Articles by Braden Simmons
Columbus man arrested for February shooting after months on the run
A Columbus man is behind bars for his alleged role in a February shooting, Columbus Police Department Public Information Officer Bryan Moore told The Dispatch.
New Hope Middle School coloring book to aid student mental health
Earlier this school year, New Hope Middle School art teacher Nikki Carlson gave her seven art classes a special project.
Master plan, lot prices unveiled for Burns Bottom’s Parkview
The first phase of the Parkview development in the former Burns Bottom neighborhood, which will include 28 lots for single-family homes, is projected to begin construction in 2026.
Community Profile: A ‘Jake’ of all trades, how one business closing has led to the revival of another
Some of Jake Toman’s earliest memories growing up involved traveling around the country with his dad.
Community members, public officials celebrate Minnie Fox at Community Day
A black limo pulls up next to a tent full of expectant visitors awaiting a community lunch.
Tennessee Williams Tribute to celebrate Columbus-born playwright next week
The writings of Tennessee Williams are once again taking centerstage as organizers prepare to showcase his work next week.
Supreme Court upholds conviction in frying pan assault case
The Mississippi Supreme Court upheld the aggravated assault conviction of an Oktibbeha woman who attacked her brother’s wife with a frying pan in 2021.
Homecoming week to bring stricter curfew for minors in Caledonia
Caledonia will enact a stricter curfew for minors in order to avoid destructive pranks during Caledonia High School homecoming week in October.
Sexual battery suspect surrenders to police Wednesday
A suspect wanted for sexual battery turned himself in to police on Wednesday, Columbus Police Department Public Information Officer Bryan Moore told The Dispatch.
Humane Society hopes to make a splash with 15th annual Dog Paddle
Last year when Ryan Handran began fostering Will, one of his two foster dogs from Oktibbeha County Humane Society, he wasn’t sure when the dog would open up.
Suspects face drug charges after allegedly trying to flush meth
LOWNDES COUNTY –Eight suspects were arrested Thursday after Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant on a Columbus home, where suspects allegedly tried to
Revived Parchman Band showcases talent at Prairie Arts Festival
WEST POINT – A band of eight takes the stage Saturday morning at the Prairie Arts Festival and blares out the first notes of a
PERS changes ‘devastating’ for police, firefighters
Joshua Connors has been fighting fires in Columbus for more than six years and in that time has sustained several injuries on the job, including once when a brick wall fell on him.
Natasha Bedingfield to headline this year’s Bulldog Bash
Grammy-nominated singer Natasha Bedingfield is set to headline this year’s Bulldog Bash on Oct. 3, Mississippi State University announced in a Wednesday press release.
Suspect arrested Sunday in South Montgomery shooting
A suspect in custody for a Friday shooting on South Montgomery Street allegedly misidentified his target before pulling the trigger.
Starkville police chief aims to make ‘guardians,’ not just officers
Jiu-Jitsu, using a taser and safely pursuing in a police car are just a few of the skills Starkville police officers learn when joining the force.
Workforce training: From students to apprentices to Airbus employees
When she was growing up, Glynis Lambeth knew she wanted to work with aircraft.
With new hangar and revamped runway complete, Columbus-Lowndes Airport looks to continue expanding
Dan Duston, the fixed-base operator for the Columbus-Lowndes County Airport, stands next to a panel inside a building, pushes a button and raises a 80-foot wide metal front door.
