Images Columbus-Lowndes County, MS: 2008 by Journal Communications

2008-09 | IMAGESCOLUMBUS.COM | VIDEO VIGNETTES TM

OF COLUMBUS-LOWNDES COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI

SOUTHERN BELLES

How Refreshing Lakes and waterways provide dramatic getaways

Gran old homes draw Grand visito visitors from around the globe

TRY THE CRÈME BRÛLÉE Rest Restaurants provide plenty of sw sweet dessert choices

SPONSORED BY THE COLUMBUS-LOWNDES DEVELOPMENT LINK

ISION ! BE A FALCON O T Y A D T A E IT’S A GR infused emic program

ad offer a solid ac e invite onal theme. W Magnet schools ti ca u ed ic am at d dyn pportunities th o e th t with a unique an u o ab e cited as we ar District. you to get as ex lumbus School o C e th in d il await your ch

FINE ARTS MAGNET SCHOOL AT COOK ELEMENTARY A special feature of the Fine Arts Magnet School is a collaborative partnership between the Mississippi Arts Commission and the Columbus Arts Council to implement the Mississippi Whole Schools Initiative (MWSI). This partnership provides empowering, high quality professional development for teachers to infuse the arts into daily classroom instruction. The MWSI also provides a comprehensive curriculum for dance, drama/theater, visual and performing arts, and strings to encourage students to become life-long learners, critical thinkers and extremely creative young people.

AEROSPACE AND SCIENCE MAGNET SCHOOL AT FAIRVIEW ELEMENTARY A special feature of the Aerospace and Science Magnet School is our partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at the Stennis Space Center. This partnership supports the goal of the NASA Education Program “to inspire and motivate students to pursue future careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.” Students will engage in fun and exciting NASA Education Projects including meteorology and environmental studies. Space Camp Tours and field trips will offer students real world experiences in science education and exploration.

MEDICAL SCIENCES AND WELLNESS MAGNET SCHOOL AT FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY A special feature of the Medical Sciences and Wellness Magnet School is our partnerships with Mississippi University for Women and health care providers including Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle and the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Mentors from MUW and the medical community including college students, doctors, nurses and medical technicians will conduct seminars throughout the school year on wellness strategies to promote healthy living. This exciting magnet theme will open students’ minds to a future career in medicine, the health care industry or other high achieving career goals.

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES MAGNET SCHOOL AT SALE ELEMENTARY A special feature of the International Studies Magnet School is our coordination with the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) in New York City, New York. Teachers and administrators will receive intensive training at IBO locations all across the country to effectively implement inquiry-based learning for students that is rigorous, dynamic and exciting. The world is our classroom and our goal is to open “pathways for student success.”

TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATION MAGNET SCHOOL AT STOKES-BEARD ELEMENTARY A special feature of the Technology and Communication Magnet School is our partnership with Dynamic Knowledge, Inc., a national leader in information-based technology and communication. This exciting partnership will prepare teachers to instruct students about the use of technology in research and communication. Students will be exposed to an environment overflowing with the latest technology including digital classrooms, individual student laptops, a television/media lab, closed circuit broadcasting, podcasting and Spanish instruction.

Columbus School District 2630 McArthur Drive • Columbus, MS 39705 • (662) 241-7400 • www.columbuscityschools.org

WHAT IS A COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA WORTH?

COMMUNITY SUPPORT! With an overwhelming 80% approval rate, Columbus voters passed a 22 million dollar bond referendum to build the new Columbus Middle School.

Scholarships Awarded at CHS

Columbus Middle School is projected to open August 2010.

The following totals represent scholarship dollars accepted by the last five graduating classes at Columbus High School.

DATES IMPORTANT

Class of 2007 $1,837,405 accepted by 210 students Class of 2006 $1,525,908 accepted by 187 students Class of 2005 $2,130,932 accepted by 198 students Class of 2004 $2,252,477 accepted by 181 students Class of 2003 $1,739,730 accepted by 171 students

School Begins oliday Thanksgiving H iday Christmas Hol Spring Break School Ends

August 6, 2008 8, 2008 November 24-2 09 08–January 2, 20 20 December 22, 09 March 16-20, 20 09 May 22, 20

COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL BEGINS INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE Columbus High School begins the application process for the IB Diploma Programme. In anticipation of this certification, CHS will be accepting students to this program in the fall of 2008. The IB diploma has become a symbol of academic integrity and intellectual promise. Columbus High School offers more Advanced Placement (AP) and advanced courses than any other school in the area. CHS encourages all students to high achievement through a world-class curriculum with school course offerings to meet varied interests and skill needs.

2008-09 EDITION | VOLUME 5 TM

22 OF COLUMBUS COLUMBUS-LOWNDES LOWNDES COUNTY COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI

CO NTE NT S F E AT U R E S 14 TRY THE CRÈME BRÛLÉE From ﬁne dining to traditional standbys, the city has plenty to offer the most discriminating palates.

18 ABSOLUTELY FLOORED The bustling housing market in and around Columbus can provide the ﬂoor space you need.

22 SOUTHERN BELLES The area’s grand old homes draw visitors from around the globe.

26 RETIRING IN STYLE Designated a certiﬁed retirement community, the quality of life here for active seniors is above par.

30 IT’S NOT JUST STRICTLY ACADEMIC It’s not all about academics at Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science.

34 HOW REFRESHING The great outdoors is never far away from historic downtown Columbus.

ON THE COVER Staff Photo Lake Lowndes State Park

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OF COLUMBUS - LOWNDES COUNT Y, MISSISSIPPI SENIOR EDITOR ANITA WADHWANI COPY EDITOR JOYCE CARUTHERS ASSOCIATE EDITORS LISA BATTLES, KIM MADLOM, BILL McMEEKIN ASSISTANT EDITOR REBECCA DENTON STAFF WRITERS CAROL COWAN, KEVIN LITWIN DATABASE PROJECT MANAGER YANCEY TURTURICE DATA MANAGERS RANETTA SMITH, KRISTY WISE EDITORIAL ASSISTANT JESSY YANCEY CONTRIBUTING WRITERS HOLLIE DEESE, VERNE GAY, MICHAELA JACKSON, JOE MORRIS INTEGRATED MEDIA MANAGER ANDREA G. JOINER SALES SUPPORT MANAGER SARA SARTIN STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS JEFF ADKINS, TODD BENNETT, ANTONY BOSHIER, IAN CURCIO, BRIAN McCORD PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT ANNE WHITLOW CREATIVE DIRECTOR KEITH HARRIS WEB DESIGN DIRECTOR SHAWN DANIEL PRODUCTION DIRECTOR NATASHA LORENS ASST. PRODUCTION DIRECTOR CHRISTINA CARDEN PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR HAZEL RISNER SENIOR PRODUCTION PROJECT MGR. TADARA SMITH PRODUCTION PROJECT MGRS. MELISSA HOOVER, JILL WYATT SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS LAURA GALLAGHER, KRIS SEXTON, VIKKI WILLIAMS LEAD DESIGNER LINDA MOREIRAS GRAPHIC DESIGN JESSICA BRAGONIER, ERICA HINES, ALISON HUNTER, JANINE MARYLAND, AMY NELSON, CANDICE SWEET WEB PROJECT MANAGER ANDY HARTLEY WEB DESIGN RYAN DUNLAP, CARL SCHULZ COLOR IMAGING TECHNICIAN CORY MITCHELL AD TRAFFIC MEGHANN CAREY, SARAH MILLER, PATRICIA MOISAN, RAVEN PETTY CHAIRMAN GREG THURMAN PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER BOB SCHWARTZMAN EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT RAY LANGEN SR. V.P./CLIENT DEVELOPMENT JEFF HEEFNER SR. V.P./SALES CARLA H. THURMAN SR. V.P./OPERATIONS CASEY E. HESTER V.P./SALES HERB HARPER V.P./SALES TODD POTTER V.P./VISUAL CONTENT MARK FORESTER V.P./TRAVEL PUBLISHING SYBIL STEWART V.P./EDITORIAL DIRECTOR TEREE CARUTHERS MANAGING EDITOR/BUSINESS MAURICE FLIESS MANAGING EDITOR/TRAVEL SUSAN CHAPPELL PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR JEFFREY S. OTTO CONTROLLER CHRIS DUDLEY ACCOUNTING MORIAH DOMBY, RICHIE FITZPATRICK, DIANA GUZMAN, MARIA McFARLAND, LISA OWENS RECRUITING/TRAINING DIRECTOR SUZY WALDRIP COMMUNITY PROMOTION DIRECTOR CINDY COMPERRY DISTRIBUTION DIRECTOR GARY SMITH IT SYSTEMS DIRECTOR MATT LOCKE IT SERVICE TECHNICIAN RYAN SWEENEY HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER PEGGY BLAKE CUSTOM SALES SUPPORT PATTI CORNELIUS

COLUMBUS BUSINESS 38 Look to the Skies Stark Aerospace is putting plenty of manpower to work in its Columbus and Starkville plants.

42 Keep on Trucking The local business environment was a big factor in getting PACCAR to build a manufacturing plant here.

46 Home to the High Fliers Due north by northwest of Columbus is one of the nation’s leading air force training facilities – the Columbus Air Force Base.

50 Biz Briefs 53 ECONOMIC PROFILE

D E PA R TM E NT S

SALES/MARKETING COORDINATOR RACHEL MATHEIS SALES COORDINATOR JENNIFER ALEXANDER OFFICE MANAGER SHELLY GRISSOM RECEPTIONIST LINDA BISHOP

10 Almanac: a colorful sampling of the Columbus-Lowndes County culture

CU S TO M M AG A Z INE M ED I A

Images of Columbus-Lowndes County is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is distributed through the Columbus-Lowndes Development Link and its member businesses. For advertising information or to direct questions or comments about the magazine, contact Journal Communications Inc. at (615) 771-0080 or by e-mail at info@jnlcom.com. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Columbus-Lowndes Development Link 1102 Main St. • Columbus, MS 39701 Phone: (662) 328-8369 • Fax: (662) 327-3417 E-mail: info@cldlink.org www.cldlink.org VISIT IMAGES OF COLUMBUS-LOWNDES COUNTY ONLINE AT IMAGESCOLUMBUS.COM ©Copyright 2008 Journal Communications Inc., 725 Cool Springs Blvd., Suite 400, Franklin, TN 37067, (615) 771-0080. All rights reserved. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written consent. Member

59 Portfolio: people, places and events that deﬁne Columbus-Lowndes County

68 Image Gallery 74 Education 81 Health & Wellness 84 Arts & Culture 87 Sports & Recreation 89 Community Proﬁle: facts, stats and important numbers to know

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Custom Publishing Council

Member Columbus-Lowndes Development Link Please recycle this magazine

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What’s Online More lists, links and tips for fo orr newcomers o n new

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PRIDE AND PERFORMANCE

WEB SITE EXTRA

MOVING PICTURES VIDEO 1 INSIDE LOOK Join us on a virtual tour of ColumbusLowndes County through the lenses of our award-winning photographers at imagescolumbus.com.

VIDEO 2 TENNESSEE WILLIAMS Take a tour of Tennessee Williams’ childhood home in our exclusive online video at imagescolumbus.com.

VIDEO 3 ANTEBELLUM HOMES Tour Columbus’ stately antebellum homes in this online video at imagescolumbus.com.

PLUS SEARCH OUR ARCHIVES Browse past issues of the magazine by year or search for speciﬁc articles by subject. INSTANT LINKS Read the entire magazine online using our ActiveMagazine™ technology and link instantly to community businesses and services. EVEN MORE Read full-length versions of the magazine’s articles; ﬁnd related stories; or read new content exclusive to the Web. Look for the See More Online reference in this issue.

A GREAT PLACE TO GARDEN Gardening in Mississippi is exciting! Hundreds of fantastic plants love it here and reward gardeners’ efforts many times over. Find out more at imagescolumbus.com.

BARBECUE: A SIMPLE SOUTHERN PLEASURE One of the simple pleasures of Southern dining is the down-home barbecue experience. Barbecue in the South almost always means pork, with a few exceptions. Get a taste of regional cuisine at imagescolumbus.com.

A B O U T T H I S M AG A Z I N E Images of Columbus-Lowndes County is published annually by Journal Communications Inc. and is sponsored by the Columbus-Lowndes Development Link. In print and online, Images gives readers a taste of what makes Columbus-Lowndes County tick – from business and education to sports, health care and the arts.

“Find the good – and praise it.”

SERVING THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE SINCE 1976.

