Lowndes woman hurt in one-car wreck

A 20-year-old woman suffered facial cuts and possibly a fracture today when her white sedan careened into a drainage ditch.

Church’s plan to occupy downtown Columbus theater challenged

Hope Community Church served up a steaming cup of controversy Monday when it asked the Columbus Planning Commission to let it move downtown and set up a coffee shop.

Man shot in firefight with Lowndes deputies dies

The man who was shot multiple times in a firefight with Lowndes County deputies died at the hospital Monday. Meanwhile, five deputies have been placed on administrative leave with pay pending an investigation.

Two-day manhunt ends in fire fight

A man who has been off of his anti-psychotic medicine since December was shot at least twice in a fire fight with Lowndes County deputies this morning, according to Sheriff Butch Howard.

Columbus police overtime: A volunteer system, spread thin

Some city employees are making up to $36,000 just in overtime pay, working up to 26 hours per week despite the risk of fatigue, an analysis by The Dispatch shows.

According to public records obtained by The Dispatch, 16 city employees — all but two from the police department — made more than $10,000 just in overtime in 2010 or are projected to make more than that in 2011.

Who is the city of Columbus’ highest paid employee?

Who is the city of Columbus’ highest paid employee?

It isn’t the mayor, the city administrative officer, or even the police chief.

It’s a police corporal.

New Hope men charged in drugs-for-guns ring

Two men have been charged with a string of Lowndes County burglaries that targeted guns, which they allegedly traded for marijuana.

Woman charged with statutory rape after taking children from New Hope school

A 33-year-old married mother faces two counts of statutory rape today against two 15-year-old New Hope High School students, who were released to the woman from school without parents’ permission.

Columbus man shoots girlfriend during fight

A 19-year-old man allegedly shot at and grazed the head of his ex-girlfriend Tuesday as he tried to move out of a North Columbus house.

DUI suspect answers nature’s call — in police trash can

When nature called Monday, O’Dell Stevenson Carter Jr. answered it — in the trash can of the room where police were testing him for drunken driving.

Lowndes supervisor Smith reports campaign signs stolen

Lowndes County District 4 Supervisor Jeff Smith reported 25 campaign signs, worth $500, missing today in two neighborhoods off of Highway 45 South.

Columbus Riverwalk concert to benefit storm victims

The Columbus City Council unanimously agreed Tuesday to allow a May 15 concert at the Riverwalk to benefit Smithville tornado victims.

Ruben’s ‘Miss Helen,’ wife of restaurant’s founder, dies at 92

With a familiar smile and a wry sense of humor, “Miss Helen” Prescott greeted customers and friends to Ruben’s Fish and Steakhouse for 56 years.

Columbus council reinstates changes to budget

The City Council reinstated 24 budget amendments Tuesday, ending a drawn-out discussion about whether councilmen can approve non-emergency budget changes.

Lowndes plans to test tornado sirens Wednesday

Columbus-Lowndes Emergency Management is testing its tornado warning siren system Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Lowndes County buys 857 acres for industrial park

Clearing the way for industrial growth, Lowndes County supervisors agreed Monday to significantly expand the region’s industrial aerospace park at a cost of $6.4 million.

Severstal Columbus names new manager

Severstal North America has appointed 35-year industry veteran Wilbur A. Winland vice president and general manager of its Lowndes County steel plant.

Man Tased in Columbus courtroom

A 46-year-old man was Tased by police Monday in Columbus Municipal Court after he allegedly punched a bailiff in the eye and fought officers.

Attorney general warns of fraud, price gouging

As victims of tornadoes last week try to reassemble their fragmented lives, state officials are asking people to be on the lookout for fraud and price gouging.

Power restored to most 4-County customers

Crews from 4-County Electric Power Association are almost finished restored power following a series of deadly storms in late April.