Articles by Zack Plair
Former jail administrator gets early jump on 2019 sheriff’s race
Former Lowndes County jail administrator Rick Jones has announced his intent to run for sheriff in 2019.
Plans go awry at Kerr-McGee redevelopment meeting
A simple plan aimed to engage citizens in shaping a redevelopment plan for the old Kerr-McGee plant site backfired Thursday night in the Sim Scott Park Community Center.
Council terminates firefighter, suspends 2 CPD officers
Columbus councilmen voted to terminate a city firefighter Tuesday following a lengthy executive session at the Municipal Complex.
Home Base: Thanks for the memories
Notre Dame is a second-half team. Everyone knew that, and the Irish’s late comebacks had already become things of legend in this year’s NCAA Tournament.
City struggles to fill commission vacancies
Years ago, filling local boards and commissions with concerned citizens was no problem, Columbus Chief Operations Officer David Armstrong said.
Accepting the challenge: About 40 students show interest in pilot Innovation program
Jeffrey Rupp took only 20 copies of the entry form to Thursday’s interest meeting for the first Oktibbeha County Innovation Challenge. Before he arrived, he thought he might have wasted paper.
As it happened, he needed about twice that number.
CPD officer suspended after unticketed DUI in Starkville
Columbus councilmen voted 4-2 Tuesday evening to suspend a city police officer for 30 days without pay for “conduct unbecoming” after he was stopped earlier this month in Starkville on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Council chooses Young as CMSD trustee
Ward residency played a key role in who city councilmen chose to fill the final vacancy on the Columbus Municipal School District Board of Trustees.
Men carrying assault rifle, handgun and machete asked to leave Columbus Walmart
Three Georgia men were asked to leave Walmart in Columbus Monday night after entering the store carrying weapons in plain view.
City officials: CPD officer stopped for DUI in Starkville
A Columbus police officer will face the city council in executive session Tuesday after apparently being stopped in Starkville recently for driving under the influence.
Home Base: In black communities, ‘traffic stop safety’ is a priority conversation
Walking up to the driver’s side of a pickup that was “pulled over” by Lowndes County sheriff’s deputies Tuesday evening in the Oak Grove MB Church parking lot on Taylor Thurston Road, the pastor and I muttered our lines to ourselves as we shuffled closer to the vehicle.
Historic Burns Bottom home in crosshairs of demolition
The city plans to tear down a house in Burns Bottom that is on the National Register of Historic Places as part of a tax-funded redevelopment effort in the neighborhood.
City to demolish eight houses in Burns Bottom
Columbus City Council on Tuesday agreed to demolish eight vacant houses in the Burns Bottom area to help support an ongoing Columbus Redevelopment Authority project in the area.
CMSD board applicant field swells to five
The pool of applicants to fill the Columbus Municipal School District board’s final vacancy has grown to five.
Foundation invites public to ‘community conversation’
A planned “community conversation” event aims to better inform and engage citizens about the challenges facing Lowndes County.
Two men vying for CMSD board vacancy
Local pastor Willie Petty Sr. hopes his third try to get on the Columbus Municipal School District Board of Trustees proves the charm.
Sanders to stay on patrol after council denies appeal
An impromptu prayer circle, 16 members strong, assembled Tuesday evening in the hallway of the Municipal Complex, just outside the courtroom where the city council meets.
Council appoints Cox to CMSD board
Columbus council members on Tuesday selected Yvonne Cox to serve a five-year term on the Columbus Municipal School District Board of Trustees.
3 candidates vying for CMSD board spot
Three applicants had filed paperwork with the city as of Thursday to replace Angela Verdell on the Columbus Municipal School District board of trustees.
Two CMSD board members calling it quits
Two Columbus Municipal School District trustees who openly supported outgoing superintendent Philip Hickman are calling it quits.