Gavin doesn’t expect Smith to drop out of mayor’s race; Smith mum on health status
Vice Mayor Bill Gavin publicly addressed rumors about Mayor Robert Smith’s health and extended absence from City Hall Tuesday, saying as far as he knows Smith’s health is improving and that he “doesn’t anticipate” Smith dropping out of the upcoming mayoral election.
Council approves plan to save $1.1 million
Columbus councilmen approved a seven-part plan Tuesday that will purportedly save the city $1.1 million this fiscal year.
2-percent bill awaits governor’s signature
A long-debated 2-percent restaurant sales tax is a stroke of a pen away from returning to Columbus.
Irreconcilable differences?: Funding issues, ‘Type A personalities’ at forefront of ongoing feud between Columbus and Lowndes County leadership
Harry Sanders drives down Military Road late Friday morning on the route he takes into Columbus most days from his home near Caledonia.
From the driver’s seat of his red pickup, he starts pointing out toward street-side gutters and rights-of-way grown up in grass — all of which are the city’s responsibility to maintain.
County backs off plan for separate soccer league
A plan to begin a county soccer program was abruptly put on hold during Monday’s Lowndes County Board of Supervisors meeting after a letter to the editor from Columbus Mayor Robert Smith in Sunday’s edition of The Dispatch questioned the board’s motives.
City, county clash over Soccer Complex upkeep
County officials are denying claims they want to keep the Columbus Recreation Authority leagues from using the Lowndes County Soccer Complex downtown.
Mayoral candidates differ drastically on key issues
Independent mayoral candidate Montrell Coburn issued a promise to Columbus Exchange Club members on Thursday during his closing remarks of a forum hosted at Lion Hills Center.
Anti-McQueen ads could violate state law
Billboards and fliers pushed by an anonymous group that attack Columbus mayoral candidate Selvain McQueen could violate Mississippi campaign finance laws.
Smith campaign raises near $20K
Mayor Robert Smith has raised almost $20,000 in his bid for a third term, and at least one of his contributors has direct connections with city government.
Columbus mayoral race gets ugly
Tensions mounted in the Columbus mayoral race last week between incumbent Robert Smith and one of his challengers, former city police chief Selvain McQueen, as both accused the other of unprofessionalism and dirty politics.
Mayor: CMSD needs leadership changes
Columbus Mayor Robert Smith told the Rotary Club on Tuesday he believes city’s school district needs leadership changes.
A community vents: Citizens express anger, frustration about police conduct
Around 400 Columbus residents turned out for a public meeting Monday night to ask city officials questions about the Oct. 16 shooting death of Ricky Ball.
Police chief resigns
Tony Carleton submitted a letter of resignation to Columbus Mayor Robert Smith on Sunday announcing his intent to step down as the chief of the Columbus Police Department.
Mayor hosting meeting tonight
Columbus Mayor Robert Smith is holding a public meeting at 6 p.m. today to discuss the police-involved shooting death of Ricky Ball.
City Hall number listed on fundraiser flyer
Whether or not you plan on attending a private fundraiser for Mayor Robert Smith tonight, you have a vested interest in the event if you are a Columbus resident.
Our View: Your chance to be heard on the mayor’s pay raise
It has been a week since Columbus Mayor Robert Smith broke a 3-3 tie to award himself a $10,000 pay raise during a special budget meeting that painted a grim picture of the city’s financial picture.
City working to reach out to storm victims
First responders are going door to door in Columbus to provide assistance, while firemen and police are checking on residents.
Columbus Library celebrates National Library Week
The Columbus-Lowndes Public Library System joins libraries in schools, campuses and communities nationwide in celebrating National Library Week this week through April 19.
Link, city of Columbus cut retail development ties
The Golden Triangle Development Link will no longer pursue retail development opportunities for the City of Columbus after a pair of Thursday meetings with council members and Link CEO Joe Max Higgins.
Mickens, Smith spar over agenda issue
Confusion over an item that did not get added to Tuesday’s city council’s agenda until councilman Joseph Mickens asked at the meeting for it to be added resulted in a testy exchange between he and Columbus Mayor Robert Smith.