Business moves with Mary: Leigh Mall losing two more tenants

Two more stores are vacating Leigh Mall.

The Cookie Store, once located by the mall’s main entrance, has already shuttered, though a store representative could not be reached by press time.

CMSD second-graders will use robots to learn coding basics

Robots will roam second-grade classrooms at Columbus Municipal School District later this month.

Second grade students at CMSD will learn how to code and program two types of robots with the help of mentors from the Golden Triangle Coding Academy Nov. 26-30.

Business Moves with Mary: New salon and boutique in Columbus

There’s a new one-stop salon and boutique at 423 Main St.

118 CMSD students taking free college courses

Maya Rush, a Columbus High School senior, will be considered a junior college transfer when she starts classes at the University of Mississippi next fall.

Though only 17, Rush has spent her junior and senior years taking college courses and is on track to earn her associate’s degree in liberal arts, something she will have in-hand before she receives her high school diploma.

Back in the classroom: Five years of custodial work paved the way for this teacher’s dream job

Sandy Devlin knows a good teacher when she sees one.

As graduate coordinator for special education at Mississippi State University, she helps prepare future teachers for the challenges they will face when they lead their own SPED classrooms.

MUW to use $1.5M grant to improve student retention

In an effort to make student advising more efficient, Mississippi University for Women will use a $1.5 million grant to purchase a new advising software for students.

Business Moves with Mary: Bank of Vernon coming to Columbus

Bank of Vernon plans to expand to Columbus, but it’s not certain when that branch might open.

Renee Sanders named interim executive director for United Way

Renee Sanders has assumed the role of interim executive director for the United Way of Lowndes County.

Private equity group buys AkzoNobel, changes name to Nouryon

AkzoNobel Specialty Chemical now has a new owner and name for its global chemical companies.

Business Moves with Mary: Cook Out makes headway in Columbus

The long-awaited Cook Out project in Columbus has finally begun.

Demolition of the old Immanuel Baptist Church property is underway, and restaurant construction at the site should begin shortly after.

Annual MUW career fair draws 21 employers

Alexis Smith walked with a purpose Tuesday through Hogarth Student Union at the Mississippi University for Women.

With copies of her resume in-hand, the senior communication major visited all 21 employer booths at the university’s annual career fair, hoping to cast a wide net for job opportunities after her scheduled May graduation.

‘My best friend’: Area dog lovers share pet stories for Adopt-a-Dog Month

When Jessica Horton moved away from her family and friends in Columbus, she knew her next stop was Hawaii Island Humane Society.

‘Going green’ to save county schools $8M

Lowndes County School District expects to save nearly $8 million in energy savings within the next 20 years.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: ‘Victorious, not victims’

Betty Powers was sitting under a hair dryer in a beauty salon on Valentine’s Day when her daughter, Angie McKinney, called and said she had stage three breast cancer.

Powers, who is currently battling lymphoma, stayed strong for her daughter until the phone call ended. Powers remembered her chemotherapy and treatment, but thinking of her daughter going through a similar battle felt more difficult.

Getting into gear: Three area teams to compete in BEST robotics challenge; RoboJackets seek seventh state title

When Camille Smith started her junior year of high school, she knew she wanted to help the environment. But it wasn’t until she joined the robotics team that she decided to become an environmental engineer.

Business Moves with Mary: Columbus hotel for sale

If you’re driving past the Magnolia Bowl, you may have seen a Rhett Realty sign perched in front of Columbus Inn and Suites.

Bus discipline issues still prevalent at CMSD

When it comes to student discipline at Columbus Municipal School District, the buses seem to be the biggest problem areas, district officials say.

CMSD considers citywide Wi-Fi for students

Columbus Municipal School District is looking for ways to provide internet access to all of its students even when they are at home.

Business Moves with Mary: Mississippi Steel Processing partners with Liberty Steel

Liberty Steel Products Holding, of North Jackson, Ohio, has acquired a majority interest in Mississippi Steel Processing, 400 N. Steel Road in Columbus.

CMSD solves compliance issues with SPED program

Columbus Municipal School District Special Education Department has been found compliant by the Mississippi Department of Education in three formal state complaints filed against the district last year.