Articles by Braden Simmons
Supreme Court upholds murder conviction in Inferno Sports Bar shooting
The Mississippi Supreme Court upheld the first-degree murder conviction of a Columbus man in the 2023 shooting at Inferno Sports Bar.
Visit Columbus has new slogan: ‘The Storybook South’
Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau is getting a fresh look after approving a new logo and slogan at Tuesday’s board meeting.
As temperatures plunge, Columbus activates warming shelter for vulnerable residents
With extremely cold temperatures expected to persist through February, multiple local agencies have partnered to open a warming shelter at the MLK Center for those in need of a safe place to spend the night.
More than Lincoln: Lessons in history and humanity at MSU
Whether it’s a group of elementary school students on a field trip or a crowd of retired visitors coming through on a tour, visitors of the Frank and Virginia Williams Collection of Lincolniana tend to leave having learned something new about the nation’s 16th president.
Remembering the Tuskegee Airmen, inspiring the next generation
During WWII, Lt. Col. Alva Temple flew countless combat missions in Red-Tailed P-40s and P-51 Mustangs across the skies of Europe, dropping bombs and strafing German soldiers with the Tuskegee Airmen, the U.S. military’s first Black pilots.
Revolving door of apprentice linemen generates concern for CLW
After seeing three apprentice linemen resign from Columbus Light and Water over the last two years, the utility is looking for ways to stop the revolving door.
July 4 celebration to replace CAFB air show this year
Instead of jets flying through the skies this year for the Thunder Over Columbus airshow, Columbus Air Force Base is planning a Fourth of July event in tandem with the nation’s 250th anniversary.
4-County FASTnet project wraps at $120M, serves 13,000 locally
4-County Electric Power Association’s FASTnet broadband service has grown to provide about 22,000 homes with high speed internet since installations started nearly six years ago.
Long Strange Trip: Backstage with the Grateful Dead
While some may think being a roadie is all “glitz and glam,” Steven Kuykendall will be the first to tell you it’s not.
Starkville resident wins $100K in lottery drawing
For the second time in the last four months, a losing lottery ticket received a second chance and won a Starkville resident $100,000.
Fossil park awarded $536K grant for kayak, canoe launch
The Dr. John “Jack” Kaye Cretaceous Fossil Park is now mostly funded thanks to a grant from the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund.
Appeals court upholds conviction in 2021 Caledonia manslaughter
The Mississippi Court of Appeals upheld the culpable negligence manslaughter conviction against a Scottish man in the 2021 shooting death of his wife in Caledonia.
Ask The Dispatch: What kind of economic impact do recreational sports tournaments have in the Golden Triangle?
In 2025, recreational sports tournaments hosted at area public facilities generated more than $6.8 million in economic activity.
Law enforcement reveals details of a shooting spree spanning three houses that left six dead
Daricka Moore, a 24-year-old male, was booked on first-degree murder charges, Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott said at a Saturday press conference. Moore was booked at 3:25 a.m. Saturday, after allegedly killing six people at three different homes.
Suspect identified in Clay County shooting that resulted in multiple dead
“Unfortunately tonight we have dealt with a tragedy in our community, ” said Clay County Sheriff Eddie Scott in a Facebook post early Saturday morning. “I ask that you life our victims and their families in your prayers.”
Golden Triangle gyms fill up as New Year’s resolutions take shape
Alexandria Walker, a mother of three, struggled to find time to go to the gym.
New year brings new look to Lake Lowndes State Park
Lake Lowndes State Park amenities, including its bathhouse and several cabins, are getting a facelift to kick off the new year.
LCSO launches ‘Warrant Wednesday’ to track down suspects, engage community
Through a new weekly posting of six suspects with outstanding warrants, Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office is hoping to solve more crimes and promote community engagement.
Columbus YMCA names new executive director
The Frank P. Phillips Memorial YMCA has a new leader at the helm to help guide the nonprofit’s mission.
$1 million lottery ticket sold at Columbus store
Someone entered the new year $1 million richer thanks to a Powerball lottery ticket purchased at a Columbus convenience store.
