Articles by Miles Layton
Dual enrollment
Columbus and Lowndes County high schools offer students a program that allows them to get a jump on their education by attending a community college or specialize in a rewarding career through learning a skilled trade.
MEC conference addresses state’s opportunities, shortfalls
Mississippi Economic Council hosted a conference “A New Day, A New Opportunity for Mississippi” that addressed key initiatives to spur opportunities for economic growth on Friday at Lion Hills Center.
Local Black leaders stress need for vaccinations
Local Black leaders held a press conference Thursday at Lowndes County Courthouse to appeal to citizens to receive vaccinations if they have not already.
Mayor Gaskin discusses city staffing, Trotter in first press conference
Columbus Mayor Keith Gaskin addressed the turnover in city staffing levels and usage of the James M. Trotter Center on Wednesday in his first press conference since taking the oath of office July 1.
Council discusses free Trotter use for nonprofits
Columbus City Council tabled decisions Tuesday about the use of the James M. Trotter Convention Center and appointing members to the Municipal Election Commission.
Rep. McLean touts need of new initiative process, strict medical marijuana law
State Representative Dana McLean (R-Columbus) discussed medical marijuana’s future, prison reform and other top priorities the Legislature may consider during a speech Tuesday to the Columbus Rotary Club on at Lion Hills Center.
Council to discuss Election Commission appointments
Columbus City Council will discuss Tuesday potentially filling three vacancies on the Municipal Election Commission.
Monday Profile: SGA president pledges to serve as strong Owls’ advocate
Mississippi University for Women’s Student Government Association President Luis Leal Jr. said he is prepared to serve as a strong advocate for the Owls’ student body.
Exchange grants to help 10 area nonprofits
During the school year, Tori Hopper sees plenty of parents and grandparents bringing children into the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library looking for the same things — an Accelerated Reader book for a school-aged child.
CRA enters final stretch of Burns Bottom acquisitions
Plans to redevelop the Burns Bottom neighborhood are in the final stretch. After four years, the Columbus Redevelopment board has purchased all but about five of the more than 70 properties in the district near downtown Columbus, bringing the organization closer to redeveloping the blighted area.
Gaskin plans town halls, regular press conferences
Mayor Keith Gaskin on Tuesday outlined for Columbus Rotary Club initiatives his administration intends to pursue — including open communication, preparing an annual budget, reducing crime and lending a helping hand to education.
Community steps up to support burned restaurant
A day after a fire consumed her family’s restaurant Fish and Blues, Barbara Johnson was greeting guests at her home who offered their prayers and shared their hopes that the popular Columbus area treasure would rebound.
Camgian Microsystems adds 25 jobs at Starkville plant
High-tech research and product development company Camgian Microsystems is adding 25 new high-paying jobs to support its growth in the Golden Triangle.
Neel-Schaffer tapped to oversee lagging paving projects
Columbus City Council unanimously approved Neel-Schaffer engineering firm to take the lead on a citywide paving project that is behind schedule.
Council approves Alexander Jr. as COO
Columbus City Council gave its blessing Tuesday to hiring an interim city chief operations officer and approving a new vice mayor.
Gaskin to submit local businessman as interim COO
During a Thursday interview, Columbus mayor Keith Gaskin said he plans to propose the city council hire local businessman Mark Alexander Jr. as interim chief operations officer. The hiring would be subject to a vote by council.
