Articles by Braden Simmons
Area law enforcement arrest 20 for DUI during holiday weekend
Local law enforcement agencies arrested at least 20 suspects for allegedly driving under the influence over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Community Profile: Fades, fresh cuts and followers: West Point barber gains online notoriety
When Terrance Evans was a child he was always fascinated by barbers.
Starkville stargazer discovers first Mississippi-found asteroid
Back in January, Jean-François Goût, an assistant professor of biological sciences at Mississippi State University, was stargazing in his homemade observatory when he saw an asteroid that hadn’t been recorded before.
Red Kettle campaigns launch this week in Columbus, Starkville with $150K Goal
The Columbus and Starkville Salvation Army chapters are gearing up to begin their Red Kettle campaigns on Friday with the goal of collecting a combined $150,000.
Ask The Dispatch: How are Golden Triangle schools dealing with AI technology in classrooms?
Since ChatGPT was introduced three years ago, artificial intelligence services have swarmed the market, leaving school districts to grapple with what place AI-assisted has in the classroom.
Tennessee Williams Home marks 150 years
A building that stays standing for 150 years isn’t something that happens by accident.
A diagnosis shared: Mom guides daughter through Type 1 diabetes
When Ashley Hall was diagnosed as a Type 1 diabetic about 25 years ago, she was terrified.
New wheels, open trails ahead for Columbus fourth-grader
Wade Townsend, a fourth-grader at Heritage Academy Elementary School, loved hiking with his siblings and hunting with his grandfather when he was younger.
BBQ Drippins steps up with free community meal
A few weeks ago, co-owners Robert Latham and Terrance Sykes of BBQ Drippins food trailer were discussing how to support those in need in West Point after issues with the issuance of SNAP benefits continued during October.
Gunfire erupts at Clay bonfire; 5 injured in crossfire
Five people, including at least four bystanders, were injured Sunday morning in a shooting during a bonfire on Cousins Road.
Late-arriving mail-in ballots at risk as Mississippi law heads to Supreme Court
Absentee ballots received by mail after Election Day may no longer be counted if the U.S. Supreme Court chooses to overturn a 2020 Mississippi law.
Conference center, trail upgrades nearly done at Plymouth Bluff
Since taking over as the director for Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center in 2024, Chandler Lester has been looking to make improvements wherever he can.
Baptist Golden Triangle sets new record with 108 births last month
In October, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle’s maternity services nurses and doctors were busy.
Starkville coalition aims to fight food insecurity
Before partnering with Starkville Strong about two years ago, Bridgeway Church was operating a food pantry that fed about 30 families every two to three weeks.
Two teens killed in two-vehicle crash Sunday morning
Two passengers died and four were injured Sunday morning in a two-vehicle crash near West Tibbe Road.
Lowndes man killed in a two-vehicle crash on Hwy 69
A Lowndes County man died in a two-vehicle crash Thursday evening.
Oktibbeha man sentenced to life for 2021 murder
An Oktibbeha Circuit Court jury found Benjamin Brownlee Jr. guilty of first-degree murder and attempted murder on Thursday.
Holiday drives gear up to help families across Golden Triangle
As the holiday season rounds the corner and temperatures continue to drop, local organizations are preparing to help those most in need.
Decorated soldier emphasizes importance of remembering veterans
For retired Command Sgt. Maj. Oscar Sims Jr., Thursday morning was a homecoming.
Starkville’s road success paves way for Columbus repaving plan
When City Engineer Cody Burnett’s office took over the road program nearly three years ago, he and his team found themselves at a crossroads.
