Forbes gives plug to state, Golden Triangle

Mississippi manufacturing is getting national media attention and Forbes magazine was correct in noting Mississippi has a future as “a new American manufacturing center,” agreed Columbus-Lowndes Development Link CEO Joe Higgins.

Columbus Police ready for Glitz ball

The Columbus Police Department and the Columbus Community Neighborhood Watch are hosting the 2012 Columbus Community Glitz Ball July 20 to raise money for the CPD’s annual Christmas toy drive, the Columbus Police Explorers and National Night Out On Crime events.

Monday profile: O’Nan thrives in role as life coach

At the age of 30, Meagan O’Nan is living her dream. And, in a quiet office built on serenity, she’s working to help others live theirs.

Appeals court denies Triplett bid to suppress evidence

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a lower court’s denial of a Lowndes County man’s motion to suppress evidence of his possession of child pornography.

Tombigbee water level remains in normal range

Drought conditions and resulting low water levels of the Mississippi River aren’t affecting the Tombigbee River, officials said Thursday.

Columbus Mayor disputes ‘flower-gate’ report

Columbus Mayor Robert Smith Tuesday said a recent column in The Packet is “not true.”

During a meeting of the Columbus City Council, Smith read Packet writer Ron Williams’ column from the June 29 edition of the newspaper, which criticized city crews for planting flowers in the Dean Acres community, where Smith lives.

Farmers’ Market earns state certification

Columbus’ Hitching Lot Farmers’ Market again was certified by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

The market was certified as part of the Mississippi Certified Farmers’ Market Program, which was launched by the MDAC as a way to recognize the growing number of farmers’ markets across the state.

Supreme Court health-care ruling prompts mixed reaction

Columbus residents Friday had mixed reactions on the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling largely upholding President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act.

Two from Lowndes County may be re-sentenced

The U.S. Supreme Court’s new juvenile sentencing ruling could retroactively impact only two Lowndes County men already serving sentences of life without parole.

Wind Symphony organizers still seeking donations

Donations still are being sought to help fund the American Wind Symphony Orchestra, which entertained about 2,000 Saturday at the East Bank of the John C. Stennis Lock and Dam in Columbus.

Event organizers expected a larger crowd, but those who attended seemed to enjoy the show, despite the oppressive summer heat, which kept many away.

Noxubee Refuge honors Hamilton with name change

To honor a former director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge Friday was renamed to the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge.

Hester trial continued

The case of a Hamilton youth minister who allegedly filmed a woman changing clothes in the dressing room of a local store, has been continued.

Shuttle use encouraged, volunteers still needed for concert

With a large crowd expected at Saturday evening’s performance of the acclaimed American Wind Symphony Orchestra, organizers are urging attendees to make use of available shuttles for the free event.

Oboist prepares for symphony despite heat

Glenda Bates is not an ordinary 27-year-old.

With an effusive personality as bright as her joyful smile, she’s smart, articulate, fun and funny.

But she’s also a serious and dedicated professional musician.

CVB won’t fund Legends concert

A request for the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors to help fund the upcoming Legends concert was withdrawn Monday, after CVB Executive Director Nancy Carpenter recommended the board not fund the event started by the CVB.

Lowndes, Clay counties to get money from feds

Lowndes and Clay counties will be among more than 1,850 local governments to receive funds under the 2012 Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program.

Two injured in Ash Street shooting

A Columbus shooting Thursday night left two men injured and two arrested.

Drug testing considered for Lowndes County Schools

Randomly drug testing students is preventative, not punitive, Jerome Nettles, of Advanced Screening Solutions, said Friday, asking the Lowndes County School District Board of Trustees to consider on-site drug testing at schools.

Mackay will run again for Council

Former Ward 2 City Councilwoman Susan Mackay confirmed Saturday she again will seek the office in the 2013 municipal elections.

Lowndes County to say pull up those pants?

Young men beware: Your saggy bottoms soon may be unwelcome in both Columbus and Lowndes County.

The Lowndes County Board of Supervisors Monday is scheduled to discuss an ordinance prohibiting public indecency.