New initiative to encourage prayer for 40 days after Easter

George Hampton Irby was helping to hang a cross back on the wall at his church when another member of his congregation told him Jesus spent 40 days on the earth between his resurrection and when he ascended into heaven.

Polk’s baseball playbook meant to help new coaches

Ron Polk takes pride in the fact that when you mention his name and college baseball, you’re probably talking about one of two things – the “Baseball Playbook” or the NCAA “attack dog.”

Mall tax incentive ‘giant waste of everyone’s time’

When Hull Property Group struck a deal with the city and the county three years ago, establishing about $3 million in economic incentives for the rehabilitation of the former Leigh Mall property, the deal seemed like a no-brainer.

More than 160 anglers to take to water for Bassmaster Open

Bill Kronander drove almost 14 hours to make it from his home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Columbus.

Photo: Best Class Ever

Nigerian author gives voice to living and dead of civil war

When Chigozie Obioma told his mother he was writing a novel set during the Nigerian Civil War, she tried to discourage him from finishing it.

Bulletproof vest gives Lowndes County K-9 new ‘safety barrier’

While Lowndes County Patrol Deputy Hunter McBride is used to going into dangerous situations wearing his ballistic vest, his K-9 partner Gero is still getting used to the new one he received just a few weeks ago.

New statue gives you a chance to sit with Tennessee Williams

A bronze statue of Tennessee Williams is now sitting by Main Street on a bench outside of the home he lived in for the first few years of his life.

Ask The Dispatch: Where did Tales from the Crypt come from?

History is coming to life once again with Tales from the Crypt, as students from Mississippi School of Mathematics and Science lead visitors on candlelit tours of Friendship Cemetery and portray historical figures tied to Columbus.

Dogs make a splash in MSU’s Junction during diving competition

The crowd in the Junction grew quiet Saturday afternoon as 7-year-old All-American dog Boom Boom prepared for her dive into the pool.

A Century of Change: Columbus resident remembers WWII service, building NASA spacecraft

At almost 100 years old, Columbus resident David Jones has seen the world change a lot.

Parks and rec manager pleads guilty to sports bid rigging

Former General Manager of Starkville’s Parks and Recreation Doug Heflin pleaded guilty last month to rigging bids while selling sports equipment to public schools in both Mississippi and Louisiana.

Hidden chamber beneath Propst Park leads to speculation as to what it was

A dump truck with Weathers Construction was delivering new dirt just behind the first base dugout of Dillon Field at Propst Park two weeks ago, when one of the truck’s tires broke through what looked like part of the ground – revealing a hidden concrete chamber beneath the surface.

Democratic mayoral primary too close to call in Starkville

The Democratic primary for the mayor’s race was too close to call Tuesday night. The result may come down to affidavit ballots, which will be processed Wednesday at City Hall.

Republican Ward 6 candidates want to fix drainage, connect with LINK

If there’s one thing Ward 6 Republican candidates Kimberly McCarty Davis and Jason Spears both want to do if they’re elected, it’s cleaning out the ditches.

Community Profile: Citizen looks to bring ‘pride’ back to Columbus

George Lowe Sr. was at the football field at Columbus High School a few years ago for a spring practice game when he saw a group of young men talking on the sidelines.

No disciplinary action taken yet for city employee who hit pedestrian at crosswalk

A public works employee driving a city-owned truck that hit a pedestrian at the intersection of Second Avenue North and Fifth Street North has not yet been disciplined, pending the results of an investigation.

Amazon ‘Last Mile’ facility delivers 10K parcels daily over 70 miles radius

A customer orders a package from Amazon on a Monday. Last year, that order may not have arrived until the following Thursday.

Weekly protests outside Rep Trent Kelly’s office grow in size and message

“Honk if you support Ukraine,” a large sign read on Friday afternoon outside of U.S. Rep. Trent Kelly’s office on Seventh Street North.

‘Rolling Stone better watch out’ for new local music magazine

Music may have the power to unite people and start important conversations generally, but two local music enthusiasts have taken that philosophy to a new level.