City considers temporarily closing road that leads to illegal dumpsite

At the curve where Pine Avenue turns into Walnut Street, the city keeps a sign posted that reads, “No Dumping.”

Caledonia teen indicted in two felonies: viral beating video and sexual assault of a girl

A Caledonia teenager faces adult felony charges, some stemming from a viral social media video where he is seen holding another teenager at gunpoint.

City legislative asks may focus on forensics lab, watershed

For the past three years, the city has sought both federal and state funds for a regional crime center that would house improved crime monitoring technology and a more capable forensics lab.

Pavilion planned for old Lipscomb lot behind courthouse

A planned addition behind the Lowndes County Courthouse could become a favorite lunchtime hangout downtown by this summer.

New court administrator could be in place by April

The city plans to have a new municipal court administrator in place no later than April 1.

Columbus HR director, fire chief retiring this year

Human Resources Director Pat Mitchell is retiring June 19 after logging 40 years of service with the city.

Photos: Yule Market

High-speed chase ends after suspect crashes into fence at nursing home

COLUMBUS – A police chase that started downtown Saturday ended after the suspect crashed into a fence at Trinity Nursing Home on Airline Road. Xavier

A Dispatch Analysis: Forensic lab speeds cases but revenue lags

If you want to keep your friend’s cake recipe a secret, don’t let Claudette Gilman walk off with a sample.

Chapman accepts contract to be CMSD superintendent

In a closed-door discussion Monday evening, the Columbus Municipal School District board apparently told its interim superintendent what he needed to hear.

Short-term rentals to charge extra taxes countywide

By as soon as Jan. 15, visitors will start paying a little more for short-term rentals in Lowndes County.

Advisory committee pitched to help city with economic development

The city council on Wednesday broached the possibility of creating an economic development advisory committee to help the city recruit new businesses and encourage more investment from existing ones.

Last of city ARPA to fix drainage on Hwy 45, Summerhaven

City council members on Tuesday shifted about $269,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds away from its major ongoing drainage improvement project to a pair of smaller ones.

Temporary fixes would change traffic flow on Main Street

COLUMBUS – A couple of weeks ago, Mayor Stephen Jones sent City Engineer Kevin Stafford a photo of a car trapped under an 18-wheeler at

Amphitheater could host first show in spring 2027

If the city council votes next week to put $1 million more toward the project, a completed Sen. Terry Brown Amphitheater could host its first show on the Island in spring 2027.

CVB commits $1 million toward finishing amphitheater

Add another $1 million toward completing the Sen. Terry Brown Amphitheater on the Island.

Council moves on from lobbyist after airing more grievances

Ward 6 Councilman Jason Spears came to Tuesday’s city council meeting wanting to set the record straight about accusations the city’s former lobbyist made against him in the firm’s resignation letter.

Mayor: State rep colluded with councilman to ax lobbyist

Mayor Stephen Jones on Monday said ending Worth Thomas Consultants’ time as the city’s lobbying firm was a joint effort between District 41 State Rep. Kabir Karriem and Ward 6 Councilman Jason Spears.

Former LINK employee had 700+ recordings of Higgins

A former Golden Triangle Development LINK employee compiled more than 700 audio recordings of ex-CEO Joe Max Higgins, content from which may have played a part in Higgins’ dismissal from the regional economic development organization.

Columbus nixes contract with lobbying firm

The city’s relationship with its lobbyist will be finished by Thanksgiving.