Civil & Environmental Engineering Testing V Surveying V Planning P.O. Drawer 1078 West Point, MS 39773 (662) 494-7101 (662) 328-5962

– Alex Haley (1921-1992), Journal Communications co-founder

jnlcom.com

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Almanac

Fishing for Compliments Columbus boasts some of the best bass fishing in the South, thanks to the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. The Tenn-Tom, as it is most often referred to, winds more than 200 miles through the states of Mississippi and Alabama, offering just about everything a water enthusiast could want. Besides fishing, the waterway offers a variety of other recreation opportunities that include hiking, fishing, boating, camping and bird watching. Columbus and Lowndes County are considered the midpoint of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, and here is where Hernando de Soto and a band of 1,000 men crossed in 1541 en route from Florida to the Mississippi River.

Salute to the Ladies Trivia answer: In 1866, Columbus became the first American city to honor troops in what would later become Memorial Day. During that year, many women in Columbus walked to Friendship Cemetery on the outskirts of the city, and laid flowers on the graves of sodiers. What made this occasion so momentous is that the women placed flowers on both Union and Confederate graves. The next day, the New York Tribune printed a story about the unprejudiced acts of these women, and it eventually led to a widespread campaign to memorialize all fallen soldiers. In 1873, Memorial Day was recognized as an official holiday when New York State designated it as a legal holiday, and other states soon followed.

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Write On Word up, Southern writers. Top Southern writers and scholars meet every October at Mississippi University for Women to participate in the Eudora Welty Writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Symposium. The event was established in 1989 and is sponsored by the University Humanities Division. Audiences listen to Southern writers who read passages and discuss their individual works, and each year a theme is chosen. The symposium not only attracts established writers, but it has established a reputation for showcasing new talent.

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Fast Facts The Only Way To Fly Th If yo you are a traveling to Atlanta, here is a qui quick way to get there. Golden Triangle Regional Airport is mostly used for general and military aviation, but it also has daily service to Atlanta through Delta Airlines. The airport has a single asphalt runway of 6,497 feet, but there are plans to lengthen it to 8,000 feet in the near future. Golden Triangle Regional is also the nucleus of a new industrial complex, which includes companies such as American Eurocopter (helicopter production plant) and SeverCorr LLc (steel mini-mill). PACCAR (truck engine manufacturing) – is expected to open in 2009.

Eating Your Homework Math, science, history, English – and cooking? The Mississippi University for Women has a Culinary Arts Institute that allows students to earn a bachelor of science degree while becoming a culinary specialist. Students learn classic cooking techniques as well as nutrition, wellness, small business development, food art (styling and photography) and world cuisines. Other courses deal with dining room services, food microbiology and menu development. The MUW Culinary Arts Institute is housed in Shattuck Hall, one of the 24 campus buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Q The cities of Mississippi’s Golden Triangle region are Columbus, Starkville and West Point, with Columbus being the largest in size and population. Q Columbus hosts an annual Tennessee Williams Tribute, paying homage to the prolific playwright who was born here in 1911. Q There are more than 15,000 graves at Friendship Cemetery, but the most photographed monument is “Weeping Angel.” Local legend is that when the pastor of a local Baptist church died, it was such a sad day that the angels wept. Q Jerry Rice, the record-breaking former National Football League wide receiver, was born in the Lowndes County community of Crawford in 1962. Q Hundreds of retirees from Columbus Air Force Base continue to make Lowndes County their home.

SEE MORE ONLINE | For more Fast Facts about ColumbusLowndes County, visit imagescolumbus.com.

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Almanac

Plenty in Store Shoppers, get your comfortable walking shoes ready. University Park is a planned $100 million open-air shopping district in Columbus that will feature national retailers, restaurants and lodging. Stores are scheduled to open as early as 2010 at University Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location near the intersection of U.S. Highways 45S and 82. The 800,000-square-foot shopping destination will not only serve residents in Columbus and Lowndes County, but also Starkville, West Point and northeast Mississippi. The mall is expected to generate up to 2,000 sales. jobs and approximately $200 million in annual sales

To Market We Go There is a big party in downtown Columbus every spring, and the entire community is invited. The annual Market Street Festival occurs during the first weekend of May, with the 2009 event scheduled for May 1-2. Activities include a 5K run, a bike tour, arts and crafts, dunking booth, Mother Goose childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s area, car show, rock climbing wall, petting zoo and a Kiwanis Club breakfast. In addition, a variety of local restaurants set up booths showcasing their menus while festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;goers enjoyed music from three stages.

Columbus-Lowndes County | At A Glance POPULATION (2006 ESTIMATE) Columbus: 24,213, Lowndes County: 59,773

SEE VIDEO ONLINE | Take a virtual tour of Columbus-Lowndes County at imagescolumbus.com, courtesy of our award-winning photographers.

LOCATION Columbus is in east-central Mississippi, five miles west of the Alabama border and 22 miles west of Starkville, home of Mississippi State University. BEGINNINGS The Chickasaw Treaty of 1816 provided land to the U.S. government where Columbus now stands, and the town was officially established in 1821.

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Crème Brûlée COLUMBUS RESTAURANTS PROVIDE PLENTY OF SWEET CHOICES STORY BY JOE MORRIS

and residents in downtown Columbus know they can always get the famous chicken salad or tortilla soup at the Front Door/Back Door Restaurant, and top it off with owner Sarah Labensky’s famous turtle pie and fruit parfaits. Labensky, who bought the downtown institution two years ago, says

she knew not to tinker with the mainstays. “I didn’t really change the menu,” she says. “People come here for the chicken salad and the tortilla soup, so those things are never going to go away.” What she did add, in addition to a

BRIAN M C CORD

oing out to eat in Columbus isn’t easy if you have trouble making decisions. From fine dining to traditional standbys, the city has plenty to offer the most discriminating palates, from appetizers to some well-known desserts. Whether it’s lunch or dinner, workers

At the Front Door/Back Door restaurant, Gourmet foods and cookware decorate the front of the building, while the restaurant serves meals in the back. Right: The Front Door/Back Door is known for its sensational turtle fudge pie. STAFF PHOTO

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SEE MORE ONLINE | To view dessert recipes, visit imagescolumbus.com.

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Craddock, the owner of Jubilations Cheesecake, can whip up just about any type or flavor of cheesecake imaginable, and then ship it direct to the consumer. In addition to a thriving local business, Jubilations’ expanding operation ships all over the United States. Not bad for an almost-empty nester who was looking to start a small business. “It was an answered prayer, but it was by accident,” Craddock says. “While I was trying to decide what to do, I was asked by a local store if I would bake for them. I had never even made a cheesecake, and got a fat dog out of all the ones thrown over the fence, but I taught myself how to make the original Cheesecake Supreme, and then worked for six years at home to save up enough to open the plant.” That was in 1989, and that plant now sprawls over 6,000 square feet in multiple warehouses and refrigerated trucks, and produces between 50 and 60 types of cheesecakes.

BRIAN M C CORD

Lit aflame at your table, Bananas Foster is a favorite confection of bananas, rum and brown sugar that few pass up on a visit to Woody’s on the Water.

STAFF PHOTO

gourmet retail shop in the front, as well as a coffee bar and an increasingly popular Sunday brunch, were more desserts — to much acclaim. Out at Woody’s on the Water, they come by land and by sea (well, river) for executive chef Kirk Lovejoy’s seafood dishes and other creations, but few leave without sampling his Bananas Foster. “We do it tableside,” says Lovejoy. “It’s butter, brown sugar, bananas, rum, banana liqueur, and people really like it. [Woody’s] has been doing it for more than 30 years, and it’s a tradition that we’re proud of.” Woody’s offers more than 20 different entrees, so folks might have trouble saving room for dessert. And with a fullservice bar menu in addition to the dining-room choices, Lovejoy says he can suit just about any craving. If all this is making you hungry, and you’re not in Columbus, fear not: Tammy Craddock can bring something sweet to your door, no matter where you are.

Woody’s on the Water boasts a full menu of 20 different entrees and a view of the river. Left: Jubilations Cheesecake offers up an everchanging variety of cheesecakes, including this slice of strawberry swirl. STAFF PHOTO

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Absolutely

Floored DOWNTOWN APARTMENTS, AWARD-WINNING HOMES PROVIDE MULTIPLE HOUSING OPTIONS

STORY BY JOE MORRIS

The Caledonia subdivision of Cobblestone Village offers new, elegant homes. Left: The interior of the downtown loft apartment owned by Columbus Historic Preservation Commission Chair Michael Doughty STAFF PHOTO

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ooking for an award-winning home in a wellappointed subdivision? Or maybe a converted loft space downtown that will make for a car-free commute? Whatever the need, the bustling housing market in and around Columbus can provide the floor space. New homes, whether on individual lots or as part of larger planned communities, continue to go up at a brisk pace, says Leigh Walker, executive director of the Golden Triangle Home Builders Association. “We don’t have all the spikes and valleys a lot of other parts of the country have,” Walker says. “We increase all the time, or at least stay steady. A lot of that is because we’re a small community, and we’ve seen steady growth in recent years because of the military base here, and a lot of new business coming in. It’s not going to slow up anytime soon.” That steady growth has turned into some recognition for area homebuilders, who’ve been picking up awards from the Mississippi Homebuilders Association for their efforts. Mark Frady of Mark Frady Construction won the best-home prize in 2007 in the 1,800-to-2,499-square-foot category for a home in the Cobblestone Village subdivision in Caledonia. Frady,

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who’s also taken the Best of Mississippi prize in the past, says that the market remains strong. “This size, which is four bedrooms and 2.5 baths, seems to be a good-selling size house for us,” he says. “We do some larger houses and those sell well too, but this is the market that’s doing best for us with a lot of the new people coming in.” Many of these new residents, and quite a few of the existing ones, are eager to move into new space but don’t want the fuss and bother of a house at all. With that market in mind, many developers are turning their attention to downtown Columbus, where the lofts market is growing daily. “Columbus leads the state in downtown, upper-floor living,” says Amber Murphree, director of Main Street Columbus. “At last count, we have about 130 apartments, and some new spaces are being renovated as we speak.” Much of this growth has been happening in the last five or six years, and downtown merchants have been multiplying as a result. “The majority of the people living downtown work here, so the apartments are putting people in restaurants and stores, and just outside walking around,” says Murphree, a Columbus native who returned in October 2007 to take the Main Street

ANTONY BOSHIER

position. “We’re increasing what we have to offer people living downtown. [The growth in lofts] surprised me at first, but we have the population to support it and downtown’s become a very desirable place to live.” That was definitely the case for Michael Doughty, chair of the Columbus Historic Preservation Commission, who lived downtown, left – and came back. “I first moved to a downtown loft in 2000, and lived there for just over two years and thought I wanted to be in a home,” Doughty recalls. “I bought a house, remodeled it and sold it, then bought another one and redid it as well. I had an opportunity to sell the second home and thought, ‘Where do I want to live?’” That train of thought led him back downtown in June 2006. “The perfect loft was available and I took it at first sight. There are only two apartments in the building, and there’s green space and a great parking lot next door. The unit has exposed old brick walls, tall ceilings and great views of Main Street, and the hardwood floors are unreal. I shop and eat downtown and everything is within walking distance – many weekends I park my car on Friday and may not move it until Monday as I head back to work.”

Cobblestone Village features upscale, award-winning homes. Far left: Mike Frady, owner of Frady Construction, is developing award-winning suburban homes. PHOTOS BY BRIAN M CORD Right: Rosenzweig Arts Center provides a cultural gathering spot for the increasing number of people who choose to live and work downtown. C

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Southern COLUMBUSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; GRAND OLD HOMES DRAW VISITORS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

STORY BY VERNE GAY

STAFF PHOTOS

olumbus is justifiably proud of its storied history, and protective of it as well. The city withstood repeated attacks during the Civil War when Union forces tried to enter to disable munitions works. Ultimately, Columbus and its 600-plus historic homes were spared because this was a hospital city where the wounded from both sides were tended. And because Columbus was saved, the window to the past remains largely open and remarkably pristine. Founded in 1821, Columbus has three National Historic districts with 676 homes. The National Trust for Historic Preservation just named Columbus one of its Twelve Distinctive Destinations. In bestowing the honor, Richard Moe, president of the

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Columbus has one of the largest concentrations of antebellum homes in the South.

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Belles SEE MORE ONLINE | Take a tour of Columbusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; stately antebellum homes in our online video at imagescolumbus.com.

