Articles by Ryan Poe
Columbus starts search for new top cop
After firing Columbus Police Chief Joseph St. John Tuesday, the City Council will take applications for his replacement through Aug. 25. If all goes well, the city should have a new chief within the next four months, said Mayor Robert Smith.
CVB board gives $35K to Legends concert
After delaying its decision for a month, the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau board voted to make $35,000 available to the Legends Concert, which is looking to bring in REO Speedwagon and The Temptations.
CVB board gives $35K to Legends concert
After delaying its decision for a month, the Columbus Convention and Visitors Bureau board voted to make $35,000 available to the Legends Concert, which is looking to bring in REO Speedwagon and The Temptations.
Fourth man charged with fatal shooting
Columbus police charged a fourth suspect Tuesday with participating in the July 11 robbery and fatal shooting of a College Street resident.
Workers charged with stealing from Severstal plant
Two Severstal workers were charged with grand larceny after at least one of them was caught on camera, taking materials from the steel mill.
Fourth suspect charged with Columbus murder
Columbus police charged a fourth suspect Tuesday with participating in the July 11 robbery and fatal shooting of a College Street resident.
City Council fires Columbus police chief
The Columbus City Council voted 5-1 Tuesday to fire Police Chief Joseph St. John after about two hours in closed session, bringing to a close a scandal that has sharply divided the community.
City asks for St. John’s resignation
The Columbus City Council has offered Police Chief Joseph St. John 20 days’ pay in exchange for his retirement before its meeting tonight, according to St. John’s attorney, David Owen.
Middle-aged man charged with rape of 14-year-old
A 47-year-old Columbus man has been charged with the statutory rape of a 14-year-old girl. Gregory Darrell Harper of 1507 Washington Ave. was arrested late Monday at his residence after the victim’s parents filed a report with Columbus police, according to Police Public Information Officer Terrie Songer.
Civil Service Commission upholds officers’ suspensions
Bringing a climactic close to a heated hearing, the Civil Service Commission voted 2-1 Thursday to uphold the suspensions of two Columbus police officers.
Residents sound off on ‘personhood,’ voter ID, eminent domain
STARKVILLE — Three initiatives on the ballot this year could protect the lives of the unborn, the integrity of elections and private property rights.
St. John to testify Thursday at officers’ hearing
The schedules of Civil Service commissioners have aligned, just in time for a Thursday hearing on the appeals of two Columbus police officers.
Columbus man shot to death
A 35-year-old Columbus man was shot and killed by at least one masked man late Monday in his College Street home, according to police.
Columbus police chief suspended
Columbus Police Chief Joseph St. John was placed on paid, administrative leave Monday pending a formal performance review by the City Council at its July 19 meeting.
Lowndes County man recovering slowly after being pulled from car fire
When Mickey Brislin saw smoke off Matson Road Sunday, his first thought was that someone had lit a fire — not that someone was on fire.
Residents, business owners gear up to contest Columbus’ annexation plan
As the city moves forward with annexation plans, business and home owners are settling in for a legal battle that could take years to resolve.
Arrest Report 7-7-11
Local law enforcement agencies reported these felony arrests over the past week:
Second victim of early morning fire dies in Lowndes County
A 13-year-old boy died and his grandmother was on the verge of death this morning after their Lowndes County house caught fire.
Washington man faces charges for Caledonia child-pornography case
A 58-year-old Renton, Wash., man accused of convincing a Caledonia woman to send him pornographic photographs of her two young sons has turned himself in to local deputies.