Murder suspect released

A Columbus man has been released from the Lowndes County Adult Detention Center after being charged with murder.

Curtis Hinton, 47, 2523 5th Ave. N in Columbus, turned himself in to the police on Thursday, July 5 after a warrant was issued for his arrest in June for his alleged involvement in the cold case murder of George Wilbanks. Hinton was arraigned on a capital murder charge and his bond was set at $2 million.

Personnel costs put Columbus over budget

With a shortfall of roughly $1.6 million, the Columbus City Council is now faced with the difficult task of balancing the Fiscal Year 2013 budget.

County voter registration cards in mail this week

Some Lowndes County voters soon will be receiving new voter registration cards in the mail.

Circuit Clerk Haley Salazar said her office began mailing the new cards Wednesday. The cards are being mailed to voters affected by the 2011 redistricting in the county.

MCSO bust meth lab operating near church, school

A meth bust in Monroe County has landed one man behind bars. According to Monroe County Sheriff Cecil Cantrell, deputies raided an active meth lab Wednesday morning. The lab was located approximately 25 feet from Hamilton High School. The lab was also located across the street from a church.

Local conservatives like Ryan as VP pick

Mitt Romney’s announcement of Wisconsin congressman Paul Ryan as his GOP vice-presidential running mate may have caught some political pundits off-guard. But Ryan’s selection is being celebrated among conservatives.

Hotel Haven: Developer gets approval for third hotel

Visitors to Columbus will soon have another option for overnight lodging as a national chain is once again coming to the Friendly City.

EMCC submits bid for Columbus Country Club

An expansion for East Mississippi Community College may be on the horizon. As the Columbus Country Club heads to the auction block after more than a year of toiling in Chapter 11 bankruptcy, EMCC is one of the potential buyers with an offer on the table.

Tuscaloosa Amphitheater offers quick getaway for area music fans

Although she is only 28, Columbus resident Dana LeBlanc is a lifelong Crosby, Stills and Nash fan. When the opportunity arose for LeBlanc to see the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame members, she didn’t hesitate to drive in the rain less than an hour to hear them at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater July 11.

Columbus officials working on 2013 budget

With a Sept. 15 deadline looming, Columbus city officials have started preliminary discussions for the Fiscal Year 2013 budget.

Grant to strengthen CAFB’s position as BRAC talks resume

U.S. military installations around the world breathed a sigh of relief when Congress recently killed a round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) scheduled for 2013 from its defense budget.

Workin’ man tunes: Haggard plays Tuscaloosa

Country music icon Merle Haggard will be bringing his working man blues to the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater Saturday night. Haggard is touring in support of 2011 album “Working in Tennessee,” his second record for Vanguard records.

Mom’s inquiry leads to arrest of son

A mother’s curiosity lead to the arrest of two men and an assault against a police officer on Wednesday.

City Council balks at renaming Catfish Alley

A request to honor a family member turned into a contentious issue during Tuesday’s Columbus City Council meeting.

Council says restaurateur’s failed bid for CVB based on residency

A Columbus restaurant owner may have more questions than answers after appearing Tuesday before the Columbus City Council. Glen Baldwin, owner of the Cattleman’s Steak and Fish House and Pit and Cone restaurants, wanted answers from the council regarding a recent appointment to the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Columbus Soccer Complex nears completion

Opening ceremonies are being planned for a soon-to-be completed sports complex. The Columbus Soccer Complex, located in the Burns Bottom area near downtown Columbus, is scheduled to be completed Aug. 21. The soccer complex will open Sept. 22.

CPD holds ‘Night Out’ against crime

The Columbus Police Department will be hosting a night out from crime. Beginning tonight at 6, Columbus residents can attend events at one or more of four locations — Sims Scott Park, Townsend Community Center, the East Columbus Gym and Sandfield Community Center.

Council expected to put final touches on redistricting plan

The Columbus City Council will clear one of its last hurdles before redrawing the lines in some of its six wards. The Council on Tuesday will discuss and adopt an ordinance needed for approval before the final redistricting map can be sent to the U.S. Department of Justice for final approval.

Crimson Tide players, coaches meet media

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — It has been about seven months since the University of Alabama football team won one of the most controversial National Championship games since the Bowl Championship Series system was created, beating Southeastern Conference West champion LSU 21-0.

Baldwin wants answers from council on CVB board process

A Columbus restaurateur wants to know why he wasn’t considered for a recent appointment made by the Columbus City Council.

Crowds flock to Chick-fil-A

Chicken lovers lined up for hours in the Golden Triangle on Wednesday to dine at one of their favorite fast food eateries. And while some may have stopped by the Columbus or Starkville Chick-fil-A solely to get a chicken sandwich, others waited for more than an hour at the crowded chain to not only eat but to take part in a political movement.