Realty office goes green, paperless with $500K makeover

Century 21 Realty in Columbus took a quick break from selling the houses of today to build the office of tomorrow.

Doris Hardy, owner of the local brokerage firm, unveiled the new digs on Bluecutt Road Tuesday with a ribbon cutting and open house. The office, which cost nearly $500,000 to renovate, boasts themed rooms and areas, state-of-the-art technology and all new furnishings.

An officer and a gentleman: Sims remembered as a pillar of the community

Columbus has one less gentleman.

Josh Franklin “Shields” Sims, 90, passed away Tuesday afternoon at his Columbus residence. The retired attorney and Army major general is now being remembered as a pillar of his community.

Foundations push back against PEER report

After having their budgets slashed for the next three years by the state Legislature, Mississippi universities are a step closer to facing changes in private fundraising.

CPD officer appeals suspension

A Columbus police officer headed into retirement next month is appealing a 12-day suspension.

Don’t be discouraged by slim market, says job fair organizer

This year’s Golden Triangle Employment Expo will have two stages. The first is intended for everyone; the second is strictly for military veterans.

Bringing critters ‘to life’

More than a year ago, Tim Thorn of Columbus killed an alligator and tore it to bits. Now he’s putting it back together.

West Point tested in victory against Gentry

WEST POINT — The West Point High School football team received a bit of a scare from Gentry on Friday night in West Point before putting the brakes on surging Rams 39-20.

Base honors Mid-South retirees

Military retirees received a warm ‘thank you’ Saturday as Columbus Air Force Base opened its doors for its annual Retiree Appreciation Day.

Justice Court Candidates prep for special election

The candidates for District 1 Justice Court Judge recently answered a short list of questions submitted by the Dispatch aimed at allowing them the opportunity to clarify their positions and reasons for seeking office. The candidates’ answers, in their own words, appear below.

Summing up the Supreme Court

Taking a case to the Mississippi Supreme Court is no small task.

In an address to the Columbus Exchange Club Thursday, Mississippi Supreme Court Justice David Chandler spelled out how difficult it is to have a case heard by the state’s highest court.

Cohen: U.S. can’t let guard down

Uncertain confidence was the sentiment put forth by former Secretary of Defense William Cohen Thursday evening during Mississippi University for Women’s Welty Gala.

If he builds it, they will come: Builder attracts buyers with quality and affordable prices

The average person may consider themselves doing well to own a home by the age of 30. Chris Clardy already owns an entire neighborhood.

Area universities brace for cuts

State universities know the cuts are coming, and now it’s time to separate the necessary from the expendable.

The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning board has projected a 5 percent cut, which could inflate to 10 percent, in funds across state schools in 2010, followed by another 10 percent cut in 2011 and an additional 20 percent cut in 2012.

Home-based business discussion helps educate budding entrepreneurs

Having trouble finding a job? Why not create one?

That was one of the ideas behind of the Mississippi University for Women Center for Entrepreneurship’s round-table discussion on home-based businesses Thursday.

Tourism board plans Tennessee Williams home renovations

It won’t be hot tin, but the Columbus Welcome Center and Tennessee Williams home could be on its way toward receiving a new roof.

Riding along with the CPD

A police officer’s shift can be fraught with excitement, or numbingly routine. Most often, there is an unpredictable mix of both, as it was for Columbus Police Department Officer Rick Higgins last Saturday evening.

Oak Hill Academy blanks Hebron Christian

WEST POINT — The Oak Hill Academy football team finally found someone it could push around, and it just happened to be the other private school in Clay County.

After rain forced Oak Hill Academy to hold its homecoming ceremonies in its gym, the Raiders defeated Hebron Christian 14-0 Friday night in sopping conditions.

Council votes to fund drainage improvements

The Columbus City Council voted unanimously Thursday to contribute $275,000 toward a city drainage project which will be matched by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Judge’s widow, four others qualify for justice court seat

The final ballot is set for a special election to fill Lowndes County Justice Court’s District 1 judge seat.

Salvation Army threatened with closure

Time is running out for the Starkville branch of the Salvation Army.

B.J. Andol, manager for the Starkville Salvation Army store, says her branch of the community assistance mainstay is operating in the red and could be gone within a year if its situation doesn’t change.