Presley announces rural high-speed Internet effort

Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley appeared in Lowndes County yesterday to announce an initiative to bring high-speed Internet to rural and metropolitan areas lacking access.

Turner agrees to garnishment to avoid eviction

A Lowndes County Justice Court civil affidavit shows Swoope Real Estate, Inc., settled a civil suit last week against Ward 4 Councilman Marty Turner’s business, Turner Furniture LLC, for unpaid rent.

Fireworks show declared success despite weather

The Mississippi Arts Commission awarded the Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation a $1,000 grant which was used for sponsoring blues artist and headlining act Grady Champion at last week’s Independence Day celebration event, “Fireworks on the Water.”

Council paves way for business incubator

The city of Columbus has agreed to apply for a public works grant through the Economic Development Administration and approve a partnership structure subject to negotiation with a developer that would fund renovation of a property at Yorkville Park Square and turn it into a business incubator.

Project manager choice linked to political, business interests

While questions abound about the City Council’s sudden decision to create a project manager position at its July 2 meeting, one thing is clear: the major players in the saga — Mayor Robert Smith, Jabari Edwards and Russell Sheffield — have deep business and political connections.

City prepares two grant applications

The city of Columbus is applying for two grants that would provide funding for improved crime lab equipment and police patrol speeding enforcement, as well as upgrades to Columbus-Lowndes County Airport.

Mayor defends project manager hire

Columbus Mayor Robert Smith said contract fees will be discussed next week with the management team of J5 Broaddus, hired by the city council Tuesday for the newly-created position of project manager.

Two thirds through year, city budget down slightly

Two thirds of the way through its financial year, the city of Columbus reports nearly $30,000 less in cash balances from its general fund than through this point last year but slightly more than $200,000 in balances from its reserve fund, a total decrease in the balance of $172,010.65.

County turns spec building lease over to CalStar

Lowndes County Supervisors unanimously agreed Monday to a revised memorandum of understanding and lease agreement with sustainable building material manufacturing company CalStar specifying penalties the company would have to pay in the event it does not provide at least 58 jobs at its Columbus plant once its fully operational.

Councilman Turner owes fines from 2010 DUI

A Hattiesburg Municipal Court deputy clerk confirmed Wednesday that Marty Turner, who was sworn in Monday as Ward 4 Columbus Councilman, owes $1,416.77 from a DUI second offense conviction from more than two years ago.

Columbus Council rescinds pay raise

The Columbus City Council voted Tuesday to rescind the $4,000 pay raise it voted itself at the council’s June 18 meeting.

In the first meeting of the new term, councilmen also approved to limit the term of vice mayor to one year and appoint Ward 1 Councilman Gene Taylor to that post, replacing Bill Gavin.

Council creates new city position, makes hire

The Columbus City Council voted to create a new position Tuesday night for project manager and staffed that position with local construction firm J5 Broaddus.

The council also appointed a new prosecuting attorney, Scott Colom, to replace Shane Tompkins.

Supervisors consider open carry ban

Lowndes County supervisors authorized attorney Tim Hudson to draft an order that would prohibit open carry weapons of any nature in county facilities Monday.

‘New’ council to select vice mayor, dept. heads

Although the city council that convenes for the first time tonight will include just one new council member, it doesn’t mean there won’t be some new faces and new roles.

KiOR reaches a milestone

KiOR officials announced Monday that the Texas-based alternative fuel company’s Columbus plant’s Biomass Fluid Catalytic Cracking unit recently completed its first uninterrupted 30-day run.

County supervisors approve six weather sirens

Lowndes County supervisors unanimously approved installation of six warning siren, which will be funded almost entirely by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency during their meeting Monday.

As loan interest doubles, students face tough decisions

While Mississippi University for Women psychology major Kayla Tate finishes her coursework, she mulls what her next step will be. Graduate school is the front runner of her many options.

While she hasn’t had to rely on student loans so far, it seems likely she would need a loan to continue her education. As of today, the cost of a student loan has doubled.

Tagert: Hwy 45 bypass design is ongoing

Acquiring federal environmental documents for construction of a bypass for Highway 45 North was a third of the battle in getting the project off the ground, according to Northern District Transportation Commissioner Mike Tagert.

West Nile case reported in Lowndes Co.

The Mississippi State Department of Health confirmed a case of West Nile virus in Lowndes County Thursday, one of three reported statewide so far this year.

Higgins says Yokohama project on schedule

Area business leaders convened Wednesday for the Golden Triangle Development Link’s quarterly luncheon and heard a report on the status of Yokohama Tire Company manufacturing plant construction in Clay County from Link CEO Joe Max Higgins.