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COLUMBUS — The Columbus Chamber of Commerce partnered with Medical Skin Associates and Spa to host an April Lunch and Learn at the Stafford Opera House.
Attendees enjoyed a meal by Chef Raoul Catering.
Mayor Lori An Gobert gave a presentation on “The State of the City” to address some of the new businesses and beautification efforts in the city.
“As a town I believe we’re doing very well. We have several new businesses that have opened in the last couple of years and are doing good. We have several more about to open...We have new drainage repairs that will occur in several areas around the town that have significant drainage issues not only with major storms, but with significant rain in a short amount of time...There will be volunteer workdays at Mid-Town Park and we encourage you to participate. It’s fun and rewarding to keep Columbus.”
Gobert also talked about some of the improvement projects being done in the city.
“We’ve applied once again for a safe route of schools grant for Montezuma Street and sidewalks,” she said.
Gobert said that they are trying to get a walkway that will help accommodate the safety of students, especially those in athletics, as well as residents who use walkers, wheelchairs, and scooters.
Gobert went on to say, “A new wastewater treatment facility is in the final approval when the General Land Office and will be worked on in the 2024-2026 range...A new signal light system will be going in at the intersection of Highway 90 and business 71 this summer. What this will do is move the poles back up a few feet and widen that turning radius.”
Betty Hajovsky, representing Columbus Community Hospital, spoke about some of the upgrades and features at the hospital such as the Wellness Center which includes a pool, water aerobics and different classes. Harjovsky said the hospital also offers diabetic education classes, physical therapy, nutrition kitchen.
Superintendent Jim Connor, presented about the Columbus Independent School District. He talked about the school district’s budget, salaries, ratio of employees and students, and more.
“Our graduation rate is 97%. We are probably 5% above state average. And 75.4% of those kids are deemed college and career ready,” Connor said. “That means that they’ve either taken college classes and been successful or they have received an industry- based certification that would allow them to work in a field rather than going to college.”
Connor also talked about the upgrades being made to buildings across the district for school safety. Security film is what the district is installing to prevent intruders from getting in. He said while it does not stop bullets, it could take two to four minutes for a person to get into the building through the security film, which helps to give police and school personnel time to secure students.
The school is also implementing a SMART tag feature for students who ride buses. Connor said the program allows students to scan their ID which then confirms to the bus driver the student is on the right bus and getting off at the right bus stop.
Bruce Tesch, president of Columbus Community Industrial Development Corporation, also provided an update on CCIDC. He mentioned that the CCIDC has a Community Development Grant Program and has recently used the funds to help redo the restrooms at the local Boys and Girls Club. He said that the CCIDC’s main function is promote business and economics.
Janet Hollmann, events director, spoke on behalf of the Chamber and provided updates on some of their initiatives and events taking place to celebrate Columbus’ Bicentennial.
A question-and-answer session took place at the end of the program to allow residents to ask speakers more questions.
The Lunch and Learns take place quarterly. This was the second Lunch and Learn of the year.