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of Tennessee Williams officiated. (Williams was born and spent his early childhood in Columbus.) The home, called Twelve Gables, has a particularly noteworthy history, and Carpenter explains why: “There was never a battle fought [right] here – Vicksburg [to the west], and Shiloh to the north, but never here, so troops would bring the wounded by trail to Columbus to either recover or die, and there are in fact over 2,000 Confederate soldiers buried at Friendship Cemetery. In 1866, the spring after the war, five ladies got together at a home called Twelve Gables and tried to decide how to honor the dead [and] they went to Friendship to put the flowers on the graves of each soldier. But one lady said, ‘I’m a mother and I can’t stand here without placing the flowers on the graves of Union soldiers as well.” Besides Twelve Gables (circa 1838), there’s Rosedale, an Italian jewel (1856), Amzi Love Home and Garden, White Arches, Shadowlawn, Temple Heights, and Bryn Bella, recently restored and new to the tour, and once the seat of a 5,000-acre cotton plantation.

PHOTOS BY BRIAN M C CORD

National Trust for Historic Preservation, said, “As one of the best kept secrets in the state of Mississippi, it is an unrivaled destination for anyone who enjoys Southern architecture, savors downhome cooking, and seeks an escape to the great outdoors.” Without question, one of the great attractions of Columbus is its antebellum homes – a string of exquisite architectural treasures that open their doors each spring to hundreds of people from around the world. Chief tour guide of the Pilgrimage – the annual home tour now in its 68th year – is Nancy Carpenter, who exudes all the charm, passion and love for the past that one so often associates with the best of the Deep South. “We literally host people from around the world - nineteen countries - so it’s very familiar and very popular with visitors,” says Carpenter, director of the Columbus Historic Foundation. “All of the homes are pre-Civil War and range from cottages to mansions. We also have many historic churches, including First Methodist ... and St. Paul’s Episcopal, where the grandfather

Some of the home tours feature recreated 19th-century activities, complete with period costumes. Above Left: Shadowlawn is one of many homes on the tour. Bottom right: A tea set on display at Temple Heights, one of the stops on the Candlelight Pilgrimage tours Right: The great hallway inside Temple Heights

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Retiring

Style in

RETIRED CITIZENS FIND MANY BENEFITS TO LIVING IN COLUMBUS

STORY BY HOLLIE DEESE

etirement is something you earn after years Council, with gallery exhibits throughout the year. There are of hard work. When it’s time to retire, it’s an plenty of antique shops and a community theater. Musical opportunity to finally kick back, relax and enjoy festivals showcase the diverse culture in Columbus. the good life. Quality of life draws even Designated a certified retiremore people and is reflected “I have a great circle ment community by the state of in the number of retirement Mississippi, the quality of life communities in the area, as of friends here and the for active seniors is above par. well as the adequate amount community is so friendly” Residents have many activof medical services for the ities to choose from. With region. Baptist Memorial COL. BUCK BURGESS plenty of athletic opportunities Hospital employs more than RETIRED VICE COMMANDER for seniors through golf at 70 specialists and physicians, Columbus County Club, but there are also many walking or bass fishing along the riverfront, or as members of the clinics and other primary care facilities. YMCA, active seniors can stay that way. The Main Street revitalization project has injected new Cultural events abound through the Columbus Arts life into downtown Columbus, mixing progress with the

Retired Col. Buck Burgess, left, coaches Airman John Parie through a simulated landing at Columbus Air Force Base. STAFF PHOTO

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The YMCA offers plenty of activities for active seniors to stay fit, such as this water aerobics class.

charm of the Victorian structures. And for the culinaryminded, there are more than 50 restaurants to choose from. In fact, for seniors who want to take retirement as an opportunity to learn a new skill or advance their education, most local schools offer reduced rates or waive the tuition completely. “If they are over 65, then they can take a class with us that is on a full scholarship,” says Cassie Derden, manager of

admissions at Mississippi University for Women. There is no limit on the classes people can take a semester, as long as there is space in the class and funds are available. Derden’s mother-in-law has even taken a creative writing class several times. “She loves to read and has written poetry. It’s great if they want to keep their minds going and their interests going and be out and among other college students.” It’s these reasons and more that have made Columbus a very attractive place for military personnel from Columbus Air Force Base to retire. Retired Col. Buck Burgess was Vice Commander at the base from 2003-05. Recently retired from the military, he came back to Columbus from San Antonio, Texas and now teaches simulator training to students at the base five days a week. “I have a great circle of friends here and the community is so friendly,” Burgess says of Columbus. And though family in East Kentucky urged Burgess and his family to move back there, they decided Columbus was the best place for them. His wife is a member of the Arts Council, his oldest son is at Mississippi State University, and his youngest son is a senior at The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science. “There’s a whole lot of reasons that drew us back here,” Burgess says. “The hospitality of the community, our ties here. It was an easy transition after 27 years in the military family. Here, they are glad to see you, and we are glad to be back.”

There are plenty of retirement communities to choose from, but many retirees buy homes. Right: Retiree Virginia Eselin received a scholarship to attend an art history class at Mississippi University for Women.

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It’s Not Just STUDENTS FIND MORE THAN STUDIES AT MISSISSIPPI SCHOOL FOR MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE

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Strictly

Academic STORY BY HOLLIE DEESE

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igh school students enroll at The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science for many reasons. Some come for the advanced curriculum and the small classes. And in some cases, some come because it is what their parents want “In all honesty, I actually did not want to come here,” says Harrison To, 18, a senior from Starkville. “I was really involved in athletics, and my parents made me come for academics.” And though there was some hesitation at first, To grew to love the school and the life he has made there. “Over time, we have grown to be like family, and I have no regrets in coming here,” To says. Students can apply for acceptance at MSMS for their junior year. The public, residential school accepts academically talented students from all cultural and economic backgrounds and prepares them for a successful college experience. Its location on the campus of the Mississippi University for Women helps, since the schools share services like security and a library. “The campus environment is very supportive of a learning community,” says Carol Alderman, executive director at MSMS. And embracing that learning environment is the reason the students

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Harrison To, a senior at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, calls it his “family.”

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The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science is located on the campus of the Mississippi University for Women, giving high school juniors and seniors access to a first-class library, athletic fields and other facilities.

FYI The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science 1100 College St., MUW-1627 Columbus, MS 39701 (800) 400-4656 www.msms.k12.ms.us

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enroll, challenging themselves beyond what other schools could do for them. “The teachers here know what they are teaching, I am actually learning in an atmosphere where other students want to learn as well,” says Chioma Udemgba, 17, a senior from Natchez. Udemgba is the third person in her family to attend MSMS. Living in a residence hall for the first time requires self-discipline, responsibility and the ability to get along with others in close quarters. Balancing studies with socializing can be a challenge for students who are used to the structure of their parents’ home and school programs a little less rigorous. “It has really opened our eyes to how important it is to manage our time,” says senior Sarah Thompson, 18. “There are so many opportunities, and you can’t do them all.” All students are required to participate in regular activities that promote physical well being as well as mental. There is a fully equipped gymnasium with a broad program

of intramural sports. MSMS also sponsors varsity teams in basketball, golf, tennis, swimming, soccer and cheerleading. “We exceed the state in graduation requirements,” says Alderman of the curriculum. The school offers Calculus I, II and III, while the state requires only one semester of calculus. In fact, if they have students who exceed any of the academic programs, they will set up independent study for them. It’s this combination of academics, activities and friendships that has the students really responding. “For me, on top of academics, it has built me up to be a better person,” To says. “The extracurricular activities, the different athletics, the foreign language club – I have grown to be more interactive with my community and more of a leader.” And it’s not just the students who get something out of the MSMS experience. “I absolutely love it,” Alderman says. “Because we are residential, we really are mom and dad during the school year.” COLUMBUS

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Senior Chioma Udemgba, 17, is the third member of her family to attend the school.

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How Refreshing LAKES AND WATERWAYS PROVIDE SCENIC GETAWAYS FOR LOCALS AND VISITORS

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ANTONY BOSHIER

STORY BY VERNE GAY

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he great outdoors is never far away from historic downtown Columbus â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a 10-minute ride north, south, east or west. The Tombigbee River, which flows just to the west of the city, drains into a vast watershed stretching from Mississippi to Alabama, creating a string of lakes and ponds that surround the city and serve as prime destinations for anglers or idlers. Columbus Lake is located just two miles to the northwest of the city. The large Lake Lowndes is five miles to the southwest.The smaller Alligator, Bowlin, and Norris lakes are also nearby. Columbus itself is on the TennesseeTombigbee Waterway â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the so-called

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Lake Lowndes State Park provides a cool spot for picnics, boating, waterskiing, hiking and birdwatching and is located just minutes from downtown Columbus.

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ReserveAmerica, the camping Web site, has cited it as one of America’s Top 100 campgrounds. The camp has 50 sites, some with electricity and other amenities, and others classified as primitive. Lake Lowndes boasts an 18-hole disc golf course, picnic facilities, a soccer field, six tennis courts, volleyball, water and jet skiing, baseball and softball fields, boating docks and ramps, and miles of hiking trails. There is also plenty of fishing. Lake Lowndes is a favored angler lake – manmade, but rarely stocked. Davis says, “You can bring your own boat, or you can bring your jet skis on weekends and holidays. Fishing, though, is during the week.” What to expect on the end of your line? Bass, crappie, catfish and brim. Lake Lowndes is also host to some of Columbus’ premier events. On St. Patrick’s Day, runners compete

in a 5k race through the park. A popular Catfish Round-Up draws fans of fishing and food each May. At the park’s indoor venue, a Holiday Arts and Crafts Show draws shoppers from October to December. But most people head to the lake during the summertime, when ducks greet visitors at the shore and downtown workers escape for a picnic lunch. Boaters traveling the 234-mile stretch of the Tenn-Tom Waterway stop at the Columbus Marina. The state-ofthe-art facility has been awarded a Clean Marina designation and hosts dockers overnight or for a season.

IAN CURCIO

“Tenn-Tom”– a 234-mile stretch of water that offers some of the best sports fishing in the world. Lake Lowndes covers 175 acres and is surrounded by 600 acres of trails and picnic areas in Lake Lowndes Park. The vast Mississippi forest surrounding the lake contains red maple, river birch, ironwood, mayhaw, sweetgum, Tupelo gum and southern Magnolia trees. But the big attraction at Lake Lowndes is the recreational activities. “I have been here for about six years and when I first started working here, people didn’t really know a lot about it,” says Julie Davis, a park administrator. “They do now,” she adds. “We have softball fields, tennis courts, natural trails, biking trails, horse trails and – of course – we also have the lake, which runs up and down ravines. It’s just gorgeous,” Davis says. There is also a campground and

The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway is a favorite spot for local anglers Right: Columbus Marina offers boaters all the amenities. STAFF PHOTO

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BRIAN M C CORD

Julie Davis, an administrator at Lake Lowndes State Park, says the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s additions are attracting more visitors.

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Look to the

Skies WORKFORCE WO O C AND A LOCATION OCA O KEY TO STARK AEROSPACE’S LOCAL SUCCESS

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Business

STORY BY JOE MORRIS

BRIAN M C CORD

ne of its main products may be automated, but Stark Aerospace is putting plenty of manpower to work in its Columbus and Starkville plants. The company, a subsidiary of Israel’s U.S. Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., manufactures the Hunter Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Northrop Grumman in Starkville. Over in Columbus, its operation services IAI’s Plug-in Optronic Payload, which is used on the company’s Shadow UAV. The U.S. military uses both systems in various operations around the globe. Stark’s operation opened in September 2007, and has been going full speed ever since, says David Eudy, president, who was a staff of one when he was hired by IAI a few months earlier to launch the Mississippi facilities. “We’ve been busy, busy, busy, but it’s the good kind of busy,” Eudy says. “We’re running pretty hard.” Eudy has plenty of start-up experience. He launched American Eurocopter’s operations in the state, so opening a couple of plants and building a workforce all by himself is nothing new. But one person can only do so much, which is why he says the assistance of local leaders, politicians and academic institutions has been vital to Stark from the outset. “The location was good for us, in that

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Golden Triangle Regional Airport will be the site of a new facility that builds unmanned aerial vehicles.

