Merger talks turn to neighboring school districts

During a recent listening session, members of the public urged the Commission on Starkville Consolidated School Structure to get down to brass tacks and begin substantial discussions on the pending city-county school merger.

Starkville aldermen scale back tax increase by almost a mill

The Starkville Board of Aldermen’s message to city department heads was simple: Be prepared to deal with more budget cuts as we trim back a proposed tax increase.

Public hearing set for tonight on Starkville tax increase

Starkville aldermen will hold a public hearing today on the city’s Fiscal Year 2014 budget, which includes a 2.78-mill increase on property taxes.

Attorneys come to defense of Twitter parody creators

A consortium of Starkville and out-of-town lawyers have told the Dispatch they’re willing to represent the person or persons behind two parody Twitter accounts which have recently come under investigation by Starkville Police Department.

‘Bully News’ Twitter account used in previous investigations

Another link between a now-defunct social media handle and a prior Twitter investigation by the Starkville Police Department emerged Wednesday, showing @BullyNews sought direct communication with a Twitter user who, in 2012, created an official account in the likeness of the police department.

Order asks Twitter to release info on fake Starkville account

A court order is asking Twitter to furnish the district attorney’s office with personal information — name, IP addresses and other details — associated with a social media account satirizing Ward 3 Alderman David Little, documents obtained by the Dispatch show.

Judge dismisses Gaskin’s Ward 4 challenge

Former alderman candidate John Gaskin’s petition for judicial review of the Ward 4 primary was dismissed after Special Judge Lester Williamson Jr. denied a motion Monday to declare a portion of Mississippi law unconstitutional.

SMART public transportation routes delayed until 2014

The launch of two main public transportation bus routes is now expected in early 2014 as purchase orders and vehicular modifications are completed in the coming months, Mississippi State University Director of Parking Operations Mike Harris said Monday.

Beyond the game: Bragging rights on the line in fantasy football league

On Tuesday, when the Chicago Bears’ team defense came off the board in about the sixth round, dismayed looks and frustrated comments filled the back of Old Venice’s Burgundy Room.

Shouting then filled the place after former Ole Miss linebacker Patrick Willis’ name was announced a few rounds later.

“That’s too soon,” shouted one football fantasy team manager.

SPD arrests three in gas station robbery

In three days, Starkville Police Department arrested three suspects connected with the Aug. 8 robbery of the Sprint Mart on Academy Road. 101 Academy Road

Parents ‘all in’ for education: With debates behind them, stakeholders focusing on how to meet rising expectations

Twenty-six Oktibbeha County residents took to the Greensboro Center’s auditorium stage Thursday with various concerns about an impending school merger, but the heart of their message was the same: consolidation provides an unprecedented opportunity to better educational efforts for all area children.

Sales tax collections fall in Columbus, Starkville

Two of the Golden Triangle’s main cities – Starkville and Columbus – saw a decline in June sales tax collections, while West Point’s returns marked a slight gain for the city.

Ceremony will rename Sportsplex building after Outlaw

Starkville Parks Commission will formally dedicate one of the Sportsplex’s main facilities after famed NBA forward and Starkville native Travis Outlaw on Friday.

Consolidation committee to meet Thursday

Starkville’s chapter of Parents for Public Schools and the Starkville Foundation for Public Education launched a 10-point pledge Tuesday to improve county-wide education and promote one of the area’s top issues in hopes of re-sparking awareness before Thursday’s first public hearing on consolidation is held.

Board support holds for 2.78-mill tax increase

A majority of Starkville aldermen Tuesday approved advertising a 2.78-mill tax hike, even though one alderman who previously supported the notice last week opposed the matter this week.

Educational pledge re-ignites awareness as consolidation hearing approaches

Starkville’s chapter of Parents for Public Schools and the Starkville Foundation for Public Education launched a 10-point pledge to improve countywide education and promote one of the area’s top issues Tuesday in hopes of re-sparking awareness before Thursday’s first public hearing on consolidation is held.

Supes will meet with OCH trustees on hospital’s future

Oktibbeha County Board of Supervisors President Orlando Trainer and OCH Regional Medical Center CEO Richard Hilton both confirmed Monday that plans are in the works to discuss the future of county health care in a joint public session between county representatives and hospital trustees.

Aldermen cut Miss. Horse Park funding by $10K

Starkville aldermen formally motioned a $10,000 budget cut to the Mississippi Horse Park on Tuesday after the organization requested its annual allotment increased from $50,000 to $70,000.

IHL approves MSU, city lease for Cotton Mill project parking garage

The State College Board approved a land-use agreement between Mississippi State University and the city of Starkville Thursday for the Mill at MSU’s parking garage, a step which brings developers closer to turning dirt on the entire project.

School board approves 3-mill levy for improvement bond

The Starkville School District Board of Trustees approved a 3-mill levy Tuesday to cover up to $9.95 million in spending power in which at least $2 million worth of no-interest loans will be used for various maintenance and repair projects.