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Bargain Hunt, Vapezy Open; LA Shrimp Shack Shutters its Doors

By Business, Columbus, Foodservice, Retail

THE DISPATCH

In mid-February The Dispatch brought us the news that Bargain Hunt would be opening in Columbus in the former Southern Family Market location next to K-Mart. The store is now preparing for a grand opening to be held on March 17. Their new Columbus location is in addition to their existing one in Starkville, and more than sixty others nationwide.

The store’s hours will be 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays. It will bring 25 new jobs to the area.

Highway 45 gained another new attraction in the form of Vapezy, a premium e-liquid and supply store located at 1909-B Hwy. 45 N.  Billy and Andrea Ezell opened Vapezy in September of last year.  The couple are originally from Webster County, where they became friends through the medium of vaping, that is, the enjoyment of vapor-producing electronic cigarettes.

“We want to present a greater sense of community than other shops,” Ezell said regarding the store’s future. “That’s what the vape scene is really about.”

While currently operating out of the store’s front section, there are plans to add a lounge into the 1,800 square-foot building. The store carries eight different lines of e-liquid and plans to expand to carry numerous vaping devices, from starter to advanced level, alongside additional e-liquids.  Vapezy is open 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

Finally, the Louisiana Shrimp Shack quietly closed its doors on Feb. 21.  The Shrimp Shack originally opened Sept. 8, 2016, with Kenny Whitey, a fisherman from New Orleans, as owner. It was located at 1909-A Hwy. 45 N. and enjoyed much praise from locals for its fresh from the gulf seafood and “straight-outta-the-bayou” home-cooking.  Whitey said the travel to and from the shack was too much for the family to maintain.

http://cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=56789

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SOCSD Announced Opening of New Partnership School

By Education, Golden Triangle, MSU, Starkville

SOCSD Announced Opening of New Partnership School

THE DISPATCH

SOCSD Lewis Holliday (courtesy photo)

The Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District-Mississippi State University partnership school is now projected to open in the late fall of 2018, three to four months later than previously expected, SOCSD Superintendent Lewis Holloway confirmed Wednesday.  The project, which will house and educate all sixth- and seventh-grade students in Oktibbeha County, is still moving forward, he said, but the administrative process developing the school has slowed down its progress and tentatively pushed back the opening date.

“Normally, a school district just designs and builds a new campus. It’s a much speedier process (without university and state-level involvement),” he said. “We had to go through the (university’s) design review committee, and that took several months that we weren’t anticipating.”

MSU Chief Communications Officer Sid Salter said the new timeline estimate is a conservative one and the university is confident it and SOCSD “can successfully navigate any issues that arise.”
“In any project of this nature, such delays are often unavoidable,” he said.

Once completed, the roughly $30 million project will serve as a model education platform in the state and help solve issues with classroom overcrowding created after the Oktibbeha County School District and Starkville School District merged.

Funding for the partnership school comes from three levels: state lawmakers appropriated $10 million, MSU pledged approximately $10 million in land and money and a local $16 million bond issuance will fund construction costs, furnishings and other districtwide infrastructure needs.

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CPD Looking to Community for Involvement, Recruitment

By Columbus, Columbus PD, Law Enforcement

K. B. Turner (courtesy photo)

CPD Looking to Community for Involvement, Recruitment
THE DISPATCH

At a series of public meetings held in each ward throughout the month of February, police consultant K.B. Turner and other city administrators heard from citizens about concerns and suggestions for improving public safety in the city: “I’m still very encouraged by what I have heard from the meetings during last month. Citizens have come out to express themselves and they honored my request … not to just talk about their frustrations but also to provide some recommendations and some suggestions as well,” Turner said.

“I think the meetings went well,” CPD Chief Oscar Lewis agreed. “There were different things that came out of the meetings. … It was far-reaching as far as community concerns.”

In order to best assess the local community’s concerns and ideas, Turner had attendees fill out surveys about crime and safety in the city, getting input on concerns ranging from concerns about drugs and gangs to the last time the person filling out the survey talked to a police officer to whether street lighting is adequate.  Turner got approximately 180 surveys back from the six meetings.