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BRIAN M C CORD

Business

Golden Triangle Regional Airport is located between the cities of Columbus, Starkville and West Point.

there’s a regional airport here without too much air traffic, and a lot of this type of industry has been creating a hub that’s starting to grow here,” he says. “But we also had a lot of help from the politicians, and Mississippi State University had a hand in it as well.” Eudy further credits East Mississippi Community College with being “instrumental” in developing workforce-training programs for Stark. “We’re very engaged with them, and their support has been very good,” he says. “We’ve got 30 employees now. We hired our first employees in March 2007 and less than a year later we are producing product in both of our facilities. We’ve trained everybody fully, gotten them fully certified in less than a year, and those are all local folks. We didn’t bring in a bunch of highly skilled, highly trained folks from the outside, but brought in local people and got them trained.” The company currently is leasing a 11,000-square-foot space from Mississippi State University in Starkville, and another 5,000 square feet in Columbus. Stark’s employment ranks 40

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will eventually swell to more than 100 as it builds its own facilities in 2008. “We’re building a facility at Golden Triangle Regional Airport, and are working now to finalize the size,” Eudy says. “We’re hoping to be substantially complete and open by the end of 2008.” The airport is a natural location for

Stark not only for transportation issues, but because it’s owned by three cities and two counties, ensuring that the company will continue to benefit from multiple government partners. “Our product line is expanding, so we want to ensure we continue to have access to folks who can help us,” he says.

Stark Aerospace is building unmanned aerial vehicles for the military, as well as electro-optic camera surveillance systems that mount to the belly of aircraft. Right: David Eudy, president of Stark Aerospace

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Keep on

Trucking

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COLUMBUS’ BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT LANDS LEADING TRUCK MANUFACTURER

STORY BY VERNE GAY

ACCAR is the world’s leading truck engine manufacturer whose gold-standard brands include Kenworth, Peterbilt

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and DAF. When the truck-maker was looking for the perfect site for its new engine manufacturing facility, it found it in Columbus. In 2007, PACCAR broke ground near Columbus on a new state-of-the-art engine manufacturing plant that will eventually comprise a 420,000-squarefoot facility and research center on 400 acres just to the west of the city, right in the heart of northeast Mississippi’s so-called Golden Triangle. In the immediate wake of Hurricane Katrina, the state hailed the plant as

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one of the signature signs that Mississippi had roared back from the tragedy and was on the road to rapid growth and on the edge of technological innovation again. As Governor Haley Barbour said at the groundbreaking, “The location of PACCAR’s new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Lowndes County is further evidence of the high caliber of Mississippi’s workforce and our commitment to bringing highpaying jobs to our state.” He added, “PACCAR’s presence will help maintain economic growth and contribute to an improved quality of life in this region and the state as a whole.” Columbus competed among dozens of towns and cities across the country

PACCAR is building a new $400 million facility just outside Columbus. Above: A rendering of PACCAR’s new, 420,000-square-foot plant

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for the large plant, which will ultimately employ 500 highly skilled and highly educated workers from around the immediate area. Company officials say Columbus offered far more than its competitors. The decision to relocate was a tough, carefully hewn decision, months in the making and the result of a careful checkand-balance procedure applied to many potential sites. As Mark Pigott, chairman of Bellevue, Washington-based PACCAR said at the groundbreaking, “This is a superb

location, close to many of our North American truck assembly facilities, customers and supplier partners.” Columbus lies a short distance from Jackson and Birmingham and is served by a number of major road arteries notably Highways 82 and 45, as well as key state routes, such as Highways 12, 50, 69, and 182. It’s also served by a number of major railroads, including the BNSF, the Norfolk Southern and the CN, while the Golden Triangle Airport is directly on the outskirts of town. “The site selection was very impor-

tant, and it was a very careful procedure that we followed,” says Alan Treasure, director of marketing for PACCAR. “We followed a number of important criteria that were identified and evaluated, including the availability of a strong workforce – a workforce that was both educated and motivated. The quality of life for employees was another consideration, and what we found in Columbus was similar to other places where PACCAR has thrived.” “Certainly the environment is business friendly,” he says. “It also has the proximity to our suppliers and dealers, as well as interstate access and good overall transportation networks. But the fact that we could work with a nearby university with research capabilities is a great asset – Mississippi State [in Starkville], East Mississippi Community College, Mississippi University for Women – and a number of other higher education facilities in this area provides excellent opportunities for future employers.”

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BRIAN M C CORD

PACCAR chose Columbus as the site of its new facility because of its educated workforce and easy access to major road arteries, notably Highways 82 and 45.

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JEFF ADKINS

Columbus lies a short distance from Jackson and Birmingham and is served by a number of major road arteries.

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Home to the High STORY BY VERNE GAY

ue north by northwest of Columbus is one of the nation’s leading Air Force training facilities – the Columbus Air Force Base. And the link to the city that bears its name is inescapable – and unbreakable. Home to the legendary 14th Flying Training Wing, the base was formed nearly a year before the attack on Pearl Harbor, when town leaders decided to bring defense industries to Lowndes County. Citizens lobbied hard for the new facilities, but instead of a plant, the War Department awarded Columbus with an even greater prize: an Army air field, constructed in August 1941. The land was leased by Columbus’ town fathers to the War Department for $1 a year. From the beginning, Columbus Air Force Base had a unique role as the nation prepared for war – to train pilots. The first would-be pilots arrived in 1942, and a total of 7,412

Columbus Air Force Base is one of only three in the nation that trains Air Force pilot recruits.

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Fliers COMMUNITY EMBRACES YOUNG NG AIR FORCE RECRUITS

received their commissions and wings over the next three and membership programs, education and retirement for the a half years. As such, Columbus and its base played a pivotal Link, are “all very young and range anywhere from 19 to 27. role in the war effort. We just try to welcome them and want them to feel that if they Today, Columbus Air Force Base trains one-third of the Air need to know anything about the community, then tell them Force’s pilots, and Columbus residents do their part to help as where to go to the dentist or have their oil changed or where well. The Columbus-Lowndes Development Link’s Military there’s a good place to eat, or where their family can stay when Affairs Committee is comprised of local citizens – in some they come in for graduation. The idea is so that they feel they cases, the adult children can call and ask us.” of those who brought the “The MAC is a key link “It puts a face on Columbus for base here in the first place between the community and the newcomers, and it’s made up – who volunteer their time the base,” says Rick “Sonic” of volunteers who love their base to helping new recruits Johnson, chief of public and understand its key economic every day. affairs at the base. “It puts The MAC’s role is a face on Columbus for the role in the community.” especially vital because of newcomers and, it’s made RICK “SONIC” JOHNSON the nature of pilot training up of volunteers who love CHIEF OF PUBLIC RELATIONS – fast, harsh, complicated their base. Those volunteers and over almost before it understand its key economic begins. New pilots are cycled into the program every three role in the community.” weeks, and when they get to Lowndes County, their new and Probably the person who best understands this vital and temporary home presents its own unique set of challenges. historic linkage is Chuck Bigelow. That’s where the MAC comes in. On most days, you can find Bigelow at the marina he runs The new officers, says Maureen Lipscomb, who oversees on the Tenn-Tom Waterway – a spectacular stretch of river COLUMBUS

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Mississippi Industrial Waste Disposal Locally Owned Since 1971

Commercial Containers can be emptied on daily, weekly or monthly basis. All containers are picked up according to the customer’s needs. Containers are available in 2, 4, 6 and 8 cubic yard sizes. Compactors are available for large volume customers. For the small office or commercial building, we offer 96 gallon cart service in Columbus.

Construction Roll off bins, front load bins and storage containers are available to handle all your construction needs. With our partners we can provide: • Portable toilets • Vacuum services • Hazardous waste disposal

Industrial Containers are available in 16, 20, 30 and 40 cubic yard sizes. Special waste containers are available for those that require liners, tarps and sealed tailgate containers. Compactors are available in a range of hopper sizes from 2-8 cubic yards with loading options such as dock feed and security chutes. They have 40 cubic yard containers. For hospitals, malls and high volume liquid areas, we offer selfcontained compactors.

Excellent & Efficient Waste Management Services Servicing: Columbus • Starkville • Ackerman • West Point • Monroe County Noxubee County • Webster County • Pickens County, AL 1600 12th Ave. S. • Columbus, MS • (662) 328-5528 • www.msindwaste.com

STAFF PHOTOS

The Columbus-Lowndes Development Link’s Military Affairs Committee steps in to provide support to the constant influx of young military recruits. Below: Chuck Bigelow is chairman of the committee.

that runs through Alabama and Mississippi. He’s a friendly, open and generous guy – particularly generous with his time – and is overseer of this vital bridge between base and city as MAC chairman, a role he’s held for three years. “Basically, my philosophy and the general agreed-upon mission of our MAC is to promote the relationship and understanding between our business community and the Air Force base. It’s to educate our business community about what the Air Force is doing and what their mission and needs are.” The most important role is outreach. “Our pilot/partner program is one of the signature things we do, and we do one every three weeks,” Bigelow says. “You have one or two individuals who sponsor a class and their mission is to be supportive of that class through the entire year. It’s interacting with the class on an as-needed basis.” “What we try to tell them is that if you have a personal issue that you don’t feel comfortable trying to work out on base, then we’re here for you in the community as well.” But MAC isn’t all work; it’s tied to the cycle of a recruit’s year (or 13 months), from the moment he or she arrives, to the minute they receive their commission and next assignment. For any recruit, that year is – understandably – hugely complicated and stressful, so the moments of release are important as well. That’s where MAC comes in again. There is, for example, Go Fourth, a Fourth of July celebration every other year. In February, MAC assists with the Air Force’s annual awards banquet. Then, there are the three milestones of any pilot-in-training’s year. The first is COLUMBUS

Solo – when a recruit first goes up in an aircraft alone, without an instructor by his or her side. Then, at the six-month mark, there’s Track Select, when a recruit decides on a career track – fighters? bombers? tankers? and so forth. And finally, the biggest night of all – graduation. Each milestone is celebrated with a party, and that’s a MAC specialty as well, because the sponsors of a class are the ones who usually organize the festivities. Finally, MAC buys the pilot his or her first set of engraved wings.

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Business | Biz Briefs

In operation since 1923, the Columbus Country Club is expanding to include an Olympic-sized pool and party area.

MUCH MORE THAN GOLF The Columbus Country Club is something of an institution. A neighbor in the community for the last 85 years, the club offers not only golf and tennis, but a place for residents to cross paths and catch up outside the office. “It’s a great way to network and meet new friends and people that you wouldn’t normally be able to converse with,” says Shannon Merchant, club events and membership coordinator. “We have members that have been there since day one. Usually if you join, you don’t get out.” A $300,000 Olympic-sized saltwater pool and party area is under construction, and banquet facilities are available to the public. And of course, there’s the golf. “We’re kind of stamped into the 50

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community as being the golf club in Columbus,” Merchant says. “As far as what people think of when they think of golf, I would assume they think of Columbus Country Club.” SMALL-BUSINESS GIANT The CPI Group, Inc is running out of wall space. The Columbus staffing firm has made lists from the Mississippi Business Journal’s Top 100 Privately Held Companies in Mississippi to Inc. Magazine’s 500 Fastest Growing Companies in the Country. In 2003-04, CPI took home the big enchilada: Small Business of the Year in the Mississippi Economic Development Council’s Governor’s Cup Awards and in the Mississippi Business Journal. “All of us here coveted the Gov-

ernor’s Cup most, as it helped bring positive exposure to the [Columbus Lowndes Development] Link and to our home, Columbus,” says Mark Smith, CPI president. Looking past the accolades, Smith credits his team with placing thousands in jobs since 1983. “We place much more of an emphasis on how we conduct ourselves in the marketplace and the level of value we bring,” he says. “If you don’t have that, the rest really does not matter all that much.” INDUSTRY’S SILENT PARTNER The way Hayden Crume sees it, if Mississippi Industrial Waste doesits job, you’ll never even know they were there. COLUMBUS

“It is kind of an unseen art,” says Crume, president of the waste disposal company. “Everybody produces garbage. It’s one of those things that you don’t know it’s there unless you have a problem with it, and then you see it. So we try to eliminate the problem so nobody knows it’s there.” The family-owned company, which serves seven counties, has been cleaning up after Mississippi’s business commu nity since 1971. Crume, at just 24, is the most recent in a long line of presidents. “I had giant shoes to fill,” he says. “I’ve got to live up to what my father lived up to and continue carrying the business in the same manner that he wanted it carried, then put my own spin on it and make sure that it’s successful.” THE BUSINESS OF HELPING BUSINESS The idea behind BTM Solutions is simple: helping businesses do what they do – better. The Mississippi-based professional services company offers business management software and accompanying consulting services, custom programming, training and support to businesses across the country. “In everyday language, we go into a business, analyze all their business practices – whether it’s manufacturing, warehouse distribution or a services company,” says Angela Ferraez, a marketing and PR specialist for BTM. “We then formulate a proposal of software, implementation and support to empower that company to work most efficiently, make more informed decisions and achieve profitability. The team at BTM uses the philosophy high tech, high touch. Although we’re a high tech company, we still try to maintain high touch relationships with them,” Ferraez says. The 10-year-old company began when owner Tim Beckett purchased the Software Division of U.S. Office Products. BTM now services approximately 200 clients nationally, such as manufacturing, pharma ceutical and service companies, among others. The company also provides more than 20 jobs locally. Supporting the community is an important part of BTM’s mission, and they are active in supporting local schools and charities. COLUMBUS

SETTING THE STAGE Mississippi is getting noticed for more than just classic Southern authors and Mississippi State University football. Thanks to efforts by the Tennessee Valley Authority, industry leaders such as Toyota are setting up shop. In 2006 and 2007, TVA sold three certified megasites, which are large tracts of land ready for industrial development. TVA also works with communities to make sure they’re ready for growth. “Our main goal, really, is to … make sure that when they do have an

opportunity at a company, that those communities are as prepared as possible to put their best foot forward,” says Chandler Russ, TVA Project Manager for the Mississippi Region, including Columbus. In Columbus and Lowndes County, TVA works with Columbus Light and Water and 4-County EPA to ensure the infrastructure is prepared to handle development. “Recruiting business really provides those citizens more opportunities to improve their quality of life,” Russ says. – Michaela Jackson

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CONSTRUCTION DIVISION

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Business | Economic Profile

COLUMBUS-LOWNDES COUNTY BUSINESS CLIMATE Columbus-Lowndes County is in the midst of an economic boom, with a variety of industrial projects under construction in the area.

