Brooks vocal in opposition to CVB board appointment

What could have been a quick conversation among gentlemen turned into a circus of race and politics Friday at the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors meeting. Approving an appointee to replace George Swales to the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau turned into a highly contentious issue, particularly between longtime sparring partners District Five Supervisor Leroy Brooks and District One Supervisor and Board President Harry Sanders.

City approves budget with no millage increase

After more than a month of discussions, motions and hearings, the Columbus City Council voted Thursday to approve its Fiscal Year 2013 operating budget. The budget contains $22,932.13 in revenues and $23,258,533 in expenditures, leaving a $326,115 deficit.

Soccer complex may breathe new life into Burns Bottom area

Burns Bottom is now the site of a 70-acre development built around a $5 million recreation facility. The Columbus Soccer Complex will officially open Saturday, Sept. 22.

County ready to make CVB appointment

The Lowndes County Board of Supervisors will name a replacement for George Swales on the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors during Friday’s board meeting.

Committee considers Highway 45 corridor face-lift

One of the most traveled roads in Columbus may soon get a much-needed facelift. Highway 45 North, the main entrance to the city and the center for most of its restaurants and shopping, is the subject of a long-discussed beautification project.

West Point voters pass tourism tax

It’s not the quantity of the voters that counted, but what the ones who voted had to say.

Voters in West Point passed a resolution to allow the city to levy a one-percent tourism sales tax, bringing the sales tax to nine percent on restaurant, liquor store and hotel/motel purchases.

Popular downtown restaurant gets a reprieve with new owners

Lovers of the Front Door/Back Door’s chicken salad need not worry; according to the restaurant’s new owners, Steve McLemore and Jim Lewis, Chef Sarah Lapbinsky’s recipes are in good hands.

‘Recovery Day’ focuses on providing funds for treatment for addicts

Drug and alcohol addiction is something that is usually associated with darkness, pain and tragedy. But an upcoming fundraiser in Starkville hopes to not only diminish some of the social stigmas surrounding addiction, but to do so in a fun-filled, family-friendly environment.

No. 1 Alabama sluggish in shutout of WKU

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Perhaps University of Alabama coach Nick Saban was right. Maybe the game against University of Western Kentucky was important.

MRA explodes in third quarter to beat Heritage

It was full of highs and lows.

It was long and it was ugly.

It was only the third quarter.

Madison-Ridgeland Academy scored 17 unanswered points in those 12 minutes and capitalized on four turnovers to beat Heritage Academy 33-10 in a battle of the Patriots on Friday night in Columbus.

Section 42 change will boost County’s tax revenue

At the suggestion of tax collector/assessor Greg Andrews, the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors have approved a change in the way Section 42 housing will be assessed.

Millage rates won’t go up, says council

Millage rates for Columbus residents will not be increased in the next fiscal year.

Road Dept. has eye on Peterbilt location

The Lowndes County Road Department may soon have a new place to call home.

City will dip into reserves to make budget

As Columbus’ mayor and city council continue to work toward a 2013 budget deadline of Sept. 14, some last-minute financial discoveries have increased the city’s deficit by almost $100,000.

Mother of Caledonia alderman killed in two-car collision

A two-vehicle accident claimed the life of a Caledonia woman on Wednesday.

Garbage rate increase still won’t cover cost, council told

With a budget hearing set for Thursday, the Columbus City Council on Tuesday approved a resolution to raise garbage fees $2 a month, beginning Oct. 1.

County continues work on budget

County Administrator Ralph Billingsley told the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors that the budget process is continuing as it approaches its Sept. 15 deadline.

Catfish by Committee: Mayor wants group to devise ways to honor street’s history

Although it is only one block long, “Catfish Alley,” the stretch of Fourth Street between Main Street and College Street, has played a big role in shaping the city.

Seymour’s class at MUW geared toward helping women learn ‘language of football’

The beginning of college football season is a rite of passage for many men in the South. It is a much-lauded, much-discussed subject year-round, but it can also be a source of contention in many homes, as some wives may feel they have a rival for their affection in Lady Football.

City to pick consultant for Brownfield Grant projects

The City of Columbus is one step closer to implementing a federal grant that could bring about industrial development.