Articles by Jeff Clark
Ward 2 candidates put focus on infrastructure
In the first of a series of political forums hosted by the Columbus Exchange Club, Ward 2 incumbent councilman Joseph Mickens, a Democrat, and Republican challenger Susan Mackay discussed their platforms for the upcoming municipal election.
Grant will provide homes for four families
Four Lowndes County families are one step closer to receiving new homes.
On Monday, the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors voted to allow Home Investment Partnerships Grant Program (HOME) coordinator Spencer Broocks of Golden Triangle Planning and Development to begin advertising for professional services.
City hires new firemen, public works employees
Along with hiring a new chief financial officer Tuesday night, the Columbus City Council also hired several new employees to fill various spots within Columbus Fire and Rescue and the public works department.
Columbus city service fair set for Thursday
Columbus residents wishing to ask questions about some of the services provided by the city will have the opportunity to do so Thursday.
Council hires Rawle as new CFO
After months of searching, the City of Columbus now has a new chief financial officer.
The city council voted unanimously to hire Milton Rawle Jr. of Vicksburg. Rawle was one of two finalists for the position.
Supes consider consolidated vo-tech center
Lowndes County School District Superintendent Lynn Wright continued his campaign for a consolidated vocational career center Monday in an appearance before the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors.
Drainage is a key issue in Ward 2 race
Drainage issues in East Columbus are among the top concerns facing candidates in the race for councilman in Ward 2.
Parent sues mayor over Youth Council
Mayor Robert Smith and his Mayor’s Youth Council received a slap on the wrist from Mississippi Supreme Court Judge Thomas Zebert of Pearl Friday in Lowndes County Chancery Court after a parent filed an injunction alleging her daughter was improperly prohibited from attending a group trip.
Officials hope to dedicate Catfish Alley monument in April
After months of discussion, a memorial to honor the pioneers who once populated one of Columbus’ most historic streets is one step closer to reality.
Talks continue over Columbus bus service
Although there has been little public discussion on the matter over the past couple of months, negotiations to allow a private bus company to operate in Columbus are still being discussed, city attorney Jeff Turnage said.
Bernsen replacement to be named Tuesday
The Columbus City Council will announce its new Chief Financial Officer during its regular Feb. 5 meeting after completing a final round of interviews Tuesday.
CVB hires Hemphill as new board attorney
Chris Hemphill has been hired as the board attorney by the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Trustees
Byrd, Gavin focus on business in Ward 6 election showdown
Incumbent Bill Gavin and challenger Whirllie Byrd will mean business when they face off in the upcoming Columbus municipal election primary.
Support grows for state tourism board
A pair of bills moving through the state’s legislature could mean big things for the state’s tourism industry.
House Bill 935 and Senate Bill 2565 have passed through the respective chambers unanimously and a general tourism bill shouldn’t be far behind.
City to sell Cousins Center at reduced price
A sale of property between the City of Columbus and a local church is still on track, although the price on the property has dropped by $2,000.
Columbus gun buyback program starts Monday
A gun buyback program implemented by the Columbus Police Department will officially launch Monday.
Those wishing to exchange guns for a cash payment can go to one of four designated sites — the Walmart parking lot, Townsend Community Center, Sim Scott Park and the East Columbus Gym. The first set of buyback dates are Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Council picks Verdell for school board
Angela Verdell was appointed by unanimous vote to a five-year term to the Columbus Municipal School District Board of Trustees during Tuesday’s Columbus City Council meeting.
Pair of restaurants open in Columbus
After a series of invitation-only soft openings, two new Columbus restaurants are open for business.
The LongHorn Steakhouse, a Orlando, Fla.-based franchise which also owns Red Lobster and Olive Garden, opened its doors to the public Monday.
CVB’s festival grant meeting canceled
A special meeting of the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Festival Grants Committee scheduled for today has been canceled. According to committee member Bernard Buckhalter, the meeting was canceled because committee chairman Mark Castleberry would not be able to attend.
County forms committee to target 10 worst roads
A new ad hoc committee formed by the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors has been charged with finding the 10 worst roads in the county.
The committee will present its findings to the supervisors in an effort to have some or all of the roads repaired.