A number of projects totaling more than $246 million broke ground in the Columbus area in 2006, including Linde Gas, American Eurocopter and SeverCorr expansions.

TRANSPORTATION Airports Golden Triangle Regional Airport, (662) 327-4422 Lowndes County Airport (662) 327-6907 Rail Burlington Northern (662) 328-7001, (662) 329-4811 (662) 328-5605 Columbus and Greenville Railway Co., (662) 327-8664

LINK PROGRAMS AND EVENTS Leadership Lowndes County (LLC) The program is designed to educate current and emerging leaders about the pertinent issues facing Columbus and Lowndes County. The program involves nine daylong sessions featuring topics such as

healthcare, city and county government and economic development, among others. Lowndes Young Leaders A nine-month leadership program for high school sophomores. It is designed to develop an energetic and diverse group of informed and qualified young leaders who will become our business and community leaders of tomorrow. Business After Hours Provides a venue to entertain your fellow Link members and exchange ideas and business cards

Golden Triangle Railroad (662) 243-4804

INDUSTRY (FROM 2000 CENSUS)

Kansas City Southern (800) GO-TO-KCS Norfolk Southern (662) 327-8662 Luxapalila Valley Railroad Co. (662) 329-7730 Ports Lowndes County Port (662) 329-5886

BUSINESS POINTS The Crossroads Megasite, a Tennessee Valley Authoritycertified 1,800-acre site in Lowndes County, is a prime spot for automotive manufacturing and assembly plants. Columbus Air Force Base, the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest employer, pumped more than $234 million into the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy in fiscal year 2005, including payroll, contracts, supplies and equipment. Known as a regional trade center, the county has plenty of available buildings and industrial sites.

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Industry

Number of People

Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining

Percentage

327

1.3%

Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation and food services

1,648

6.7%

Construction

2,005

8.1%

Educational, health and social services

5,085

20.6%

Finance, insurance, real estate, and rental and leasing

1,044

4.2%

462

1.9%

Manufacturing

5,593

22.6%

Other services (except public administration)

1,230

5.0%

1,195

4.8%

Information

Professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste management services Public administration

1,052

4.3%

Retail trade

3,024

12.2%

Transportation and warehousing, and utilities

1,403

5.7%

658

2.7%

Wholesale trade

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The Place to Shop Hwy. 45 N Columbus, MS 328-0333

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Burkeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outlet, JCPenney, Sears and over 30 specialty stores.

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Business | Economic Profile while showcasing your own business at the same time. Golden Triangle Employment Expo Annual military and civilian job fair held at the Trotter Convention Center each October. The expo is presented by industry, education and government agencies in the Golden Triangle area. Salute to Industry Recognizes and honors Lowndes County manufacturing in a social setting

MAJOR EMPLOYERS Employer

Product/Service

Employees

Pilot training

3,035

Health care

1,100

Columbus Municipal Schools

Education

750

Lowndes County Schools

Education

690

Columbus Air Force Base Baptist Memorial Hospital-GT

Weyerhaeuser Co.

Printing paper

600

Vinyl wall coverings

380

Education

420

Prefab metal buildings

281

Furniture

263

Industrial electric motors

350

Disposable medical devices

220

Omnova Mississippi University for Women Ceco Building Systems

Economic Symposium This forum keeps local industries and elected officials up to date on available incentives and legislative changes.

Johnston Tombigbee

Columbus Air Force Base Pilot Partner This program unites each CAFB Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) class with businesses from the Columbus-Lowndes area and surrounding communities.

SeverCorr

Rolled steel

450

American Eurocopter

Helicopters

150

Paper

220

Baldor Electric Co. Microtek Medical

Domtar

Bringing Safe, Reliable Natural Gas to You and Your Community At Atmos Energy, we provide clean, efficient natural gas to the communities we serve. We are dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and superior energy value and we are proud to work with our communities to encourage growth. We call that The Spirit of Service . SM

Visit us online at www.atmosenergy.com.

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www.atmosenergy.com

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Business | Economic Profile MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS America’s newest river, the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, is a cost-efficient and safe method of transporting products by barge. The 234-mile-long waterway, said to the be the most ambitious project ever undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, connects 16,000 miles of inland waterways to the Gulf of Mexico. The northern terminus is the Tennessee River, while the southern terminus is at the Port of Mobile, Ala. Columbus is the largest town on the waterway. The Riverside Industrial Park is the site of the Lowndes County Port. Also, a marina will serve waterway traffic through Columbus.

DISTANCE TO MAJOR CITIES Baton Rouge, La., 347 miles Birmingham, Ala., 120 miles Jackson, 146 miles Little Rock, Ark., 295 miles Memphis, Tenn., 162 miles Mobile, Ala., 223 miles Nashville, Tenn., 306 miles New Orleans, 293 miles Tupelo, 63 miles Tuscaloosa, Ala., 60 miles

WORKFORCE TRAINING PROGRAMS East Mississippi Community College – Golden Triangle 8731 South Frontage Rd. P.O. Box 100 Mayhew, MS 39753 Phone: (662) 243-1929 Fax: (662) 243-1976 www.eastms.edu

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OCCUPATION (FROM 2000 CENSUS)

The Center for Manufacturing Technology Excellence

Number of People

Percentage

2,973

12.0%

107

0.4%

Management, professional and related occupations

6,866

27.8%

Production, transportation and material moving occupations

5,211

21.1%

Sales and office occupations

6,281

25.4%

Service occupations

3,288

13.3%

(CMTE), 8731 S. Frontage Rd.

Occupation

Mayhew, MS 39753

Construction, extraction and maintenance occupations

Phone: (662) 476-8442 www.cmte.org State of Mississippi Workforce Education Program Mississippi State Board for Community and Junior Colleges 3825 Ridgewood Rd. Jackson, MS 39211

Farming, fishing and forestry occupations

Phone: (601) 432-6518 www.sbcjc.cc.ms.us

COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE Commander: Col. David K. Gerber Base residents: 2,060 Households: 570 Families: 532 Year built: 1942 Columbus Air Force Base 108 Similer Blvd. Columbus, MS 39710

JOHN RUSSELL, III, DMD, PA

(662) 434-7128 www.columbusafb.us

FOR MORE INFORMATION Columbus-Lowndes Development Link 1102 Main St. Columbus, MS 39701 Phone: (662) 328-8369 www.cldlink.org Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau 300 Main St. Columbus, MS 39701 Phone: (662) 329-1191, (800) 327-2686 www.columbus-ms.org

Sources: www.cldlink.org, www.census.gov, www.columbus-ms.org

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(662) 328-1521 206 Brookmoore Drive Columbus, MS 39705

Creating Smiles for Over 50 Years

(662) 256-3260 400 2nd Avenue North Amory, MS 38821

Orthodontic Specialist for Adults and Children (866) 728-8978 • Fax: (662) 328-1237 • www.bracesbyrussell.com

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Golden Triangle’s Largest Commercial and Industrial Construction Company Nissan Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems

MSU Colvard Student Union

MSU Business School/McCool Hall

Clients include: Mississippi State University • Mississippi University for Women • Mississippi Major Economic Impact Authority Talley Defense Systems/DOD • Local city and county governments • East Mississippi Community College • Stark Aerospace • Grenada Lake Medical Center SeverCorr • MSU Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine • Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America, Inc. 5716 Hwy. 182 E. • Columbus, MS 39702 • (662) 328-2438 • Fax (662) 328-2746 • www.westbrothersconstruction.com

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A Story by Mother Goose LOCAL ICON HAS BEEN DRESSING UP STORY TIME FOR 20 YEARS

STAFF PHOTO

The Columbus library system has one of the largest reading programs in the state, and Edwina Williams – also known as Mother Goose – has been entertaining children with readings at the library for 20 years.

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f you were to spot Edwina Williams on the street in Columbus, you might not recognize her or even take a second look. But if Mother Goose passed by, chances are you’d stop to chat. Williams has been dressing up as Mother Goose at the ColumbusLowndes Public Library for more than 20 years, and is very recognizable in the community – as long as she is dressed up like the fairy tale character. “Nobody knows Edwina,” Williams says. “I’ve been around a long time, and I’ve enjoyed every minute. I love being around children.” She dresses up during story time and uses music and interaction with the kids to make learning fun. Williams instills manners, encourages good reading habits and helps the library facilitate a ceremony when children turn 5 and get their own library card. She also visits area schools on outreach programs. She is even starting to see the second generation come in to listen to her tell stories. “She is not only the face of story time and the face of this library, she is a large part of the community,” says Ben Petersen, director of the ColumbusLowndes Public Library. One of the largest reading programs in the state, Petersen says about 10,000 people attend every year. “It’s a one-woman show and it’s second to none from any that I know,” Petersen says. Not to be tied down to just one character, Williams also dresses up as Mrs. Claus at Christmas and other characters during the year. And though the kids only know her as Mother Goose (they even think she lives at the library), Williams is happy she is achieving her goal of instilling a love for reading. “It makes me feel like I’m accomplishing something,” she says. “They are eager to learn and eager to listen.” I M AG E S C O L U M B U S . C O M

BACCO M ATERIALS has been furnishing sand and gravel for the Golden Triangle and surrounding area since 1975.

P.O. Box 8940 Columbus, MS 39705

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(662) 434-0171 www.blain-co.com

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Engine-Revving Entertainment W

hen businesses are looking to relocate their headquarters, they are looking for many things: good school districts, increased growth, limited congestion. But they are also looking for family-friendly entertainment. And something as simple as a dirt track can help influence a decision. “When people come to town, they are looking at schools, first off, and also what to do,” says Chuck Cook, manager of Magnolia Motor Speedway. “I think we help provide what is needed, entertainment-wise. With the river down the street and the new boat ramp and the new mall going in across the highway, all these thing combine to make Columbus really desirable.” Cook started construction on the speedway on Labor Day 2000. “When we started this, it was nothing but trees and grass out here,” he says. With special events like Grilling on the River cook-off and food fair hosted at the speedway, even more people are packing the pits. But it’s the regular races that are a draw to the regular crowd, including The Governor’s Cup and the Firecracker 4 Crown. “This is a real big family-oriented place,” Cook says. “We cater to children 10 and under. They can play on the inflatables while the rest of us are watching a race.” But businesses can really get in on the action by customizing an event for their employees. That can include getting an event named for the business, season passes for employees, specialized media, PA announcements, pre-race participation, an awards ceremony and VIP suite. “Once we put together those packages, it will ensure their employees have somewhere to go to,” Cook says. “We may have concerts in the near future. We are going to continue to grow and make it better for their employees to give them a good place to work and have great entertainment.”

Business executives are finding a night out at Magnolia Speedway is a great way to entertain clients.

