Shutoffs up 50 percent at CLW since disconnects resumed in June

Columbus Light and Water has been disconnecting the service of 40 to 50 customers a day due to unpaid bills, a 50-percent increase from its normal volume of shutoffs.

Black or African American? Self-identity for minority group remains a complex issue

Shannon Bardwell has a question for her friend, Angela Jones, a question that had been nagging at her over the weeks since the death of George Floyd, an event that stirred a reawakening in the Black Lives Matter movement, both nationally and here in the Golden Triangle.

Local leaders weighing face mask mandates in light of COVID spikes

Recent spikes in confirmed cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus, both locally and statewide, are prompting city and county leaders in the Golden Triangle to consider requiring citizens to wear protective face coverings in public.

Area medical professionals differ on whether to mandate masks

As local government leaders across the Golden Triangle weigh mask-wearing ordinances to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, area medical professionals differ on just how far those ordinances should go and how effective such requirements actually will be.

Arrest report for 7-3-20

Arrest report for 7-2-20

Police departments evolve strategies to reduce exposure to coronavirus

Two Columbus police officers had to be tested for COVID-19 after a woman who had tested positive for the virus entered the police station without wearing a mask to talk to them.

Local Fourth of July celebrations scarce this year

Area residents will only have a handful of Fourth of July celebrations to enjoy this year as many events are canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

'I think the peak is to come still': Area cleaning companies experiencing rebound after pandemic lull

Since opening Worker Bees in Starkville in 2015, Shannon Voges-Haupt never once had a day without a single customer -- until April 3, the day Gov. Tate Reeves' statewide shelter in place order went into effect because of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Arrest report for 6-29-20

School districts making tentative plans to reopen buildings for 2020-21

Keeping track of the ever-changing impact of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic is a lot of work, said Cherie Labat, the superintendent of Columbus Municipal School District.

Area hospitals say they're ready for possible COVID-19 surge

A day after the state health director warned that Mississippi's health care system could be overwhelmed by the effects of COVID-19 in the fall, local hospital officials said they are equipped for a surge in their communities.

Legislators hope for flag vote this weekend

The tide is turning in the Mississippi Legislature. As athletic department officials from Ole Miss, Mississippi State and other Magnolia State institutions, along with various lobbyists, descended on the state Capitol in Jackson on Thursday, lawmakers hoped the effort would draw out the votes both the House and Senate will need to vote on a bill removing the Confederate battle emblem emblazoned on the state flag.

Clay supervisors end curfew in 4-1 vote

The Clay County Board of Supervisors voted to suspend the county-wide curfew during its regular meeting Thursday.

West Point proposes budget with no layoffs, tax increase

Despite a projected decrease in revenue of $391,026 from Fiscal Year 2019-2020, West Point Mayor Robbie Robinson has proposed a city budget that includes no layoffs or furloughs of city employees.

Arrest report for 6-26-20

Arrest report for 6-25-20

Company files suit against insurance co. for pandemic losses

A West Point business that oversees gymnasiums has filed a class action lawsuit in federal court against its insurance company, alleging the company is refusing to pay for losses incurred by several of the gyms earlier this year when they temporarily shut down due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Unemployment drops in May, still more than pre-pandemic levels

Unemployment rates were down significantly in May in Columbus, Starkville and West Point as part of a statewide decrease, according to preliminary statistics released Tuesday by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security.

Dating apps, websites draw increased traffic in Golden Triangle during pandemic

In 1977, musician John Paul Young first released the hit song "Love Is in the Air." If a musician tried to write lyrics to detail the virtual dating scene in the Golden Triangle amidst the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, they probably would have a different message.

Best of the Triangle 2019

Best Area Professionals 2019

2020 Dining Guide