Starkville firefighter becomes department’s first woman sergeant

Anna Beth Robertson didn’t set out to become a firefighter.

Ask The Dispatch: All your questions answered about the old Gilmer Inn lot

The storied Gilmer Hotel property, one of the earliest to be developed in Columbus and a lodging house for more than 200 years, today sits as an empty lot in the heart of the downtown.

Starkville mum on public, private business deal

STARKVILLE – Aldermen voted unanimously Tuesday to move forward with a public/private partnership involving Mississippi State University. For now, the city is keeping the details

Museum in works for country music artifact collection

Just an hour south of Starkville lies one of the greatest collections of country music artifacts in the world, a collection that will soon have a new museum thanks to a partnership with the Country Music Hall of Fame.

18 miles of power lines coming to support ADI

Tennessee Valley Authority is running more than 100 power poles between West Point and Artesia to power the incoming aluminum mill, with residents’ homes and protected areas potentially affected.

Man convicted of trafficking ‘ridiculous amount’ of meth

A man from southern Mississippi who was arrested during a sting operation for a meth trafficking ring operating out of a barbecue stand is headed to prison.

Six bridges deemed very unsafe, spark concern about inspections

Polly Bell Road’s bridge is closed until Thursday for critical repairs, just one of many bridges around Oktibbeha County found to be in unsafe condition.

Tax abatement deal could draw unnamed $10M hotel

If the county approves its part of a proposed tax abatement deal at the beginning of next month, the city may be getting a new $10 million hotel, creating few jobs but almost a hundred desperately-needed hotel rooms.

Visitor numbers quadruple for Heritage Museum since 2022

The Oktibbeha County Heritage Museum will be more than doubling its hours and bringing back several popular events as it looks to continue growing its number of visitors.

Virtual seminars aim to help those considering a run for city office

Mississippi State University Extension Service will hold a series of workshops for people considering running for public office, meant to give a better idea of city government to those who may someday help run it.

Photo: Sanderson Center reopens

Community Profile: Signing off: Aundrea Self to depart anchor role at WCBI

Aundrea Self doesn’t go many places without being immediately recognized.

Man found guilty in 2022 drive-by murder of 9-year-old

A man accused of killing a 9-year-old in a drive-by shooting is headed to prison for the rest of his life.

Security requirements slimmed down on updated ordinance

A proposed amendment to city ordinances around kitchen and security requirements for restaurants has narrowed its scope, garnering a mixed response from the business community.

Ask The Dispatch: All your questions answered about deer season

Deer hunting season has arrived, and hunters are taking to the woods once again.

Columbus woman killed in mobile home fire

Emergency responders put out a fatal mobile home fire in Steens Saturday, finding one woman deceased inside and opening an investigation into the incident.

Tennessee Williams Home to reopen despite uncertain funding

The Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center will finally reopen to the public Monday after completing hundreds of thousands of dollars in renovations, though funding for the site’s future remains unsecured.

Photo: What’s Cookin’?

Free home energy workshops could help customers save on power bill

Starkville Utilities is holding a series of free workshops for residents that want to learn the basics of sealing their house and lowering their electrical bill.

Art ‘N Antiques coming this weekend with a side of Victorian mourning

This year’s Art ‘N Antiques show will have a more haunting character than usual thanks to a Halloween partnership with the Preservation Society of Columbus, bringing a weekend of events with a new Victorian mourning theme.