Funding in-hand for first downtown roundabout

Columbus has been approved for the state funding necessary to build the first of several planned roundabouts downtown.

City freezes spending ‘on everything’

It started when Ward 5 Councilman Stephen Jones voted against the city’s claims docket because he had questions about some of the charges.

Council: Overtime costs still ‘out of control’

Concerned city council members peppered the city’s police and fire chiefs with questions Tuesday about overtime expenses they still believe to be “out of control.”

Council to discuss freeze on travel spending

The city of Columbus spent almost $158,000 on travel in Fiscal Year 2018.

Of that total, nearly 30 percent — $45,323.28 — was the combined tab for the mayor and city council, according to information the city provided The Dispatch in response to a Mississippi Public Records Act request.

City still accepting applications for planning commissioner

The city of Columbus is seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on its Planning Commission.

Earlier this month, the city council reappointed longtime member Annette Savors and appointed new member Melissa Smith to the commission, leaving it with one remaining open spot.

CPD will go longer without an assistant chief

Columbus Police Department will go a little longer without an assistant chief after the background check of the latest preferred candidate disqualified him from consideration.

Home Base: Mississippi Republicans lean on natural selection when it comes to educating its children

My three daughters are all in bed by 8:30 every night.

At least four nights a week, that’s when my wife breaks out the laptop and various paper-stuffed folders.

Retail Coach firm developing list of recruiting targets for Columbus

As of Wednesday, Will Kline was approaching the halfway mark of the first phase of his plan to rebuild Columbus’ reputation as the retail center for the Golden Triangle.

Columbus CFO suspended without pay in wake of budget deficit revelation

Columbus Chief Financial Officer Milton Rawle has been suspended for 16 working days, without pay, for failing to comply with job performance standards.

Columbus CFO suspended without pay

Columbus Chief Financial Officer Milton Rawle has been suspended for 16 working days without pay for failure to comply job performance standards.

Man dies in surgery after being shot in domestic dispute

A Macon man died Saturday morning after being shot in what authorities are calling a domestic dispute at Greentree Apartments in Lowndes County.

Fresh face recommended as new airport fixed-base operator

Jared Rabren may only be 25, but interestingly enough his experience helped land him a shot at a contract to run the Columbus-Lowndes Airport.

City operated at $881K deficit in FY 2018

The city of Columbus operated at a nearly $881,000 deficit in Fiscal Year 2018 — a fact that apparently caught city councilmen completely by surprise.

Columbus-Lowndes Airport searches for new operator after the last one stalls

Just about every weekend, Randy Gray gives flying lessons from the Columbus-Lowndes Airport on Fabritech Road near Highway 69.

American Deli cashiers speak out after mall melee

A steady stream of customers waited patiently in line Saturday at American Deli in Leigh Mall when Briana Jackson began her shift at 4 p.m.

Bringing ‘guns’ to the White House: Muscle-bound Columbus native and chef has served four presidential administrations

Last weekend, Andre Rush was in Belgium accepting a peace award.

On Thursday, he was sitting outside Helen’s Kitchen in Columbus, musing with his old classmate Kabir Karriem about life at Lee High School, where they both were members of the last graduating class in 1992.

Police Explorers returning to Columbus

The Police Explorers program is returning to Columbus.

Boy Scouts of America will officially charter the revamped Explorers in a ceremony Monday evening.

New Trotter event space open for rent

Walking through the old Regal Cleaners building on Fourth Street North, Trotter Convention Center Director Mike Anderson doted on the changes.

New stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. Ceramic tile flooring throughout the facility. Updated restrooms. New tables, chairs and an ice caddy.

Councilman Jones implicated as beneficiary in Bargain Hunt embezzlement case

Columbus police are investigating an alleged embezzlement that involves a city councilman and his wife.

Businessman Mark Alexander appointed to CRA board

A longtime local developer and businessman is joining the Columbus Redevelopment Authority board.