Articles by Braden Simmons
Parties planned throughout region in hopes of building rapport between police, public
Local law enforcement is more often called in to break up a party rather than host one, but Tuesday night, agencies in the Golden Triangle are flipping the script for National Night Out.
Combating food insecurity in Western Guatemala one rabbit at a time
In 2019, Jessica Graves was working on her doctorate in agricultural sciences at Mississippi State University when she felt called to make a difference on malnutrition and food insecurity internationally.
Clay man arrested on multiple counts of statutory rape
A Clay County man was arrested on Tuesday for multiple felony counts of statutory rape of a minor.
SPD assists in multi-agency drug investigation that yields 10 arrests
Ten Mississippi men were arrested in relation to their alleged involvement in a fentanyl and methamphetamine conspiracy and money laundering.
Artesia Day Festival continues Saturday, wraps up next weekend
Concerts, food and outdoor fun return to Artesia this month to show appreciation to the local community during this year’s Artesia Day Festival.
Co-defendants sentenced after pleading guilty to 2023 murder
Two defendants have been sentenced to prison time in relation to the 2023 murder of 17-year-old Tristianiz Calmes.
Working smarter not harder, DARPA’s Albatross program takes off at MSU
An albatross is a bird known for flying in wind currents and other weather conditions for thousands of miles without having to flap its wings.
W science camp at Plymouth Bluff gets kids outside with nature
Cups of purple water sit before tables of students in a room at Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center.
2 men arrested for alleged armed robbery while out on bond
Two Columbus men are behind bars after allegedly robbing a man while out on bond for other charges.
Former drug dealer turned executive chef to speak at 2025 Welty Gala
Award-winning chef and New York Times best-selling author Jeff Henderson will be the featured speaker for Mississippi University for Women’s 2025 Welty Gala, the university announced Wednesday.
Starkville sewer rates increasing for second straight year
Sewer rates for Starkville Utilities Customers are going up for the third straight year.
Man arrested after fleeing traffic stop
A Starkville man was arrested Tuesday after fleeing a traffic stop and engaging in a car chase with the Starkville Police Department.
New tax makes drivers pay 3 cents extra at gas pump, even if it doesn’t seem like it
Locals going to fill up their cars since July 1 may have noticed that their gas cost a bit more than normal – at least an extra 3 cents a gallon.
Former mob boss to speak to Columbus men about life turnaround
A few months ago, a group of Christian men in Columbus talked about bringing former mob boss turned Christian speaker Michael Franzese to the city to speak to men about his life and faith.
Justice: 3 years, 3 arrests, no indictments: Dickerson’s family returns in protest
“No justice, no peace,” was more than a chant for the family of Willie Dickerson Jr. on Wednesday afternoon. It’s how they view the ongoing investigation of his death.
Area law enforcement arrest 6 for DUI during holiday weekend
Local law enforcement agencies arrested six suspects for allegedly driving under the influence over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Ask the Dispatch: It’s not always legal to use flashers when driving in rain
Recently, the Columbus area experienced its wettest May in decades and continued rainfall in June brought roughly 6.3 more inches, according to the National Weather
Registry of 1500-plus private cameras aids SPD investigations
Starkville Police Department is looking to get assistance from local businesses and residents in the department’s expanding surveillance program.
Community Profile: Once a ‘feather in the wind,’ Handran climbs ranks at Rick’s Cafe, from doorman to owner
Ryan Handran was out fishing in May 2024 with his boss Rick Welch when he was asked a question he hadn’t really thought about.
CPD asks businesses to help ‘Keep Columbus Cool’ this summer
As the summer heat continues to roll through Columbus, one initiative aims to keep residents hydrated.
County to start paying SPD for animal control assistance
July 8, 2025
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