Even after extensive storm damage from the Feb. 23 tornado, Columbus Fire Service continued operating in Columbus as it has for the past four decades. Vanessa Poteet, Columbus Fire Service manager, said the office building on Tuscaloosa Road was about half destroyed during the storm. Without missing a beat, the business operated as normal since the storm’s wake — in temporary buildings and out of Poteet’s car.
“Finding a new facility was a task,” Poteet said. “We’re now set up fully. There were some issues with not having a proper building, but we managed. Most people probably didn’t know we were even hit by the tornado.”
Now open at 2516 S. Main St., the business offers fire extinguisher service work, kitchen suppression system services and other fire prevention services to customers in an area ranging from Meridian to Tupelo and the Alabama and Tennessee border.
The office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Columbus is also gaining a new shop for your favorite wine and spirits.
Towne Liquor, 507 18th Ave. N. Suite 1., is coming to Towne Plaza as it replaces the frozen yogurt store that shuttered in December. The store’s Facebook page shows construction is underway but the owner could not be reached by The Dispatch before press time today.
A new transportation company has opened in Columbus.
If you’ve got friends or relatives flying into town, they can call Friendly City Transportation. Owners Carla Pritchett and Marla Crowe said the taxi service will pick up customers in Birmingham, Memphis, Jackson or Golden Triangle Regional Airport.
If you’ve got guests coming in or need a ride nearby, just call 662-364-6164.
Over in Starkville, Little E’s Indoor Playcenter has opened, giving parents an opportunity to boost their children’s imagination.
Owner Alexis Bullock opened the playcenter at 821 Hwy. 12 and parents can bring their children to play Wednesday through Saturday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays from noon-5 p.m.
The playcenter also hosts birthday parties, a kid version of Main Street and more. You can stay up to date on their website https://www.starkvilleplaygrounds.com/.
Don’t forget to show your business some love this week with The Dispatch’s Best of the Golden Triangle competition.
Customers have until Monday to rank your favorite restaurants, clothing stores, medical professionals and even hometown heroes.
The Dispatch posts a ballot each Sunday that you can mail in or bring to the front office at 516 Main St. You can also vote online at www.cdispatch.com/best.
Don’t leave your favorite people and businesses out. The top votes will be recognized as the Best of the Triangle. Two random voters will also be selected to receive $100 prizes.
Got business tips? Email them to [email protected].
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