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Jazzing Up Columbus rice Miller, a jazz trumpeter and educator, has music running through his veins. In the past 17 years since he started his own brass band, Miller has created a music entertainment company, Brice Miller Productions, created the jazz studies program for New Orleans’ public schools, traveled the world playing jazz and started the Brice Miller Foundation, a program that promotes arts education. But in 2005, his whole world was turned upside down when Hurricane Katrina hit and he was displaced to Columbus from New Orleans. He remained positive throughout that difficult time. “I love accepting the challenges of life,” Miller says. “I take every negative and convert that into some type of positive.” Once in Columbus, Miller wasted no time getting involved in the community the best way he knew how: with music. “Jazz and blues are some of the original art forms of America,” he says. So Miller used the connections he has to many people in the jazz community and organized The Columbus Jazz & Blues Fest. “It has allowed me to get to know the community, the positives of the community, where my background could be a benefit,” Miller says. The festival premiered in 2007 with 13 artists, New Orleans-based food and more than 6,000 attendees. Not too bad for a freshman effort. And 2008 promises to be bigger, expanding to two days. The musical lineup along the riverfront includes jazz, blues, reggae, Caribbean and even soul thrown in. New in 2008 is a gospel tent. “This festival has the potential to grow into a major regional event,” Miller says. “It was something that attracted people because it is different. You haven’t seen something like this unless you are blessed to live in New Orleans or can travel there.” COLUMBUS

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS JENKINS

The Columbus Jazz & Blues Fest at the downtown Riverwalk is a daylong music event organized by Hurricane Katrina transplant Brice Miller.

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All rooms include: • Iron & ironing board, coffee maker, hair dryer, microwave & refrigerator • Free high-speed Internet • Complimentary hot breakfast • 24-hour business center • Meeting facilities for up to 70 people • Indoor pool, fitness center & whirlpool • Free local calls • 100% satisfaction guarantee

129 Brickerton St. Directions: Hwy. 82 to Military Rd. Exit, then one block West.

Reservations (800) 228-1000 | (662) 327-9999 | www.wingateinn.com

Jackson Square 2013 Hwy., 45 North Columbus, MS (662) 327-2684 Men’s, ladies’ and children’s quality apparel and shoes

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Female-Friendly Fitness U

are heavy-duty rubber bands. And if you can’t figure out the new equipment, the YMCA also has attendants to help familiarize new users to the equipment. Another draw that is bringing people back for each workout is the individual TV sets that are attached to each treadmill, elliptical trainer and bicycle. Users can plug in their own headphones and zone out to their favorite program instead of being stuck watching whatever the person who got there five minutes before them wants to watch. “You can watch a program and your workout goes by so quick,” says Dr. Susie Johnson, a regular to the circuit training room. “I just love it.” Johnson especially enjoys the family-friendly nature of the facility, especially when she has her 3-year-old with her. “My parents will take him swimming, and I get a chance to get into the circuit room,” she says. “I can go work out and tune out for awhile.”

The YMCA has created a women’sonly circuit training section.

STAFF PHOTOS

nless you have experience in a locker room, sidling up next to the guys and lifting weights can be intimidating for most women. So the Frank P. Phillips Memorial YMCA decided to make a few changes. Charlie Box, executive director, got new equipment in the circuit training room that is especially easy for women to use. “It’s perfect for women,” Box says of the Life Fitness machines. “We bought this and decided we would give specific time for women only and it has been very popular.” In fact, Barbara Bigelow, director of community relations at the YMCA, says theirs is the first YMCA in the Southeast to have the equipment. “It is ergonomically designed so a 6’6” guy could use it and a woman could come right behind him and use it without any adjustments,” says Bigelow. Life Fitness equipment provides resistance through Lifebands, which

Woody’s on the Water A stained-glass detail from Woody’s on the Water, a popular Columbus dining spot. The nautically themed restaurant is perched on the edge of the Tenn-Tom River, and diners can enjoy spectacular views of the water.

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SAVE MONEY. LIVE BETTER.

1913 Highway 45 North • Columbus, MS 39705 (662) 329-4810 • www.wal-mart.com

Providing 100 stable jobs to friends and families in Lowndes County for 118 years.

Columbus Brick Company Since 1890

P.O. Box 9630 • Columbus, MS 39705 (662) 328-4931 • Fax: (662) 328-4934 • www.columbusbrick.com For 118 years, Columbus Brick Company has been producing high-quality face brick. With two manufacturing plants in Lowndes County, Columbus Brick continues its tradition of quality brick for future generations.

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veryone should be able to appreciate the arts if they choose, and that is the main goal of The Rosenzweig Arts Center. With gallery exhibits, multiple classes, outreach programs and a variety of entertainment, there really is something for every taste and interest, no matter how diverse. “We welcome everyone to come and take part,” says Heather Rowland, executive director. “We do a lot of different types of things. We try to pull together all of the elements. We have a lot going on in Columbus from historic homes to programs for children.” So one weekend you might be able to see a performance of Tom Sawyer, while the next you are attending the opening of a local oil painter’s show in the gallery. The Young People’s Artists Series (YPAS) includes a performance with a coordinating educational element like a workshop. “We represent kids in kindergarten all the way up to seniors,” Rowland says. “We do a lot of off-site programming and outreach.” That includes visits to a detention center as well as local grade schools and high schools. And people looking to add to their list of skills can even sign up for a pottery or photography class. “We offer classes by semester and offer things for kids and adults,” Rowland says. Every other month, the small theater plays host to a rotating roster of local musicians who perform everything from blues to bluegrass. To be sure that those who want to attend will always have a place, each event is low-cost or free. “We try very hard to be very accessible to everyone in the community,” Rowland says. “Not all events are free, but you can volunteer to get free tickets. And we have lots of scholarship students who see YPAS events for free.” – Stories by Hollie Deese COLUMBUS

ANTONY BOSHIER

Spreading the Canvas

The Rosenzweig Arts Center, located in downtown Columbus, offers classes for adults and children, performances, exhibits and a sales gallery.

P.O. Box 789 202 South Spring Street Fulton, MS 38843-0789 (662) 862-3121 Fax: (662) 862-3120

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Image Gallery

Spring foliage in Columbus

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STAFF PHOTOGRAPHY

The neon marquee of The Princess Theatre in downtown Columbus

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Image Gallery

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The view along Interstate 82

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Image Gallery

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Woodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on the Water displays a nautical decor.

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Education

High-Energy Education NEW SUPERINTENDENT WORKS TO UPDATE, OVERHAUL COLUMBUS SCHOOL SYSTEM

r. Del Phillips is a man with a plan. Several of them, in fact. As the new superintendent of the Columbus Municipal School District, Phillips has crafted a vision that includes new school buildings, enhanced learning opportunities and more. “I didn’t have any real marching orders, just analyzed the district like any good leader who comes into an organization would,” says Phillips. “I’ve

I M AG E S C O L U M B U S . C O M

gotten a lot of input from the board, my colleagues in the system and from parents. We looked at plans that are currently being implemented, and came up with new ones that we could begin to execute.” High on that list was at least one new school building. The district, which serves around 5,000 students, has five elementary, one intermediate, one middle and one high school, as well as a

vocational center and alternative school. The intermediate school, which houses grades five-six, and the middle school, for grades seven-eight, were of immediate concern to Phillips. “We felt like the 5th-graders needed to be back in an elementary setting, because they were moving to a bigger environment too early. We looked at the two buildings we had for those grades, both of which are more than 50 years

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CONTRACTING CO., INC.

Asphalt Paving Construction old, and came up with a plan for something new.” That something is going to be a new middle school, which will house grades six-eight. To make it happen, a $22 million bond issue was called for, never an easy sell. But by educating the community, Phillips and his team were able to convince 79 percent of voters to approve the measure in January 2008. “Now we’re going to have that new school, and we hope to open it in the fall of 2010,” he says. Another major achievement has been the creation of magnet schools within the district. Each elementary school now will have a magnet theme, allowing for customized learning geared to a child’s areas of interest. The five overarching themes will be: fine arts, technology and communications, medical sciences and wellness, aerospace and science, and international studies. “All of those will bring different things to the table,” Phillips says. “We’re going to build our schools to be more responsive to the child. And as those children move up, we’ll be folding those five themes into three or four academies at the middle- and high-school levels.” All told, it’s been a big first year. But don’t look for Phillips to slow down anytime soon. “The magnet schools have been a big undertaking, and getting the middleschool concern addressed was huge,” he says. “We’ve had a lot of help, and it takes a ton of people communicating and having conversations. But we’ve been able to get the message out there, and things are really super positive for us now.” – Joe Morris

Streets • Roads • Parking Lots Driveways • Subdivisions Parking Lot Maintenance Airports • Paint Striping

(662) 327-2053 1500 Moss Street • P.O. Box 5044 Columbus, MS 39704

www.falconcontracting.com LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED • FREE ESTIMATES

EVERYTHING IN JANITORIAL , PAPER & PACKAGING S UPPLIES

1616 7th Ave. S. • Columbus, MS (662) 327-1467 • (800) 844-1467 Del Phillips is the new superintendent of the Columbus Municipal School District. STAFF PHOTO

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www.newellpaper.com

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Highway, Street and Bridge Construction Heavy Construction Municipal and Public Works Construction

Ellis Construction Company, Inc. www.ellis-construction.com (662) 327-2844 • Fax: (662) 327-3710

Partners Call today for your free relocation package and daily VA quotes!

419 Main Street • P.O. Box 871 • Columbus, MS 39703-0871

698 Leigh Drive Columbus, MS 39705 (662) 327-7705 • (800) 432-1262 www.manndavis.com www.remax-mississippi.com

We will be glad to help you with all your real estate needs. SM

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Education

Class Is Now in (Cyber) Session NEW TECHNOLOGY BOOSTS OFFERINGS AT AREA PRIVATE SCHOOLS

rom desktops to laptops, chalkboards to Smartboards, technology is fast changing the way students learn at Heritage Academy and Immanuel Center for Christian Education. The two private schools have been implementing new technology on their campuses at a fast clip, offering students more and better ways to not only learn the basics, but to prepare themselves for an ever-changing global workplace. At Heritage Academy, all students in grades 10-12 now have laptops, and the entire campus has gone wireless as part of a massive upgrade that included adding new servers. Parents can establish a PIN number on Heritage’s Web site to check their children’s grades, and the high school’s foreign language lab now features Rosetta Stone software for Latin, French and Spanish. Online text and Smartboards are being used at all grade levels as well, says Tommy Gunn, academic dean. “We wanted to move our educational format and curriculum forward for our children,” Gunn says. “Our community is changing with new industries coming into town, and we are looking at what our institutions of higher learning are requiring. We are taking this leap forward for the good of our students.” The laptops and Smartboards already are changing how he teaches, notes Ben Hurt, Heritage’s technology co-director and its chemistry and calculus teacher. “I can also take the notes I’ve written during the day and save them to a server, so an absent student can see exactly what

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was written on the board,” Hurt says. “When you combine the boards with the Macbooks, it gives you endless possibilities for structuring the use of computer and classroom materials. The students stay more engaged; they come in, look up at the board, get their laptop out and are ready to go.”

The information is flowing just as fast at Immanuel Center for Christian Education, which moved into a new facility in August 2004. Immanuel offers a computer lab with 24 workstations, as well as computers for every teacher, says Bob Williford, administrator. – Joe Morris

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Health & Wellness

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COLUMBUS

Choices

It’s what women want. From shoes to careers to medical care. As a patient with Physicians and Surgeons Obstetrics and Gynecology, you’ll choose from six different physicians, each offering professional, personal care. Our doctors are on staff for both Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle and Gilmore Memorial Hospital, so you can have even more options for your health care. And women know – choices are just what you need to find a perfect fit.

900 Earl Frye Blvd., Ste. A Amory, MS 38821 (662) 256-9331 255 Baptist Blvd., Ste. 405 Columbus, MS 39705 (662) 328-9331

J. Patrick Chaney, MD • S. Kam Otey, MD R. Edward Betcher, MD • Duke J. Wood, DO Pam Lacy, MD • Cassie Hill, MD

Offering a host of new treatment options to patients in the golden triangle and surrounding areas. Remember: It’s your choice! Tell your doctor that you want your x-rays performed and read by hometown radiologists that are here for you day or night.

David B. Morgan, M.D. Joseph B. Kelly, M.D.

Michael A. Buehler, M.D.

Mark L. Ellis, M.D.

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2003 Old Aberdeen Road Columbus, MS 39705 www.gtradiology.com

Office: (662) 244-1584 Billing: (662) 328-2476 Baptist Memorial: (662) 244-1000

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We change your smile ... You change the world.

