There's no fool like an April fool

If you have visited here recently, you know I've been remiss keeping up this blog. Excuses are many. I write columns for the Ledger-Enquirer twice a week. My website, Richard Hyatt's Columbus, is up and running. Starting next week (April 9) I'll be sitting in with Scott Miller and Chris Weber on WDAK's morning show every Wednesday and Thursday.

And they say I'm retired!!

I'll be back to blogging soon, though it may be at a new address. I'll keep you informed. And if anybody hears about any part-time jobs, DON'T call me.

The challenge of news

Operating a website that regularly updates the news is a challenge. I'm up to the challenges of the news but technology baffles me. That's why I have help, and help is on the way for Richard Hyatt's Columbus. The mystery of PayPal has been solved and by Monday we'll be accepting subscribers. Until then, keep dropping by, and keep sending news tips to richardhyatt@richardhyattcolumbus.com

Coming soon is news about the Muscogee County School Board's search for a new superintendent and how the future of the neighborhood around Cross Country Plaza depends on the future of the shopping center.

Branson could be more comfortable

Did Columbus State University men's basketball coach Doug Branson save his job Wednesday night?

The Cougars, fresh from four straight loses on the road, returned to the Lumpkin Center and upset No. 8 Augusta State in a thriller.

Branson, in his third year directing CSU, has been in an uncomfortable position with a multitude of close losses, internal turmoil on the team and a shortage of fannies in the seats. His victory over nationally ranked Augusta could make life more comfortable.

Technology be damned

News comes relatively easy. Technology is another matter.

Richard Hyatt's Columbus still has its problems on the technical side but my computer geek promises those issues will soon be solved. There is a problem for people wanting to subscribe and there are glitches on some of the links. Again, solutions are said to be near.

You are getting broad hints of what is to come on the news side. You're already getting reports as they happen from the Muscogee County School Board and Columbus Council. There is more to come, rest assured.

So keep coming back. You won't be sorry.

In another shameless plug, that address on the web is www.richardhyattcolumbus.com

Up and running

Take good care of your knees, my wife advises. She had knee-replacement surgery 17 days ago and recovery is painful. Kaye calls her physical therapists at the Hughston Clinic physical terrorists. Taking care of her has been my priority but as of this week Richard Hyatt's Columbus is up and running.

We're repairing the glitches and working out the kinks and by Monday most problems should be worked out. Right now, it is a free site but soon a $49 a year fee will be collected. For anyone interested in what's going on around our town, Richard Hyatt's Columbus will be the place to go.

I'm joined by Mirabeau B. Lamar, (above) a name as old as Columbus journalism. His regular columns on the site promise to keep an eye and ear on local newsmakers. You won't know what he's going to say or write. His first column is already posted.

This blog will give you the back-story — the stories behind the story. It will contain information that doesn't make the website. There's more to come on the site as I offer views about the future of Cross Country Plaza and Macon Road as well as insight into the need for a new school administration building. Keep reading and you'll keep knowing.

Again, the address is www.richardhyattcolumbus.com