Articles by Slim Smith
CMSD to move sixth graders to Hunt in 2022
For almost a year, Columbus Municipal School District has worked on its plans for the redevelopment of Hunt School with the understanding it would become the home of the district’s sixth-grade operations.
American Hero: Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman honors Caledonia’s ‘Band of Brothers’ veteran
Private Brad Freeman came home to Caledonia from World War II, went to college on the G.I. Bill, got married, built a home, raised two daughters and, for 32 years, worked as a rural letter carrier until he retired.
Students share experiences with family health issues, depression at Exchange Club Youth Awards
Grace Massey and Scarlet Frey shared one thing in common as they heard the stories of the other area high school students under consideration for the Columbus Exchange Club’s Youth of the Year and A.C.E. Award: They were both surprised to hear their names called.
Slimantics: Upon further review…
Comedian Ron White used to tell the story about the time when he was drunk and belligerent at a New York City bar and was told he would be “escorted” out of the establishment if he didn’t leave voluntarily.
Slimantics: Two ideas for the county’s sportsplex
On Monday, Lowndes County supervisors at last turned their attention to building a sportsplex on 89 acres of land it purchased in 2018, something that seemed to have been put on the back-burner until now.
Price tags for sportsplex options range from $14M to $29M
It’s been almost three years since Lowndes County supervisors voted to purchase 89 acres west of the Tombigbee River to be used to build a sports complex for its fledgling recreation department.
Signed: Fee-in-lieu deals to generate $3M annually
Lowndes County supervisors approved exactly three fee-in-lieu agreements for projects representing more than $500 million in capital investment during Monday’s regular board meeting.
Businesses ready to get back to work; workers, not so much
Restaurateur John Bean is a few workers short. Check that. He’s about a few hundred workers short.
“We’re short-staffed and actively looking,” said Bean, whose Eat With Us group operates 14 restaurants in the state, including seven in the Golden Triangle.
Slimantics: As good as it gets?
About halfway through the Columbus Exchange Club’s candidate forum Thursday, my thoughts turned to a line from one of my favorite movies, “As Good as It Gets.”
Council candidates highlight issues facing city at forum
Put charitably, Thursday’s Columbus Exchange Club meeting/candidate forum was an example of brevity being the soul of wit.
Ward 4 primary challenge could be filed in circuit court
Ward 4 council candidate Patricia Ann Douglas said she will be speaking with her attorney about the next steps in her challenge to the April 6 Democratic primary election after the Columbus Municipal Executive Committee declined to act on the challenge during its Tuesday meeting.
Fire Station 4 open after yearslong design, building effort
The new Columbus Fire and Rescue Fire Station No. 4 is a straight shot down Airline Road, but the road to its creation was a long, sometimes bumpy one, marked by detours and abrupt stops.
Sheriff recounts challenges of COVID year
The last time Eddie Hawkins spoke at the Columbus Rotary Club was in 2019. At the time, Hawkins was campaigning for Lowndes County sheriff.
CHS med tech student uses training to save uncle
Santeuana Miller has spent the last two years learning a lot about the medical field in the health science/medical tech program at Columbus High School’s McKellar Vocational School.
On April 7, she learned something about herself that may be just as important for the aspiring travel nurse.
CMSD to consider up to $3.2M in budget cuts
An independent audit requested by the Columbus Municipal School District, released Thursday, has identified opportunities for potential savings of $1.6 million to $3.2 million, mostly
STAR Student picks her first teacher to share recognition
It was hardly a surprise when Katelyn Smith, a senior at Golden Triangle Early High School, was awarded STAR Student recognition by the Mississippi Economic Council (MEC) last month.
Community-minded officer awarded Exchange Club’s annual Book of Golden Deeds award
Rhonda Sanders sat at a back table at Lion Hill Center, occasionally dabbing her eyes, moist with tears, with the tissue she clutched in her right hand as she listened to Ralph Null’s introduction of the 2020 Book of Golden Deeds recipient.
Public safety commissioner draws on coaching experience in new role
Sean Tindell has held a lot of titles during his adult life — prosecutor, businessman, legislator, judge and, most recently, commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Public Safety.
Slimantics: The prospects of a powerless population
All these decades later, Lord Acton’s claim still holds true: Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Return to tradition: St. Paul’s May Luncheon coming back after year hiatus
Here’s something no one has heard in the past 150 years or so: The St. Paul’s Episcopal Church May Luncheon is back.
“Due to the pandemic, we had to cancel the luncheon last year,” said Gina Thompson, president of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Women (ECW), which has conducted the luncheon since its beginning. “That is probably the first year since its inception that we haven’t had the luncheon.”
Group distributes 528 backpacks, school supplies at Lock and Dam
July 13, 2025
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