City collects $438,160 during 3-month court amnesty period

More than $400,000 was collected during the city’s recent amnesty period for municipal court fines.

Intergovernmemtal committee talks crime prevention

Community involvement is key to crime prevention, city and county officials said Wednesday.

During a meeting of the intergovernmental relations committee, officials discussed crime in Columbus and Lowndes County.

City antes up for new Hampton Inn hotel

The Columbus City Council Tuesday approved a resolution declaring the city’s intent to issue tax increment financing bonds, not to exceed $450,000, for a hotel project on Highway 45 North, subject to a memorandum of understanding.

Skin expert Melissa Rushing finds running spa business challenging, rewarding

About 10 years ago, Melissa Rushing, 28, pulled into the parking lot of Merle Norman, located between Kroger and Wal-Mart, in search of some “girl therapy.”

New fire station helps lower insurance rates in Lowndes’ District 5

For the first time, Lowndes County homeowners in an area west of the river — in District 5, north of Highway 82 — will enjoy a reduced rate on their fire protection insurance.

Columbus officials reach out to club owners in wake of fatal shooting

City officials have formed a committee and are crafting new rules to address concerns of violence and other problems at local nightclubs, in the wake of a deadly shooting at the Everyday Club and Lounge.

Officials, planners to meet on Columbus annexation costs

Columbus Light and Water Department Executive Director Todd Gale today is scheduled to meet with Chris Watson, of Oxford-based Bridge and Watson, to discuss the costs associated with providing water and sewer to areas under consideration for annexation.

Columbus police target ‘hot spots’ in latest crackdown

It’s been a slow week in the business of crime.

What’s next for the Columbus bridge project?

With funding secured, city officials now are taking steps to receive authorization to proceed with plans to renovate the historic Highway 82 bridge across the Tombigbee River into a pedestrian walkway.

Columbus nixes plan for separate ethics code

Columbus leaders have backed off plans to implement an ethics code for elected officials, deciding state law already governs ethics in office.

Tan Yard Park? Not everyone sold on tentative name

Most city and county officials are happy with calling the soccer park — to be located on 70 acres in the Burns Bottom area — Tan Yard Park, a tentative name for the project. But not every city and county official is behind it.

Leadership group tackles crime prevention

Columbus residents play a key role in preventing crime and now, said District 5 Supervisor Leroy Brooks, they have a chance to get involved.

EMCC graduates ready for the next step

Hundreds of students graduated from East Mississippi Community College’s Golden Triangle campus Friday, better prepared for the next steps on their paths to success.

Hurt ends tenure as head of arts council

Rachel Smith Hurt is serving her last week as executive director of the Columbus Arts Council, but plans to remain in the area.

Residents: Park plan a good start

Residents responded favorably to conceptual plans for a soccer park to be located on 70 acres in the Burns Bottom area, noting few concerns, such as parking and ensuring the park — which officials say will offer much more than soccer — offers adequate facilities for the sport.

Residents to council: Control violence at clubs

Residents Tuesday exhorted the Columbus City Council to better address issues of crime in the city.

Supes OK grant match for bridge project

Renovation of the historic Highway 82 bridge across the Tombigbee River is one step closer to fruition.

Nature has a story to tell: Tan Yard Park plans unveiled

If all goes according to plan, Columbus and Lowndes County residents could be enjoying a new soccer park by next fall, officials said at a public hearing Monday night.

Local volunteers help with Yazoo relief

Local volunteers Wednesday delivered supplies to Yazoo City for victims of an April 24 tornado, which killed four residents.

Business is booming

Vacant retail spaces and apartments don’t stay vacant for long in downtown Columbus, reported Main Street Columbus Director Amber Brislin.