2014: A year of tragedies and triumphs

As it is with every year, 2014 will be remembered both for the good things that happened and the bad.

From two-tailed coins to sugar gliders, 2014’s odd news

There are many definitions of “news,” among them something considered unusual, unexpected or out of the norm.

Golden Triangle jobless rate continues fall

The jobless rate continues to fall in Lowndes County and throughout the Golden Triangle.

A Starkville family, faced with trying circumstances, refuses to let their joy diminish

What do you call a family like the Sullivans?

How would you describe a family whose challenges include not one, but two children with special needs?

Slimantics: A visit with Santa

I am not as familiar with Santa Claus as most people, for he was a sporadic visitor to my home during my incorrigible childhood.

Columbus street paving under budget, on schedule

Although the steep drop in gas prices did not come early enough to factor into the city of Columbus’ $4.5 million infrastructure improvement project, city project manager Robin Eastman says work is coming in on schedule and under budget.

GTRA looks to add west-bound flights

Next month, Golden Triangle Regional Airport Director Mike Hainsey will make a presentation to fund an incentive package he believes is essential to attracting a carrier that will begin west-bound air travel.

CL&W almost finished installing 11K new meters

The monthly meeting was a matter of meters.

CVB readying for Pilgrimage

Members of the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau convened for the last time this year Monday in a decidedly festive setting.

Bulldogs boost sales tax numbers in Golden Triangle

Sales tax revenue from October was up throughout the Golden Triangle.

Columbus keeps billboard ban, approves redistricting plan

The Columbus city council approved one major change while rejecting another during Tuesday’s regular meeting.

Supes move $110K to general fund for low-income housing taxes

Lowndes County supervisors agreed to put roughly $110,000 in money collected from the city and county schools back into its general fund to reimburse five Section 42 Housing property owners.

Slimantics: When a ‘thank you’ is enough

Tess and I finished decorating the Christmas tree early Saturday evening. We turned the lights out and examined our handiwork, with only the colored lights on the tree illuminating the den, and pronounced it a success.

Miss. education money gap reaches $1.5B

Like most districts, the Lowndes County School District and the Columbus Municipal School District have been underfunded by the state over the past five years.

‘Tis the season: The search for the perfect Christmas tree

Cindy Lawrence went Christmas tree shopping at Lowe’s on Monday during her lunch hour and her preference for a live one was clear from the entrance she used.

Riverwalk connector nears completion

Thursday morning, Gary Weathers of Weathers Construction took a half-hour to join a tour of the Riverwalk connector.

Columbus group hopes to help felons find jobs

In Columbus, a grassroots organization called “Released By Grace” hopes to improve the long odds that felons face in trying to find their way back into society.

Columbus council to mull billboard ban

The city of Columbus’ billboard committee agreed Wednesday to bring back a proposal to lift the moratorium on new billboards that has been in place since 2000.

Slimantics: What the Governor won’t tell MUW grads

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant will be the speaker at Friday’s commencement exercises at Mississippi University for Women.

MSU, EMCC to start a new high school

A new public school will open in the Golden Triangle next fall, but it is not the school that has been in the news during recent months.