Six chosen for role on Crawford’s new fire board

After years of not having a proper board in place, residents in District 4, including the Plum Grove Community and the Town of Crawford, have made steps to increase fire services in their community.

City Council approves paving projects

The Columbus City Council approved paving projects in its six wards by a 5-1 vote on Tuesday. The dissenting vote came inexplicably from Ward 2 Councilman Joseph Mickens, who made a second to Ward 3 Councilman Charlie Box’s motion to accept City Engineer Kevin Stafford’s paving recommendations.

CVB weary of Legends talk; Sherrod signs on as pitch man

The Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau has elected a new leader. During Monday’s regular board meeting, Dewitt Hicks was unanimously chosen to serve a one-year term as board chairman. He replaces outgoing chairman George Swales. Hicks, who was appointed to the board by the City of Columbus, urged his board members to work together.

Columbus City Council ready to submit paving plans

The Columbus City Council on Tuesday will submit their final plans for street paving for the year. According to City Engineer Kevin Stafford, the council will discuss final paving for a few city-wide projects as well as projects for individual wards.

Highway 45’s ‘Misery Mile’ emphasizes need for bypass

Although it only covers a mile or so, the stretch of Highway 45 from the intersection of Bluecutt Road to the Highway 82 exit is the most traveled section of road in Lowndes County. On average, 9.1 million motor vehicles travel that stretch of road each year. That also translates into heavy congestion and accidents.

Columbus beautification efforts enhance image, quality of life, says mayor

A beautification project for the City of Columbus is nearing completion. Weather permitting, the new “Welcome to Columbus” sign located on Highway 82 East is expected to be completed by week’s end, said Mayor Robert Smith.

Rain brings relief, but burn ban still in place

After weeks of no rain and the drought-like conditions that ensued, parts of Lowndes County received a substantial amount of rainfall on Monday. Other parts of the county were not as fortunate.

Columbus, State redistricting plans await DOJ scrutiny

A new ordinance regarding redistricting will soon be brought before the Columbus City Council for approval. The ordinance is the next step in getting the council’s approved map before the US Department of Justice.

CAFB runway work set for 2013

A Clay County construction company will begin work on runway project at Columbus Air Force Base in 2013.

Market Street Festival gains recognition

A 2011 economic impact study of Columbus’ flagship festival has received national recognition. Main Street Now, The Journal of The National Trust Main Street Center, featured the study on Market Street Festival.

Isolated thunderstorms bring little relief from drought

High winds associated with some isolated thunderstorms Friday evening caused some minor damage in Lowndes County. Reports of downed power lines and trees were reported across the county, but no injuries were reported.

Scams target utility customers

While telephone scams are nothing new, those behind the scams are becoming more creative in their methods. From direct phone calls to text messages, identity-theft scams are a daily occurrence.

Talley hearing set; Hinton in custody

A Columbus man charged with capital murder will make his preliminary court appearance in Columbus Municipal Court on Aug. 16.

Starkville restaurant manager picked again for Columbus CVB post

Bernard Buckhalter was re-appointed to the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau on Tuesday by a 4-2 vote of the city council. Buckhalter is the manager of a Wendy’s chain restaurant in Starkville.

Research provides help in battle against domestic violence

A recent study conducted by the Columbus Police Department will be used to combat domestic violence. The research project, created through the office of Chief Selvain McQueen, shows more than 100 domestic violence cases have been reported in Columbus between January and July.

Burn Ban Issued for Lowndes County

Ban issued until July 31

Dry conditions, fireworks: hazardous mix

Fireworks have become almost synonymous with Independence Day; they are bright, colorful, loud and conjure images of “the bombs bursting in air” made famous in our National Anthem.

But dry conditions this year may put a damper on some of the celebrations.

EMCC outlines ambitious plans for Lowndes supes

Citing an increase in enrollment and antiquated buildings, Dr. Rick Young, President of East Mississippi Community College, Monday presented the school’s strategic plan for the Golden Triangle Campus at Mayhew to the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors.

Monday profile: Moulds’ career switch lands her in district attorney’s office

Katie Moulds was contemplating attending medical school after graduating with a bachelor of science degree in microbiology from Mississippi State University, but a summer internship changed her career course forever.

With A Little Help From His Friends: Ringo Starr to bring All Starr Band to Tuscaloosa Tuesday

Toto guitarist Steve Lukather has sold millions of albums and has had several hit songs, including “Rosanna” and “Africa.” But until recently, there is one