Articles by Cullen Paradis
Fire consumes part of Starkville house, kills family’s pet rabbit
A fire consumed part of a Starkville home early Friday morning, leaving one pet dead, though the family living there evacuated safely.
Low-interest loans opened for victims of December tornadoes
The U.S. Small Business Administration will offer low-interest loans to residents and businesses affected by December’s storms, with the Oktibbeha County Safe Room operating as a public information center.
$30K national grant for Munson and Bros to fund expansion
Munson and Brothers Trading Post has been selected as one of 25 small businesses nationwide to receive a $30,000 grant, which it will use to improve its kitchen and build a more professional stage.
New chemical could better stabilize Oktibbeha roads
County supervisors have announced a partnership with Florida road firm Innovasoil to test chemical treatments that help prevent erosion and wear, eyeing a broader rollout if all goes well.
Laurel-based group suspected of 20 UPS burglaries busted in Lowndes
Three men from Laurel were arrested Sunday for attempting to break into a UPS warehouse.
Former Starkville High teacher pleads guilty to touching minor
A former Starkville High School coach and teacher will now have to register as a sex offender after pleading guilty Monday in Oktibbeha County Circuit Court to inappropriately touching a student.
63 trees being planted along Lynn Lane
City streets are getting a bit greener thanks to a Tennessee Valley Authority grant to line sections of Lynn Lane and Spring Street with trees.
Missing Macon man found dead in Clay lake
A missing man was found dead Tuesday in a lake in Clay County.
Starkville’s sanitation workers honored at annual MLK lunch
Some of Starkville’s most essential workers got a break from the cold Wednesday thanks to a lunch honoring their service and the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., who was assassinated while helping Memphis’ garbage collectors fight for better treatment.
Lampkin, Montgomery intersection to be simplified to two lanes
Starkville is rolling out a redesign of the intersection of South Montgomery Street and East Lampkin Street, reducing it to two lanes and expanding sidewalks to make it less chaotic.
Ask The Dispatch: What happened to relocating Pecan Acres?
The idea of relocating the tenants of the Starkville Housing Authority’s Pecan Acres development sparked debate in 2018 but has gotten barely a mention in recent years.
Land squeeze limiting retail development in Starkville
Retail development in the city is experiencing something of a real estate squeeze, with space running out around major hotspots and new properties along Highway 182 not quite ready for tenants yet.
Younger named Senate Highways and Transportation chair
Columbus native Chuck Younger has been named the chair of the state Senate’s Highways and Transportation Committee.
Races draw newcomers hoping to fight urban decay
Newcomers have entered the upcoming city council elections in Wards 5 and 6, both looking to claim a seat to fight urban decay.
Ask The Dispatch: When will Columbus’ post office be repaired?
The downtown Columbus post office has had a portion of its front entrance cordoned off for more than a year after part of its stone facade fell in 2022.
Traffic accidents spike Friday during winter storm
A late week snowstorm led to more than a dozen car accidents Friday, but despite icy conditions not a single accident was reported Saturday according to law enforcement.
No explosives found at MSU after Maroon Alert
Mississippi State University received a bomb threat Saturday morning, prompting police to search two empty buildings before declaring them free of danger.
Warming shelters brace for heavier use during winter weather warning
Overnight warming shelters are already in use as temperatures plunge below freezing, with organizers expecting more use as the worst of winter weather approaches.
Ward 7 alderman race draws challenger
The city has gotten its first contested alderman race in Ward 7. Meanwhile, the Ward 5 incumbent announced Thursday he would not seek reelection.
Overnight warming shelter opens at Oktibbeha Safe Room
The county opened its storm shelter Wednesday evening as an overnight warming shelter as freezing weather blankets the area.
Blake Shapen embracing leadership under center and in the QB room
July 18, 2025
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