He spoke of his initial findings to date, pending a more in-depth analysis to come: “How was it different between Ward 1 and Ward 6, for example? How about people who are retired versus those who are working? What about those who are below the age of 30 versus those who are over age 30?” Turner said.

Turner says that he plans to keep getting civilians involved with CPD.  He was able to get roughly thirty volunteers signed up between the six meetings, though several others have also expressed interest in helping out. These civilians might be called upon to assist with traffic stops, clerical work, and other such things, so that they may help without placing themselves in danger.

“They would be in a non law enforcement capacity,” Turner said. “They will not have access to weapons or any other items that identify them as a law enforcement officer. A lot of (what they do) will be clerical in nature.”

In addition, he remarked that “We’re going to continue to engage in what I call this ‘aggressive’ form of recruiting for new officers.” About 50 people attended a CPD Career Day on February 25, Turner said. According to CPD’s Twitter, the department handed out 45 applications in about four hours. Before the day was up, 15 had been filled out and returned, City Public Information Officer Joe Dillon said, while more have come in since.  Turner plans to hold another career day on March 25 — and it won’t be the last, he added. Dillon said the department will coordinate with universities to determine a good time closer to graduation when potential applicants could attend a career day.

Turner also wants to recruit from universities and military bases and institutions. He wants everyone who might be interested to know CPD is hiring officers.

“In terms of the future, we are going to continue to look ahead,” he added. “…What can we do for 2017 to enhance conditions to make sure we improve upon our staffing numbers and make this place a greater place to live? In terms of the department, we’re going to make Columbus the department destination for folks who want to work as an officer.”

Please click here to read the full article.

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State Unemployment Rate at 13-Year Low

By Business, Golden Triangle

State Unemployment Rate at 13-Year Low

The Dispatch

The MS Dept. of Employment Security reports that the Mississippi’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate has hit a 13-year low over the past two months. According to their data, the seasonally-adjusted rate has come in at 5.5% (down from 6.1% in January); the last time it was that low was in December 2003.

The nation’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for January was 4.8 percent.

Lowndes County’s unemployment rate increased from 5.9 percent in December to 6.5 percent in January. Oktibbeha County’s jobless rate went up from 5.6 percent in December to 5.9 percent in January and the unemployment rate went from 7.7 percent to 8.1 percent in Clay County.

Statewide, 500 new jobs were created in January, MDES data shows.

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LC Supervisors Have Approved Funding for Job Development at Steel Dynamics’ Industrial Park

By Columbus, Golden Triangle, GTR LINK, Lowndes County BoS, Other Manufacturing, Steel Dynamics

LC Supervisors Have Approved Funding for Job Development at Steel Dynamics’ Industrial Park

LOWNDES COUNTY – Courtesy of The Dispatch

GTR LINK CEO Joe Max Higgins reports that Lowndes County supervisors unanimously approved more than $1.7 million in grants and loans for a company to build a $7.5 million new facility on the Steel Dynamics, Inc. campus at the industrial park west of Columbus. Some further funding will be required, but this gets the ball rolling in a major way, and opens the door to new facilities (including a railroad spur) which should provide at least fifty local jobs.

Joe Max Higgins, left, and Harry Sanders

“They need to ship out product by rail,” Higgins said. “And there needs to be an improved road to where they can do truck deliveries out as well . . .  The steel’s made on campus, so it’s just taken up there and processed,” he added. “But then it will go out by train to those customers who want train delivery or by truck for those of them who want trucking.”

“[The new company will] basically take steel that SDI makes and further process it into what I understand is a consumer product,” Higgins said. “It’s about a $7.5 million investment that’ll create 50 jobs, and I think that’s (the job count) a conservative number — I think it could go higher . . . It’s not a Steel Dynamics project, but it’s a result of Steel Dynamics being here,” Higgins went on to say. “Quite frankly, it’s a result of the new paint line that they’re fixing to put online. This is probably the first new business that you can directly attribute to the new paint line.”

