks, “there (were) whispers of the towers in New York being struck,” he recalled.
Caledonia principal withdraws from election
The field got slightly narrower for candidates in the race for Lowndes County superintendent of education. Roger Hill, who was running as an independent, Thursday withdrew his candidacy.
Brooks calls for openness in budget process
As Lowndes County officials continue to hash out a $38.27 million budget, District 5 Supervisor Leroy Brooks called for a public workshop prior to the board’s next meeting, Sept. 15.
By state law, the supervisors must adopt a budget for the coming fiscal year, which begins on Oct. 1, by Sept. 15.
Airport business looking to expand
One of the businesses located near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport has plans to expand. The GTRA Authority met on Friday for a special meeting, to discuss possible incentives for the business, whose name is being withheld pending negotiations.
United Way kicks off fundraising efforts, sets $550,000 goal
Having a servant heart was the theme at Thursday’s United Way of Lowndes County campaign kickoff. It was a theme attendees could relate to, as they wiped the sweat from their brow to enjoy a lunch of pulled-pork sandwiches and baked beans.
United Way kicks off fundraising efforts, sets $550,000 goal
Having a servant heart was the theme at Thursday’s United Way of Lowndes County campaign kickoff. It was a theme attendees could relate to, as they wiped the sweat from their brow to enjoy a lunch of pulled-pork sandwiches and baked beans.
Lowndes County approves courthouse renovation changes
Renovations at the Lowndes County Courthouse will cost just a little more than the $1.86 million expected, due to a leaky roof and complete replacement of the building’s columns.
Brooks calls for county-worker raises
Looking to the city of Columbus as an example, Lowndes County Supervisor Leroy Brooks wants to guarantee county employees raises for the coming fiscal year. The city recently passed a $22.86 million budget, including 3-percent raises for its about 280 employees.
Tractor Supply latest retail addition to Columbus
Tractor Supply Co. is the latest addition to Columbus’ retail market. The farm and ranch supply store is building a new store on Highway 45 North, just north of Creekstone Chevron.
Severstal in breach-of-contract, fraud suit
Severstal Columbus, a steel plant in the Lowndes County industrial park, is in the middle of litigation with its former metal brokerage company.