Silicor project in jeopardy after missed deadline
Silicor Materials has missed a Dec. 31 deadline to put up $150,000 in earnest money, jeopardizing the two-phase, $600-million project, according to a source close to the project.
Supes consider adding security staff at Courthouse
With the mass murder in Newtown, Conn. still fresh on the minds of most Americans and with two bomb threats in a week at the Lowndes County Courthouse, Chancery Clerk Lisa Neese told the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors it’s time to increase security at the courthouse.
All quiet as Silicor deadline approaches
As the eleventh hour approaches, Lowndes County officials are still in the dark when it comes to Mississippi Silicon (Silicor Materials) and the company’s intentions to build a facility in the area.
Our view: It’s time to get politicians out of the festival business
Near the end of Monday’s Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau board meeting Monday, District 5 Supervisor Leroy Brooks approached the podium to address the board.
Patting his right suit pocket, Brooks told the board that he would not speak from the text he prepared. Instead, he spoke off the cuff.
In retrospect, sticking to the prepared text probably would have been a better idea.
The message Brooks did deliver was a regrettable hodge-podge — at times racially-charged, at times conciliatory and at times conspiratorial.
Supervisors work to eliminate soccer park congestion
Eliminating problems with traffic and parking at the Columbus Soccer Complex has been a main objective for the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors since the park opened in September. Friday, the board took a major step forward in approving a new project that will extend Coretta Street on the back end of the complex.
Talks stall with Mississippi Silicon
With a Dec. 31 deadline drawing near, talks between the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors and a silicon company have stalled.
Mississippi Silicon was given until 12 a.m. New Year’s Eve to place $150,000 in escrow or lose a prime industrial site in Lowndes County, along with millions of dollars in incentive money.
Work on stalled drainage project to resume in 2013
Work on a stalled drainage project will hopefully resume in early 2013, according to District 4 Supervisor Jeff Smith. The Pickensville Road/Pickens Drive project came to a halt when engineering changes had to be made in November.
Silicor will miss deadline; future uncertain
A much-anticipated Lowndes County industrial prospect will miss a second construction deadline. According to Lowndes County Administrator Ralph Billingsley, Silicor Materials is not expected to meet its phase one groundbreaking deadline set for Dec. 31.
County approves $100K for soccer complex additions
The ball is now in the City of Columbus’ court as the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors Monday voted to give $100,000 in additional funding to the Columbus Soccer Complex.
Smith resents county board’s inaction
In a position usually occupied by District 5 Supervisor Leroy Brooks, District 4 Supervisor Jeff Smith took District 1 Supervisor and board president Harry Sanders to task during Monday’s board meeting.
City ready to work with county despite hard feelings
After more than a month of hard feelings, the City of Columbus is getting over it. The “it” in question is some ill will between city and county officials, fostered by a derogatory remark made by a high-ranking county board member.
Controversial drainage project put on hold
A joint project between the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors and Tombigbee Water Management has been temporarily placed on hiatus. Drainage work in the Pickensville Road/Pickens Drive area has come to a halt as some engineering changes to the project are being made.
Our view: All the right moves …
We were greatly encouraged Monday when the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors agreed with the City of Columbus to address a mutual problem — the facilities at the Columbus Soccer Complex.
Resort status may hold key to Elm Lake growth
The Lowndes County Board of Supervisors Monday gave Elm Lake Golf Course officials permission to apply for resort status, a move which, if approved, could allow them to offer services that will no longer be available at Columbus Country Club once East Mississippi Community College takes possession of it next month.
Contractor disputes city’s version of ‘Dump-Gate’
The Dump-Gate saga continues.
In what is, at best, a misunderstanding and, at worst, a flurry of lies, the controversy over whether or not the city allowed the county to use its landfill took another turn Tuesday.
City disputes Sanders’ claims over dumping access
Harry Sanders’ running feud with the city of Columbus introduced new allegations during Monday’s Lowndes County Board of Supervisors meeting, a dispute that could wind up costing county taxpayers $25,000 or more.
‘SOB’ comment strains relations as county asks city for waiver
Underlying tension between Columbus city councilmen and Lowndes County officials came to the surface during Tuesday’s meeting of the Columbus City Council.
County committee to examine pair of bids
A committee appointed by the Lowndes County Board of Supervisors will soon begin discussions on the expansion of a steel company and county water service.
Supes amend in-lieu agreements for two companies
The Lowndes County Board of Supervisors Friday voted to amend the KiOR in-lieu agreement to include two additional properties on its campus. New Jersey-based Matheson TRIGAS and Air Products and Chemicals of Allentown, Pa., are the latest companies to receive a tax deduction of 66 percent of their investment.
Silicor on schedule after first progress report
With the first of three monthly meetings out of the way, county officials are breathing a sigh of relief, saying plans appear to be on track and going well with the two-phase construction of a silicon metal production and purification facility.