Articles by Jeff Clark
Fire Department receives new rating
A new ranking for the Columbus Fire Department could mean reduced insurance rates for home and business owners in the city. The Mississippi Rating Bureau has rated Columbus a four, which is up from its rating a five where it has remained for the past 30 years.
Columbus schools implement early release Wednesdays; Policy adopted after community leaves meeting
In a flip-flop motion, the Columbus Municipal School District Board of Trustees Monday killed a motion to approve superintendent Dr. Martha Liddell’s 2012/2013 school calendar, which thereby killed Liddell’s proposal for an early release program. The motion died on the table without a second from a board member. But immediately after an executive session, board member Aubra Turner made a motion on the school calendar and it passed on a 3-1-1 vote.
Monday profile: Dream began in diapers for CPD rookie
For Canyon Boykin, becoming a police officer has been a “life-long dream.” Boykin’s dream came to fruition recently when he was sworn in as an officer with the Columbus Police Department by Mayor Robert Smith.
Judge Kitchens frustrated with state sentencing laws
16th District Circuit Court Judge Jim Kitchens says state laws creating leniency on time served for convicted criminals is undermining the justice system.
Columbus drug dealers indicted in federal court
Two high-level Columbus drug dealers have been indicted on federal drug charges. Antonio Brooks, 25, of 396 Swedenburg Circle and Steven Douglas Jennings, 41, of 163 Swedenburg Circle, have been indicted on two counts each of intent to sell or distribute narcotics and one count each of aiding and abetting.
Sex offender captured after chase
After eluding authorities in Pickens County, Ala., a Columbus man is behind bars, charged with failing to register as a sex offender.
Columbus and Lowndes renew Metro drug unit
An agreement between the City of Columbus and Lowndes County could be bad news for those associated with illegal drugs.
Forensic expert Hayne settles defamation suit
Dr. Steven Hayne, once the state’s most active forensic expert, has a reputation of being both something of a Svengali and an expert criminal witness. Hayne recently agreed to a $100,000 out of court settlement from the New York-based judicial advocacy group, The Innocence Project. Hayne filed a defamation of character suit against the group in April 2009 in U.S. District Court in Jackson.
City Council sticks by its redistricting plan
The Columbus City Council is one step closer to submitting its redistricting plan to the Department of Justice after hosting as public hearing Monday night.
Brooks, Sanders feud dominates supes meeting
After months of adhering to a proverbial peace treaty, tensions again mounted and tempers flared Monday between Board President and District 1 Supervisor Harry Sanders and District 5 Supervisor Leroy Brooks.
Alternate redistricting plan backed by council pair
As the Columbus City Council prepares for a public hearing Monday on the federally mandated redistricting, an alternate plan has surfaced. The new plan is being publicly supported by Ward 2 Councilman Joseph Mickens and Ward 5 Councilman Kabir Karriem.
Humane Society scavenger hunt raises $5K
The Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society is closer to beginning the second phase of a planned renovation project. About $5,000 was raised Saturday, during a scavenger hunt fundraiser at Waverly Marina.
Council considers Watch Group’s fears
Rumors were squashed and a social media group agreed to help reduce Columbus’ crime rate in any way possible Thursday night, when about 40 people turned out for a public forum held by the Columbus City Council.
Alternate plan likely to emerge in redistricting hearing
The City of Columbus will hold a public hearing on its redistricting plan on Monday at 6 p.m. at the courtroom of the Municipal Complex.
Colom appointed judge for city of Aberdeen
Columbus native Scott Colom has been appointed municipal judge by the Aberdeen Board of Aldermen on a 4-1 vote. Ward 1 Alderman Alonzo Sykes voted against the appointment.
Columbus couple arrested after break-in
An investigation into an early morning burglary at 4-County Electric Power Association led to the arrest of a Columbus couple.
Continuance granted in Newell murder trial
Lowndes Circuit Court Judge Lee Coleman Tuesday granted a continuance in the murder trial of James Newell of Vernon, Ala.
Mayor’s son arrested
German Terell Smith, son of Columbus Mayor Robert Smith, was arrested Saturday night, by officers with the Mississippi Highway Patrol, at Highway 182 and Ninth Street and charged with possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
Police crack down on DUIs and seatbelts
Several traffic check points were implemented by CPD over the holiday weekend. Between Saturday and Monday at midnight, 98 citations were issued and six arrests were made, including one for driving under the influence (DUI).
Golden Triangle unemployment rates continue to fall
For the third month in a row, the number of unemployed workers in Lowndes and Oktibbeha counties decreased. A Mississippi Department of Employment Security report on statewide unemployment notes the April unemployment rate for Lowndes County was 8.7 percent, a significant drop from 9.1 percent in March and 9.9 percent in February.
Nearly 4 inches of rain dump on area Sunday morning
June 8, 2025
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