Articles by Cullen Paradis
Condos get green light for construction closer to Hancock Circle homes
A variance allowing condos’ construction closer to homes on Hancock Circle got the green light from aldermen Tuesday night, despite objections from neighbors who say the closeness will affect their properties.
Impromptu dump site raises concerns about illegal dumping
Dennis Daniels woke up on Sunday to find that someone had left another dozen tires on his property. It’s just the latest in a four-year tide of refuse he said has gotten bad enough to block the road going to his family’s land altogether.
Brookville Garden group distributes more than 200 winter coats to kids
When Brookville Garden apartments resident Santangelo Outlaw saw that the neighborhood’s kids were going without winter coats, she couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.
Pochop to run as independent for Ward 5 alderman
Two more candidates threw their hats into the ring Friday for Starkville’s upcoming election, including one incumbent and one new face.
Starkville losing nearly 20% of its water to small leaks
An internal Starkville Utilities audit shows the utility is losing 19% of its water to small leaks.
Starkville mayor’s race already has three contenders
The city is already facing a three-way mayoral race in the coming election, with aldermen incumbents also filing Thursday to run in almost all wards.
Fireworks mishap burns half a lawn in Columbus
A New Year’s Eve fireworks mishap led to a burned yard and a misdemeanor citation.
Community Profile: MSMS grad returns to teach poetry and play music
When Theo Hummer graduated from Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science and left Mississippi for college, she thought she’d seen the last of her home state. But three decades later, she has found herself back at the high school, imparting her love of poetry and music to a new generation.
Volunteers give first responders a taste of home on Christmas
On Christmas Day, William Fenimore’s family was gathered at his grandmother’s house.
Ask The Dispatch: How are cities, counties using their ARPA funds?
Golden Triangle cities and counties have either spent or obligated their American Rescue Plan Act funds, according to officials.
Flexsteel site eyed for manufacturing business, pickleball
A real estate investment company has bought the vacant Flexsteel property, with the intent of splitting it into a mixed-use development of pickleball courts, industrial enterprises and more.
New traffic camera can control lights, collect traffic data
Starkville’s intersections are about to get smarter thanks to cameras that track everything from pedestrian near misses to heavy traffic times to overall vehicle counts.
Stark Aerospace expansion to bring 96 new jobs
Lowndes County is seeing the fruits of a recent missile contract between the U.S. Navy and Stark Aerospace, with the company announcing Monday an expansion with 96 new jobs.
Toddler dies after shooting himself with unsecured firearm
A Starkville man has been arrested for child deprivation after a 2-year-old shot himself with an unsecured firearm.
Pickleball courts could be in play by this summer
The city council has all but approved final bids to convert most of Propst Park’s tennis courts into pickleball courts with new foundations and renovations to both the fencing and sidewalks.
Columbus bookstore wins statewide award for community events
Columbus’ own Friendly City Books is getting statewide recognition for its work organizing events and book giveaways that range from simply brightening people’s day or to sparking conversations on some of Mississippi’s toughest issues.
Oktibbeha approves tax incentives for $10M hotel
The Oktibbeha County board of supervisors approved Tuesday a set of agreements with Starkville that would clear the way for the construction of a $10 million hotel off Highway 12.
Medicaid, income tax likely to headline legislative session
Medicaid expansion and the question of income tax might take top billing in the upcoming state legislative session, with progress less likely on proposals to consolidate Mississippi State University and Mississippi University for Women.
Residents on unpaved Oktibbeha outskirts choke on dust
Asthma inhalers. CPAP machines. Walls coated in fine dirt. These are the facts of life for many Oktibbeha residents that live beside gravel roads, an issue that’s sprung back into the spotlight as the county finalizes its road plans for the next four years.
Police around the Golden Triangle collect holiday gifts for families in need
Police departments around the Golden Triangle are giving more than just public safety this holiday season, launching charity drives that gift toys to hundreds of foster children and reuniting families that haven’t been together since last year.
Blake Shapen embracing leadership under center and in the QB room
July 18, 2025
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