Mexican national faces deportation after statutory rape arrest

A Mexican national illegally living in Lowndes County has been arrested and charged with statutory rape.

East Columbus shooting suspects turn themselves in

Jamarquis Donshaye Easley, 25 of 803 Spruce St., and Lashun Harris, 21, of 90 Caribou Cove, were arrested Wednesday and each charged with six counts of aggravated assault after they allegedly opened fire on a home Sunday morning.

Wendy’s demolition paves way for new restaurant

Relax, Wendy’s customers.

Although demolition crews began knocking down the restaurant Tuesday, the move is being made only to make room for an updated Wendy’s at the same location on Highway 45 North in Columbus.

Redden arrested, hearing set for Aug. 19

A Columbus businessman who pleaded guilty to domestic violence/aggravated assault is back in jail on simple assault charges.

John Alan Redden, 51, of 500 Riverside Drive, turned himself into the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Department Tuesday afternoon after a bench warrant was issued for his arrest for violation of suspended sentence.

CMSD asks court to dismiss Liddell’s suit

The Columbus Municipal School District Board of Trustees is asking the court to throw out a suit that would return Dr. Martha Liddell to the position of schools superintendent.

Police seek two in East Columbus shootout

The Columbus Police Department is looking for two men suspected of exchanging gunfire in the middle of the street and shooting into a home Sunday morning.

A mother’s touch: Baptist program encourages ‘skin to skin’ contact

The first few moments of a baby’s life are the most precious. With that in mind, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle is implementing skin to skin, a program that focuses on immediate contact between the baby and mother immediately after birth.

Columbus Arts Council art camps open Monday

The Columbus Arts Council is kicking off its series of July art camps next week.

On Monday, a variety of classes will be offered at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, ranging from ceramics to dance to drawing. The camp is open to children ages 5-10.

Liddell hearing set for July 16

Former Columbus Municipal School Superintendent Dr. Martha Liddell will soon learn if she will be reinstated to her former position.

Organizers expect big turnout for 4th of July event

Organizers of today’s Independence Day celebration, Fireworks on the Water, said they expect this year’s event to be better than ever.

Despite the threat of rain, Columbus Air Force Base Chief Public Affairs Officer Sonic Johnson said they are preparing for maximum crowds for the event, which will be staged on the East Bank of the John C. Stennis Lock and Dam.

Paying the price of freedom: Holiday holds deeper meaning for soon-to-be deployed Truelock and his family

As most Americans gather today to enjoy their families and celebrate freedom, military families know July 4 is more than a day to barbecue and

Simple assault warrant issued for local businessman

Two arrest warrants have been issued for local businessman Alan Redden for simple assault and malicious mischief.

The warrants stem from an alleged altercation that occurred June 28 between Redden and his ex-girlfriend’s 13-year-old daughter.

CMSD board approves bus contract

During a special meeting Tuesday night, the CMSD school board voted 4-1 to approve Ecco Ride’s contract for the upcoming year. Ecco Ride is a Rhode Islan-based company that recently outbid local company, Waters Truck and Tractor, for a four-year bus contract with the district.

LCSO responds to two cases of unattended children found on roadways

A Lowndes County toddler has been reunited with his mother after he was discovered wandering alone on a road near Highway 69 South Tuesday morning.

Monday profile: Jones: Doughnuts for sale, no charge for the smiles

Walking into Shipley Donuts in Columbus, customers are greeted by two things: the overwhelming smell of sweet, sugary doughnuts and the beaming smile of Kay Jones.

Jones, 51, has worked at Shipley’s for the last three years and says she strives to make each customer feel at home.

Teachers encouraged after Common Core training

With Common Core State Standards set to be implemented in all Mississippi classrooms for the 2014-15 school year, area teachers are preparing for the change in curriculum.

‘Crash Course’ helps students discover new careers in medical field

A week-long “crash course” in nursing has set the career path for three Columbus teenagers.

For the past week, high school seniors Ariana Mays, 16, Ambreauna Brown, 16, and Karigan Johnston, 17, have participated in “Crash Course” at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle.

Lowndes schools pass budget

In a 4-1 vote, the Lowndes County School Board approved the district’s budget for the 2013-2014 fiscal year.

Local law enforcement, businesses preparing for ‘open carry’

A state judge blocked Mississippi’s open-carry gun law from taking effect next week, writing in a Friday ruling that the law was vague and that an injunction was needed to prevent irreparable harm.

Hinds County Circuit Judge Winston Kidd scheduled a hearing July 8 to consider more arguments about whether to extend the injunction.

Karriem hopes to keep gun buyback program

Four months after the Columbus Police Department sponsored a gun buyback program, organizers are mulling over whether to make it an annual event.