2500 Military Rd. #3 | Columbus, MS 39705 | (662) 329-4225 theteam@callawayorthodontics.com | www.callawayorthodontics.com

Columbus OB-GYN Specialty Pregnancy • Ultrasound • 3-D Ultrasound Disorders of Menstruation • Gynecological Health Family Planning • Infertility Studies Colposcopy • Robotic Assisted Surgery Outpatient Procedures • Endometrial Ablation Outpatient Sterilization • Well-Woman Care Hysterectomy including Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Bladder Control Disorders • Pelvic Pain Management

Gregory W. Childrey

Theresa A. Murch

M.D., FACOG

D.O., FACOOG

Children’s Health Center of Columbus Inc. 114 N. Lehmberg Rd. • Columbus, MS 39702 (662) 329-2955 • www.drskiskids.us

Columbus OB-GYN Specialty Center, PLLC 425 Hospital Drive, Suite 5 • Columbus, MS 39705 (662) 240-0095 • Fax: (662) 240-0096

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Health & Wellness

Investing in Medical Advancements BAPTIST MEMORIAL HOSPITAL-GOLDEN TRIANGLE IMPROVES WITH AGE

ounded in 1969, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden an automated prescription tracking system that makes the Triangle has gone through many improvements delivery of medications more safe and efficient. throughout the years. The facility has more than 100 “As we look to the future, there is more to come, especially medical and surgical physicians with a full range of in the field of diagnostic imaging,” says Dr. John E. Reed, chief comprehensive care. There are centers for behavioral health, of staff at BMH-Golden Triangle. “We are always exploring cancer care, sleep disorders, opportunities to improve the cardiology, surgical services high quality of care we have and even education and given. Physician recruitment support programs like CPR will remain a top priority.” and first aid classes. Women’s As the hospital looks to services include labor-delivthe future, they are also ery-recovery suites, special enjoying the returns on some C-section suites and a 24-hour recent improvements. DR. JOHN E. REED baby hotline. “With an investment of CHIEF OF STAFF And in the past 15 years, millions of dollars in new BMH-Golden Triangle has equipment and facilities by added a new emergency department and outpatient pavilion. Baptist Memorial Health Care, Baptist Golden Triangle It has also established the Baptist Center for Cancer Care. through its highly trained medical staff, can offer some of A new patient bed tower – a 167,000-square-foot structure – the most innovative procedures in the field of medicine,” has 151 patient rooms, each with comfortable couches and Reed says. “Especially in the areas of cancer treatment,

“As we look to the future, there is more to come, especially in the ﬁeld of diagnostic imaging,”

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle is expanding, adding a new emergency department and patient rooms.

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Serving Columbus & the Golden Triangle Area for 12 Years!

GOLDEN TRIANGLE NEUROLOGY CLINIC Reynolds P. McCain, M.D. 516-B Lincoln Rd. • Columbus, MS 39705 (662) 327-2700

BENNETT OPHTHALMOLOGY GROUP Advanced Eye Care

Treatment for Neurological Non-Surgical Diseases: Stroke • Headache • Sleep Disorders • Multiple Sclerosis Carpal Tunnel Syndrome • Parkinson’s Disease Back & Neck Pain • Alzheimer’s Numbness/Tingling of Arms/Legs

J. DAN BENNETT, M.D. Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology Board Certified Ophthalmologist

Baptist & Physicians Healthlink • MPCN Other Major Insurances

Medicare Assignment Accepted • Diseases & Surgery of the Eye Cataracts • Implants • No-Stitch Surgery • Glaucoma Diabetes • Retinal Diseases • Macular Diseases Laser Surgery • Eyelid Surgery • ReSTOR® Lens

Columbus (662) 327-2700 Amory (662) 257-9106 Starkville (662) 338-9106

(662) 328-1254 • 2475 Fifth St. N. • Columbus, MS 39705

Willowbrook Dental Center For the smile you always dreamed of! Mark A. Nobles, DMD Ben W. Harrelson, DMD Members of: American Dental Association Mississippi Dental Association

Cosmetic • Laser • Implant Laser Whitening • Invisalign • Veneers Family Dentistry Appointments Only • Most Insurances Filed Hours: Mon.-Thu. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Fri. 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

(662) 327-4523 540 Willowbrook Rd. Columbus, MS 39705

CARE CREDIT

Listing of this previously mentioned area of practice does not indicate certification of expertise therein.

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Health & Wellness

cardiovascular services and diagnostic technology.” In fact, BMH-Golden Triangle has a new CV surgeon on staff, which allows the hospital to provide open-heart surgery and other cardiovascular procedures to area residents. “Treatments and procedures, which up until now were only offered at large metropolitan or research hospitals, are available to residents of the Golden Triangle,” Reed says. “We are dedicated to providing quality care.” The campus is also now smoke-free, sparing patients, visitors and staff the discomfort of secondhand smoke, as well as taking the initiative to promote a healthy lifestyle. Palliative care continues to be a number one priority, ensuring patients are treated with dignity, respect and an improved quality of life. Patients are also encouraged to be as active as possible in the decisions that go into their care. “With health care facing many challenging issues nationwide, Baptist Golden Triangle has stayed focused on our mission – preaching, teaching and healing,” Reed says. – Hollie Deese

Health Center Focuses on Occupational Medicine CLINIC WORKS WITH INDUSTRY TO MEET HEALTH TH AND SAFETY NEEDS OF WORKFORCE

t CorpCare Plus, LLC in Columbus, traditional medicine that emphasizes people as patients and care as treatment is out. Instead, the Columbus-based environmental and occupational health clinic takes a more proactive approach that emphasizes prevention, good health promotion and the value of work, both physically and financially to individuals. The goal, according to founder Dr. AnnMarie Stokes, is to work with industrial partners to provide

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healthcare and medical evaluations that promote a safe and healthy workforce. orce. To that end, CorpCare P Plus Pl lus offers a variety of services that work hand-in-hand with employers and employees. Certified technicians perform drug-screening exams for workers. The clinic also provides pre-employment physicals according to regulation guidelines, testing for diseases such as diabetes and evaluation of vital signs such as blood pressure, in order to test

individual’s ability and readiness to perform a specified job. CorpCare Plus Corp Co rpCa rp Care Ca re P luss al lu also so provides worker’s compensation screenings and consultation with employers for difficult employee medical issues. And the company works to care for injured employees, providing both the worker and employer with information describing the worker’s ability to return to work. For more information, visit www.corpcareplus.com. – Hollie Deese

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Arts & Culture

History Lives and Breathes STUDENTS BRING COLUMBUS’ PAST TO THE STREETS – AND THE GRAVEYARD

Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science student Jonathan Mims welcomes the crowd to the fourth Annual Historic Blocks of Columbus.

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or many high school history students, names and dates never make it outside the classroom. They’re dutifully forgotten as soon as the bell rings. Not so at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science. Students of American history hold class – both together and on their own time – at the library, in the courthouse, around historic downtown and even inside the local cemetery after dark. The school puts on theatrical tours of both the historic downtown district and the local cemetery during the annual Columbus Pilgrimage. Students spend hours conducting primary source research on the town’s historic characters – from heroes to average Joes – and turn their findings into performances complete with period costumes. The graveyard history lesson, a program called “Tales From the Crypt,” invites Columbus residents and their guests to hear the stories of men and women buried in Friendship Cemetery. Students don the costumes and the personas of Confederate generals, former Mississippi governors, lawmakers, businessmen and many other souls who have passed to illuminate the lives of those that shaped Columbus’s history. “Historic Blocks of Columbus” is a yearlong project undertaken by the MSMS 11th-grade American history students to unearth the stories of the town’s former citizens. Every student is assigned to a block in the historic downtown district, and court records, newspaper clippings and aged correCOLUMBUS

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spondence become textbooks for piecing together the story of that block’s residents between 1870 and 1934. Students work together to write a script for their block and guide tours in character as townsfolk of a bygone day. “There is no one single ‘story’ in history,” says Julie Heintz, a history teacher at MSMS. “Instead, the combined experiences of people across time have come together to form the foundation of present American society. By learning about a particular block and time period of a city’s history, students can immerse themselves into the lives, stories and events of the people of Columbus.” The program, which was a national finalist in the History Channel’s 2006 Save Our History competition, teaches students living history along with unconventional research and presentation skills. “Digging through records at the courthouse and the library taught me how to do real research without the ‘help’ of the Internet. Microfilm is a breeze now!” says student Sarah Prather. “Also, I came to realize that the subjects were real people who lived, worked and had dreams just like us, so turning the research into a dramatic script was especially fun for me. “Having people approach me after the performance and say stuff like, ‘William W. Humphries was my greatgrandfather,’ felt great, too. Comments like that let me know that I had helped people to reconnect with their past.” – Michaela Jackson COLUMBUS

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Sports & Recreation

Lady Trojans Are Back on Top 25-YEAR SOFTBALL PROGRAM BUILT ON A LEGACY OF FAITH

irst God, then family, then softball. That’s how the New Hope High School Lady Trojans slow-pitch teams order their priorities from August to October every year. The girls and their coach, Tabitha Beard, like things that way. That’s how they bring home the titles: The Lady Trojans have been state champions seven of the last eight years, dominating between 2000 and 2005 and reclaiming their dynasty in 2007. The Lady Trojans’ success has as much to do with their heart as with their grit, Beard says. “Our program’s really special. We do things that nobody else does. The girls here are like sisters. They’re so close to one another, and they do everything together, so it’s sort of like a family thing,” she says. “I think that has a lot to do with the success on the field.” The New Hope softball program is about winning, but, more than that, it’s about being a Christian witness to the other teams, Beard says. She describes a New Hope team tradition, which involves passing goody bags of candy and a Bible verse to the opposing team as everyone shakes hands at the end of the game. “That means a lot to those girls to be able to do that, because if we can reach one person for Christ through softball, they feel like they’ve done their job,” she says. Putting faith first has been a core value of the team since COLUMBUS

Beard was a player in the mid-1990s. Cary Shepherd, her coach and the founder of the 25-year-old program, instilled a sense of perspective in her players, Beard says, teaching them what was really important on and off the field. “Coach Shepherd built this program on the premise that we put God first,” Beard says. “There’s going to be times when tempers flare in the heat of the games, but the girls are great sports.” When Beard was a player, the team was state runner-up twice, but never claimed the championship. Since that time, it’s been a dream of hers to coach. At the end of her first year at the helm, the Lady Trojans came home with what she had worked for years earlier. “That was an amazing feeling to finally get that title now, as a coach,” Beard says. “And they were so excited – especially for those seniors to have come so short the year before, it was such an amazing thing for them to be able to finish out on top.” “They’re such a great bunch of kids. I just can’t say enough about them. They’re wonderful, wonderful girls.” – Michaela Jackson

The New Hope High School Lady Trojans softball team have been state champs in seven of the last eight years.

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Community Profile

COLUMBUS-LOWNDES COUNTY SNAPSHOT The Columbus-Lowndes County area is one of the Southâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s richest architectural communities, known for its graceful antebellum homes, Southern hospitality, a top-notch U.S. Air Force base and plenty of opportunities to play outdoors.

Water Columbus Light & Water Department, 328-7192

LIFE IN COLUMBUSLOWNDES COUNTY Southeastern Conference sporting events take place at Mississippi State University and the University of Alabama, both short drives from Columbus. The Columbus Pilgrimage, an award-winning tour of antebellum mansions held each spring, is considered one of the best and most authentic historic home tours in the South. A moderate climate and miles of rivers, lakes and trails make the county a prime place for outdoor recreation.

UTILITIES Cable Cable One, 328-1781 Electricity Columbus Light & Water Department, 328-7192 4-County Electric Power Association, 327-8900 Tennessee Valley Authority 338-3186 Natural Gas Atmos Energy, 328-3521

East Lowndes Water Association, 328-1065

Average January high, 53 F Average January low, 32 F Average July high, 92 F Average July low, 71 F

EDUCATION Higher education Mississippi University for Women , 329-4750 East Mississippi Community College Golden Triangle Campus, 243-1900 Center for Manufacturing Technology Excellence 243-2683 Public schools Columbus Municipal School District, 241-7400

Average annual precipitation 55.91 inches

SPECIAL EVENTS Annual Spring Pilgrimage (800) 920-3533 or 328-0222 Go Fourth Independence Day Celebration & Biennial Wings Over Columbus/Thunderbirds Air Show 434-7068 JuneTeenth Celebration 329-5871

Lowndes County School System, 244-5000

Market Street Festival 328-6305

Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science 329-7687

GOLF

Private schools Heritage Academy, 327-5272 Annunciation Catholic School 328-4479 Immanuel Christian School 328-1668 Community-based education Greater Columbus Learning Center 329-7691 Sylvan Learning Center 328-9009

Columbus Country Club 2331 Military Road, 328-5584 Elm Lake 1609 Taylor-Thurston Road 329-8964 Green Oaks 326 Green Oaks Drive 328-3879 Whispering Pines Golf Club Columbus Air Force Base 434-7932

ATTRACTIONS

Tennessee Gas Pipeline 328-6716

MEDICAL FACILITIES

TVA, Caledonia Combined Cycle Plant 356-0231

Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle 244-1000

Telephone AT&T, (601) 557-2119

North Mississippi Medical Center, 377-3148

The area code for Columbus is 662 .

