Articles by Braden Simmons
‘I see you’: Survivor shares story of childhood trafficking
Throughout her childhood and adolescence, Heidi Evensen said she was exploited by adults who took explicit photos and sexually abused her.
2 arrested in Columbus shooting; another charged in Facebook Marketplace scam
Two suspects are in custody in connection with a March 24 shooting, while a suspect in a separate case was arrested Monday for running a Facebook Marketplace car scam.
LCF task forces reconvene to aid community issues
John Almond, founder and executive director of Dream Center Golden Triangle, still remembers bringing up the idea of the nonprofit’s Bedz4Kidz program in 2018 to the Lowndes Community Foundation task forces.
Bassmaster tourney hooks big crowds, potential for Columbus
When Jason Christie, an 18-year professional angler, was practicing on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway before the 2026 Mountain Dew Bassmaster Elite Series tournament earlier this month, he said he struggled to get anything to bite his line.
Dry conditions spark burn bans across Golden Triangle
After putting out four large outdoor fires in Lowndes County on Thursday, Fire Services Coordinator Jim Robbins knew something had to change.
Black Prairie museum wants story of blues heard clearer
From the outside, it doesn’t seem that special.
MSMS drone team takes flight in first year
When Spencer Reid, a junior at Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, enrolled at the school earlier this year, he came from St. Martin High School in Ocean Springs with a dream.
In memoriam: Clay supervisor remembered for service, leadership
Most might remember Daryl Thomas as the District 2 supervisor for Clay County or as the first Black lineman hired by West Point Water and Light.
End of an Era: Final T-1 Jayhawk departs CAFB
While the sound of aircraft roared overhead Tuesday, instead of looking to the skies, a crowd of more than 200 people at Columbus Air Force Base had their eyes focused on one jet stationed in a hangar.
Gas prices: Rising costs cancel family road trips this summer
Jessica Shelton and her family of four usually take trips at least three times a year – during summer, winter and spring breaks.
Hometown officer takes helm as Caledonia chief marshal
Anthony “Tony” Perkins has served as Caledonia’s interim chief marshal since November.
Oil veteran warns Iran conflict could keep gas prices high awhile
When Frank Howell heard the news that the United States and Israel had launched a surprise missile attack in Iran on Feb. 28, he knew he needed to act quickly.
After Monday’s hailstorm, roofers, body shops brace for weeks of work
When Andy Hatcher, owner of Allen’s Frame and Body Shop, took a look outside his home in New Hope Monday night and saw hail hitting the ground, he knew he was in for a busy couple of weeks at the shop.
Zachary’s St. Patrick’s Day ‘Pawty’ returns to benefit Operation Colony Cats
About eight years ago after noticing Zachary’s St. Patrick’s Day party was drawing a large crowd, owner Doug Pellum decided to give that party a purpose.
Storm topples trees, damages homes in Lowndes County
It only took about five minutes after a tornado warning was issued Monday night in Columbus for a tree to rip through the roof of Melinda and David Vandiver’s house on Gaylane Drive.
Community Profile: West Point woodworker carves himself a second chance
Where some may see just another piece of wood, Chip Knedlik sees potential.
Polls open Tuesday for congressional primaries
Voters across the Golden Triangle will head to the polls Tuesday to vote in party primaries and decide candidates for key congressional races.
$705K lottery ticket sold at Columbus store
A Columbus resident scored big Tuesday thanks to a Mississippi Lottery Match 5 ticket sold at a Columbus convenience store.
Columbus-Lowndes Library to host America250 sponsored tea time
Rather than patriotically dumping tea in a harbor on April 11, locals will get a lesson in proper colonial tea party etiquette at the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library.
Public’s help requested in search for missing teen
Police are asking for the public’s help in finding a teenager who went missing on the way to a behavioral health clinic in Louisville.
