Chick-fil-A construction underway; two unnamed restaurants planned

If you want to know what’s happening with the long-awaited, much-delayed Cotton Mills project, just follow the food.

Oktibbeha arrests 5-4-12

The following felony arrests were reported by the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Department and the Starkville Police Department: Joseph Famiglio, 22, was arrested April 24 by

EMCC’s Bedford, Hall sign with Belhaven

JACKSON — East Mississippi Community College men’s basketball standouts Deon Bedford, of West Oktibbeha County High School, and Curtis Hall, of West Point, signed scholarships earlier this week to play basketball at Belhaven University.

Young poets to be published

Determining the best writer in Debbie Vanderford’s fifth grade class at Henderson Elementary School is not an easy assignment.

Miss. legislators OK limits on attorney general

A measure to limit Democratic Attorney General Jim Hood’s ability to control state legal business is on the way to Republican Gov. Phil Bryant.

Kaye wins achievement award

A Columbus architect and noted historian, Sam Kaye, was given a lifetime achievement award by the Mississippi Heritage Trust Friday.

Mississippi Senate adopts redistricting plan

A majority of Mississippi senators voted Wednesday to approve the chamber’s redistricting plan, despite complaints from a few colleagues who think they’re treated unfairly because their districts are dramatically changed.

Oktibbeha County Relay for Life begins Friday

The Oktibbeha County Relay for Life begins Friday and, like many of those who help stage the event each year, Brian Hawkins has a personal connection to the cause.

Arrest report 5-3-12

The following were reported by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and Columbus Police Department. Darius Ilrurm Frierson, 19, of 3208 Wisteria Lane in Columbus, was

Business brief: Trout joins practice

Dr. Kelly Trout has joined the dental practice of Dr. George P. Elsberry.

Marriages and divorces 5-3-12

COLUMBUS Marriages April 24- May 1 Adam Roy Thompson and Kelly Jean Bledsoe Billy Jeff Flora III and Emily Joan Mason Justin Curtis Scott O’Neal

Arrest report 5-2-12

The following were reported by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and Columbus Police Department. Jeremy Deangelo Hendricks, 21, of 803 24th St. S. in Columbus,

Stratton earns another honor; MSU moves into poll

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — For the second time this season, Mississippi State University junior Chris Stratton, of Tupelo, has been honored as the Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Week.

South Lamar softball prepares for area tournament

The South Lamar High School fast-pitch softball team went 5-2 in the final week of the regular season to prepare for the area tournament.

South Lamar (30-7, 7-1 area) will play Berry at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Parrish.

Well, like I was saying….

Oh yeah, you probably don’t remember the point that I was trying to make when I last wrote for The Commercial Dispatch.

That’s understandable. It was 30 years ago, after all.

This week I am returning to The Dispatch where I will cover the city of Starkville and its neighboring communities.

Smith to take over Dispatch Starkville Bureau

After a 30-year absence, Slim Smith is returning to the Dispatch.

Weekend fundraiser to honor Laura Carson

Eleven-year-old Laura Carson loved Camp Lake Stephens. Eating in the dining hall, canoeing, kayaking in the lake, flying down the zip line, playing Capture the Flag or just hanging with her friends, she loved every part of the camp. From the time she was seven years old, she visited Camp Lake Stephens every summer.

Arrest report 5-1-12

The following felony arrests were reported by the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office and the Columbus Police Department. Daniel Mayberry, 51, of 316 Ellis St. in

Two home burglaries reported Friday night

The Columbus Police Department is investigating a burglary and a possible attempted burglary from Friday.

Miss. lawmakers approve most parts of $5.6B budget

Mississippi lawmakers on Saturday approved most parts of a $5.6 billion budget with only a few arguments about the level of education funding and whether to set aside money for an anticipated legal fight over voter ID.