Articles by Neal Wagner
Weapons training preps local law for high-stress, realistic scenarios
A Columbus police officer slams on the brakes in his patrol car as he hurriedly disconnects his seat belt, throws open the driver’s side door and leaps from the siren-wailing vehicle.
West Point man arrested in more than five-year-old murder case
WEST POINT — After more than five years, a Clay County murder once thought to be a cold case may have been solved, according to a report released Monday by the Clay County Sheriff’s Department.
Couple shares homemade goodness by side of the road
For dozens of locals and out-of-town visitors each week, Crawford resident Viola Miller is the face of delicious, home-baked goods of all kinds.
Officers in Vicksburg flap lose appeal
Four Columbus police officers suspended last month for their involvement in an incident in the Vicksburg Military Park will return to work Friday and Saturday after the officers’ Wednesday appeal to the Columbus Civil Service Commission was unsuccessful.
Link’s Higgins details dreams for GTRA
As a driver traveling west on Highway 82 exits onto Airport Road near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport, he immediately encounters miles of professionally manicured trees, shrubs and flowers lining the four-lane road.
Injured wagon driver back in the saddle
Months after an 18-wheeler tanker truck catapulted New Hampshire resident Bob Skelding and pieces of his homemade, horse-drawn carriage several hundred feet along the side of Highway 45 South, Skelding is ready to try again.
CPD: Summertime breeds rash of burglaries
Each year, summer brings more free time for Columbus’ youth, more outdoor activities for area residents and a substantial increase in the city’s burglary rate.
Local auto sales outlook brightens
Though the nation’s economy may not be “out of the woods just yet,” several Columbus automobile dealers are beginning to see a jump start in their car sales.
Disgraced supervisor loses appeal
The Mississippi Court of Appeals Tuesday denied former Lowndes County District 4 Supervisor Jim Terry’s appeal of a 2007 prison sentence imposed on him by the Lowndes County Circuit Court.
New air terminal funded by grant
The Golden Triangle Regional Airport Tuesday received a “huge help” from the Federal Aviation Administration, as the national agency awarded the airport a $1.4 million grant.
Council votes to support county’s sportsplex land quest
Columbus officials are “on board” with the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors’ Monday decision to seek property options from landowners in the 71-acre plot of land in the city’s Burns Bottom area being considered for the county’s sportsplex project.
County supports new EMCC nursing school
Lowndes and its surrounding counties soon may be partnering to help fund the construction of a nursing school facility at East Mississippi Community College, members of the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors announced during a Monday meeting.
Supervisors move to acquire Burns Bottom land for sportsplex
Lowndes County government and economic development officials during the next few months will seek property options from 31 landowners in Columbus’ Burns Bottom area.
In Columbus, a mayor with a full plate
From the city’s drainage issues to annexing portions of Lowndes County, newly re-elected Columbus Mayor Robert Smith has “a lot on his plate” for the upcoming term.
Identity theft cases on rise, Columbus police warn
Tough economic times breed desperation, and desperation frequently leads to crime, according to Columbus Police Department Capt. Fred Shelton.
City, county leaders throw support behind Burns Bottom sportsplex site
County and local officials likely will purchase a nearly 71-acre piece of land near Columbus’ Hitching Lot Farmer’s Market to use for the county’s proposed sportsplex project, members of the Columbus City Council, Lowndes County Board of Supervisors and the Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority said during a Wednesday meeting.
East Columbus land tapped for new health department
Lowndes County Health Department employees and patients Thursday morning moved one step closer to acquiring a new facility, as the county Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to purchase a more than 3-acre plot of land for the project.
Council, supervisors to review potential sportsplex land studies next week
During a special meeting, the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors discussed plans for the county’s upcoming sportsplex project and possible construction of a new Justice Court building.
Athletes issued Chief’s coins for Special Olympics performance
Bravery, strength and selflessness led to one of Columbus’ highest awards for several local citizens during a Tuesday night meeting of the Columbus City Council.
Council newcomers ready to tackle issues
Newly elected members of the Columbus City Council are making plans to “tackle the city’s issues head-on” after they are sworn into office early next month.
Deputies searching for two suspects in Sunday double homicide
June 29, 2025
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