Articles by Zack Plair
Monday Profile: Business owner uses second chance to help others with their own
Last year, Kevin Styron and his Styron’s Lawn Service crew planted Adriatic jasmine on the hillsides surrounding the Lowndes County Soccer Complex.
Mayor asks public to compel council to support audit
Columbus Mayor Keith Gaskin was supposed to talk to Columbus Exchange Club on Thursday about his first 100 days in office — a landmark he will technically reach on Sunday.
When he took the podium at Lion Hills Center, he quickly dispensed with that plan with a bit of ironic humor.
Jones pushes for hiring department heads, better communication from mayor
The city council on Tuesday approved allowing Mike Bernsen to volunteer part-time as the city’s interim chief financial officer.
Council kills plans for forensic audit
Ward 2 Councilman Joseph Mickens walked to the podium in the Municipal Complex courtroom Tuesday evening. He unfolded a sheet of paper with prepared remarks and, with an earnest tone worthy of a Sunday devotional reading, began to address his fellow council members.
County hears pitches from ARPA consultant firms
Lowndes County supervisors on Monday heard from four firms that could be in the running for providing consulting services for spending American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Mayor suggests private donations to fund audit
Since Keith Gaskin was sworn in as mayor on July 1, he said several community members have offered him some version of, “if there’s anything I can ever help you do, let me know.”
There’s definitely something they can do, Gaskin said, and now he’s letting them know.
10 apply for Lowndes posts on EMCC board
Ten applicants are vying for two spots to represent Lowndes County on the East Mississippi Community College Board of Trustees.
Gaskin plans to roll out proposal for organizational changes
Mark Alexander Jr.’s original plan when he agreed in July to become Columbus’ interim chief operations officer was to work, for free, through Sept. 30.
Mayor pushing for October vote on forensic audit
Mayor Keith Gaskin announced Wednesday he is moving closer to formally asking the city council to approve a forensic audit of city finances.
City earmarks $1.3M in ARPA for employee stipends
Columbus City Council voted 3-2 on Tuesday to earmark $1.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for one-time employee stipends but will not spend that money until the city has clear legal guidance on who exactly can receive it.
Councilman recuses from budget talks over possible conflict
A more than 18-month wait on an Attorney General’s Opinion sidelined a Columbus councilman from discussing and voting on the Fiscal Year 2022 budget.
Columbus approves trimmed down budget
Mayor Keith Gaskin began Wednesday’s final public hearing for the Fiscal Year 2022 budget contrite.
Supes approve budget with pay raises, no tax increase
Lowndes County supervisors on Wednesday approved a Fiscal Year 2022 budget that funded employee pay raises without increasing taxes.
County underfunds LCSD request for second year
For the second straight year, county supervisors underfunded the Lowndes County School District’s ad valorem tax request due to an ongoing court battle over the issue.
$1.5M clerical error upends city budget proposal
A $1.5 million clerical error discovered Monday in the city’s budget proposal left administration with less than 48 hours to fix it.
Council approves tax increase, discusses pay raises
Columbus City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a 2.87-mill property tax increase for Fiscal Year 2022.
Lowndes seeks EMCC trustees after 2 resign
Both Lowndes County representatives on the East Mississippi Community College Board of Trustees have announced they are stepping down.
Gaskin proposing tax increase to repay debt
Mayor Keith Gaskin plans to ask the council this month to approve a 2.87-mill increase in the city ad valorem tax rate to help fund debt obligations.
Higgins touts major industrial projects coming to area
Most industrial recruitment projects the Golden Triangle Development LINK works on are known to the public only by a nickname before the deals are finalized and announced.
Higgins leaving EMCC board; blames workforce training efforts
Joe Max Higgins plans to leave the East Mississippi Community College Board of Trustees as soon as the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors can find a replacement.
Group distributes 528 backpacks, school supplies at Lock and Dam
July 13, 2025
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