Presley: Telemarketing scams continue to rise

Scams have advanced almost as rapidly as technology, and thousands of Mississippians have been taken in, according to Northern District Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley.

Lowndes County Circuit Court 3-22-11

The following sentences were handed down in the February term of the Lowndes County Circuit Court.

Ex-councilman says he’ll take drug appeal to Supreme Court

Former city councilman Kamal Karriem, who tested positive for cocaine while on probation in 2008, plans to appeal the revocation of his probation before the state Supreme Court, he said Monday.

Body exhumed in Lowndes County cold case

Almost 10 years after teens stumbled across the skeleton of 19-year-old Marrio Harris in Lowndes County, investigators have exhumed his body in hopes of finding his killer.

Monday Profile: Weeping Willie, neighborhood poet

“Weeping” Willie Lang became a poet literally overnight. About 14 years ago, Lang was sleeping in his house near Helen’s Kitchen, where the now out-of-work radio talk show host can usually be found drinking coffee and selling poetry.

Smithville woman dies from wreck injuries

A 43-year-old Smithville woman died Sunday in Tupelo, a day after she was airlifted from a one-vehicle wreck in Monroe County.

Longtime Columbus hotel Gilmer Inn has colorful past

When now-and-then resident Craig Oswald looks at the Gilmer Inn, he sees a treasure trove of history and a cast of colorful characters.

But that’s not how the inn is seen by its neighbors.

Police: Woman charged with perjury in falsified kidnapping

An 18-year-old woman was charged with perjury Thursday after she recanted claims that her ex-boyfriend had kidnapped, beaten and shot at her in late December.

Hearing postponed for Elbow Room shooting suspect

A Columbus Municipal Court hearing to appoint a public defender for the man suspected of a double homicide at the Elbow Room Lounge has been postponed until April 7.

Records show lack of bias in Columbus judge’s cases

City Judge Nicole Clinkscales has not dismissed a disproportionately high number of cases involving the police officer who arrested her in 2009, a Dispatch investigation has revealed.

Narcotics unit busts up alleged drug ring

The Columbus-Lowndes Metro Narcotics Unit and the city SWAT team busted a large drug distribution ring Tuesday, arresting five people and seizing $36,100 worth of drugs.

Columbus man arrested on fondling charge

A 34-year-old man was arrested Saturday after he allegedly fondled a 14-year-old girl while she was at a sleep-over at his residence.

Suspect in sword-attack case charged in new crimes

A 44-year-old man who allegedly chased a woman from her home last year with a sword was arrested again last week, this time for grand larceny and credit card fraud from his mother.

Columbus council changes disability rules for city workers

The Columbus City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to cap the number of days an injured or disabled city employee can be on light or restricted duty at 90 days.

Columbus Red Cross off to solid fundraising start

The Columbus Red Cross Chapter, which has recently strained to raise funds, has already received pledges for $31,000 in its Heroes Campaign this month.

Lowndes Circuit Court 3-15-11

The following sentences were handed down in the March term of the Lowndes County Circuit Court.

Vardaman man dies after ATV accident in Clay County

A 37-year-old Vardaman man died of head trauma early Monday in Memphis, Tenn., after accidentally flipping a four-wheeler in Clay County last week.

Columbus planning board rejects plan for new Southside businesses

The Columbus Planning Commission voted Monday to reject two rezoning requests in Southside that, according to the investment group spokesman, would have brought more than seven new businesses to the low-income area.

Columbus Air Force Base gets Satisfactory grade in sweeping inspection

The Columbus Air Force Base received an overall Satisfactory grade Monday after a week-long inspection of the unit by 113 military and civilian experts.

Ex-West Lowndes coach sues district over firing

A former West Lowndes Middle School basketball coach has sued the school district and some of its officials for allegedly mishandling a sexual misconduct investigation.