Articles by Dispatch Editorial Board
Our View: A consistent source of pride for West Point
Chris Chambless arrived at West Point 24 years ago with little fanfare.
Roses and thorns: 12-9-23
A rose to the Dream Center, which has worked out an agreement with The Mississippi Food Network to become a food pantry distribution center. The
Our View: A shovel hasn’t been turned, but park plan is already in the hole
Call it the Propst Park Paradox.
Our View: No better time to explore joining Columbus CVB, Main Street and Chamber
With last week’s announcement that Cathryn Borer will be leaving her position as executive director of the Columbus-Lowndes Chamber of Commerce and last month’s announcement that Nancy Carpenter will be retiring from her position as CEO of the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau in the spring, it may be time to consider a new structure for tourism and business development in Lowndes County.
Our View: Pierre Beard needs to shape up or ship out
Since Pierre Beard was first elected in 2019, the Ward 4 councilman has been a lot of things.
Roses and thorns: 12-2-23
A rose to the West Point High School football team and its coach, Chris Chambless, for its historic victory in Thursday’s Class 5A state title
Our View: Columbus’ wealth of historians
Spend any time in Columbus and you soon realize how much the community embraces its history.
Our View: Numbers alone point to need for criminal justice reform
For the last 10 years, there has been an awful lot of talk about criminal justice reform in Mississippi, but very little action.
Roses and thorns: 11-25-23
A rose to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Golden Triangle, which won its version of the Egg Bowl. While Mississippi State lost the rivalry football game to Ole
Roses and thorns: 11-18-23
A rose to Jennifer Claybrook who was chosen as the new director for the Lowndes County Recreation Department. Claybrook, who had previously served as Athletics
Our View: Theater gives children crucial exposure to the arts
Years ago, a Columbus school class took its students on a field trip to visit the Tupelo Mall, which left one parent incredulous.
Our View: Mall’s good looking renovation will hopefully lure quality tenants
The old Leigh Mall property has gone from eyesore to intrigue.
Our View: The Presley Triangle wasn’t enough for victory
Coming into Tuesday’s election, Brandon Presley’s formula for an upset win over incumbent Tate Reeves in the Governor’s race included dominating the vote in the counties west of I-55 (the Delta and the southwest portions of the state), Hinds County and turning from red to blue his home turf of Northeast Mississippi.
Roses and thorns: 11-4-23
A rose to Nancy Carpenter, who has announced she will retire from her position as CEO of the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau, effective March
Our View: Election day decision: Turn out or tune out?
Tuesday is election day for county, district and state-wide offices in Mississippi. Contrary to what you often hear, 100% of eligible voters will participate in
Our View: Sheriff’s office silent on escapee for 5 hours; media could have helped
The interests of law enforcement and that of the media are not always the same, but in some cases, collaboration between the two is a matter of public safety.
Our View: A diesel company with a commitment to environmental sustainability
When PACCAR announced its plans for a $209 million expansion at its diesel engine manufacturing facility in Columbus, it was good news for the local economy. The additional 100 jobs created is no small matter.
Roses and thorns: 10-28-23
A rose to all the ghouls and goblins, witches and wizards, mummies and monsters, princesses and pirates and various other costumed creatures as Halloween approaches.
Our View: Exciting changes coming for CAFB
The Air Force is currently holding a series of public meetings to discuss its plans for Columbus Air Force Base.
Our View: You don’t like it? Let’s do something about it.
In every community, there are two groups of concerned citizens — the “Somebody Should Do Something” group and the “Let’s Do Something” group.
Blake Shapen embracing leadership under center and in the QB room
July 18, 2025
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