Sheriffs laud MDOT’s litter control program

Local sheriffs participating in the Mississippi Department of Transportation’s Inmate Litter Control Program agree that being proactive and using the program to its fullest potential yields noticeable results and keeps their state highways clean.

Additions to soccer complex on schedule

Construction of a second concession facility at Columbus’ soccer complex is complete and an additional 100 parking spaces should be available by September, Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority Director Roger Short says.

CL&W receives clean water audit, sets budget

The Columbus Light and Water Board of Trustees were given the results of CL&W’s water division’s latest audit and approved the budget for its next fiscal year Thursday.

Vikings coach Frazier to highlight senior citizens fund-raiser

Minnesota Vikings head coach and Columbus native Leslie Frazier will be the keynote speaker Thursday at a dinner benefiting the annual Columbus senior citizens Thanksgiving luncheon.

The dinner will be held at 7 p.m. at the Trotter Convention Center in downtown Columbus.

Eurocopter on verge of Lakota contract with Thailand

The fight to sustain production of the UH-72 Lakota, which is manufactured in Columbus, may be helped pending U.S. Congress’ approval of a foreign military sale of six helicopters to the government of Thailand.

MDOT’s Tagert gives updates on county projects

Mississippi Department of Transportation Northern District Commissioner Mike Tagert updated members of the Columbus Exchange Club Thursday on state road projects that will make for safer traffic flow in the city and Lowndes County.

Council to mull 2-hour parking extension

The Columbus City Council has agreed to take under advisement a request to extend two-hour parking to two rows of spaces located in a lot behind the Front Door/Back Door restaurant on Main Street.

Compromise reached on variance request

Installation of a new water main near a mixed-use property on Main Street will soon provide property owners in the area a closer outlet to tap into when installing sprinkler systems.

Council votes to raise its own salaries

Columbus councilmen voted to give themselves a 23 percent pay raise during their meeting Tuesday despite applause from people in attendance for members who announced they would vote against doing so.

Flare-up arises from engineering report

During Tuesday’s city council meeting, Ward 2 councilman Joseph Mickens called on city engineer Kevin Stafford to explain three invoices due from the city. The documents were linked to Micken’s former election opponent Susan Mackay.

CVB adopts ethics policy, funds festivals

The Columbus Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors approved the adoption of an ethics policy in a 7-1 vote during its meeting Monday.

Rumored pay raises for council not on agenda

Though an item regarding pay raises for Columbus councilmen is not listed on an agenda emailed to The Dispatch on Thursday, leaders do have the option of adding such a resolution before today’s meeting.

CVB will again discuss ethics policy today

A proposed ethics policy tabled at last month’s Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitor’s Bureau Board of Directors meeting will once again come before the board when it meets at 4 p.m. today.

Monday Profile: Bush leans on faith in serving public

Some know him as a mainstay at Columbus’ public works department, which he now leads on an interim basis. Some know him as a minister of Greater Mt. Zion Church, where he has led the congregation since 2008. In either case, leading is something Casey Bush has a great deal of experience with, something he says it’s only possible through his faith.

Not ‘tired’ of Yokohama

Since the recent announcement that tire manufacturer Yokohama Tire Company would be locating a plant in Clay County, area distributors have noticed an increased demand for the brand.

Supes pursue inter-local group for aerial photography

Lowndes County supervisors approved entering into an inter-local agreement to procure bids for new aerial photography during their meeting Friday.

Committee meets to explore redevelopment strategy

Discussions on revitalization in Columbus continued Thursday as developers and city officials involved with a redevelopment authority steering committee held its first meeting.

17th annual Juneteenth begins tonight

The Afro-American Culture Organization will host the 17th annual Juneteenth celebration at Sim Scott Park in Columbus this weekend.

A kick-off party at Master Host Inn is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. before proceedings move to Sim Scott Park Friday from 6-10 p.m. and continuing all day Saturday, beginning at noon.

Safety paramount as sizzling summer ensues

The National Weather Service in Jackson is forecasting a high temperature of 96 degrees in Columbus today with the heat index expected to reach the triple digits. The arrival of summer weather in Mississippi brings with it the increased risk of heat-related illnesses, and it is important to take precautions to avoid extended exposure to the elements, according to NWS officials and local medical experts.

Sanders, Smith remove Myrick from CVB board

Columbus Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau board member Harvey Myrick confirmed he was relieved of his duties Tuesday by Lowndes County Board of Supervisors President Harry Sanders and Columbus Mayor Robert Smith, the two who appointed him in 2011.