Leaders want to continue aggressive stance on eyesores

Columbus councilmen and department heads are on the same page when it comes to addressing dilapidated structures: Everyone wants them gone.

Not everyone agrees, however, on how many of the eyesores they expect to see demolished over the next three and a half years.

Millage increase discussion resurfaces

When asked last week during a working retreat to list ways to bring more money into city coffers, a group of Columbus department heads had several suggestions.

Get the Columbus crime lab accredited and utilize it more effectively. Be more creative in raising fees from events at the Trotter Convention Center. Sell more city-owned real estate.

Council could demand quarterly reports from school board

Other than appointing officials to the school board, Columbus councilmen are limited when it comes to what they can legally do to facilitate improvement in the school district.

Officials mull possibility of referendum for drainage work

Columbus councilmen and department heads got a wake-up call last week when they saw firsthand the severity of some drainage deficiencies in their own back yard.

Council sets goal for new convention center approval in 3 years

Columbus councilmen want a new convention center.

The council wants one planned and approved by the end of their term in 2017.

Time’s up: City cancels bus service contract

Columbus’ contract with Lawrence Transit System to bring public transportation to the city is officially null and void.

Mayor Robert Smith said he spoke with LTS coordinator Dorothy Dowdell Thursday and informed her it would be in the best interest of the city going forward if the contract was canceled.

Quality of life issues dominate Wards 4, 5

Columbus councilmen wrapped up a two-day tour of the city’s six wards Wednesday in preparation for today’s strategic planning retreat.

The council toured wards 4, 5 and 6.

City leaders begin ward tours

Fifteenth Street South is a thoroughfare used every day by truck drivers from Waste Pro, MMC Materials and APAC as they go to and leave plants in Columbus.

It’s only been about a year since the road was last milled and repaved, but portions of it have already deteriorated.

AT&T joins mix to provide cable service for city

Columbus residents may have an alternative option for Internet and cable television services next year.

City councilmen approved paying a consultant $12,000 to negotiate re-upping Columbus’ contract with Cable One, which is up for renewal in June, and to work with AT&T to bring its digital services to the city.

Lowndes Co. tightens rubbish pickup rules

Lowndes County now has stricter guidelines on its brush and debris pickup procedure.

Supervisors on Monday passed a policy stating crews who handle those duties will no longer gather large trees, stumps, tires or household garbage.

County switches to self-funded insurance plan

Lowndes County employees will save on medical insurance costs after supervisors opted to transition from a fully-insured to a self-insured system.

West Point tax returns jump $16K

Mississippi Department of Revenue data shows West Point tax returns collected in September and received by the city this month are up when compared to the same months in 2012, while Columbus and Starkville returns were down.

Want to rent the Old 82 bridge? Pay up

Councilmen have not formally adopted terms for private use of the Old Highway 82 Bridge, but they are unofficially using a special event permit policy for those who want to hold receptions and other private events on the recently renovated structure.

Councilmen, dept. heads to tour wards before retreat

Columbus councilmen and department heads are having a retreat Dec. 5 and they’ll tour each ward the city in the days beforehand to assess issues that are unique to the city’s different areas.

Link to partner with Island committee

The Golden Triangle Development Link has agreed to partner with a committee exploring economic development potential for city property on the Island.

Council OKs amended social media policy, firearms ordinance

Columbus councilmen have approved a social media policy for city employees, as well as an ordinance banning firearms on city property.

‘Pathway to Progress’ tour starts in Columbus

Mississippi is moving along nicely on its “Pathway to Progress,” but more statewide input and collaboration between local and state leaders is needed.

This was the main message of Mississippi Economic Council President Blake Wilson Tuesday on the first of 19 tour stops over the next three months to push Blueprint Mississippi’s objectives.

Council to mull firearms ban, social media policy

The Columbus city council will discuss and have the option to approve a firearms ordinance, as well as a social media policy, during its meeting this afternoon at the municipal complex.

Lewis expects Columbus to get Coaches Cup again

Only 32 teams participated in this year’s Coaches Cup, the first time the end-of-the-season youth soccer tournament has been held in the Friendly City.

Although 50 teams were expected when the city first secured the event last year, officials say there is silver lining in the small number: It gave Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority and the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau an opportunity to get everything right during their first year as hosts for the tournament.

Mayor’s Thanksgiving luncheon set for Tuesday

Columbus mayor Robert Smith’s annual Thanksgiving luncheon honoring Columbus and Lowndes County’s senior citizens will be held 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday at the Trotter Convention Center.