Silicor will miss deadline; future uncertain

A much-anticipated Lowndes County industrial prospect will miss a second construction deadline. According to Lowndes County Administrator Ralph Billingsley, Silicor Materials is not expected to meet its phase one groundbreaking deadline set for Dec. 31.

City will pay taxes on Catfish Alley lot

Although it was believed to have been a done deal, a parking lot agreement between the City of Columbus and a private citizen has been redrawn.

Hunt Museum ready for Thursday grand opening

An historically significant Columbus school will soon be reopening its doors to the public, this time with a different educational mission.

Modest rise in revenues won’t solve state’s budget challenges

Gov. Phil Bryant and state lawmakers begin their second day of preliminary budget talks today in Jackson.

Mayor salutes seniors with Thanksgiving luncheon

For the seventh consecutive year, Columbus Mayor Robert Smith hopes to brighten the holidays for an often overlooked segment of the community — its senior citizens.

City gets nod from DOJ on redistricting

Chris Watson, of the Bridge and Watson consulting firm, received a letter from the Department of Justice on Nov. 1 stating the Columbus council’s plan for redistricting had been given pre-clearance approval.

Green Wave keeps rolling in North State 5A playoffs opening-round

WEST POINT — Friday night’s 38-0 victory over Canton (5-7) was not only the eighth straight win for the West Point Green Wave (10-2), it also places Coach Chris Chambless’ team one step closer to becoming the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A state champions, a place they haven’t been since 2010. After a slow start in the first half scoring only 14 points, the Green Wave showed signs of life in the second half, scoring 24 additional unanswered points. It was the second straight week the team has scored 38 points.

Street paving tops Columbus City Council priorities

With a deadline looming, Columbus officials are working to spend the remainder of $3.8 million in general bond obligation money. According to Columbus Chief Financial Officer Mike Bernsen, the terms of the bond state the money must be spent by Nov. 29.

Rumors kick off local campaign season

You don’t have to drive far around Columbus to see the lingering reminders of Tuesday night.

Obama/Biden and Romney/Ryan campaign signs can still be found in many front yards, but soon those signs will be removed and heaped in trash piles from Bluecutt Road to Lehmberg Road.

City continues to negotiate bus service contract

With proposed bus routes and a campaign for private donations in play, Lawrence Transit System is poised to bring its services to Columbus. But months after it was initially discussed, the Indiana-based transit system still does not have a contractual agreement with the city.

Voter turnout strong locally

Although President Barack Obama was elected to a second term Tuesday night, Republican Mitt Romney won in Lowndes County but only by a narrow margin.

City Council moves ahead on redistricting

As Columbus officials wait patiently to hear from the U.S. Department of Justice on the status of its redistricting plan, the city council Tuesday officially adopted a resolution to establish polling and voting precincts during Tuesday’s council meeting.

County approves $100K for soccer complex additions

The ball is now in the City of Columbus’ court as the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors Monday voted to give $100,000 in additional funding to the Columbus Soccer Complex.

Smith resents county board’s inaction

In a position usually occupied by District 5 Supervisor Leroy Brooks, District 4 Supervisor Jeff Smith took District 1 Supervisor and board president Harry Sanders to task during Monday’s board meeting.

City ready to work with county despite hard feelings

After more than a month of hard feelings, the City of Columbus is getting over it. The “it” in question is some ill will between city and county officials, fostered by a derogatory remark made by a high-ranking county board member.

West Point completes region sweep by beating New Hope

For the West Point High School football team, Friday’s game against New Hope was the last regular-season game on the schedule before the playoffs start next week.

Even though the Green Wave already had secured first place in Class 5A, Region 1, coach Chris Chambless didn’t take the game lightly.

Neither did his players.

Bridge damage won’t lead to cost overruns

Work has finally started on a long-planned, multi-million-dollar project for the Columbus Riverwalk.

Lowndes County Foundation joins forces with CREATE

One of the state’s largest community-giving organizations announced a partnership with a local endowment group Thursday.

Controversial drainage project put on hold

A joint project between the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors and Tombigbee Water Management has been temporarily placed on hiatus. Drainage work in the Pickensville Road/Pickens Drive area has come to a halt as some engineering changes to the project are being made.

Soccer Complex may get $200,000 upgrade

The Columbus Soccer Complex, which celebrated its grand opening a month ago, may soon undergo a $200,000 upgrade in amenities.