County leaders gear up for MAS conference

County leaders will spend much of next week out of town attending workshops and networking with colleagues statewide at the Mississippi Association of Supervisors annual convention in Biloxi.

Air force base runway work ahead of schedule

Columbus Air Force Base officials report two thirds of construction on its center runway is done, making it on target and slightly ahead of its projected August 29 completion date. Work on the project began in March.

Columbus air base economic impact soars to $343 million

How much does Columbus Air Force Base mean to the local economy? $900,000. Every day.

Eurocopter lands deal to build six helicopters

American Eurocopter officials announced earlier this week that Arizona-based aviation company Pylon Aviation has placed an order for six new AS350 helicopters.

LCSO seeks grant for new camera systems

Lowndes County supervisors have authorized the sheriff’s office to apply for a grant that would fund purchasing new audio/video systems for up to 35 patrol cars.

Council declares two structures menaces

The Columbus City Council on Tuesday declared two city properties menaces, re-appointed Board of Adjustment and Appeals of Development Codes board member Mickey Brislin to another three-year term and tabled a request for a sprinkler-system variance from developer Chris Chain for one of his downtown mixed-use properties.

It’s Smith in a landslide: Incumbent mayor, Mickens easily outdistance election challengers

Only a little more than 30 percent of voters in Columbus participated in Tuesday’s general municipal election, but those who did spoke clearly in favor of incumbent Mayor Robert Smith.

Smith, a Democrat, won a second full term in office by a landslide — 69.4 percent of the vote — over Republican challenger Glenn Lautzenhiser and Independent Bo Jarrett.

Smith rolls to victory in mayoral race; Mickens wins Ward 2

Columbus Mayor Robert Smith handily defeated challengers Glenn Lautzenhiser and Bo Jarrett to ensure his second full term in Tuesday’s general municipal election.

EMCC seeks more tax revenue from Lowndes

East Mississippi Community College President Rick Young came before the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors Monday to ask for a two-mill tax increase to cover building construction needed to expand overall capacity.

Supes spar over county job vacancies

Discussion of Lowndes County’s summer youth work program turned into a debate between supervisors Leroy Brooks, Jeff Smith and Harry Sanders during the board’s meeting Monday.

Portera begins recruiting role for LINK

A former leader of two area universities begins serving as a workforce development consultant with the Golden Triangle Development Link this month.

CAFB confirms furloughs starting in July

Columbus Air Force Base officials have confirmed that furloughs for more than 470 of its civilian employees will take effect July 8 and continue through the remainder of the fiscal year.

Supes to consider loan for CalStar project

Lowndes County supervisors will meet 9 a.m. Monday to hold a public hearing on applying for a $5.35 million CAP loan through the Mississippi Development Authority to purchase property and build a facility that would house a sustainable building material company.

Education critical to development, says CREATE speakers

Correlation between education retainment levels and economic development and the importance of improving in both areas was among many issues discussed when regional community development leaders convened Friday for the CREATE Foundation’s annual State of the Region meeting in Tupelo.

Hundreds rally for Eurocopter

A contingent of American Eurocopter employees and executives, as well as family members and state leaders, came together Wednesday to call on Congress to reconsider spending cuts that would slash production of the UH-72A Lakota Helicopter.

Renovations to old 82 bridge should be completed in July

Painting of the steel portion of the Old Highway 82 bridge and installing the boardwalk and lighting are the three steps remaining before the Columbus landmark is completely restored and ready for public use again, City Engineer Kevin Stafford said.

Simulators drive home importance of seat belts

Studies from the National Safety Council show seat belts saved the lives of more than 75,000 motorists from 2004-08. Research from the United States President’s

Golden Triangle cities earn Main Street honors

Each of the Golden Triangle’s three cities are among 47 in Mississippi to have been designated as accredited National Main Street Programs in 2013 for meeting revitalization performance standards as dictated by the National Main Street Center.

Community coordinator’s exit won’t interrupt programs

County officials say community service programs will continue as normal this summer despite the retirement of coordinator and 29-year employee Sylvester Harris.

New committee to explore development on the Island

There has been much talk over the years about what kind of economic development projects could be lured to the Island, but so far, no one has been able to come to agreement. Now, the Island’s future is on the table again, with the formation of an ad hoc committee to explore options for the once-popular property.