Articles by Jeff Clark
Theaters add security in wake of Aurora shooting tragedy
In the aftermath of a shooting spree that killed 12 people in a crowded theater in Aurora, Colo., some theater chains are changing the way they keep their audiences safe.
‘Last House’ expansion provides key tool for sober living
Substance abuse and addiction can be debilitating, even life-threatening. It affects millions of Americans each year. But for men in Columbus who are combating addiction, more help is becoming available.
LCSO investigating shooting at Crawford club
A Sunday morning shooting in west Lowndes County is still under investigation by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office.
CPD investigates string of burglaries
The Columbus Police Department is investigating a series of Sunday burglaries that have targeted beauty salons.
Officials say student data responsible for spike in unemployment numbers
June unemployment figures show a slight increase from May of those without jobs. According to the Mississippi Department of Unemployment Security, June unemployment numbers rose to 10.4 percent from 9.6 percent. But the MDUS said the increase is not a cause for alarm.
Local gun laws: State’s lenient gun laws in question after Colo. shooting
In the wake of a mass shooting in Aurora, Colo., where 12 people were shot and killed during a midnight showing of “The Dark Knight Rises” July 20, gun sales across the nation are on the rise.
Columbus man dead in Highway 45 crash
A three-vehicle accident late Thursday on Highway 45 has claimed the life of a Columbus man.
New Hope home burns during hour-long wait for fire trucks
The fire, which started at approximately 9:05 a.m., was hard to fully extinguish because of the summer heat and lack of volunteer responders, said Lowndes County Fire Coordinator Sammy Fondren. The home, located at 804 Crowe Road, was owned by Leon and Ethel Harris, who were not injured in the fire.
CVB budget grows to $1.6 million
The Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau will have a slightly larger operating budget for the coming year, thanks primarily to an increase from city sales tax collections.
Deputies search for two in armed robbery
The Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office is looking for two men in connection with a Tuesday night home invasion. According to LCSO Chief Deputy Mark Miley, a home located at 923 Golding Road was burglarized Tuesday night at around 10 p.m.
Cyberstalking arrests increase as social media expands
Although it is not an every-day occurrence, cyberstalking is becoming more prevalent in Lowndes County and Columbus. According to Police Chief Magazine, cyberstalking is defined as “an escalated form of online harassment directed at a specific person that causes substantial emotional distress and serves no legitimate purpose. The action is to annoy, alarm, and emotionally abuse another person.”
Blues Festival organizers pleased with turnout
Although the dust hasn’t quite settled on this year’s festival, organizers for the Southside-Townsend Park Blues Festival are already making plans for next year.
Parents, merchants ready for tax-free weekend
Mississippi shoppers will get a break from sales tax this weekend as the annual tax-free weekend begins Friday at midnight. The tax-free shopping law was passed by the Mississippi Legislature in 2009 as a way to help families with the financial strain of back-to-school shopping.
CPD yet to issue sagging pants citation
In an effort to stop a popular clothing trend, sagging pants ordinances are becoming a common tool to combat what many think is a visual nuisance. But are the ordinances effective?
Smith pushes comprehensive fire plan for county
With a new fire board in place for his constituents, District 4 Supervisor Jeff Smith is hoping a comprehensive plan will be next in line for the county’s fire services.
Crime report 7-23-12
The Columbus Police Department is investigating some shots fired Saturday night.
Columbus fans pack movie debut
It has been predicted to be the biggest blockbuster of the year and movie-goers Friday morning in Columbus helped confirm that belief. “The Dark Knight Rises,” the third and final chapter in director Christopher Nolan’s epic Batman saga, opened at midnight at theaters around the country, an opening obscured by the tragic shootings in Aurora, Colo., that left 12 dead and 50 injured.
City’s comprehensive plan ready for public discussion
A comprehensive plan, designed to set the standards for development and zoning in Columbus, will be making its way before the city council before summer’s end. City Planner Christina Berry, whose office spear-headed the project, said the city planning commission has approved the plan. A public hearing on the plan, yet to be scheduled, is the next step in the process.
Taking it to the streets: CPD officers spending more time patrolling in neighborhoods
By implementing some new systems, including a more visible presence in the community, Police Chief Selvain McQueen is hoping to make Columbus a safer place for its residents and visitors.
Public Works Dept. to add six employees
The Columbus City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a request from Public Works Director Mike Pratt for approval to hire six new employees, who will be used for general labor and grass-cutting. Pratt said the additional employees will boost his roster to 73 employees, with an additional five to be hired later.
