MSU leaders ‘excited’ to have Yokohama office in research park

Mississippi State University officials confirmed Wednesday that Yokohama Tire will locate its operations at the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park while the first phase of construction for the Japanese tire manufacturing company’s Clay County facility takes place.

MDOT, railroad officials to speak at hearing

Residents who may be affected by six permanent closings of railroad crossings in south Columbus can gather more information during a public hearing Thursday.

Pilgrimage expanding after 2013 attendance jump

Next year’s Columbus Spring Pilgrimage will last 16 days instead of the usual 12.

Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Executive Director Nancy Carpenter told tourism partners Tuesday that plans to capitalize on the success of the 2013 Pilgrimage led to the extension.

Yokohama to set up office at MSU research park

Yokohama Tire Corporation, which announced a partnership with Mississippi earlier this year to locate a manufacturing plant in Clay County, will open an office at the Thad Cochran Research Park and Industry building.

Columbus, Starkville public housing receive nearly $1M in funding

The Columbus and Starkville housing authorities will receive nearly $1 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for large-scale improvements to their four public housing developments.

Citizens speak out against proposed railroad closings

Many residents at a community meeting regarding the possibility of closing six railroad crossings in Southside seemed to have made their minds up before they got to the gathering. The crossings need to be repaired, they said, but closing them would be a problem.

Officials consider new port for Lowndes Co.

Lowndes County Port Authority board members are mulling the feasibility of adding a second port on the Tennesseee-Tombigbee Waterway but discussions are still in the earliest stages, director John Hardy said.

City looks for outreach coordinator internally

Though it is not externally advertising for the position, the city is actively looking for a community outreach coordinator, Columbus Human Resource Director Pat Mitchell said.

Railroad crossing closures to be discussed at Ward 1 meeting

The first public discussions of a proposal to close some railroad crossings in Columbus will take place tonight during a Ward 1 meeting at the Townsend Community Center.

City remains in negotiations for Trotter job

Before the Trotter Convention Center can receive its face lift, the facility’s committee must approve an architect for the job.

That has yet to happen, according to committee member and Columbus Chief Operations Officer David Armstrong.

Mayor OKs time extension for bus service

Columbus Mayor Robert Smith agreed to a 17-day extension Friday to Lawrence Transit System to have its bus service up and running.

Insurance issue halts Lawrence Transit

An insurance issue centering around shelters at bus stops has prevented Lawrence Transit System from meeting today’s deadline for the start of its operations.

Councilmen make cuts as budget talks progress

During a city budget workshop Thursday, Columbus council members cut an $860,836 deficit for next year’s budget in half before agreeing to Mayor Robert Smith’s request to break camp and discuss further cuts individually with department heads.

J5/Broaddus owner stands behind Smith

Jabari Edwards, owner of project managing firm J5/Broaddus said Thursday he stands behind one of his employees, Orlando Rendall Smith, son of Columbus Mayor Robert Smith. The younger Smith was arrested Saturday.

Council reinstates Neel-Schaffer firm as city engineer

The Columbus City Council clarified how it intends to handle engineering services during Tuesday’s regular meeting.

After a month-long period of ambiguity regarding the future of Neel-Schaffer as the city’s engineering services provider, the council voted 4-0 to reappoint the firm on as “as-needed” basis.

County to repay Weyerhaeuser after tax flap

Between Lowndes County school and board of supervisors funds, $402,330 will have to be repaid to Weyerhaeuser, a wood manufacturer with an area plant, as a result of an inaccurate tax rendition by the company’s recently acquired tax firm.

Mayor to discuss engineering change

Columbus Mayor Robert Smith is set to discuss the city’s engineering services during tonight’s city council meeting at the municipal complex.

City officials must balance wishes, needs

As city officials prepare to meet for a second special workshop to set the city’s Fiscal Year 2014 budget, one thing department heads will have to consider from the previous meeting is reality.

Project manager idea has its share of critics

The creation of a project manager position for the city of Columbus and subsequent hiring of J5 Broaddus for the position has produced mixed reaction from residents who are unaware of what a project manager does.

City begins work of FY2014 budget

Columbus councilmen and the mayor held their first budget workshop Thursday at City Hall and learned the value of a mill is expected to remain at $170,000 for the upcoming fiscal year.