Articles by Neal Wagner
Building steam: Candidates talk politics to dozens at second debate
More than 40 Friendly City residents Thursday night crowded into the Columbus Municipal Complex as 12 of the 15 candidates for the upcoming municipal elections took turns discussing a wide range of issues.
With studies in hand, officials step closer to sportsplex choice
The Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority has received environmental studies for the three proposed sportsplex sites, a key hurdle toward choosing a final location.
Light turnout for Columbus candidate debate
Thirteen of the 15 candidates for city elections discussed their qualifications and stances on a variety of issues Monday night at the Columbus Municipal Complex. And only about 30 residents were seated in the Municipal Complex Court — about .16 percent of the city’s 18,497 registered voters.
Work on new GTRA air terminal to start in July
Airline passengers traveling out of the Golden Triangle Regional Airport soon may notice the grind of construction equipment accompanying the roaring sounds of taxiing jets.
Supes vote to close stretch of raymond road
Members of the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors Tuesday moved a step closer to fulfilling their “promises to Stark Aerospace” by closing a portion of Raymond Road near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport.
Protesters: We’re ‘taxed enough already’
As millions across the country rushed Wednesday afternoon to file their taxes before the deadline, hundreds of area residents filed around the front steps of the Lowndes County courthouse in an attempt to “make their voices heard.”
Plant Adds 26 jobs, $3 million to Macon
MACON — Noxubee County this week received an “economic boost” from the opening of a large wood products company, according to Brian Wilson, executive director of the Noxubee Economic and Community Development Alliance.
City elections: Fewer candidates qualify; low voter turnout expected
Motorists and pedestrians traveling along Columbus’ streets and highways likely have noticed fewer signs advertising candidates for the city’s upcoming municipal elections than usual.
Union Academy potential site for job ‘re-tooling’ program for unemployed
The now-vacant former Union Academy building on 10th Avenue North soon may have a new tenant, members of the Columbus Municipal School District board of trustees announced during a Monday meeting.
Storm downs trees across county; minor damage, no injuries reported
Despite howling winds, heavy rainfall and frequent lightning battering Lowndes County and the Friendly City Sunday night, no serious injuries were reported, according to city and county emergency personnel.
Furniture maker sees boom amid downturn
With frequent reports of large layoffs, decreased salaries and plant closings, area economic news lately has been less than stellar.
Across the country, news of large companies outsourcing jobs and terminating longtime employees during the past few years provides an even bleaker economic outlook for many.
Property owner compares Seventh Avenue North to ‘Bourbon Street’
Sections of the Friendly City may be drawing the “wrong kind of attention,” according to a Columbus resident and apartment owner.
“I never thought I would hear people saying that Columbus is getting to be like Jackson or Memphis, but that’s what we’re getting,” Dennis Long, owner of an apartment complex near the intersection of Seventh Avenue and 16th Street North, said during a Tuesday night Columbus City Council meeting.
Antebellum history has youthful face
Whether greeting guests, conducting tours or explaining the history behind some of Columbus’ oldest structures, children have played a prominent role in the city’s Pilgrimage since it began 69 years ago.
Sanders decries requests for funds, labor
Across the country, news of a struggling national economy has been dominating headlines and news shows for several months.
Resurrecting Columbus’ storied past
As a cool breeze swept across Columbus’ Friendship Cemetery Monday night, voices, laughter and applause echoed against the hundreds of tombstones scattered throughout the normally quiet grounds.
High winds, Rain expected to hit area tonight
Golden Triangle residents tonight and Saturday may be facing heavy rains, frequent lightning and high winds as a powerful storm system is expected to cross the area, according to Lowndes County Emergency Management Agency Director Cindy Lawrence.
Will it be Waverley? Or Welty?
In a poll battle of potential new names for Mississippi University for Women, Waverley University has edged above the rest. But a surprise contender may be considered as a finalist: Welty University.
Local teams brace for hot competition at annual event
The aroma of barbecue sauce and slow-cooked pork filled the air near Reuben’s restaurant this morning, as grilling teams made early preparations for this weekend’s Grilling on the River competition.