Articles by Miles Layton
Congressman Kelly talks about vaccinations, immigration
First District Rep. Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi) talked about the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations, accountability for the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol and the complexities of immigration during a speech Tuesday to the Columbus Rotary Club at Lion Hills Center.
Council to again limit public access to meetings to virtual only
Effective immediately, Columbus City Council meetings will return to virtual only for the public due to the rise in COVID-19, according to a Tuesday press release from Mayor Keith Gaskin.
3 CMSD schools getting digital learning coaches
Three Columbus Municipal School District schools have been chosen to participate in a program that enhances teachers’ ability to conduct virtual learning classes to enhance student achievement.
CMSD increases pay to recruit bus drivers
Several parents demanded the Columbus Municipal School District Board of Trustees do something about the shortage of school bus drivers and the related problems associated with the transportation of their children to and from school.
Monday Profile: MSU student body president prioritizes ‘safe and fun’ school year
Garrett Smith represents nearly 23,000 students as the Student Association president at Mississippi State University, but this may be his last election.
Public Works crews battle trash pile-up from illegal dumping
A public works crew was busy Friday morning clearing an illegal dumpsite at a remote spot on Pickensville Road as part of the city’s ongoing efforts to keep Columbus beautiful.
Cold Justice assists police in 2007 unsolved murder case
The television show Cold Justice was recently filming in Columbus hoping to turn over new leads in a 14-year-old murder case.
Mayor, health professionals encourage vaccinations
Dr. James Woodard recalled on Wednesday the measles epidemic from his youth.
People waited in long lines to receive their vaccination, he said, and there didn’t seem to be the emphasis given to politics that is seen today with vaccines — especially those for COVID-19.
City tries to tackle junk, debris removal problem
Columbus City Council discussed trash and debris pickup during Tuesday’s meeting that laid bare some of the challenges facing the city’s public works department.
Photo: National Night Out
Amari Spencer, left, 7, and Isaiah Banik, right, 3, both of Starkville, get their faces painted by members of the Oktibbeha County 4-H Tuesday during the fourth National Night Out at the Starkville Sportsplex.
Oktibbeha still weighs building new headquarters
Columbus architectural firm Major Design Studio presented an assessment of county facilities to Oktibbeha County Supervisors on Monday that spurred a discussion about a future that may involve building a new administrative complex along with upgrades and renovations to the county courthouse and other buildings.
Amory man accused of murder led police chase to Columbus
The suspect in a shooting that claimed the life of a Monroe County man Saturday morning was apprehended after a vehicle pursuit between Amory and Columbus, according to a Facebook post by the Amory Police Department.
McConnell leaving MSMS after 8 years as director
Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science Executive Director Dr. Germain McConnell announced Tuesday that he has been hired as chief of staff for the Oxford School District.
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.
