Universities brace for cuts in new budget allocation

Local universities are bracing for budget cuts since the state passed its $5 billion budget last week.

Community group has concerns over school redistricting

A West Lowndes community member went before the Lowndes County school board Friday, to voice concerns over a pending redistricting plan for the system.

A Columbus ‘Victorian gem,’ slated for demolition

For the past several years, the pale green Victorian home on Seventh Street North has deteriorated. Its owners (and neighbors), the congregation at First Baptist Church, have outlived using it as a senior activity center. And the church has a permit to demolish the historic home.

Competitive cookers gather for Grilling on the River

It’s not a party without Mother Goose. The local celebrity, craft and food vendors, inflatables and a mini-carnival are the icing on the cake (or the sauce on the ribs, rather) for this year’s Grilling on the River event, Friday and Saturday.

Columbus police officers placed on leave after shooting

Two Columbus policemen remained on administrative leave today as the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation looked into a Wednesday night shooting involving the officers.

Redistricting plan draws Lowndes residents’ ire

Solidifying Lowndes County’s redistricting plan could be a hard-fought battle, as the plan heads to the Justice Department.

Lowndes supervisors OK new tourism board office

The Lowndes County Board of Supervisors Monday approved the purchase of the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau’s new office space at 117 Third St. S., behind the Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center.

Man shot at Caledonia house party; 81-year-old arrested

What started as a friendly gathering Sunday ended with a shooting, when a house guest turned to gunfire.

Public redistricting hearing set for Monday

The issue that’s heated the supervisors’ boardroom for the past weeks goes to the public on Monday.

Though public interest in the plan seems to be limited, there are some groups planning to attend the meeting, in objection to the redistricting plan.

United Way celebrates Lowndes fundraisers, volunteers

As William Corder passed the torch to a new United Way of Lowndes County president Thursday, he reminded contributors how far-reaching their gifts are.

Unity Picnic brings city together Saturday

Columbus Mayor Robert Smith ran for office on a campaign of unity. Saturday, Smith’s fourth annual unity picnic at the Columbus Riverwalk, from 4-8 p.m., will offer a reflection of his vision.

Mississippi Brawl Stars ready to rumble

Behind striped knee-highs, short skirts and fish-net pantyhose lie hard-core athletes. And they have the blood, sweat and broken bones to prove it.

Troubles in Japan reach local car dealers’ lots

In the coming weeks, car buyers will have difficulty finding the model they want in certain colors, and Toyota, Honda and other companies will lose billions of dollars in revenue.

Your carriage awaits: Man realizes dream of bringing horse-drawn tours to Columbus

Columbus’ Xavier Fairley, who helps people realize their fairy tale dreams in his new career as a carriage driver, is a bit of a Cinderella story himself.

Monroe County man dies after truck hits tree

A Monroe County man died in a one-vehicle wreck Friday afternoon.

Rain or shine, Columbus Pilgrimage goes on

Organizers are expecting up to 20,000 people to participate in Columbus’ Spring Pilgrimage this year. Events kick off today, with home tours and Blues Around the Block, featuring music and catfish and shrimp po boys, at the Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center on Main Street. And the show will go on, rain or shine.

Rain or shine, Columbus Pilgrimage goes on

Organizers are expecting up to 20,000 people to participate in Columbus’ Spring Pilgrimage this year. Events kick off today, with home tours and Blues Around the Block, featuring music and catfish and shrimp po boys, at the Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center on Main Street. And the show will go on, rain or shine.

Lowndes tests new Miss. teacher evaluation tools

Lowndes County schools are testing one of three teacher evaluation instruments for the state Department of Education. When one is selected, it will be used as a pilot in select areas of the state to gauge teacher effectiveness.

For teachers, it’s all about the eval

Locally, teacher evaluations are used mostly to map out plans for improvement. In districts in other parts of the county, they easily can translate into a teacher losing his or her job.

To land employment, job seekers must lower expectations, experts say

Shavannah Cotton, who has been without a steady job since 2005, echoes a common refrain among local job seekers: The jobs just aren’t out there.