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Academy Sports Coming to Starkville, Bringing Plenty of Jobs

By Retail, Starkville

Academy Sports Coming to Starkville, Bringing Plenty of Jobs

STARKVILLE – Courtesy of Starkville Daily News

Academy Sports+Outdoors on Highway 12 is nearing completion; the store is set to open in late spring, bringing around 100 new jobs to Starkville. The Starkville location will be Academy’s eighth location in Mississippi. The Starkville location will carry apparel for local sports teams. Academy Sports also sells products for outdoor sports and recreational activities.

Academy Sports+Outdoors on Highway 12 will open in late spring (photo by Sarah Raines, SDN)

“We’re always looking to expand, and we’re excited to offer the Starkville community a convenient new shopping destination,” Academy Sports Communication Specialist Karly Makovy said. “Because our store caters to active-minded customers, the Starkville area was a great fit … We are excited to be in Starkville and serve those Bulldog customers . . . The store is going to bring approximately 100 jobs to the area,” Makovy went on to say. “Information on job positions will be posted online. There is information on salary and part-time positions for those people.”

Applications are being accepted on the Academy career website.

“We’re really excited to enter the community,” Makovy said. “We could serve a lot of things in Starkville — a lot of outdoor activities that the community can be involved with. We’ve been eyeing the community for a while.”

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Navistar Lands New Contract, Will Keep Them Working Through 2019

By Other Manufacturing, West Point

Navistar Lands New Contract, Will Keep Them Working Through 2019

PRESS RELEASE – Courtesy of WCBI

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Representative Trent Kelly (R-Miss.) today announced a $440 million U.S. Army contract for work to be done at the Navistar facility in West Point.

Under the contract, Navistar workers in West Point would reset and upgrade 1,085 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) MaxxPro Excess Defense Article vehicles and associated accessories for the United Arab Emirates.  The contract has been approved through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales process.

“This contract will support an important Middle East ally, which serves our U.S. security interests,” said Cochran, chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.  “I’m pleased that the excellent workmanship of Mississippians in the Golden Triangle will be an essential part of this effort.”

“Our state’s skilled workforce has become a trusted partner in advancing our nation’s defense, and this contract further proves that,” said Wicker.  “This is great news for West Point and the entire state of Mississippi.  I am pleased the U.S. Army has recognized the high quality of the work being done in our state.”

“At a time when there are rising threats around the world, our allies have never been more important,” Kelly said.  “It is great to see our hardworking First District Mississippians support our friends in the United Arab Emirates through this contract.”

The contract is expected to be completed in March 2019.

See video here.

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Nursing Program at The W Named One of the Very Best In Mississippi

By Columbus, Health & Medicine, The W

Nursing Program at The W Named One of the Very Best In Mississippi

PRESS RELEASE – MISSISSIPPI UNIVERSITY FOR WOMEN

COLUMBUS, Miss —

Success on the National Council Licensure Examination earned Mississippi University for Women’s nursing school a high score from Registerednursing.org.

Ranking The W’s programs No. 2 out of the state’s 23 programs, Registerednursing.org examined the university’s NCLEX-RN pass rates for the past five years with the more recent passing rates weighting more.

“This is a significant recognition of the excellence of our nursing programs and we are honored to continue to gain national recognition,” said Dr. Shelia Adams, dean of the College of Nursing and Speech-Language Pathology. “Our program equips today’s nurses with the skills and knowledge needed to deliver the superior level of care needed in today’s complex healthcare system.”

Registerednursing.org cited that NCLEX-RN pass rates are one of the best ways to determine a nursing program’s student preparedness. If schools had the same overall NCLEX-RN pass rate after being analyzed, additional characteristics were then considered, including the number of students taking the exam and the number of years of exam data available. Of the top ranked schools, The W was the only university to host both an associate of science in nursing and bachelor of science in nursing program.

Scoring a 98.01, RegisteredNursing.org found The W to be home to excellent nursing degree programs where nursing students learn to integrate clinical excellence with advanced practical concepts to advance the nursing profession.

“We are consistently high in all these areas due to the dedicated faculty, staff and department chairs who are willing to mentor and help our students succeed,” added Adams.

