It’s better to have a friend with a boat than a boat with a note.
And if you don’t have a friend, that’s OK: Rippy’s on the River has you covered.
Owners Anna Kathryn and Charlie Rippy opened the recreational boat rental spot on the river in Columbus about three weeks ago.
“Charlie and I grew up on the river in Columbus, and about a year ago we started noticing a lot of people did not realize the entertainment of the river in our area or they did not have a way of enjoying it,” Anna Kathryn said. “That’s when we thought, ‘Why not create a way for the Golden Triangle to enjoy the water?’”
Rippy’s is operating out of Smith Landscaping at 471 Wilkins Wise Road. The plan is to build a restaurant, boat rental and service station on the river. The couple wanted to build on the corner of Waverly Ferry and Wilkins Wise Road, but COVID-19 increased lumber prices, and that project is now on hold.
Even though the final project is not yet complete, folks can still rent ski boats, wakeboard boats, pontoons, jet skis, fishing boats, kayaks and more.
Customers can rent boats for a full eight-hour day, or weekend rentals for discounted rates.
Keep up to date with Rippy’s on Facebook for updates, prices, specials and more.
From self-care to elder care, Caring Transitions of GTR opened Tuesday in Columbus.
Caring Transitions, a national senior relocation and household goods resale company, officially opened at 112 Fifth St. N.
“We offer total end-to-end solutions for our clients,” general manager Phillip Livingston said. “We focus on the logistical processes of handling relocations, downsizings and liquidations so our clients can focus on remaining stress free. … We do this with a sincere sense of compassion and respect for our clients.”
Caring Transitions’ office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Now we’re moving from elder care to general health care.
Omnis Health Clinic, 34 Glenwood Dr., opened Tuesday in Columbus near Lion Hills Center.
Owner and Nurse Practitioner Amanda Fondren opened the clinic in a central location for West Point, Ackerman, Caledonia and Columbus patients.
For Fondren, transparency and communication are both key components for her patients.
“Patients really just want to be listened to,” she said. “A lot of patients don’t feel that way, but my goal as a provider is to make sure my patients feel like they are heard.”
Omnis is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Over in Starkville, a crowd favorite restaurant is back.
Jean Café, 12072 Hwy. 182, reopened Tuesday after a 15-month hiatus.
The famous cheese wonton restaurant ceased operations at the start of COVID-19, and customers have been steadily awaiting its reopening.
Jean Café announced its grand reopening on its Facebook page.
“We have missed you all more than you know,” the post reads. “… We are so humbled, grateful, blessed and lucky for all of you who have kept in touch and checked on us. Jean Café has the best customers on planet Earth. Old or new, we can’t wait to see everyone.”
Former Dispatch reporter Mary Pollitz writes about business openings and closings, as well as other unique business news. Send tips to [email protected].
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