County seeks proposals for land use implementation

Through Nov. 29, Lowndes County supervisors are requesting proposals from consultants to implement recommendations from a joint land use study on property at neighboring Columbus Air Force Base.

Supes approve land purchase for future industrial use

The Lowndes County Board of Supervisors approved a $5,504,391 land purchase using funds already borrowed from the Rural Development Authority in 2011 for three tracts of property at the GTR Global Industrial Aerospace Park on Friday.

Hardy: Port authority ‘close’ to agreement with KiOR

The Lowndes County Port Authority board met Wednesday, holding most of its discussion about a potential land lease to KiOR behind closed doors because terms have not been finalized.

Hometown hero Jerry Rice returns to Crawford

One day in the late 1970s, at B. L. Moor High School, principal Ezell Wicks was making his rounds in the hallways.

He spotted Jerry Rice playing hookie. Rice thought his hiding place was optimal. It wasn’t. Wicks approached and scared Rice, who bolted. Wicks noticed how fast the sophomore could run and, after lashing Rice eight times, told him to try out for the football team.

Borsig: Opportunity, work ahead for MUW

Mississippi’s College Board announced its decision to extend MUW President Jim Borsig’s contract for four years Wednesday.

State officials said in a release that Borsig’s role in the quality of the university’s effort to recruit and retain students, as well its approach to ensuring students complete degrees, has led to The W “thriving” during Borsig’s leadership.

Smoke ’em if you got ’em: West Point won’t enact ban

West Point selectmen discussed a smoke-free ordinance during a public work session last week and have decided not to go forward with one at this time, Mayor Robbie Robinson said Monday.

No progress on replacement for CVB member ousted in June

Today marks six months since the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau board of directors was reduced to a membership of eight.

It’s unlikely a ninth member will be named anytime soon.

City wants county help with Island clean-up

Lowndes County recently gave a 4-to-7-acre parcel it owned in the Island to the city of Columbus but the city is asking county road crews to assist in clearing out the area.

City loses grant due to error in its application process

Columbus officials are pursuing other avenues for city hall renovation funding after a grant application to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History was declared ineligible.

Presley still trying to ‘Zap the Gap’

Thursday in a meeting at the Lowndes County Courthouse, the Mississippi Public Service Commission’s Northern District commissioner updated residents on the on the latest efforts to bring high speed Internet and cell phone service to rural areas — an infrastructure many areas across the state still lack, he said.

Mickens plans return for Nov. 19 meeting

Joseph Mickens said he plans to return to his duties as councilman by the time city leaders meet again Nov. 19.

Billboards to promote Clydesdales

Columbus municipal code prohibits billboard signs referencing beer or light wine. Violators would be committing a misdemeanor.

If you can bring Clydesdales to the Friendly City, councilmen might be willing to make an exception.

Lawrence Transit gets 30-day extension

Thirty days means 30 days.

By a 3-2 vote, the Columbus City Council approved a request from Lawrence Transit System for a 30-day extension to begin bus service to the city. The vote came during Tuesday’s council meeting. With the vote, the council stipulated that if the buses aren’t rolling by Dec. 6, the city’s contract with LTS is null and void.

Council OKs revised fee-in-lieu with KiOR

Two companies providing materials to KiOR’s Columbus plant will join the renewable fuel manufacturer in paying a fee in lieu of city ad valorem taxes.

County to advertise for election equipment

Lowndes County will advertise for a new voting machine system that scans paper ballots.

Supervisors passed a request from county purchasing clerk Terry Thompson to solicit bids by a 4-1 vote. Leroy Brooks was the only opposing vote.

Supes amend parks budget for asbestos removal

Lowndes County supervisors unanimously agreed Monday to give the Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority no more than $37,000 to remove asbestos from the old Crawford Community Center.

They’ll mull their options on how best to demolish the dilapidated structure.

Fire department to be officially rebranded

The Columbus Fire Department adopted the name Columbus Fire and Rescue when it changed its mission statement and badge seven years ago, but the change was never made official.

Officials not ready to reveal retailer names

Officials are still not ready to reveal the identities of both retailers who will occupy a new facility where the unoccupied portion of the University Mall building currently stands, but Dick’s Sporting Goods appears to be one of the new stores coming to town.

CVB eyeing cultural, nature trail

A consultant who works with municipal travel organizations across the country had several suggestions for Columbus and Lowndes County after gathering community input and observing the area.

Mayor wants council to vote on bus service extension

Columbus Mayor Robert Smith received a letter from Lawrence Transit System on Thursday stating that the private bus service could begin providing service to the city “within 30 days.”