Articles by Grant McLaughlin
Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy to encourage community engagement
A local Chick-Fil-A franchisee is working with the Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce and West Lowndes High School to bring a national leadership program to more than 40 students in Lowndes County.
Ammo maker looks to Maxxim Medical building for expansion
A previously unnamed business looking to locate in the former Maxxim Medical building off Yorkville Park Square has made itself known.
Higgins: Lowndes needs more land for industry
The deal to secure the $2.5 billion Aluminum Dynamics development in November gave the Golden Triangle Development LINK and Lowndes County a major victory but also a challenge: What comes next?
Goings On with Grant: New Bank of Commerce branch to open on Bluecutt Road
It’s a common saying that the more, the merrier.
Report: Lowndes sees $300M bump in gross production over 4 years
The Mississippi State University Extension Office’s yearly economic profile for Lowndes County shows significant growth in key industries and a $10,000 jump in personal income over nine years.
2,000+ Lowndes mortgage holders receive unnecessary tax bill
More than 2,000 residents in Lowndes County have received tax bills on their mortgages since late November. The only problem? They aren’t supposed to be the ones paying the bill.
Goings On with Grant: Sweet Peppers Deli now reopened
I knew I smelled something sweet and savory driving down Highway 45 this morning.
Property owner: Limited operating hours for bar would result in lawsuit against county
The owner of an Oktibbeha County bar and his landlord claim the business’ revenues have dropped dramatically due to actions by the county, and one is threatening legal action if the board of supervisors moves forward with a plan to limit operating hours for all resort status establishments.
Grant application aims to replace aging fire truck
The Lowndes County Fire Department will apply for a federal Assistance to Firefighters grant to purchase a $500,000 tanker and pumper fire truck to replace one of the department’s older tanker vehicles.
Golden Triangle sales tax collections up over last year
Sales tax collections continue to show growth year-over-year throughout the Golden Triangle.
Area employment numbers improve from September
Local and state unemployment rates fell in October while the national rate saw a slight uptick, according to the latest labor market report by the Mississippi Department of Employment and Security.
Photo: United Way Vehicle Raffle Winner
Renee Sanders (left) hands Kimberlin Cotton the keys to a 2019 Toyota Highlander on Friday afternoon at the United Way of Lowndes and Noxubee office at 223 22nd St. S. Sanders said more than 300 people signed up for a raffle competition to obtain the car for free.
Goings On with Grant: Black Friday deals abound in Golden Triangle
Gather the Crock-Pot fanatics and put on your mittens, y’all. It’s the holiday shopping season and the Golden Triangle is rumbling with Black Friday deals and seasonal shopping sprees.
From rearranging his room to redesigning your home
Cody Moore struck out on his own to open Babble House, an interior design service in West Point, in March 2021. He has always enjoyed changing a space and making it new, an obsession that began as a child.
Tenn-Tom traffic remains steady during historic drought
While barge traffic on the Mississippi River has slowed dramatically in the middle of a lingering drought, waterways such as the Tenn-Tom, which are controlled by a series of locks and dams, are not as impacted by reduced rain.
Mississippi Steel Processing taps into auto industry
When the sunshine glimmers on the hood of a freshly made car, the hands that cut and formed the steel to build it are seldom known.
But with a brand new flag and certification to process steel for the automotive industry, the Mississippi Steel Processing plant at 400 N. Steel Road plans to change that.
Goings On with Grant: Five Below in Columbus to open Dec. 2
As sure as the cold winds rolled into town this week, so will the new Five Below located at 1444 Old Aberdeen Road in Columbus open on Dec. 2.
Developer makes offer for two parcels in Burns Bottom
An unnamed developer has submitted a commercial letter of intent to the Columbus Redevelopment Authority to purchase two adjacent parcels in the Burns Bottom project area.
Goings On with Grant: Doug and Hazel’s closing on Saturdays in Columbus
Just in time for hunting season, the Outlaw Sporting Goods store located at 2322 Hwy. 45 N. is having a grand opening ceremony today to celebrate its entry into Columbus.
Buyer backs out of Woody’s on the Water sale
A deal to bring a restaurant and seafood market to the Columbus Marina has fallen through.
Four local soccer teams place at state and regional tournaments
June 25, 2025
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