CLIMATE

Columbus-Lowndes Public Library Billups-Garth Archives/ Buckley Genealogy Room 314 Seventh St. N. 329-5300

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COLUMBUS OFFICE 221 North 7th St. (662) 328-5387 STARKVILLE OFFICE 106 B South Washington St. (662) 323-1234 TUSCALOOSA OFFICE 2422 12th St. (205) 759-4195 J. Michael Prince, CPA Mark A. Vickers, CPA, CVA Stewart R. Greene, CPA – Tuscaloosa J.H. Kennedy, Jr., CPA Samuel A. Bray, CPA Frank F. Gray, CPA – Tuscaloosa Leslie W. Wood, CPA – Starkville Lawrence E. Wilson, CPA David C. Neumann, CPA, CBA Louise L. Chappell, CPA John T. Frazier, CPA Kristy A. Tunnell, CPA – Starkville

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Audits, Reviews & Compilations Tax Planning & Preparation Payroll Services Estate & Trust Tax Preparation Management Advisory Services Pension & Profit Sharing Services Quickbooks Advisors Accounting & Bookkeeping Services Business Valuation Technology Counseling Online Tax Preparation

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants Registered with Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Member of Center for Public Company Audit Firms Member of Employee Benefit Plan Audit Quality Center Member of Governmental Audit Quality Center

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Community Profile Columbus Malco Cinema 2320 Hwy. 45 N., 240-4171

WLOV (FOX) Channel 27 (Cable Channel 9)

Columbus Speedway 2616 Tabernacle Road 241-5004

WTVA (NBC) Channel 9 (Cable Channel 5)

Friendship Cemetery Fourth Street South (800) 327-2686

OUTDOOR RECREATION

Historic Downtown District 328-6305 Historic Home Tours 300 Main St., 328-0222 Lee Home Museum 316 Seventh St. N. (800) 920-3533, 327-8888 Magnolia Speedway 495 Hwy. 45 S., 328-0376 Plymouth Bluff Museum 2200 Old West Point Road 241-6214

Black Prairie Wildlife Management Area 744 Firetower Rd. Crawford, MS 39743, 272-8303 http://www.mdwfp.com/ Level2/Wildlife/wma_Detail. asp?ID=8 Burnt Oak Quail Hunting Lodge & Conference Center 1563 Penn Station Rd. 272-9950

Columbus Lake On The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 327-2142 Columbus Lake offers 9,000 acres of fresh water for fishing and water sports on the Tenn-Tom Waterway. Columbus Marina Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, Mile 335, 327-8450 Located just above the Stennis Lock and Dam, the marina offers conveniences such as laundry, restrooms, showers, fuel dock, gas, and diesel. www.columbusmarina.com

Rosenzweig Arts Center 501 Main St., 328-2787

HISTORIC PLACES Franklin Academy (Founded 1821) 501 Third Avenue N., 241-7151 Friendship Cemetery (c.1849) Fourth Street S. (800) 327-2686 Historic Downtown District 328-6305 Mississippi University for Women (Founded 1884) 1100 College St. (877) 462-8439, 329-4750 www.muw.edu Tennessee Williams Home (c.1875) 300 Main St. 328-0222

MEDIA Newspapers Columbus Commercial Dispatch, 328-2433 www.cdispatch.com MUW Spectator (college paper) 329-7268, www.muw.edu/spectator Television WCBI (CBS) Channel 4 (Cable Channel 7)

The area code for Columbus is 662 .

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Community Profile Lake Lowndes State Park 3319 Lake Lowndes Rd. 328-2110 Located on beautiful 150-acre Lake Lowndes, the park offers opportunities for fishing and camping. Amenities include cabins and picnic facilities, nature, bike and equestrian trails, sport facilities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including a disc golf course â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and meeting rooms. Sykes Place Plantation Hwy. 45 S. Approximately 22 miles south of Columbus, (205) 345-3589, (205) 345-8319 This longstanding quail preserve is a natural habitat that affords the abundant proliferation of wild birds. www.sykesplantation.com

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FISHING, HUNTING AND CAMPING

NATURE, TRAILS AND HIKING

Browns RV Trailer Park 2002 Bluecutt Rd. (662) 328-1976 Amenities include on-site laundry, cable TV and full hook-ups.

Columbus Lock & Dam East Bank Wilkins-Wise Road 327-2142 Features include a recreation area and exercise trail.

Dewayne Hayes Recreation Area And Town Creek Campground 3606 West Plymouth Rd. 327-2142, (877) 444-6777 Located on Columbus Lake on the Tenn-Tom Waterway, class-A facilities with 100 campsites include concrete pads, electrical/water hookups, and a kids spray park.

Dewayne Hayes Recreation Area 327-2142 Features include a wildlife and bird-watching scenic trail.

Tombigbee River RV Park Wilkins-Wise Road, 328-8655 Amenities include water, sewer, electricity, and garbage.

Lake Lowndes State Park Opossum Trail 3319 Lake Lowndes Rd. (662) 328-2110 This 5.6-mile trail features a selfguided tour outlining the plants, trees and wildlife in the park. Plymouth Bluff Center 2200 Old West Point Rd. 241-6214

COLUMBUS

The facility includes a fourmile paved trail overlooking the Tombigbee Channel. www.plymouthbluff.com Riverwalk & Trail 328-6305 The 1.25-mile walking/biking trail begins at Main Street and winds along the Tombigbee River. The trail provides two pavilions, bathrooms, benches, bike racks, and picnic tables. www.columbusmainstreet. com/riverwalk/index.html

PARKS AND RECREATION Columbus/Lowndes Recreation Authority Hwy. 182 East & Martin Luther King Drive, 327-4935 CLRA provides a variety of quality programs, services, and recreational facilities for baseball, softball, soccer, tennis and football. www.clra.net City Parks East Columbus Gym Located on Lawrence Drive in East Columbus. Facility has over 4 acres. Includes a basketball gym, a walking track, football field and a playground equipment area. CLRA/Cook Soccer Complex Located at 6th Street North and Willowbrook Road. Facility includes nine illuminated soccer fields. Hank Aaron Park Located at 601 12th Ave. S. Facility includes a baseball field, pavilion, basketball court, activity building and a playground area. I.C. Cousins Community Center Located at 1801 22nd Street N. Facility includes an outdoor basketball court, pavilion and two activity buildings. Lee Park Located on 7th Street N. Facility includes a state-of-

The area code for Columbus is 662 .

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Visit Our Advertisers 4-County Electric Power Association www.4county.org American Eurocopter www.eurocopterusa.com Atmos Energy www.atmosenergy.com Bacco Materials Inc. www.blain-co.com Baptist Memorial Hospital http://goldentriangle. baptistonline.org

Mid South Signs Mississippi Industrial Waste Disposal www.msindwaste.com Mississippi University for Women www.muw.edu Mitchell, McNutt & Sams P.A. www.mitchellmcnutt.com

Bennett Ophthalmology Group

Monograms Plus www.monogramsplusgifts.com

BTM Solutions Inc. www.btmsolutions.com

Newell Paper Company www.newellpaper.com

Callaway Orthodontics www.callawayorthodontics.com

North Mississippi Hematology & Oncology

Calvert-Spradling Engineers

North Mississippi Medical Center www.nmhs.net

Ceco Building Systems www.cecobuildings.com Children’s Health Center of Columbus www.drskiskids.us Coldwell Banker West Realty www.westrealtycompany.com Columbus Bank Association Columbus Brick Company www.columbusbrick.com

Phillips Contracting Company Inc. www.phillipscontracting.com Physicians & Surgeons Clinic www.pandsclinic.com Plantation Pointe www.plantation-pointe.com Pryor & Morrow Architects www.pryor-morrow.com

Columbus CVB www.columbus-ms.org

RAS Inc. www.rasaviation.com

Columbus Light & Water www.columbuslw.com

Re/Max Partners M. Ann Davis www.remax-mississippi.com

Columbus Municipal School District www.columbus.k12.ms.us

Reed’s

Columbus OB-GYN Specialty CPI Group www.cpi-group.com Crye-Leike Properties Unlimited www.crye-leike.com David K. Curtis Pediatric Dentist www.drdkcurtis.com Eat With Us www.eatwithus.com Ellis Construction Company Inc. www.ellis-construction.com Falcon Contracting Company Inc. www.falconcontracting.com Galloway-ChandlerMcKinney Insurance www.gcm-insurance.com Golden Triangle Neurology Heritage Academy www.heritagepatriots.com Immanuel Center for Christian Education www.immanuelschool.net JESCO Inc. www.jescoinc.net Johnson Bailey Henderson McNeil Architects www.jbhm.com Leigh Mall Malachi Financial Group www.malachiﬁnancial.com Mayﬂower McConnell Brothers Transfer & Storage www.mcconnellbrothers.com

Microtek Medical Inc. www.microtekmed.com

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the-art playground area designed by Leather and Associates and a pavilion. Propst Park Located on Hwy. 182 East within the city limits. The original park, built in 1954, contained more than 60 acres. An additional 30 acres was purchased in 1986. The park adjoins the Luxapalia Creek. Facilities include baseball fields, the Redbird Youth Softball Complex, an adult softball complex, tennis courts, picnic areas, community buildings, pavilions and playground areas. Sandfield Community Center Located at 617 Oak St. Property was given to the city by the Robert Brown family. Facility includes a community center and plans for a walking track and playground.

Rent-A-Space www.columbusrentaspace.com Rhett Real Estate Inc. www.rhettrealestate.com Russell Orthodontics www.bracesbyrussell.com Sanders Oil Company www.sandersoilco.net Smith Landscaping State Farm www.denisegood.net Swoope Insurance Agency www.swoopeins.com T.E. Lott & Company www.telott.com The Shops at Brickerton www.brickerton.com Triangle Federal Credit Union www.trianglefcu.com Triangle Maintenance Service LLC www.trianglemaintenanceservice.com United Van Lines Columbus Storage & Warehouse Wal-Mart www.wal-mart.com WCBI TV-DT www.wcbi.com West Brothers Construction www.westbrothersconstruction.com Willowbrook Dental Center Wingate Inn www.wingateinns.com

COLUMBUS

Community Profile Sim Scott Park Located at 20th Street and 8th Avenue North. Contains more than 5 acres. Was deeded to the city by the YMCA in 1985. Facility includes a community building, baseball field, softball field, basketball courts, tennis courts, walking track, pavilion, volleyball court, horseshoe pits and a playground area.

ANNUAL EVENTS

Townsend Park Located at 1101 9th Ave. S. Contains 10 acres. Was given to the city by Newton Townsend Sr. and two anonymous donors. Facility includes a baseball/softball field, the Charles Brown Gym and a playground area.

328-2787

County Parks Anderson Grove Park Located on Anderson Grove Road near the town of Caledonia. Facility includes a pavilion with restrooms, walking track, softball field and cooking area.

February

October COLUMBUS DAY CELEBRATION 328-6305

HISTORIC AFRICANAMERICAN TOUR (800) 920-3533

March ARTS AUCTION GALA

April

ROAST ’N’ BOAST 328-5026

WELTY WEEKEND AT THE W 329-7119

November ANTIQUES SHOW & SALE/ DECORATIVE ARTS & PRESERVATION FORUM (800) 920-3533

COLUMBUS SPRING PILGRIMAGE (800) 920-3533

GRILLN’ ON THE RIVER

May MARKET STREET FESTIVAL

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE 328-6305

December LOVE FEAST AT MUW 329-7204

328-6305

LIGHTING OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE

POKER RUN

328-6305

Artesia Community Center Located on Main Street in the town of Artesia. Facility includes a community building. Crawford Gym Located on M.L. King Street in the town of Crawford. Facility includes a community building, basketball gym, baseball field, walking track and a playground area. Concord Community Center Located at 4173 Nashville Ferry Road in the community of Concord. Facility includes a community building and a playground area. Plum Grove Community Center Located at 54 W. Minnie Vaughn Road. Facility includes a community building, walking track, outdoor basketball court, volleyball court and a playground area.

The area code for Columbus is 662 .

June JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION 329-5871

August ARTESIA DAYS

September TENNESSEE WILLIAMS TRIBUTE (800) 327-2686

COLUMBUS JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL

FOR MORE INFORMATION Columbus-Lowndes Development Link 1102 Main St. Columbus, MS 39701 Phone: 328-8369 www.cldlink.org Columbus Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 789 Columbus, MS 39703 Phone: 329-1191 (800) 327-2686 www.columbus-ms.org

Sources: www.cldlink.org, www.census.gov, www.columbus-ms.org

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