Articles by Alex Holloway
Porter to examine Ward 5 ballots
Marthalie Porter has requested to examine ballot boxes from Tuesday’s election after she lost by six votes to Stephen Jones in the race to represent Ward 5 on the Columbus City Council.
Sleepmade to open Lowndes Co. facility
Sleepmade officials announced today that the company will open a $1.415 million manufacturing and distribution facility in Lowndes County. The move will create 50 jobs.
Columbus to seek grant funding for trail extension
Columbus is pursuing a $100,000 grant to improve pedestrian options near the soccer complex and Riverwalk.
Council appoints Shumake to Columbus school board
The Columbus Municipal School District has a new face on its five-person board.
Shelton promoted to assistant CPD chief
Columbus Police Department Capt. Fred Shelton drew a vigorous round of applause from the audience Tuesday evening as the city council voted to name him the department’s newest assistant chief.
Jones wins Ward 5 by six votes
Stephen Jones beat Marthalie Porter by six votes in Tuesday’s runoff election to determine who will represent Ward 5 on the Columbus City Council.
Ward 5 race too close to call
One vote separates the candidates vying to win the Ward 5 city council seat.
Columbus to host hundreds today in state tourism conference
The Mississippi Tourism Association will today bring its spring conference to Columbus for the first time.
Two apply for Columbus Light & Water board vacancy
Two applicants are up for consideration to replace former Columbus Light & Water board chairman Andrew Colom.
Report: Daycare nixes Columbus trip over fears about safety
Officials with the Columbus Arts Council told The Dispatch last week a Tupelo daycare has withdrawn from attending an upcoming artist event because of fears of violence in Columbus.
City introduces energy makeover program
Columbus formally introduced its Extreme Energy Makeover program to a handful of homeowners at a meeting at Sims Scott Park Thursday evening.
Flag bills die in Legislature
Nearly 20 bills attempting to deal with the state flag all died Tuesday in the Legislature after failing to move out of committee.
City to hold energy efficiency meeting Thursday
The city of Columbus will host a public information meeting Thursday evening to introduce the Extreme Energy Makeover program to the community.
Bill aims to protect firearms in courthouses
Pending legislation co-authored by District 37 Rep. Gary Chism, R-Columbus, takes aim at court orders by several judges that have restricted firearm access to courtrooms.
Dillon looks to give city a voice
Joe Dillon saw a need for the city of Columbus in the wake of the Ricky Ball shooting and former police chief Tony Carleton’s subsequent resignation.
After layoffs, CL&W has second thoughts
The Columbus Light and Water Board of Trustees had second thoughts about its decision to layoff six workers during a Thursday meeting.
Jones, Porter head to runoff
There will be a runoff between Stephen Jones and Marthalie Porter to determine who represents Ward 5 on the Columbus City Council.
Lewis sworn in as Columbus police chief
Columbus Mayor Robert Smith officially swore in Oscar Lewis III as the new chief of the Columbus Police Department during Tuesday’s council meeting.
Jones and Porter head to runoff for ward 5 seat
The special election for the Ward 5 city council seat appears to be heading for a runoff.
Candidate profiles of Ward 5 candidates
Columbus residents who live in Ward 5 will take to the polls Tuesday to decide who represents them on the city council.
Nearly 4 inches of rain dump on area Sunday morning
June 8, 2025
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