Registerednursing.org looks to promote excellence in nursing through enabling future nurses with the tools they need to succeed.

via   http://www.muw.edu/news/4185-website-ranks-w-s-nursing-program-one-of-the-best-in-state

 

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Lynn Lane Property Near Starkville Academy Up for Sale

By Starkville

 

Lynn Lane Property Near Starkville Academy Up for Sale

PRESS RELEASE

STARKVILLE, MS – Starkville Daily News

A sizable lot on Lynn Lane has officially hit the market.

Kay Regimbal, a broker associated with RE/MAX Partners in Starkville, told the SDN on Friday that a 4.45 acre tract located near Starkville Academy on Lynn Lane has already generated interest.

The lot – which is listed at $785,000 – is owned by the Josey family, who owns several acres on Lynn Lane.

“(The Josey family) have worked very diligently to encourage responsible development on their available sites in Starkville – most recently with the sale of the Northeast and Southeast corners of Lynn Lane at Louisville,” Regimbal said.

The family also owned the property at the corner of Lynn Lane and Louisville Street where a new Dairy Queen and gas station are being developed. The Dairy Queen is expected to open sometime this spring.

Jeremy Nicholas, head of school at Starkville Academy, told the SDN the property looks attractive, but is not something the school is interested in pursuing at this time.

Tabor Construction and Development two years ago completed the design build of the Mississippi Department of Heath Administrative Offices on the north side of Lynn Lane, which helped jumpstart progress in the area.

The tract of land for sale on Lynn Lane that sits adjacent to Starkville Academy. (courtesy photo)

“This site set the bar for subsequent business growth,” Regimbal said. “We have had quite a bit of interest on Lynn Lane recently.  With the number of rooftops South of Highway 12, and the traffic on Lynn Lane as one of our major thoroughfares – this location is primed for further development.”

Regimbal said recent sidewalk improvements and residential growth in the area have enhanced Lynn Lane’s appeal.

Additionally, she said Lot 2 of Laurel Pointe, which is located between the 2.89 acres and 4.45 acre tracts behind Starkville Academy, recently sold to a local firm planning a custom design build that is expected to enhance high-end commercial growth on Lynn Lane.

Starkville Academy is mentioned in the listing as a geographic point of reference and will not be impacted by or involved in the marketing of the property.

“The property has absolutely nothing to do with Starkville Academy,” Regimbal said.

 

https://www.starkvilledailynews.com/content/large-tract-near-starkville-academy-hits-market

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City of Columbus Waives Debt for Local Business

By Business, Columbus, Manufacturing, Mil. Manufacturing, Military

City of Columbus Waives Debt for Local Business

THE DISPATCH –

The city of Columbus has agreed to forgive about $80,000 clothing manufacturer American Power Source, located at 826 17th Ave. S., owes on its property note. In exchange, the company must pay property taxes and note payments that are delinquent and keep its employment at a minimum of 30 jobs. Photo by: Alex Holloway/Dispatch Staff

City Attorney Jeff Turnage reported that the city and Golden Triangle Development LINK worked out an agreement which would see military clothing manager American Power Source Inc. repay roughly $66,000 worth of back taxes and note payments to the city, the county, and the city school district, in exchange for the deed to the manufacturer’s property and other considerations. The agreement also requires that the company continue to do business at their current location, as well as maintaining current employment for local workers.

“In the past three to four years,” the agreement states, “APSI has unfortunately experienced a substantial reduction in orders and sales volume for U.S. military uniforms that it produces due, at least in part, to a shift in the production of such uniforms to U.S. prisons.”   Because of slumping production, American Power Source has missed several note payments and ad valorem tax payments for 2014-16. The resolution notes a “substantial likelihood” the company would fail to make the remaining note payments.

Ward 4 Councilman Marty Turner, who cast the one opposing vote, did so because he said he didn’t feel it was in the best interest of his ward or the city as a whole. He encouraged people to research the company and agreement, and said he felt more people should have been involved before the final decision.  “It could have been much better if more people were involved for the disclosure of what was going on,” Turner said. “It could have been much better. I don’t just necessarily disagree with everything, but if we would have had a better deal, then I would have went along with it . . .It seems like the government is leaving the ordinary people out of the discussion, and their representatives are just voting just to vote,” he added.

Please click here for full article.

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