Columbus council takes next step to revamp tourism board

The next step in the process of revamping the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau board is on tap for Tuesday night.

Lowndes cable bills to see 5 percent increase

County cable bills will soon rise by 5 percent. The Lowndes County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Friday to impose a franchise fee on county cable customers, similar to the fee already imposed on cable customers in Columbus and Caledonia.

Columbus, Lowndes County officials work to cut soccer park costs

The quest to cut the price tag of the Burns Bottom soccer complex is moving toward the light.

More qualify for Lowndes elections

Two new qualifiers have submitted their paperwork to run for Lowndes County offices.

New Hope Middle School Principal Sam Allison has signed up to run for superintendent of education, while county mechanic Anthony Sanders will challenge for Jeff Smith’s District 4 Supervisor seat.

KiOR seeks rewording in lease agreement

KiOR is awaiting a revised lease from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before breaking ground on Columbus’ island.

Higgins: County well positioned if eminent domain law passes

Lowndes County may have narrowly avoided a major roadblock to industrial proliferation, according to economic development boss Joe Higgins.

Lowndes justice judge Arledge plans run for sheriff

Lowndes County District 2 Justice Court Judge Mike Arledge plans to leave the bench and run for sheriff.

Columbus police deliver suspect with loaded gun to jail

The Columbus Police Department disciplined officers and reworked its search policy after a suspect was turned in to the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center with a pistol in his jacket in November.

A week into qualifying, few candidates step forward in Lowndes

Five days after qualifying for county elections began, just two Lowndes County incumbents are facing opposition.

Lowndes sheriff Howard won’t seek re-election

Lowndes County Sheriff Butch Howard has decided not to seek re-election to a fourth term.

The VFW’s new battle: Recruiting new members

The Lowndes County Veterans of Foreign Wars post leadership has the right ideas. It just doesn’t have the youth to prove it. As membership at VFWs nationwide continues to decline, the men in charge of Post 4272 in Columbus are reaching out to the next generation of veterans.

Parks department funds new Crawford community center

After years of asking for help, Crawford’s ailing community center is in line for an upgrade.

Lowndes considers proposal to monitor flood-prone creek

During a brief Tuesday meeting the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors tabled a potential partnership with the city.

Columbus to remove asbestos, burn down houses to make way for soccer park

Five houses in the way of the planned soccer complex at Burns Bottom in downtown Columbus should be gone within three months.

Local legislators: Budget cuts, redistricting will dominate session

The budget is a primary issue every year. Redistricting joins it every 10 years. There’s not much suspense heading into Mississippi’s 2011 legislative session.

Lowndes circuit clerk Salazar to seek re-election as independent

Lowndes County Circuit Clerk Mahala Salazar has announced her intention to seek reelection, but this time as an independent.

MONDAY PROFILE: Retiring officer says parenting, policing key to fighting crime

It’s impossible to spend 23 years on the police force and leave without a ton of stories. On the eve of his retirement from the Columbus Police Department, soft-spoken officer Neal Taylor agreed to relive a few encounters.

City, county continue political chess over CVB board appointments

The disagreement between the city and county on the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau is now official.

Drink and ride: Police encourage New Year’s Eve drinkers to tap a designated driver

Drinkers, get your driving plans together now. Ten to 13 cabs (four to six in Columbus and seven in Starkville) will be on the road New Year’s Eve night shuttling revelers to and from parties, but they can’t get to everyone. Thus, law enforcement is recommending drinkers secure a designated driver.

Dealers push for end-of-year sales

Christmas is past, but Americans aren’t yet finished buying new toys.

In Columbus and around the country, the week immediately following Christmas day is the busiest for new car sales.