Port authority moves toward finding new director

The Columbus-Lowndes County Port Authority will advertise in a maritime industry publication and work with a professional staffing agency to find the port’s next director.

New mill values could shape priorities

It will be September before millage rates for the 2014-15 fiscal year are set in Lowndes County and Columbus, but preliminary tax roll values indicate what the value of each mill will be worth.

Council moves forward with 15th Street repairs

Columbus councilmen approved bids from APAC to repave and repair 15th Street South during their meeting Tuesday.

The project will cost approximately $122,800.

Portera: Communiversity would be ‘major new asset’

Before Lowndes County supervisors approved a $10 million commitment toward what East Mississippi Community College and Golden Triangle Development LINK officials are referring to as a new Center for Manufacturing and Technology Excellence “on steroids,” Malcolm Portera told them about a recent economy index that had Mississippi ranked dead last out of 50 states.

Unusually cool nighttime temps slated

When was the last time you remember temperatures dipping below 60 degrees in the middle of July?

If you were born after 1967 your answer is “never,” but that could change this week.

Supes agree to provide $10M for Communiversity

Lowndes County supervisors have agreed to a new three-year contract with the Golden Triangle Development LINK to represent the county’s industrial development interests.

The ties that bind: Family connections make job special

Between the long-time customers she sees every day and her employees, Sandra Hall likens working at the Sunflower on Alabama Street to being with family.

Clay Co. commits to Communiversity

Clay County supervisors unanimously approved an inter-local agreement with East Mississippi Community College to set aside money for a new workforce training facility.

CL&W will not face penalties for overflows

Columbus Light and Water will not face financial penalties stemming from an inquiry by the Environmental Protection Agency regarding sanitary sewage overflows.

KiOR exploring sale, hires firm to assist

KiOR has hired a firm to perform financial advising and assist in exploring a possible merger or sale.

The company, which built a $218 million plant in Columbus in 2011, made the announcement in a filing to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission Wednesday.

Caledonia restructures park department

Caledonia aldermen have agreed to a restructuring of its park department that will result in three part-time employees overseeing maintenance and operations rather than one full-time parks director.

West Point selectmen renew agreement with county, LINK

West Point selectmen voted unanimously to renew the city’s agreement with Clay County and the Golden Triangle Development LINK for three more years.

Supes approve requests to void HOME contracts

Lowndes County supervisors approved requests from owners of two houses being rebuilt as part of the HOME Investment Participation Program to cancel their contracts with LRJ&J Construction.

MDA to be asked for more funds for shooting range

The Mississippi Development Authority may be willing to allocate more money toward construction of a new firing range in Columbus to make up for insufficient local commitments.

Weather plagues progress on Jess Lyons fire station

Harsh, damp winter weather coupled with an unusually wet June has had an effect on the progress of numerous local construction projects.

The new fire station on Jess Lyons Road is no different.

Residents, supervisors frustrated over slow pace of HOME projects

Two Lowndes County homeowners will have their home rebuilt, thanks to grant funding from the Mississippi Development Authority’s HOME Investment Participation Program.

When the homes will be ready to move into is in question, however.

AAA: Gas costs won’t reduce summer travel

Drivers are paying the highest prices for gas on Independence Day since 2008 and costs are expected to stay expensive through the summer, but that will have little to no bearing on summer travel plans.

Port authority director Hardy retires

The Columbus-Lowndes County Port Authority Board is searching for a new leader after John Hardy retired as director Monday.

Artesia house declared loss after blaze

No injuries were reported after a blaze destroyed a house in downtown Artesia on Wednesday morning.

Council approves Trotter contracts

Columbus councilmen on Tuesday approved the remaining contracts for renovation of the Trotter Convention Center.